First complete shave with a straight!
So I have been phasing in some passes with a Wester Brothers "Anchor Brand" over the last week or so. Yesterday I picked up a Friedmann & Lauterjung "Electric Cutlery Co." 6/8 full hollow at a local flea market. One of three razors that I got, and by far the catch of the day. Disinfected it, looked at it under the loupe, and put it on the strop. Just finished doing some work on an old Illinois Strop that I picked up at an antique store, and have been working on my technique with a no name razor in the evenings. After 75 canvas and 100 leather the blade looked great under the loupe, and popped hairs 1/2" off the arm. VDH soap, nothing spectacular, old Austrian "Barbershop" brand badger/boar brush, a little olive oil on the face before the lather while stropping. A quick re-lather and then I started contorting my face like I have seen on the tutorials here. Two passes WTG, one pass XTG. I am holding off on the ATG for a bit, as I think that I need to get some more time under my belt before trying that. No razor burn, one small nick (or slice) on my right earlobe while going XTG on my cheek. You guys are right about watching where the tip is at all times! Switched hands, and my left actually felt more comfortable than I thought it would. I have a few spots that have a slight bit of scruff, but I did all areas, including chin and lip (and swapped hands!) with no nicks, no burn, and for the most part my face is super smooth. And my neck is so friggin' soft I am afraid that someone will come running up to me and tie a Cub Scout kerchief around it. Finished up with some Witch Hazel, a bit of Corn Huskers, and some Nivea PSB. Smooth, tight and refreshed.
Thanks for the inspiration, gang. I am afraid that I would have made a few misguided attempts, had less than desirable results, and given up had I not found this forum. I hope I can absorb some of the knowledge that you long time straight shavers dispense on here- then maybe I can do the same for someone else that you all did for me.
Austin