Thread: First Shave

Well, I finally did it. I had my first straight razor shave today. My weapon of choice: a Dovo 6/8 "Best Quality" full-hollow, carbon steel razor w/ plain ole black plastic scales. My cheeks and mustache went pretty well. I got them really smooth, and enjoyed a very comfortable shave there. The chin and neck were a bit of a different story. There were a lot of nicks, and it was pretty uncomfortable. This of course was due to user error I'm sure. It was a bit awkward, as I had a hard time getting a feel for how I should grip the razor. Watching my angles was also pretty difficult. I thought I had pretty good hand-eye coordination until today, lol. I also think I may have dulled my razor a bit on my strop Overall, I had some fun doing it, and will definitely not be giving up. I'm sure it will get easier with practice, just like anything else.

Time now for a couple of these

Great news!!! Welcome to the world of ole timey gentlemens shaving!!

Just don't rush it, and it'll all fall into place!

I love my Dovo!!

Originally Posted by Tino8787

Well, I finally did it. I had my first straight razor shave today. My weapon of choice: a Dovo 6/8 "Best Quality" full-hollow, carbon steel razor w/ plain ole black plastic scales. My cheeks and mustache went pretty well. I got them really smooth, and enjoyed a very comfortable shave there. The chin and neck were a bit of a different story. There were a lot of nicks, and it was pretty uncomfortable. This of course was due to user error I'm sure. It was a bit awkward, as I had a hard time getting a feel for how I should grip the razor. Watching my angles was also pretty difficult. I thought I had pretty good hand-eye coordination until today, lol. I also think I may have dulled my razor a bit on my strop Overall, I had some fun doing it, and will definitely not be giving up. I'm sure it will get easier with practice, just like anything else.

Time now for a couple of these

Hello, Tino:

Time is your friend. Use as much of it as you want to develop your skill.

The neck and the chin are always a problem, but you will learn the neighborhood with time and practice.

Well done so far, sir.

By the way, what part of Wisconsin are you from?

Regards,
Obie

Eye hand coordination is a different beast when you are dealing with a mirror. Your brain gets confused with the backwards signals. If you practice, you will get a little bit of neuronal rewiring and new muscle memory will be formed. What you struggled with today will be done without a thought in a few weeks--if you can patiently stick with it!

I find that to get my neck, I tilt my head in a way that stretches the skin on which I'm currently working and hold the razor with all of my fingers (no palm). I'd say it's unorthodox, but it gives me a fairly good grip on the razor.

Practice and patience. Enjoy your

Originally Posted by Obie

By the way, what part of Wisconsin are you from?

Regards,
Obie

I'm from Milwaukee. You in the neighborhood as well?

To everyone: Thanks for the input and encouragement. I can honestly say this is the first time I've looked forward to my next shave. Round two will be tomorrow.

Hello, Tino:

I am in Glendale, north of Bayshore Mall. If you need help, please don't hesitate to drop me a personal message here.

Yes, that's part of the magic of wet shaving with the straight razor: you can't wait for the morning shave.

Keep us posted on you progress.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Tino8787

I'm from Milwaukee. You in the neighborhood as well?

To everyone: Thanks for the input and encouragement. I can honestly say this is the first time I've looked forward to my next shave. Round two will be tomorrow.

Thanks Obie, I'll keep that in mind