Thread: First straight razor shave

Hello everyone!

I just purchased my first straight razor today, already honed. I have never used a straight razor before, and shaving with it was very difficult. Luckily I didn't get cut too bad, just a couple nicks. After I shaved (30 min) I still noticed a lot of whiskers still on my face, particularly on my chin and neck area, any ideas on how I can accomplish this feat, and possibly take my shaving time down to at least 10 min? Thank you

Welcome ! Your first shave is going to be a little rough . The more you shave , the easier it will become . The chin , neck , and upper lip , are the hardest to master .

Welcome to SRP ecary.
Practise, practise, practise and keep practising. It takes a learned skill which adds to the pleasure of accomplishing a good shave. It will get better, I promise. I had a lovely shave this morning after over six months of practising.
Do not rush, enjoy.
Have a good one mate!
Sunbird

As Dave said the chin and neck are the hardest. In time you will get your shaving time down to a reasonable amount. After 2yrs i can do a two pass shave wtg and atg in 5mins but i dont do that offen. I like to take my time and enjoy the experience.

As others have reassured you, it will indeed get better. My first several shaves were less than adequate, but within 1 to 2 weeks I was very happy. Now it seems every one just keeps on getting better. It is about technique and confidence.

Just shave the flatter parts of your face with a straight, like the jawline from the ear down and across and then cleanup with the usual razor until you get the hang of it, and then try the more difficult places. I would also advise that you "map out" your face and identify the more difficult areas, study and get to know them. When looking at the contours of your face, break down those contours into smaller, flatter planes and then shave those planes. A lot to learn for seemingly a simple chore, but once learned the chore will become a pleasure.

Pretty much what's been said already. Don't underestimate the importance of prep and a good lather, concentrate on using as little pressure as you can, experiment with different ways to pull your skin tight as the chin and neck can be a little troublesome to learn, experiment with blade angle a little to see what works best with that razor during each pass. It may need to be a tiny bit flatter or steeper to shave well.


Edit: I just realized this is your first post. Welcome to srp and may all your future shaves be closer than your wife and smoother than Frank Sinatra!

Everyone has already said it, but congrats on your first straight razor shave. Keep practicing and you will learn techniques that work best for you. Welcome to the straight razor club!

When I first started, it took me almost 40 mins to shave (single pass). After a few weeks it was down to 15 mins. Now, after about 8 months, I can do a 3 pass in about 15 mins.

It will naturally get better and faster with time.

As for those problem areas that you asked about, try to keep the blade angle as low as you can and keep the pressure LOW.

As was said before, map out your face so that you are sure you are shaving WTG in those spots as well.

Enjoy this journey. It's full of great milestones and a bit of pride.

Originally Posted by nun2sharp

Just shave the flatter parts of your face with a straight, like the jawline from the ear down and across and then cleanup with the usual razor until you get the hang of it, and then try the more difficult places. I would also advise that you "map out" your face and identify the more difficult areas, study and get to know them. When looking at the contours of your face, break down those contours into smaller, flatter planes and then shave those planes. A lot to learn for seemingly a simple chore, but once learned the chore will become a pleasure.

ecary:
My friend says it quite well. Remember, straight razor shaving requires skill, which takes time and practice to master. So be methodical and patient. Experiment and improvise. You'll get there — and then never look back.