First Straight Shave: questions and enlightenments

[Tarkington]

First straight shave completed. General remarks: Terrifying yet gratifying.... I was tentative at first and then became more confident once I realized that the blade was a bit more forgiving than I perceived it to be. I left about 36 hrs worth of stubble from my (possibly last) DE shave and decided that If I did a nasty job.... there would always be the next day.

That's precisely what happened. Although... as I felt more confident, I re-lathered certain areas and did another pass...in some cases taking off a bit more beard. Patchy....but expected. I'm currently searching for a new job.... so I can afford the scruffiness....but it's quite possible that when I get an interview, I'll pull the Merkur back out. A necessary remission.

Onto the questions.

Is it imperative that I stick with the traditional grip on the blade and switch over to the left hand for the left side of my face? As I got the hang of it... I found myself primarily using my dominant hand and flipping the blade in all sorts of directions which gave me better positioning and control. I know there are benefits to time-tested methods....but I have found that the "one size fits all" approach doesn't always yield the best results.

Pressure on the blade. Most of the advice I have read emphasizes a no-pressure....but I think a little pressure is actually helping me get a good pass.

Last issue: I have watched some videos of a few gentlemen executing straight shaves with broad, sweeping strokes that generally use most of the blade. This contradicts some of the advice I have read which suggests small, incremental strokes using smaller portions of the blade. I attempted to emulate the former... and it seemed to work. I then used smaller portions of the blade on 'detail' spots, like the mustache area. Could it be that both methods are effective for dealing with different parts of the face?

I think I know what you will tell me.... Apply YMMV to every piece of advice... and do what works best. However, I am very interested in hearing your feedback about these issues I am confronting. Thanks in advance.

 

[Luc]

Good work on the shave!

To answer your questions.

The grip is up to you, do what you think it's best. I don't think we all hold the razor the same way.

To switch hands, that's up to you too. I do with a straight razor. Some don't and we all have the same end result. If you choose to use both hands, it's really strange for the first 0-10 shaves and then it's much much easier. But, you can use your dominant hand no worries.

If you think that you need pressure, that's up to you. When I apply some, I get razor bumps.

If you use a larger bit of the blade, you will shave quicker. I reckon it would be easier to use a smaller size of the blade so that way, you can make sure it's all right. With time, you will see what works best. I use most of the blade but not everywhere.

Finally, YMMV!

 

[The Don]

Congrats on getting the first one in the books! I'm only about a month ahead of you, but I can tell you that it's a very rewarding endeavor. The initial learning curve is steep, but stick with it!

Regarding the usage of one hand or two, I think the general opinion will be to do whatever you're more comfortable and confident with.

Regarding pressure, I think Jon's comment here is a helpful one: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/338595-Demaskee-s-Shave-Journal?p=4991150#post4991150

I find that short strokes are helpful in the beginning as it takes effort to be mindful of the blade's whereabouts relative to your face. Short strokes probably give a bit more control and lessen the likelihood of putting a tip into your ear lobe or something (not that I've ever done anything like that!). As I've gotten more confident, I've found my strokes lengthening without really realizing it.

I've found the maintenance of a journal really helpful. It's nice to re-visit and it's also helpful to those who come after you. There are a few out there that are really extensive and informative.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

AWESOME!!! Congrats on the first straight shave!!! Since you didn't mention any nicks, and extra special CONGRATS for coming away unscathed!
Basically, if it feels good, do it. I hold the razor with my right hand and stretch skin with my left hand - I have no desire to try to train my left hand to hold the blade.
Some guys are switch hitters, and that's fine too so, you are correct, YMMV.

As you get more confident, you may want to attempt longer strokes. I only use long strokes on a few areas: jaw line, sideburns and cheeks.

It sounds like you're off to a great start but, watch the overconfidence. Overconfidence causes more nicks than anything else - I have a nice, handsome 1" scar to prove it!!!

Have fun bro!!!

 

[Tarkington]

AWESOME!!! Congrats on the first straight shave!!! Since you didn't mention any nicks, and extra special CONGRATS for coming away unscathed!

As much as I'd like to claim this.....I can't. I had 2 very minor weepers... Insignificant in my books, but to keep the record straight, it happened.


Thank you all for the support so far... I'll be sure to be mindful of the pitfalls of overconfidence. The journal idea sounds good as well.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

Somebody said at some point in another thread somewhere that a straight razor is the ultimate adjustable razor, and I like to keep that in mind as I shave. Sometimes I switch hands, sometimes I go mostly with my dominant hand. Sometimes I use long, broad strokes with a large part of the blade, sometimes I make smaller swipes with more discrete sections of the edge.

I started last September, so take my track record into account when weighing my advice, but the more shaves I get under my belt, the more important I think it is to apply less and less pressure. When I do still wind up pressing, I tend to end up with slight irritation in those areas later. It gets less and less severe, and lasts less and less long, but if I can shave without pressure I can get a pretty well irritation-free shave. And that's an improvement over what I was able to get from a DE shave after doing it that way for almost 30 years.

Another thing I've picked up from others' comments here is to start using a more slicing stroke. I've seen it called guillotining, which I like. Basically, you slice, moving the blade at an angle, forward as well as down, rather than straight down, ninety degrees from the spine.

Weepers, sure, but a good cold water splash usually stops 'em up. Congratulations on the straight shave and enjoy the ride from here on.

 

[IMightBeWrong]

I gave two hands a shot for a few days and it was miserable. I had some TERRIBLE cuts that way. I have fantastic control with my right hand, though, and I have yet to get a single nick on the left side of my face while reaching over with my right. If anything, I get a better shave on that side than my right. Maybe I should try switching to my left for the right side?

 

[KMan]

just keep at it and DONT GIVE UP... personally i use both hands and do long sweeping strokes on the larger surface areas like cheeks and side burns...

the best piece of advice i can give is dont get over confident after your first great shave.... i made that mistake and also paid the price with bad burns and slices

just experiment as thats what learning is all about