My first official straight razor shave and I must admit it was significantly closer than I expected (DFS), especially for a single pass. Granted, I followed the wisdom of others and only shaved my cheeks to just below my jawline.
Set up:
Vintage Wade & Butcher
Custom Finest Badger brush
PAA Deja Fougere
Old Spice mug
Gentleman Jon Alum Block
Captains Choice Bay Rum
Prep:
Hot water rinse
Hot towel for 30 seconds
I added a drop or two of glycerin to the mug before lathering in the mug, I hoped the extra slickness would help. Admittedly my razor was a bit unsteady...funny how a ridiculously sharp blade can provide a bit of an adrenaline rush.
I did one pass North to South, although I had a bit of trouble shaving the edge of my goatee by my chin. This is where I sustained a small nick on the right side which was easily handled with the alum block. Finished up with a cold water rinse and a splash of Captains Choice Bay Rum. No burn except the small nick.
I did learn a valuable lesson; it may not have been wise to let my beard grow for three days. It seemed to pull a little which is the same feeling I get with my DE razors. However, I will admit some of strokes were a bit more tentative than usual and it took a bit to learn how to stretch my skin.
All in all I would consider this a successful first step for this fifty year old. Thank you to @doc47 for the tutorial and encouragement as well as @SirChangalot, @mycarver and a host of other B&B members. You were right, a straight razor shave can be an exhilarating experience.
Now I just need to work on making it relaxing.
Set up:
Vintage Wade & Butcher
Custom Finest Badger brush
PAA Deja Fougere
Old Spice mug
Gentleman Jon Alum Block
Captains Choice Bay Rum
Prep:
Hot water rinse
Hot towel for 30 seconds
I added a drop or two of glycerin to the mug before lathering in the mug, I hoped the extra slickness would help. Admittedly my razor was a bit unsteady...funny how a ridiculously sharp blade can provide a bit of an adrenaline rush.
I did one pass North to South, although I had a bit of trouble shaving the edge of my goatee by my chin. This is where I sustained a small nick on the right side which was easily handled with the alum block. Finished up with a cold water rinse and a splash of Captains Choice Bay Rum. No burn except the small nick.
I did learn a valuable lesson; it may not have been wise to let my beard grow for three days. It seemed to pull a little which is the same feeling I get with my DE razors. However, I will admit some of strokes were a bit more tentative than usual and it took a bit to learn how to stretch my skin.
All in all I would consider this a successful first step for this fifty year old. Thank you to @doc47 for the tutorial and encouragement as well as @SirChangalot, @mycarver and a host of other B&B members. You were right, a straight razor shave can be an exhilarating experience.
Now I just need to work on making it relaxing.
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