Thread: First Straight Shaves

First, thanks for all of the posts. I have completed my first two straight razor shaves. First one wasn't bad. But, wasn't very good either. It really came down to my lather. I worked on that much more on my second shave and had great results. Taking care of the razor (drying, stropping) is not very difficult or time consuming. Today's shave was pretty good. Really, I just need to learn to work with some of the curves on my face and learn just which way is "WTG". Altogether a positive experience so far. And, my face feels good. Still learning. But, very positive progress. I'm sure I'll re-review the lathering instructional Wiki today to make tomorrow's process even better.

Bri

Great to see someone else in Qatar.
Good progress too. You will notice incremental improvements with each shave.

Thanks. One of my officers changed to disposable straight razor a few months ago. And, one of my NCOs uses a DE. They both thought I was a bit nuts jumping directly to a regular straight. But, for many reasons, I wouldn't want to look at the other options as "in between" steps on a journey to using a straight. I figured, get the straight and that's where the journey begins.

Nice picture, BTW. I guess that's the middle east version of putting a sweater on a dog!

Bri

Welcome aboard. Persistence and paying attention to the basics will really help you progress quickly. As you're learning it's a lot of art, and a little bit of science. You'll get a fee for your face and it'll all come together.

Charlie

Third shave was the best yet. I was a bit nervous because we had a water outage and I barely filled the sink (tepid water, not hot). My lather is holding up a bit more and I'm learning technique slowly but surely.

Bri

Congrats. Stick with it and you'll get there.

Charlie

I'm a week into it, and loving it. Face feels and looks better. I'm sure there is plenty still to learn. But, I think that I'm to the point where it doesn't intimidate me anymore. It's just shaving.

Bri

SGeek, it sounds like you're already doing quite well. I don't know how much time is being taken for these first shaves, but mine were rather lengthy affairs - close to an hour. No lather can stay moist that long, so expect to re-lather if it starts drying. Dry lather is a set-up for a nick or a cut. A good rule for judging when its getting dry is to notice when running water no longer easily rinses lather from the blade. It is not sufficient to wipe more water on top of existing dry lather - it doesn't get the cushion and glide down to the skin level. A little swirling w/ a brush wetted w/ a bit of water will get the skin wet again.

Keep going - you're doing great!

Three weeks in and I can honestly say that I see no reason to revert to cartridge razors. I get a very good shave. I have consistently gotten better at keeping myself relatively blood free. And, to be honest, it doesn't really take that much longer than how I used to shave. At least, it is not really noticable.

I'm almost two weeks in and it's good that you're having such a consistently good experience. I'm kind of on a roller coaster right now, so I'm a little envious. I have one really good shave followed by a bad one. It's a technique thing for me, so you should be happy that you're getting it down well.

I had a great shave on Saturday...only had to touch up my chin and a little under the jaw...no burn or cuts. Last night's was a mess with a few weepers and razor burn. BUT! I think I finally figured out the chin and underjaw areas...or at the very least I made a step in the right direction.

So congrats!