No Runs, No Drips, No Errors

I shaved today with a str8 for the first time in my life. I did not grow up where my dad taught me how to be a man. I learned to shave and every other hygiene thing from experimentation or peers.
This site has given me more knowledge than I could have ever imagined.

I have been using a DE for the last few weeks until I could get my str8.
I used every bit of advice from the posts here and gave it a try.
My str8 came shave ready, but I did 30 passes on my strop with the least bit of pressure.
I prepped as with my DE and with the lightest touch gave 1 pass wtg. What an experience.
I could not get over the sound of the razor doing its work. I had a couple trouble spots, under my lip, and the point of my chin. I took so much time, I had not moisten my lather a couple times as it was drying out.

The end result, because of the great knowledge shared here I can report, a perfect shave on my first ever attempt.

I will work on my muscle memory and technique so I need everyone to keep posting because I'm learning.
Brian

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Uncle

I shaved today with a str8 for the first time in my life. I did not grow up where my dad taught me how to be a man. I learned to shave and every other hygiene thing from experimentation or peers.
This site has given me more knowledge than I could have ever imagined.

I have been using a DE for the last few weeks until I could get my str8.
I used every bit of advice from the posts here and gave it a try.
My str8 came shave ready, but I did 30 passes on my strop with the least bit of pressure.
I prepped as with my DE and with the lightest touch gave 1 pass wtg. What an experience.
I could not get over the sound of the razor doing its work. I had a couple trouble spots, under my lip, and the point of my chin. I took so much time, I had not moisten my lather a couple times as it was drying out.

The end result, because of the great knowledge shared here I can report, a perfect shave on my first ever attempt.

I will work on my muscle memory and technique so I need everyone to keep posting because I'm learning.
Brian

---

Congrats on that first shave, there is nothing like it. Sounds like you have been reading and getting the right info. Keep posting.

Congrats on your first shave and welcome to SRP.

Mark:tu

Congratulations!

Keep us posted on your progress in those trouble spots and if you have some time, take a pic of your setup after a shave and post it to our Shave of the Day forum. :)

Congrats! Good to hear a success story amisdt the horror stories :)

Hello, Uncle:

Little by little it is happening for you. Well done. Stay with it.

Regards,
Obie

You're doing great Uncle!

My background was similar. When I was a little kid, I couldn't wait until I had to shave every day. Then I would know that "I was a man." Neither my father nor my older brother was willing to help me out. I ended up teaching myself how to shave, using the philosophy I developed for playing pool: "If you can't shoot good, shoot hard!"

Eventually shaving became a task I didn't care for. I longed for the peach fuzz of my youth. Snce discovering straight razor shaving, I've come to love shaving for the first time in my life! Once a day is simply not enough!
Namaste,
Morty -_-

Welcome,

I grew up seeing my father on select weekends only as my parents were seperated, and although he is a good man, I never learned "how to be a man" from him. Not to mention my mother is a complete mental mess whome I haven't spoken with for almost 2 years. And being only 21 I'm still learning so many things as the years pass. I had my 2nd straight shave last night, and boy let me tell you, it was so much more comfortable then my first shave the night before. I can't wait to get started on my 3rd shave tonight.

Best of luck to you and your straight shaving ventures

Congratulations on your first str8 shave and welcome!

I had my first a few short weeks ago, and I'm completely hooked. Keep working on it, you will find as I am that the more you do it the more natural it becomes!

Hello Brian,
Congratulations on a successful first shave and welcome to the SRP forum.

Hi Uncle,
Congrats on your first perfect shave-here's hoping you have many more.
Don't forget to keep posting.
Kind regards
Noggs :)

Congrats on your first shave! I had mine just the other day and while I have to admit mine wasn't perfect it was fun. Not only fun but the first time I have ever enjoyed shaving! Thanks for sharing.

Thanks everyone for your words of encouragement.

Morty, have you ever wondered how we made it this far in life, learning mostly from trial and error?

One thing I learned that I don't remember reading here, be careful closing the razor.
I closed mine slowly thinking I had control when the blade came to a stop. I did not force anything but looked to see what was up and the blade just caught a scale. I opened it to inspect but did not see any damage. I hope it's OK and I will be cautious of this in the future.
Brian

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Uncle

Morty, have you ever wondered how we made it this far in life, learning mostly from trial and error?

One thing I learned that I don't remember reading here, be careful closing the razor.

---

Hi Brian,
It sounds cliché but we who learn the hard way remember the longest. And dang! It sure can come slowly. I was 39 or 40 years old before I finally understood that a razor should be used to slice off the stubble using a light touch. Up to that point in my life, my technique was more like hoeing a garden and the thought of using a straight back then terrified me!

