Gentlemen,
Today was the day for my first straight razor shave.
Been looking forward to this day with great anticipation, but with great caution as well (as i stated earlier in another thread, i tried straight razor shaving before and THAT turned out into a disaster).
After "some" investigation of as much topics i could handle, AND with great support from the fellow members, i started collecting as much as i could to complete my equipment.
Starting with (of course) a straight razor, purchased on The Bay; a shave ready Wade & Butcher - 5/8 "frame back" (confirmed by yours truly via the hanging hair test).
A "lightly oiled" English bridle leather strop (you DO NEED to keep the razor sharp).
To top this off: a "pure badger" shaving brush by "MecDarment" (not used yet, instead i used a "Vero" boar brush).
A sample of La Toya shaving soap and a sample of La Toya AS; generously provided by one of the Gentlemen Members on the SRP forum.
Ok, so much for the prelimenaries........on to the main event!!
First i waited for some "peace and quit"; this means that the time had to come for the kids to go to bed for a good night's sleep.
Basically i'm scared easily, and you don't want to have two "loose cannons" around you while having a very sharp razor in your hands near your face.......
So this meant a good hot shower inbetween, until THE moment had come....
Tried to build up a good lather with the boar brush and the La Toya soap: this already was a treat!!
Then the razor emerged: felt like D-Day!! (no insult intended)
At this time i was like: "let's go!!" (ALL the way, that is), but at the same time an advice came to mind: "start with the sideburns and cheeks, and then stop."
The sideburns and cheeks were no problem at all; no "burning sensation", nothing like that.
Then i (almost) made the mistake by becoming "couragious", and thinking i could shave a little more. This ended up with a slight nick in the neck; just slightly, but still......a nick!!
The only problem i have at this time, is that it is difficult to handle the razor with my LEFT hand. I'm not a "lefty"....... so i need to build up that routine as time passes by.
The rest of the shave was (childish as it may seem....) ended with a DE razor. From this point on i will slowly work my way up to a complete shave with a straight razor, and i have to admit: i've become a SR addict!!!
Ending with a refreshing dab of La Toya AS, i felt some pride in what i had just done. It feels great!!
At the same time, i would like to thank ALL the Gentlemen Members of the SRP forum for providing me with help and guidance.
Thank you very much!!! :tu:bow
Until next time and with very kind regards,
RazorBack