Thread: Three shaves in....

I recently acquired two straight razors and am starting to learn straight razor shaving. I purchased a 5/8 Wolstenholm pipe from the classifieds here on SRP, and a 4/8 Melchior from Larry at Whipped Dog Straights. Both razors came listed as shave ready, and following advice I read here on SRP, I did not strop prior to my first shave. The razor felt grabby and rough, no nicks but a fair amount of razor burn. This was WTG on cheeks only. Second and third shave, I stropped the razor well prior to shaving, and there was a vast difference in the perceived smoothness of the process. I managed a WTG and ATG pass on both cheeks and chin and was able to get a fairly nice shave with just one small spot of burn. I am assuming that my improved result is because of better technique, and not because of the stropping. I pretty much have to shave with my right hand only, as I have a pretty mangled left index finger that limits control and fine manipulation with that hand. I definitely find the 5/8 Wolsty easier to work with, the Melchior feels "twitchy" and gives me a sense of impending body part removal I think I will set that razor aside for the time when I have developed more skill. My pre-shave is pretty basic...hot shower and face wash , a hot cloth for 1 minute or so and Dirty Girl Hunka Honey Shaving Soap applied with a boar brush. Post shave , I use witch hazel with a few drops of spearmint oil added.

Congratulations on your first shaves. Keep it up! I'm also only about four shaves into straight shaving and while my results are not great, they are better than the first shave. Keep at it!

Nice work. I can say that your shaves will get exponentially better in the beginning as you get comfortable with with the straight.

...oh...remember this is a family site and your shave soap seems to be X rated! I have to look that one up!

Originally Posted by Fbones24

Nice work. I can say that your shaves will get exponentially better in the beginning as you get comfortable with with the straight.

...oh...remember this is a family site and your shave soap seems to be X rated! I have to look that one up!

About the soap: It's got a racy name but it's a real clean company It's made by a friend of mine who is a real talented soap maker. I don't have experience with a wide range of shaving soaps, but hers is the best I've used so far. Real thick lather and just slicker than a greased eel. No heavy scent, just fresh and clean smelling and it doesn't dry my skin out like some do. Of course, YMMV as stuff like soap is a highly individual thing.

Rick,
Sounds like you're off to a great start. Take it slow and enjoy. By the way, I love the name of you shaving soap. Where do you get it?

Bill, here's her website.

Dirty Girl Soaps, LLC | Be a Dirty Girl!

Thanks Rick!