First before work straight razor shave success

[dtezla]

So I would normally only attempt the straight razor shave if I had a lot of time and was not rushed. My pre-work routine would be to shave with a DE. Today I was running late for work and really only had 15 minutes to shave but I really wanted to practice with my straight again so I figured I could be a few minutes late to work.

I gave myself a very nice shave (1 WTG, 2 ATG passes) in only 20 minutes. I stopped the blade on my balsa strop the night before so I didn't strop at all this morning. I would say my shave is CCS on my face and under my nose and socially acceptable on my neck. I've been trying to get the ear to chin angle working, but I haven't gotten it down yet.

Overall, I was very impressed with myself. Only a tiny nick on my left cheek which closed up instantly with Alum.

 

[Obiwan]

Congrats. Sounds like you're certainly getting there.

Quick question, the balsa stop.....is that your pasted one? If so, you would probably benefit from hitting the leather (or cloth and leather) quite a bit before you shave.

 

[joshua1970]

well done!!! the XTG will come.

agreed w David on hitting the leather before shaving....

I always strop before a shave (usually 25-30X on unpasted linen and then about 50-60X on leather), and often about 20X (leather only) post shave as well.

 

[dtezla]

I should clarify, I used my Balsa strop to get the edge back a bit and followed with 40 crosses on the leather (per Larry@whippeddog instructions).

 

[Obiwan]

ah, thanks. You're good to go then.

 

[jred]

I've gotten to where I do one WTG pass & touch up my chin & around my mouth. Doesn't take too long

 

[boar.master]

Well, I'm yet to achieve this, congrats