First str8 shave

[Mark T]

First let me say that this forum and the folks on here have made this wonderful hobby a true pleasure for me.

I have read and learned a great deal about shaving, and I am having a blast. As I get older (47 now), it's the simple pleasures that I enjoy so much.

OK. After 4 months of DE, I decided to try the str8. I like a challenge,
and str8s are bad-***.

I purchased a Filly strop from Ruprazor
I also got an 11/16 Keene spike point from Gemstarcustoms, with a Swaty hone. The box for the razor was so old it made me wonder about the history of this old razor. It was cool. So this morning I started my journey.

I chose TABAC SS for my first str8 shave- I think the scent is nastalgic.

Today I just shaved my cheeks. I am very nearsighted, and usually shave without my glasses or contacts on in the morning. I know my head/face well enough, so I don't have to use the mirror much. Once I got the hang of DE (no pressure), I have been enjoying a clean shave everyday.
I simply feel the razor against my face, and rarely nick myself anymore.

Today, I put contacts in, because I was so afraid of shredding my face. I could see and feel the razor. Ok, here I go. First time jitters were obvious. The str8 razor is to be respected. I admit I was nervous. I could hear the hair coming off with the first stroke. I used a sponge (thanks Chimensh) to wipe the blade. Next stroke I nicked myself because because I had a little pressure on the tip- the spike is wicked sharp. After I took a few deep breathes, I concentrated more on the feel of the blade, especially the tip, and I did fine. I nicked the other cheek once, but I switched hands (I'm trying to use both hands from the start).

I know it will be awhile before I get the hang of it, but it felt a link to the past when I put that bad boy up to my face. I also enjoyed stropping- reminded me of when I was a kid in Brooklyn, and I would pass the barber shop and see the barber stropping his blade.

Thanks fellas, for the support and advice you share on this site. I would still be bored with shaving if it wasn't for you.

 

[michiganlover]

Congrats on the first straight shave!

It only gets better from here.

I too wear glasses and straight shave with them off. As long as you watch where the spike is at all times you will do just fine!

John

 

[Pumpkin]

Congratulations on your first straight shave...I'm only at #5, but I can attest they get even better

Your nicks from the spike point is probably the reason us newbs get steered towards round points, I'm glad I've started with one, but I'm looking forward to trying out my Offenbach once my technique improves.

 

[Huxley]

Straights take a long while to learn, i've only been at it for two months and yet when i come to put that blade on my face i still feel some trepidation you'll soon get the hang of it.

 

[Ansuz]

Welcome to the club! As a fellow newbie myself (I'm on shave #4) I can tell you it really does get better with each shave. Not to mention the reaction you get from folks when you tell them how you shave in the mornings.

 

[alabamalawyer]

Congrats on the first shave! Those spike points also taught me a lesson or two in paying close attention during the shave!

 

[JPM]

Congrats! It is a bit awkward at first, but after a week or two it will start to improve. I'm several months into it and I get better shaves with a straight than anything else I've used.

 

[Luc]

Congrats!! It will be more natural with time!

 

[mattbikes1]

Great to have another new straight shaver here. Like a lot of the other guys that have already commented, I just got my first straight. I have four shaves under my belt and have loved everyone of them. It is a feeling of accomplishment and nostalgia to shave with a straight, I would also like to commend you on using both hands. I have found it makes the shave easier (both DE and straights). Keep us posted on how the shaves are coming along.