First Great Shave!

dkirkc · 09-26-2008, 09:49 PM

I think this deserves a whole new thread!

I had the day off from work today, so I decided to take my time
with shaving. I started out with stropping, then a hot
towel, and then the lather. The lather felt absolutely perfect
today. I got through the side burn area great, the cheeks went
fine, too. The chin gave me a little trouble, I nicked myself once
there. I also nicked my lip when I got slightly distracted by the
fact I had not cut myself yet ( that was before the chin nick ).

I also got through the neck area alright. The sides of my Adam's
apple gave me a little bit of trouble, but I actually got all the hair
off this time, and I only had a little irritation. The after-shave set
that part on fire, though.

I actually put a little bit more after-shave on than usual just
to feel how smooth my face is!

I would like to thank Rob for the Wapi, all the soap samples,
the information, and all his patience with me through all my
questions.

David

sicboater · 09-26-2008, 10:00 PM

They only get better from here man. Now you have to fend off all the AD's

I am glad the wapi agrees with you so well. It is a great little blade and I am still waiting on a rescale of my other one from another member. Sounds like you have a pretty good routine down now!

Let me know how that strop worked out too. How long did you work on it? What was the end result? Are you using the belt? etc...

Happy shaving!

-Rob

dkirkc · 09-27-2008, 12:09 AM

I ended up working on the Zeepk strop for about 7 hours. I just sanded until it was
very soft. It seems to work well enough. I may sand a little bit more, though.

I can't wait to shave again, honestly.

Mike7120 · 09-27-2008, 04:13 AM

Congrats on your first good shave!

I remember my first good shave and it was an awesome feeling. And just think, as your technique improves over time, your shaves will even get better.

dkirkc · 09-27-2008, 06:33 AM

I have trouble even thinking how it would feel to do better than I got today.
It's amazing what other razors can't do, though. My face feels like a twelve year olds.

Seraphim · 09-27-2008, 06:47 AM

Congratulations! An excellent and rewarding experience, isn't it?!

One thing you may want to try:hot towel & lather up first, and then do your stropping while the lathery goodness permeates your whiskers.

You may want to freshen up the lather on your face right before you begin the shave itself, but letting the lathersit on there helps soften up those little buggers.

Your addiction has begun!

maplemaker · 09-27-2008, 09:24 PM

Congratulations!

Lt.Arclight · 09-27-2008, 10:10 PM

Congrats. "Taking your time with SHAVING"

Simple,yet soooo important. Patience and practice you'll be GOOD TO GO!!

dave5225 · 09-27-2008, 11:06 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkirkc

I have trouble even thinking how it would feel to do better than I got today.
It's amazing what other razors can't do, though. My face feels like a twelve year olds.

Yes , it will get even better (believe it or not) . You will probably throw your MachIII away soon , because you won't want to shave with anything except a straightrazor .

dkirkc · 09-28-2008, 01:54 AM

I still have the Fusion in there, but I wouldn't use it. The blade dulled and I didn't spend the
25 bucks for more cartridges. I hate seeing anything but the straight, now.

I'm going to try to shave again on Monday.

RichZ · 09-28-2008, 02:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dkirkc

I still have the Fusion in there, but I wouldn't use it. The blade dulled and I didn't spend the
25 bucks for more cartridges. I hate seeing anything but the straight, now.

I'm going to try to shave again on Monday.

Way to go. I haven't used one for several years now. Keep it up.

dkirkc · 10-11-2008, 02:22 AM

I'm giving you guys an update.

School has been killing me, so I haven't been posting.
I am doing great! I've shaved a few times, and I haven't
been cutting myself much, and the shave is very close.

I'm still having trouble with my neck, but now it's only the right side.
I can get the left perfectly.

jnich67 · 10-11-2008, 02:39 AM

Way to go! Keep at it. Soon, what was a decent shave will be a "bad" shave as your expectations change. Keep that in mind. Otherwise, you're off to a great start. I like how you've ignored the cartridge blade. That's what I did and I think it’s the best way to learn - if you have the patience and perseverance.

Jordan

nun2sharp · 10-11-2008, 02:56 AM

When you cant wait to shave, you know its good!

dkirkc · 10-11-2008, 03:17 AM

Yeah. I haven't even picked up the Gillette Fusion since I got my straight... Well, I did move it once, but that was it.
If it doesn't get done with the straight, it ain't gettin' done.

RichZ · 10-13-2008, 05:27 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jnich67

Way to go! Keep at it. Soon, what was a decent shave will be a "bad" shave as your expectations change. Keep that in mind. Otherwise, you're off to a great start. I like how you've ignored the cartridge blade. That's what I did and I think it’s the best way to learn - if you have the patience and perseverance.

Jordan

+1 on that.

dkirkc · 11-17-2008, 07:19 PM

*Update*
I can shave pretty quickly now (about 15 minutes) with no cuts and a good shave.
I'm still having a lot of trouble with the sides of my neck. If I try to much there I just end up with cuts.
Other than that things are going great.

sicboater · 11-18-2008, 02:33 PM

Very nice man!

Keep at it and have fun.

-Rob