I received a really nice straight razor in the mail the other day and I was excited to try it out. I test the sharpness with the hanging hair test and it cut off hairs with a nice "ping" sound to it.

Here is the razor, a Regeldso 6/8.



My first straight razor shave occurred on May 7 and I posted on the shave of the day.

Well, I warn you now, it was boring. Yes, there was blood. I gotta tell ya, I felt awkward holding the razor and was trying to find what worked for me.

I stropped the razor 30 times on the webbed fabric side then 50 times on the leather side. I have a SRD strop.

Then I got to shaving and at first the razor was pulling on my stubble. I thought maybe I was wrong in believing the razor was shave ready. No, I was sure, it passed the HHT. So I changed the angle a little bit and it seemed to help and the hairs were being cut. I did my left cheek and then moved onto my right cheek.

I was still feeling awkward. How the hell do I hold this and pull my skin up I thought to myself. But I ventured on. My right side was easier and the razor just took the hairs off effortlessly.

Then I tried the upper lip area. I didn't feel comfortable. Damn nose is in the way! So I moved onto cheek area just next to my mouth. And that's when it happened... The razor dug in. Ouch! Then there was blood. But I persevered.

I tried the other side but was having trouble feeling comfortable. I wasn't scared, just having trouble getting a comfortable hold and feel of holding the blade. Is this normal? Or am I Abbie Normal?

Well, I resorted to the Merkur 38C since I was going out to dinner with friends and didn't want to show up with a self butchered face. The Personna blades and the Merkur did the rest.

I will try again. And again, and again.