Christian's Straight Razor Shave Journal

[Christian_V]

So it arrived today! I received my very own, shiny Golden Dollar straight razor fresh off the honing stone of our very own Buca. It is sharp! I am able to cut my arm hairs with ease, and the razor produces a pleasant ring as it slices through the hair. I just shaved with my DE safety last night so I am going to let the beard grow for a couple of days and then it is time to start this journey!

 

[oakeshott]

Welcome.

 

[AndroiDad75]

Can't wait to see how it goes. Be patient and you will be rewarded. I am loving my SR journey so far

Read and listen to the advice of those who have been at it a while. They have tons of knowledge that they share freely!!!

 

[rockviper]

Take you time, read lots of journals and wiki stuff, watch a bunch of videos (not the "straight shaving while drinking a bottle of jack" ones).
Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

 

[Bird_Flu]

Take you time, read lots of journals and wiki stuff, watch a bunch of videos (not the "straight shaving while drinking a bottle of jack" ones).
Looking forward to reading about your adventures.

I tried that with a glass of bookers one time. Not the best idea...

I can't wait to read all about your first shave!

 

[Christian_V]

ok after letting my beard grow all week I had my very 1st straight razor shave this morning. It was in many ways easier than I thought it would be and in many ways more difficult.

Prep:

Hot shower
Lathered up with Art of Shaving Sandalwood

Basically it broke down like this. The right side of my face turned out beautifully. I am right handed, so I was able to hold the razor at the perfect angle and press with the appropriate amount of pressure. Even under my chin and neck I was able to maneuver properly and shave really cleanly.

But then I started the left hand side of my face... and this is where things went fubar (I exaggerate it wasn't that bad but in comparison to the right hand side it was terrible lol). I wasn't sure if I needed to switch hands or attempt to shave using my right hand but with my palm facing me or away from me. It was difficult to get the angle right. I managed to shave but it was by no means as close or as smooth as the right side of my face. I got a nasty cut on my left side right next to my mouth.

It's my fault for not educating myself on proper technique. I should have sat down and watched a couple of videos to prepare myself.

Despite the cut, it was an amazing experience! I was blown away at how easily the blade mowed down the hairs. But then again, it is ridiculously sharp! I need to do some homework and learn the proper way to hold my razor when shaving my left side.

I will do this again... and I will eventually master it. If it was easy, then it wouldn't be fun now would it?

 

[Bird_Flu]

Sounds like a good and fun first shave. Definitely watch some videos and practice some grips and the motions with a butter knife, back of one obviously. This should help you get the grips and motions down while you're waiting for the cut to heal up. Keep it up and you'll be a straight shaving master in no time.

 

[Chaloney]

Use both hands. The left will lag behind in skill at first, but it will learn. No need to rush to full 3-4 pass straight shaves. Feel free to finish with another method (de or whatever you used to use) while you are getting comfortable with the straight. I do suggest using the straight every time you shave, at least for your wtg on the cheeks--practice is the only way it will get better.

 

[buca3152]

One hand can be done as I shave 90 % of my face with one hand. I use the left for under the neck right side only. Ymmv though.