Transition Period

RacerX · 08-19-2008, 06:28 PM

I am making the switch from wet shaving with an electric to straight razor shaving. I should receive my "shave ready" razor from Vintage Blades tomorrow. For the last two days, I have shaved with a DE safety razor in an attempt to ease the transition to the straight razor. The DE gave me the closest shave I have had in years with a few nicks and minimal blood loss

I plan on making my first attempt with the straight razor this Saturday. How long will it take for my skin to adjust to the new shaving method? Are nicks inevitable even with the best technique? I'm experiencing some razor burn from the DE, but it's not as bad as I expected.

gssixgun · 08-19-2008, 07:01 PM

If anything at least using the DE gives you practice on Prep and Lathering...
IMHO yes, no matter what ya do, sooner or later, you will let your guard down, and that blade is going to remind you of how sharp it really is with a nick....

jimmyray · 08-19-2008, 07:23 PM

If I were you I wouldn't shave on Friday. Your face will have an extra day without skin irritation, and for some reason, longer stubble seems a little easier to shave, especially at the beginning.

I would also only go with the grain on your first shave, finishing up with the DE if you have any problem areas. Even if things go really bad, you could always do the easy areas like your cheeks with the straight, and get the rest of your face with the DE.

Once you get more comfortable, you can add across the grain strokes, and if you want to, against the grain.

Your face will probably adjust to the straight within a week or two. The bigger question is how soon you will adjust to the different technique involved in using a straight. Read through the materials posted on SRP and you should be well on your way.

Good luck and let us know how it goes!

netsurfr · 08-20-2008, 12:06 AM

First, welcome to the world of straight razor shaving!
Take your time, enjoy the journey.

thebigspendur · 08-20-2008, 12:17 AM

The best advice is take it slow and easy. Nothing fancy. Just straight wtg strokes on your face the first few days. When your comfortable with that then try it on your neck after a while you can try some xtg strokes. people get into trouble when the try to do too much and get ahead of their skill level.