Thread: Virgin Straight razor! A wee bit of Blood

Hi first time poster long time reader!

I just recently purchased and received my first Straight razor and kit from Straight razor designs. I have gone down the path of the straight razor as I remember my grandfather used them as he was a barber, unfortunately he died before I could grow anything let alone shave (would have been great to be taught by him).

15 years since his death I have now finally taken up the challenge and have started to shave with the straight razor. I first watched Lynn's DVD (which was very good) and began to shave. The first night I only did the sides of my face and finished the rest off with the disposable job I have here. It felt good the razor was sharp and the whiskers just glided off my face.

The second night I shaved the sides, neck then around my face and chin. The neck was fine as well as the sides, the chin wasn't too bad but then around my mouth I have a few pimples and manage to cut a couple of them leading to some bleeding. Thing is I would probably have cut the buggers if I used the disposable anyway, so I wasn't too concerned.

The third shave was a wee bit better, less nicks and did a second pass ATG on the sides and neck. I am now waiting to have a few days growth before I shave again but I am in the middle of a ten day straight roster and being a Police officer I need to be clean shaven all the time.

So, so far so good, I haven't managed to dull the razor from improper stropping technique (so far) as I have tried to follow Lynn's DVD to the letter.

Lathering up is the fun part and my three year old son just sits there and watches with lather on his face trying to shave with the Dovo shavette (without the razor installed) I also purchased for travel purposes.

I have found all of the comments on this site helpful and appropriate for helping me start straight razor shaving and I thank all of you for your comments it has been a great help.

Cheers Jade

Congrats and welcome. You'll soon see, with every shave comes more and more satisfaction. Stick with it and don't neglect your pre and post shave rituals.

Jade,

Welcome to SRP...

It appears that you are well on your way as a str8 razor user. Don't worry too much about the few nicks you'll get as you learn the technique. We all get a few of those.

Just have a styptic pencil and some antibiotic ointment in your medicine chest to treat those nicks so they won't become shaving bumps or infected.

Take care--and smooth shaving.

Welcome to SRP and congrats on taking up straight razor shaving!

I remember starting out that I had to wait between shaves. It was probably a mixture of both sensitive skin being subject to a new type of shave, and some obviously incorrect angles. There's a learning curve in finding a grip and angle that are comfortable for you.

I also found that I could look presentable daily while going about a day-and-a-half between shaves. For example, shave Sunday night, then Tuesday morning, then Wednesday night, then Friday morning, etc. I'll use this routine with a two-pass shave; first with the grain and then across the grain.

Nobody here faints at the sight of a little blood... keep the styptic handy, and my advice is to buy a little container of super-glue with brush applicator. Works like a charm if you have a stubborn bleeder.

Welcome aboard Jade!

You'll have good days and bad. Sooner or later you'll wonder why you ever thought this was difficult. It's a great way or turning something you have to do into something you want to do. But it sounds like you're off to a good start.

Have fun and hope to see you around the forums.

Pelkey

Sounds like you're taking the right approach, doing it in stages. Keep it up, and don't worry about getting to BBS or anything yet. That will come with time. Welcome to the club!

Fred

Thank you all for your input it is much appreciated. I am liking the challenge, I am making good progress at the moment slow but steady wins the race!

Originally Posted by stimpy52

Nobody here faints at the sight of a little blood... keep the styptic handy, and my advice is to buy a little container of super-glue with brush applicator. Works like a charm if you have a stubborn bleeder.

Was at the store looking for blades and i saw something called "Instant Skin". I guess it's something specifically made to work like superglue for cuts. Cost like $2 in a tiny bottle. Probably works the same.

Rotor when i first started i learned on a shavette. Supposedly harsher to learn on cause they glide effortlessly and "seem" much sharper than reg str8 - but this is due to store blades being coated. The first week was pretty bloody but by the 2nd week i achieved bbs without a single nick. Helps to if you prep and have a excellent lather.

Welcome to the srp!

G'day & Welcome to SRP.
Sounds like a great start... even for the young bloke