"Did you shave this morning?"

[aquapura1]

This is the question i was asked by a friend... After i shaved with a straight razor this morning. I was a little demoralised. I know i'm not getting as close a shave as my mac3 yet because i'm not going against the grain which i usually would with a saftey razor. My question is how long does it take to get your shave as good as where you left off with a safety razor? Do you have to go against the grain to get that really close shave? Is there any tips you guys can give me? Thanks

[onimaru55]

Sorry to answer your question with a question but why don't you finish off with your safety razor & that way don't put a time limit on your learning.
If you have to go ATG with the m3 you may also have to with a straight but progressing to the XTG passes will make a big difference in the short term.

[markdfhr]

Sorry to answer your question with a question but why don't you finish off with your safety razor & that way don't put a time limit on your learning.

+1 to this. Clean up with your safety and you can learn at your own pace without anyone critiquing your shaves (unless you want them to, like your SWMBO). Eventually you'll master different aspects of straight shaving until things finally come together for you consistently. This could take a very long time.

I think one thing we have to remember coming new into straight shaving is that this won't happen quickly. Note how some experienced members who have been shaving for a year and a half post that things have finally came together for them. Back when all there was to use were straight razors, young men were learning how to use these things while their beards were still under-developed.

You and I and very few others here have this luxury. So take your time and clean up with your safety. There's no need to rush.

[Woodash]

Two-pass: WTG then ATG. 10 minutes. Excellent shave. Badda boom.

[nikolasnjerve]

I usually go WTG, lather up once more and do a XTG with a steeper angle on the blade (carefully). This routine takes me about 5-7 minutes.
If I want to be fancy and are using my sharpest razor I do a third lathering and ATG.
The ATG took me a couple of months to get comfortable with.
Just use the straight for every shave, clean up with your Safety razor, mach 3 or whatever. Before you know it you`ll throw your mach 3 in the bin and never look back.

[aquapura1]

Great thanks for everyone's replies. I guess i will finish off with the safety something i was trying to avoid until i get the hang of it...

Sort of felt like a traitor going back to the shitty safety razors... lol

[strtman]

Just finished my shave. I did a WTG first, then creaming my face again, using more hot water then the first round, and I did an ATG. Except for the chin which I did XTG. Although not really smooth I am more then satisfied with the result. And I did not cut myself.

Shaving straight razor for two months now, only the first month I did solely WTG.

Most important is to take your time. This shave took me an hour and it was worth it. Now already the result resembles the safety razor shave.

Don't give up!

[coachschaller]

My first shave (with a Shavette), and yes I did my whole face neck (minus the goatee), got closer than I ever have before with my Mach3. I did go atg, but always just went one pass atg with my Mach3. Hang in there and it will come together. Don't be afraid to touch up with something other than your straight.

[Destutt]

Yes there is something truly magical and masculine about holding a glistening blade that you sharpened close to your skin. It's environmental, cost effective, more dangerous (thrill factor!!), more masculine and looks cool. I mean what's not to love! Today i honed my razor the sharpest I've ever got it and went against the grain. I'm still finding getting really close on the chin part is a challenge and gave myself a couple of nicks but it was fine. It was a very beautiful experience...

yep...i got hurt using a filarmonica 14 Robles temple this morning, though...

Destutt de Tracy

[aquapura1]

what happened mate?