Thread: My first straight razor shave today!! I survived.

Hi folks,

After what seemed like an eternity (but really only 3 weeks) of ordering and waiting for all the supplies needed to shave, my first shave happened this morning and it was great.

I got my Dovo razor and strops from Tony, who did an excellent job honing it for me. The rest of my equipment came from ClassicShaving. Thanks to this group and to the videos and documentation that made my first shave such a pleasure.

Before I took my shower, I stropped the razor really well and got everything set up properly. After my shower, I put hot towels on my face for a few minutes (with water flying everywhere), then I lathered my face, then more hot towels and so on until my face was almost bright red. Now for the moment of truth.

My goal was, for this first shave, to just get the sides of my face done without slicing myself open. Well, it wasn't nearly as bad as I thought. I did two first passes (I'm not brave enough do attempt the second pass yet) and my cheeks were as smooth as a babies butt. Even 12 hours later they're still silky smooth. Amazing.

My neck didn't fare as well though. I got a couple of nicks on each side of my neck and that was due primarily to my poor technique. There were a few areas around and under my chin that didn't come out as well and I had to touch them up with the electric razor. I realized after I was done that by shaving my neck with downward strokes I was actually shaving across the grain, so that was likely the reason for the nicks. Other than those few nicks and a bit of redness on my neck, the only other problem is that I sliced a hole in my shaving towel when I was wiping off the razor when I was done. That's pretty good for a first shave in my book. Total time from putting on the first steamed towel to wiping off the razor after finishing: 21 minutes. Not too bad.

I was really suprised how easy the razor glided over my face. No pulling or other problems, just smooth and easy. This is the closest and nicest shave I've ever had. I'm sure it'll only get better the more I shave. Now I can't wait until tomorrow so I can shave again! I thought I'd never hear myself say that, especially since I've been shaving with an electric for the past 20+ years. Thanks again to a great group of folks. Now I know what the fuss is all about.

Congratulations Ed!
Next step is to do what I did about 4 months ago, throw that damn electric razor against a brick wall . You're right, it will only get better with practice as your technique improves. You've been bitten by the bug, there's no turning back now .
Ed

Congrats!

Great first shave. Getting the best products is really a good step. Be careful with the electric. Wet shaving, then an electric will cause redness, especially a rotary style. You may want to get a DE for these tasks.

I don't use towels but when I have gotten a barber shave with a straight they squezze all the water out and just leave it superhot and moist. You might try that too.

From here its just practice and being careful with the equipment.

Congrats Ed,
It's a good feeling to complete your first straight shave. After a few more shaves, you'll feel like you need a few more razors. Then you'll come to find that you "need" more creams and/or soaps. Then someone (most likely on this site) will recommend a new aftershave and you'll cave in. Before you know it, you'll have more items in the bathroom than your wife and everytime a package comes in the mail, you'll hear about it. After a couple of months you'll have all the shaving supplies you need to last you 2 lifetimes! At least this is what I've read in various threads around here
-Fred

Congrats Ed,

It is a great feeling after shaving with a
straight for the first time. Did it for the
first time myself last Saturday. Have only
used my DE once time since.

Keep it up and have fun, I am.


Regards,


Terry

Originally Posted by cudahogs

Congrats Ed,
It's a good feeling to complete your first straight shave. After a few more shaves, you'll feel like you need a few more razors. Then you'll come to find that you "need" more creams and/or soaps. Then someone (most likely on this site) will recommend a new aftershave and you'll cave in. Before you know it, you'll have more items in the bathroom than your wife and everytime a package comes in the mail, you'll hear about it. After a couple of months you'll have all the shaving supplies you need to last you 2 lifetimes! At least this is what I've read in various threads around here
-Fred

Ain't that the truth. Congrats Ed and Terry. They only get better.