More recently, I figured out on my own the value of shaving two passes with my Gillette Sensor 3 instead of trying to do it all in one pass. Then I found my way to SRP and discovered the wealth of information in the Wiki and the collective knowledge being shared in these forums. I'm nearly overwhelmed by the sense of community here.

Concerning careful closing of the razor, it is mentioned here and there as I do recall reading it. However, I had to learn to check all my razors the same way you did. (smile) Occasionally you'll come across a razor that closes perfectly whether it be new, vintage or new old stock (NOS). Often, however, the razor will have one or another imperfection. The scales could be warped or the tang might be bent. The blade itself could be warped slightly or the pivot pins could be loose and need to be re-peened.

I've developed the habit of carefully checking each time I close the razor I am using. That includes the razors I own that close perfectly.
Namaste,
Morty -_-

Greetings,
Congrats on the first shave. I grew up with Dad in the house and teaching me many things. I'm old now, he is older and he is still teaching me things.
I did not however learn to shave by him showing/instructing/teaching me. I watched him as I grew up and one day decided to remove the hair that was growing on my chin and lip. Took his single edge razor, put on some lather and took my first shave. I don't recall if I bled or not, so it must have went well.
So, even thought he was down the hall, I did it myself. Still learning from him and all the gracious members on this forum.

Welcome aboard from one FNG to another.

My dad is a great guy but I'm 46 and he was military. He was absent during a lot of my youth, Vietnam and Thailand.
I have learned a lot and I like the quote "the older I get, the smarter my parents get".
I am looking forward to some growth so I can shave again.
Brian

Hey welcome aboard. You"ll find this is truely the way to shave I've only been doing it for 7 months and I can't believe I used to shave another way.Oh buy the way Morty SE PA I'm Near Columbia Pa Any where close?

Congratz and welcome to SRP.

I have to say I'm amazed that your first st8 shave was perfect. My first was a little bloody. It took me a few shaves to get it down.

I was a little surprised myself, but I went slow and did not force anything. I guess I was scared and was more careful than I have been in my life.
I'm so glad I found this site.
Brian

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Uncle

"the older I get, the smarter my parents get"....

Brian

---

Ain't that the truth.

NO REPEAT PERFORMANCE

I had my second str8 shave this evening and I nearly made it a double perfect shave.
I had a great shave going and saw a strip just under my off hand jaw line that didn't get cut as close as I was looking for. I jockeyed the position of the razor and went for the stroke and just the slightest nick. No real blood, just a red dot.
I made my second pass and I must say, It's almost BBS.
I am totally hooked and I will master the BBS shave.

Does any other newbie wish their beard would grow faster?
I've been waiting till I have a good shadow before I shave. Is this a good practice or should I shave more often? Is it easier with some growth or with a semi smooth surface?

Thanks everyone,
Brian

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Uncle

NO REPEAT PERFORMANCE

I had my second str8 shave this evening and I nearly made it a double perfect shave.
I had a great shave going and saw a strip just under my off hand jaw line that didn't get cut as close as I was looking for. I jockeyed the position of the razor and went for the stroke and just the slightest nick. No real blood, just a red dot.
I made my second pass and I must say, It's almost BBS.
I am totally hooked and I will master the BBS shave.

Does any other newbie wish their beard would grow faster?
I've been waiting till I have a good shadow before I shave. Is this a good practice or should I shave more often? Is it easier with some growth or with a semi smooth surface?

Thanks everyone,
Brian

---

It's up to your skin. Some people can do several passes every day. I usually do two passes every 2 or 3 days.

I have sensitive skin and it was heightened when I started with a straight. If you can shave daily without irritation or discomfort then go for it, otherwise I'd wait a day or two between shaves.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Uncle

I shaved today with a str8 for the first time in my life. I did not grow up where my dad taught me how to be a man. I learned to shave and every other hygiene thing from experimentation or peers.
This site has given me more knowledge than I could have ever imagined.

I have been using a DE for the last few weeks until I could get my str8.
I used every bit of advice from the posts here and gave it a try.
My str8 came shave ready, but I did 30 passes on my strop with the least bit of pressure.
I prepped as with my DE and with the lightest touch gave 1 pass wtg. What an experience.
I could not get over the sound of the razor doing its work. I had a couple trouble spots, under my lip, and the point of my chin. I took so much time, I had not moisten my lather a couple times as it was drying out.

The end result, because of the great knowledge shared here I can report, a perfect shave on my first ever attempt.

I will work on my muscle memory and technique so I need everyone to keep posting because I'm learning.
Brian

---

You guys make me sick that can accomplish something that took me three months and a lot of blood, sweat, and tears on the first attempt!

:rant: