Thread: My First Straight Razor Shave

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.

I love first shave posts. I know the feeling of standing in front of the mirror with this sharp blade in my hand preparing to ....... preparing to do what?

If you survive the first shave with the intent to continue, you've had a great first shave. I've been tracking how many "first shavers" we never hear from again. It's running close to 50%.

Straight shaving isn't easy. It requires a set of skills we aren't born with. All the Wiki-reading in the world and all the watching of shaving videos is helpful, but when the razor is in your hands then it gets serious.

Congratulation on your first shave and your survival. Use the resources here to find improvement. Just realize that it will take twenty shaves and plenty of learning before you even approach competence. But, if you put in the time and work, it will come.

Nice looking razor! Keep with it, the shaves will get better, and the awkwardness will soon wear away!

Nice looking razor! Take your time and don't rush it. Looking back, it was a fun journey learning how to straight shave although I was very nervous the first few attempts.

Enjoy,

Pabster

i'm a few shaves in, and i'm glad to say that I no longer break into a sweat of fear and panic standing in front of the mirror

[/QUOTE]....
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. .[/QUOTE]

First, Good to have ya here. Now Everyone may not agree, however I feel that a razor may sometimes pass a HHT and not really be shave ready. Depends on where you got it from or if you had it pro honed.
Keep up with it though.