First shave!

[jasigler]

Since the DE shaves were going well, the only logical thing to do was to give the straight razor a try. There is a gentlemanly pride amongst you straight shavers and I had to see what the fuss was about. I found an inexpensive Gold Dollar (Thanks, Buca!) razor and a cheap strop to start me out, and finally worked up the courage and the time to dive in this weekend.

I had watched a few youtube videos and did a 'dry run' to work out holding it (which at first is awkward at best). When it came time to shave, I learned quickly that this will take some time to master. Maneuvering around my face was a bit awkward, there was an excessive amount of tugging and pulling, and I pretty much had a 3-way battle royale between my beard, my face, and the razor. Needless to say, I put my styptic pen to use. Oh, and I ruined my edge when I dinged it against the faucet, which I didn't realize until my 2nd pass when the displaced shard of edge cut into my upper lip.

Despite the issues, I can see the appeal. The joy is in the simplicity of it- the tactile feedback, the sound, and the joy of knowing that when you put the blade to your face, it is in the tradition of so many generations prior. This is a skill that I intend to master.

 

[Lmarkow]

That's the only way to go: have at it. Sorry about the razor, but that's the beauty of Buca's fantastic deal. I'm sure you'll be able to find someone here who can fix it; or for $22, you'd need a second anyway . . . .

Glad to hear you intend to hang in here. It really is a great way to shave, but not an easy one at first. Good luck.

 

[Attila]

Oh man...so sorry to hear about your dinged razor. A good idea to prevent that is to use a big moistened sponge on the counter to wipe the lather off on. Don't try to shave with that razor again until that ding is honed out! I do not recommend that you try it. At some point, like the rest of us, you will want to try diving in to honing your own razor, but at this very early stage I wouldn't recommend it. Especially if you have damage to the edge of your razor from the faucet.

Buca's edges are reputed to be very good so the tugging you are experiencing if very likely due to technique. We've all been there. I recommend you always try to keep the spine of the razor no more than 1 or 2 (at the very, very most) spine widths away from your face. Make sure you always, always get in the habit of stretching your skin by pulling in the opposite direction the razor is going. Use a very light touch as you start your stroke, most cuts happen as you are starting the stroke. Use next to no pressure. A sharp straight razor does not need any pressure to work. Not sure what you are using for a strop, but be careful in the beginning, it is very easy to dull an edge for a beginner on a strop or to slash up your strop! I know I did both! Read up all you can about how to strop properly and practice with a butter knife first. Be assured, you will put some nicks into your first strop. You were smart in not buying an expensive one to start with.

I'm glad to hear you are not discouraged as many would have been. Rest assured that things will steadily improve if you keep at it. It sure did for me and although my DE razors look at me forlornly every time I pick up one of my straights, I have never enjoyed my shaves more. Keep us posted!

 

[buca3152]

Sorry to hear about the dinged razor. You do get a second hone , it usually doesnt end up being a dinged edge, but send it here and i will do what has to be done so you can shave with it. PM me if you need that second hone.

 

[AndroiDad75]

Attila has given you great advice about the sponge. I did the same thing as you, and they recommended the sponge to me, and I have been using it ever since. I have not regretted going to the SR at all. I loved my DE, but the SR is a whole new level. The guys around here are great, and it's a great process.

If you like the process of shaving, you'll love SR shaving.

 

[blackhhawk]

Welcome to the world of straights. My initial love for DE shaving isn't even half of what I get from straights, it's very very fun. Buca does put a nice edge on his gold dollars, I shave with one every day. Keep at it, maybe get a few gold dollars from him and keep one on reserve incase you mess up an edge. I recommend reading some of the journals and stickies and anything else you can find. Post here if you have questions, were all very willing to help.

 

[AndroiDad75]

Welcome to the world of straights. My initial love for DE shaving isn't even half of what I get from straights, it's very very fun.

^This +1,000

 

[egarmo]

Ok with Gold Dollars... but when you find that it takes less than one hour to bring into life a 50 year or more old Solinger.... and it is so .. smoooooth.... you may be doubting about those principles. I only own a Gold Dollar and a bunch of vintages, just the other way round than you... and I feel like that. Gold Dollars do shave, yes Abram Lynn is not right... but the effort to achieve it is no kid game.