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.