First Shave - I'm Learning

snosajs · 09-24-2008, 02:01 PM

To see what I've done to get up to the point of my first shave, see my other thread.

So, I finally did it! the first shave is done, with mixed results. I just did my cheeks, but I got a much closer shave than with my DE. However, it felt like the razor was grabbing each hair and almost pulling them out one-by-one. This is, I'm sure, my technique and my prep. It really is amazing how one straight shave can point out all you do wrong.

Here's my routine - shower, shave oil, build lather, apply lather, strop, re-lather, shave... As it turns out, my lather is not up to snuff. After clenching my jaw through the first few passes, I decided to to try and smear some of the soap residue directly onto my face - WHAT A DIFFERENCE. Lesson - make better lather.

I just wanted to let other newbs know that just because the first (or first few) shaves are horrible, doesn't mean straights are for you and it doesn't mean you r razor sucks. Have the self-awareness to understand the mechanics of a shave and try to fix what's causing the problem. Yeah, I know - all this from guy with one shave down... But the lessons are the same.

All in all - I had a downright painful first shave, but I can't wait to try again!!!

OLD_SCHOOL · 09-24-2008, 02:54 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by snosajs

I just wanted to let other newbs know that just because the first (or first few) shaves are horrible, doesn't mean straights are for you and it doesn't mean your razor sucks. Have the self-awareness to understand the mechanics of a shave and try to fix what's causing the problem. Yeah, I know - all this from guy with one shave down... But the lessons are the same.

And that is very good advice. It happens to everyone. Practice, practice, practice.

Lather building technique is important, and really we always say one part or another of this art is important, but the truth is, every single element in this art is just as important as the other. From beginning to end, if you do something even slightly inadequately, it will spoil your shave.

Keep us informed with your lather building, and always remember, less is more.

nathanjones · 09-24-2008, 02:59 PM

I found that stretching the skin (more that I thought I needed to) helped. It did take a couple of weeks for my face to get used to being shaved by a straight as well, almost like it needed to "toughen up".

modul8r · 09-24-2008, 05:09 PM

Newbie here with about 4 shaves under my belt. As I pointed out in my recent topic, I personally would recommend for you to use the shaving cream/gel/whatever that you're used to using at first. I think that this would make your first shaves smoother and you could focus on your shaving technique without having to worry about making a good lather. That's what's working for me, at least. I like to take things one step at a time.

snosajs · 09-24-2008, 05:51 PM

Thanks for the comments so far - keep them coming...

Modul8r - I've been using soap/making lather for the last couple of years while using my DE, ss other than realising it's vastly inferior to what it should be, I haven't changed any part of my routine except using a straight... Just so you know where I stand...

maplemaker · 09-24-2008, 06:06 PM

Don't discount the joy and smoothness of building the lather on your face.

Bones · 09-24-2008, 06:12 PM

Hi. snosajs

Im a newb aswell, just waiting on my 1st SR from ebay to arrive soon. In the meantime ive been lurking here full time reading any piece of info i can!

Im just wondering what sort of technique are you using starting off, in particular are you switching hands to shave as shown on Lynns youtube video? Ive read before that its better to start off just using your strong hand and when you get comfortable to switch, would you agree?

snosajs · 09-24-2008, 06:52 PM

I used my dominant hand (right) only for the first time. However, it was really difficult to see my left side with my hand across and in the way. I think I'll go right-hand only until I can at least get my right cheek without too much pulling, at least then I know my prep/lather is alright. Then perhaps I'll try using both hands - we'll see how it goes...

Lt.Arclight · 09-24-2008, 07:11 PM

Walk before you run. If it was easy-it wouldn't be so much fun once you got your technique down pat. Take you time,practice and don't be discouraged by the occasional bad shave.

You WILL be rewarded.

Not to mention,NEVER having to buy razor blades at the supermarket.

Bones · 09-24-2008, 07:30 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lt.Arclight

Not to mention,NEVER having to buy razor blades at the supermarket.

And no more razor burn

AusTexShaver · 09-24-2008, 08:32 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones

And no more razor burn

Yep...you trade in razor burn and ingrown hairs for nicks and cuts.

Can anyone tell me the proper method for sewing back on a severed lower lip?

30Cal · 09-24-2008, 08:34 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bones

And no more razor burn

Heheh, I've been using the straight razor for about 3 weeks now. I've gotten much better than when I first started, but I'm still not consistantly free from razor burn.

I think the key to that is having a light touch and not spending more than a pass or two on any given spot.

I jumped right in w/ both feet (hands). Just be sure to accept the results you get and don't try to "clean up" any areas you didn't do a good job on. I found it helped to make a couple practice rounds using the scales in place of the blade.