Another First Shave

Jonasty · 08-15-2008, 02:23 PM

Hey All,

Just wanted to post up my first shave experience. Well today my first straight razor shave. I've been using brush/soap and a disposable for a little while while waiting for my razor to come in and to get used to lathering and such.

My razor blade passed the HHT and would "pop" hairs on my arm almost at the top of the hair. To me, this made me think it was sharp enough.

I went to shave this morning and it was not a complete disaster but there were nicks and some pulling.

My assumption is that the straight razor should feel as sharp while shaving as a single-blade disposable correct?

I suppose I just need to get used to it and I know that my technique probably wasn't perfect. Any advice?

Thanks,
Bryan

Chander · 08-15-2008, 03:28 PM

Shaving with a astraight does NOT feel like shaveng with anything else. I can not say it feels sharper just different. I would assume that you are correct that you need to work on technique. First thing I would sugest is angle. most people recomend about a 30 degree angle. this woud mean that the edge is touching your face and the spine is about half a blade width away. then nice slow movments. Next I would remind you light presure. the straight is much longer then your old diposable, therefor it contacts more face at once. If you push you will seejust how round your face is, or was.

Last bit of advice, KEEP TRYING. It will not happen overnight, but eventuly a straight save will be second nature.

jnich67 · 08-15-2008, 03:49 PM

Welcome to the dark side Chander! Bryan has given you some great advice. Keep trying and be patient. The mechanics or muscle memory or whatever you want to call it takes time to develop. Keep the fundamentals in mind and keep working at it. Be careful with your stropping too. Please report back as you progress.

Jordan

gugi · 08-16-2008, 08:52 AM

Yes, I suspect as your technique and stropping improve and you get more familiar with the process your experience will improve quite a bit using the same exact razor.
Keep us posted.

seeton5 · 08-17-2008, 09:04 PM

What everyone has already said is great advice. All I have to add is that comparing the sharpness of a disposable to a straight is irrelevant. What you really want to compare is the closeness of the shave. Without a doubt everyone here will tell you straights win hands down. Of course the closeness of your shave will improve with your proficiency with your razor (finding the angle that best suits you, etc.), as well as your face and beard getting used to that type of shaving, which is surprisingly important.

I originally shaved with a single bladed disposable or with my dad's electric then switched to straights 3 years ago. I remember that when I started the straights felt a bit different, but I didn't shave that often anyway so I didn't think much of it. I was on a fishing trip last week and shaved just once with my dad's electric and I couldn't believe how different it felt from when I used to use it. The hair felt like it was being pulled out of my face so I asked my dad if his shaver was wearing out. He said it was still working just like new. That was the first time I realized how much your face and hair change after shaving with a straight for a long period of time. I honestly believe that your face adapts to what ever type of stress (shaving) it is continually subject to and I'm sure I'm not alone here. Anyway keep up the shaving and maybe one day you'll agree with me and tell a new shaver the same advice.

Reiver · 08-21-2008, 09:31 PM

Fellow Users !
After a period in the wilderness of inadequate cartridge razors I have returned to the Fold. I had enough of shelling out a fortune for modern cartridge blades which lets be honest ar'nt the best of close shaves. I bought a new basic cream handled Dovo from Trumpers whilst down in London for the Trooping the Color this June. I had in the past used a Chinese straight razor bought on holiday but could never realy get an adequate edge or subsequently decent shave with it.
The Dovo is superb and I have recently bought various vintage razors on ebay which I am restoring. I have just bought a Wapienica complete with hone and strop direct from Poland and would be grateful for any information on them. The one thing I picked up from the seller in Poland is that they are made of Swedish steel ?
I would be glad to hear from anyone out their especially anybody local ! I tell friends and colleagues of the advantages of using the straight razor and the relaxing start it can make to your day.

Kind regards

Reiver

Jonasty · 08-22-2008, 05:41 PM

You may want to start your own thread. I'm not sure a lot of people seriously read the "First Shave" threads because there are so many.

Reiver · 08-26-2008, 10:41 PM

Thanks for the advice, Im new to posting on websites. This site has an amazing amount of information, I thought I was alone in my new found addiction to the proper cold steel !
Kind regards
Reiver

Lt.Arclight · 08-27-2008, 04:53 AM

Bryan, don't be discouraged.Practice makes perfect. And even then you'll still have a bad day. There are times I go months without a nick-then there are BAD weeks.THIS IS ONE OF THEM for me!! Saturday, I managed to nick my ear-by not paying attention. And today I managed to let my DOVO Bismarck get out of control inflicting a nice horizontal 1/4" nick on my left cheek.

Believe me, when you get the technique down pat-and YOU WILL, if you take your time, you will be amazed at how nice a Str8 shave can be. Its worth the trial and tribulation.