First Straight Shave Today

[dynagroove]

I picked up a starter kit on the BST a couple of weeks ago and I guess I was just being a big baby as to when I was actually gonna make a straight shave happen. Well today was the day. I was on 2 days growth and lathered up just as I would for a DE shave. I thought I would start out with a standard WTG pass and call it a day. The first pass was somewhat timid and the left side was awkward shaving with my left hand. The shave looked good, but there was plenty of stubble left. I lathered up for a 2nd pass WTG which was very smooth and went much more quickly. Now I was getting closer to what I know of as a close DE shave - not quite though. Tempting fate, I decided that I would go with XTG and a new way of holding the razor. Continued success. Finally, I had to hit those troublesome spots on my neck and under my chin. I comfortably moved to ATG and was able to knock down most of the problem areas. I had a few nicks under the chin, but all in all, this was a great shave! Total time was about 30 minutes.

I have to say that I'm hooked guys! I'm not ready to commit to shaving with a straight everyday, but I'll work straights into my weekly routine for sure. I can say that I've taken the "straight razor" from a mystical and potentially dangerous implement to a very useful tool.

A big thanks to all of you who have helped me with your posts and contributions, and to those that have sold me wonderful, shave ready gear at bargain basement prices!

 

[sychodelix]

Sounds like a win for the first shave! Keep it up. It gets better and closer the more you work at it.

 

[AcesOverEights]

Congrats! I'm right behind you, my man.

 

[gimpochin]

Ya done good

 

[dpmtherrien]

Congrats, and don't stop now.

 

[jpcwon]

Congratulations! I too thought that straight shaving would only be part-time thing, but I quickly got hooked & now do it every day. Maybe you will too!!

 

[dynagroove]

Thanks for the encouragement gents! I tried again for a straight shave this afternoon, but this time I was using an antique store acquisition that felt pretty sharp when I bought it. Since the blade looked good, I thought I would give it a spin on the finishing stone that I received with my starter kit. I thought that it felt damn close to the shave ready razor that came with my kit. It was sharp enough to shave with, but it became obvious pretty quickly with the amount of tugging that the blade needed to be honed again. So I finished the shave with 2 WTG passes and called it good. This razor is a spike tip which was a bit of fun to try and manage, but I'm learning quickly about concentration level and respect for the blade.

 

[Krodor]

I think someone has just joined the ranks! Nice!

 

[gash]

Congratulations. When learning to shave with a straight, the most important thing to avoid is death.

 

[Firewalker]

Sweet! Thanks for the encouragement!

 

[coolbus18]

Congrats! It's a neat process learning to shave with a straight. Enjoy!!