Thread: My Maiden Voyage

My maiden voyage into the depths of the straight razor shaving began today; thanks Santa.

Leading up to this I read, watched, mentally practiced and rehearsed face and brush preparation, lathering procedures, pressure, razor angles, first and second runs, post shave methodologies and of course blade drying and stropping. But nothing equals the maiden voyage.


After preparation and lathering, I applied the blade. Slowly and patiently I stroked my skin, removing lather but not much else. So I moved to the other cheek hoping for something different but getting the same result. Damn! I forgot the razor angle! So I grabbed the badger, re-lathered, applied metal to skin and-there it is! The sound that replicates velcro being pulled apart.


I stifled my excitement and continued down the cheeks, then up wanting to save the best for last. You see, during my Gillette Mach 4 days, shaving the neck and chin was a breeze and most enjoyable. “Simmer down big guy” I thought to myself. You’re a straight razor man now. So I approached them with caution and found that the ease and delight I once experienced might take a bit more time with this new tool of mine.


I am a results-oriented person. I need some level of gratification, while not instantaneous, rather quick. So imagine my surprise when, after two passes on the neck and chin I decided to enter into my post shave routine and call it a day hoping that tomorrow I might become more comfortable with the straight razor, and I too will experience the satisfaction that so many on this site offer each day.


My first run was great. I experienced a closeness, comfort and a level of satisfaction that I never had before while shaving. As for the neck and chin, I’ll read some more and watch another video. I’ll learn to pull the skin and use various parts of the razor to reach certain nooks. As for the lesson learned during Shave One; patience is critical, less pressure means a closer shave and straight edge shaving is a journey not a chore, and should be enjoyed.

Glad to hear your first shave went well, a lot better then mine did For me the first 25 shaves or so I'd shave 3 passes with the straight then re-shave with the DE just to be presentable for work Now I can do the straight alone (I just use the DE for 2 quick swipes to get into 2 problem areas that I just can't yet figure out with the straight)


Keep it up, it gets better from here

You really have to put in about 30 shaves before you can get the hang of it. Once there, your progress will accelerate. Straight shaving, at least at first, is easier for those who can live with delayed gratification.

Congrats on things going well on your first shave. As your skill increases, so will the quality of your shaves. Enjoy the journey!!

Well your first shave was a lot more adventerous than my shaves after a week. Still working on the neck. Chin? Not yet.

Maiden voyage eh? Hope your not on the Titanic.

The key to learning how to use a straight is to just realize it takes time and be willing to advance at the rate you gain facility with the blade. Forget about everyone else. Folks get into trouble when they loose patience and try to go beyond their experience and ability.

At one time it was the only way and everybody did it.