Thread: First Experience - tale of straight razor shave!!

I initially posted this on B&B and figured I post it here as well to get different feedback (or some overlapping ones).

I finally made the jump over the past couple of months from DE shaving to straight shaving. Before delving into the adventure, here's the logistical aspects of the experience:


First and foremost, I would like to thank the following GURUS for providing me with all the necessary information to make the right choices (no particular order):

1. Don Addleman (Straight Razor Designs). He helped me with the purchase of strop, hone and pastes...not to mention the how to's and the dos and don'ts of the process.

2. John Crowley (ShavingShop.com). He helped me pick up the best Wackers (I think) and guided me through "crawling out of the diaper" so to speak.

3. Maximilian - who helped me pick out a few razors I had intended to have restored (by him). One is a DublDuck Goldedge and the other a Wade & Butcher Bow razor. Will keep you posted when they are ready

Thank you all for putting up with all my questions and your due diligence in answering them with patience and care.

MY TOOLS:
1. One of the three beautiful Wacker Blades from John Crowley (6/8, Wikinger, round point, near wedge)
2. Taylor of Old Bond Street (Eton College) Shave creme
3. ShaveMac D01 (25mm custom) brush with Bruyere Wood handle. I am also blessed with one of John Crowley Vestavia brushes,although I have not tried it yet)
4. Geo Trumper Skin Food (Sandalwood & Lime...depending on my mood) and moisturizer.

MY RESULTS:
I got pretty OK results...not the smoothest shave I have had with my DE razors (which I have been doing now for almost 4 months), but considering this to be the first shave, I would say, not bad!! A couple of nicks and cuts, but nothing to complain about and that cold water or Thayer's toner can't fix. I particularly have difficulty around the neck area (chicks and under my nose was surprisingly fine).

MY DIAGNOSIS:
My hand(s) are still not used to handling straights so the muscles have not adapted to the handling of the razor yet. Several factors come into play:

1. It is difficult to switch hands...I am right handed and it naturally seems like I need to switch to my left hand (instinctively) to shave my right side...this was where the FEAR factor came into play...I am not comfortable with my left hand...YET. if I keep using the right hand, then it gets in the way of the vision and can't see what I am doing. Will keep experimenting until I force my left hand to get used to this new form.

2. My neck has a high level of curvature and as such since the razor is flat can miss some of the areas. I find myself having to go at it at different angles, causing needless irritation and burn (not to mention cuts). This is the part I feel I need to work on my technique the most.

I am going to keep up this seemingly torturous task because of the reward at the end...as the adage goes: "No pain, no gain."

Any feedback as to what I can change or do that can help with the neck area or techniques to accelerate my hand switching will be most appreciated. I am sure that most of this will come with time and I am not about to give up. and as John Crowley rightfully warned me, there is some fear factor associated with this form of shaving.

More updates later.

Again, thank you for all of you who have helped me in the past...your encouragement is appreciated.

-Robert

Hello, Bladerunner:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

You seem to have done your research. Also you're starting out with quality equipment. Now comes the shave. You probably know many of these points, but I'll offer them anyway.

Foremost in my general rule is to throw the clock away. Take your time and hone your straight razor skill at a natural pace. Play with razor angles, skin stretching and razor pressure. Divide the face into geographical regions and concentrate on gradual beard reduction through passes. Obviously you already know about preparation. Examine your methods and see if there is anything you can improve.

Beyond this, your task is practice with patience and tenacity. You're on your way.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Bladerunner:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place.

You seem to have done your research. Also you're starting out with quality equipment. Now comes the shave. You probably know many of these points, but I'll offer them anyway.

Foremost in my general rule is to throw the clock away. Take your time and hone your straight razor skill at a natural pace. Play with razor angles, skin stretching and razor pressure. Divide the face into geographical regions and concentrate on gradual beard reduction through passes. Obviously you already know about preparation. Examine your methods and see if there is anything you can improve.

Beyond this, your task is practice with patience and tenacity. You're on your way.

Regards,
Obie

Hi Obie,
Thanks for the advice. I am glad you mentioned about time. I do take my sweet time indeed and try to observe the "evolution" of the process and what happens at each point around my face. Chin and neck area (and the transition zone) have been two/three problem areas.

Thanks for the positive encouragement(s). I will keep at it as I am sure it will one day click...like riding a bike, I guess

-Robert

Hello again, Robert:

You are welcome. There will be good days and bad days. Slap a knee for the good and shrug off the bad. Good luck. Please keep us informed. You are more than welcome to send a personal message, if you need to.

Regards,
Obie

Thanks guys,
I have posted a new Thread about my second/Third shaves...http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...tml#post577773

-Robert