First straight shave

[BigHairyGuy]

I bought a razor and strop from Ken over at Ruprazor. This morning I attempted to use them for the first time. It was an interesting experience. I'm definitely not comfortable with any aspect of it yet. I nicked my strop a couple of times getting ready. I had a lot of difficulty figuring out how to hold the razor for different parts of my face. I ended up holding it completely straight with my forefinger along the spine for most of it. My face feels rough and a bit abused right now.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and trying again.

 

[dakotaev]

Congrats on the first shave, mine was similarly awkward and rough on the skin, don't worry it gets better, and then better yet again several times. Keep with it and enjoy the beautiful shaves to come!

 

[natchez]

Sounds like your first shave was like mine- awkward, uncertain and mediocre. A few weeks keeping at it and you will be finding tiny imperfect areas and trying to figure out exactly how to hold the razor for that little spot

Just take it slow and you will do well. Good luck with the next go at it!

 

[luvmysuper]

I bought a razor and strop from Ken over at Ruprazor. This morning I attempted to use them for the first time. It was an interesting experience. I'm definitely not comfortable with any aspect of it yet. I nicked my strop a couple of times getting ready. I had a lot of difficulty figuring out how to hold the razor for different parts of my face. I ended up holding it completely straight with my forefinger along the spine for most of it. My face feels rough and a bit abused right now.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and trying again.

Only on B&B could these two statements go together!

Don't be discouraged, it certainly takes time.
Also don't get too hung up on having to see every single detail in the mirror, your hand invariably blocks some views and you'll get the hang of where to start after a few shaves.

You're in for some poor shaves - at the beginning.

But they do get better, and where to put your hands works out, and when it all comes together, the great shaves and the thrill of having mastered this complex art is quite exciting.

Make sure you've read and re-read the tutorial;

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Straight_Razor_Shaving

Good Luck

 

[Luc]

I bought a razor and strop from Ken over at Ruprazor. This morning I attempted to use them for the first time. It was an interesting experience. I'm definitely not comfortable with any aspect of it yet. I nicked my strop a couple of times getting ready. I had a lot of difficulty figuring out how to hold the razor for different parts of my face. I ended up holding it completely straight with my forefinger along the spine for most of it. My face feels rough and a bit abused right now.

I'm looking forward to tomorrow and trying again.

For your strop, use a high grit sandpaper to smooth the nicks such as 1200...

Here's a page on how to hold the straight, if you hold it like a Japanese straight razor, that's all right. The page isn't an obligation or exclusive grips, it's a guideline. http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/How_to_hold_a_Straight_Razor

The first shave often feels like that, I don't think I shaved anything the first time, well, the first 10 times. It then got better!

 

[gull]

Ah the first shave. You're results are fine so far. You're not dead so that's a good sign! I'm struggling with straights myself but it does get better, thankfully. Make sure you let your face rest and don't be afraid to use your DE in places you're not comfortable with. I still use my DE to touch up on my chin and mustache.

 

[BigHairyGuy]

I think you might find those two statements together on an S&M site, bit I've never looked.

 

[kg4ghn]

It gets better!

One thing that helped me see when I first started was standing at a 45 degree angle to the mirror. Now I just stand straight ahead and shave because I have gotten comfortable with the blade.

 

[BigHairyGuy]

I attempted my second shave today. Not as bad; I concentrated in my grip this time. I figure if I improve one aspect every time, eventually I'll do as well as I do with me DEs and SEs.

 

[natchez]

I attempted my second shave today. Not as bad; I concentrated in my grip this time. I figure if I improve one aspect every time, eventually I'll do as well as I do with me DEs and SEs.

You will do better and get even more comfortable shaves over time. What I noticed is that, as I have tried to figure this straight thing out, the shaves are as close, but there is less irritation to get there. Plus, it is just a heck of a lot of fun to shave this way. Most think I am off my rocker, which also helps with the fun part.