Hey everyone, I've been lurking in this subforum for a while and finally took the plunge and purchased a straight razor. (Link to my intro thread)
I just finished shave number 2 last night. Overall, it came out okay.
For my first shave, I tried to keep my razor at a 30 degree angle and use ZERO pressure, only the weight of the blade. I took lots of small passes, and it felt like the blade skipped around a lot. I only went with the grain, and ended the shave with what looked and felt smooth (as long as I rubbed my face with the grain). I had a lot of trouble with my chin area, and ultimately gave up, cleaning it up with a cartridge razor I had nearby. No nicks, no burn from the alum block, and overall pretty pleased that I didn't walk away looking like horror film. I didn't like the bouncing around, and the shave wasn't comfortable... but I have never liked shaving, so I just chalked it up to that. If you didn't read my intro, this was my first time wet shaving at all, so I'm sure I could have lathered my soap incorrectly or applied it wrong or any number of things.
After the shave, I stropped my razor 25 times on the fabric side, then 50 on the leather side. I repeated the process right before my second shave.
I gave myself two days growth and went for the second shave.
For the second shave, I kept the angle much shallower, maybe 10-15 degrees instead of 30, and I used slightly more pressure than just the blade weight (thanks to @smokey0325 for his thread on pressure). The shave felt MUCH better. Instead of stuttering all over my face, I felt practically no resistance, just the sound of cutting hair. I was able to take longer strokes more comfortably, and I probably finished my shave in less than half the time of the first one. I was already more comfortable doing my cheeks, neck, and nose/lip area. I tackled my chin with more confidence than my first shave, and actually managed to do a pass on all of it, but not well. I ended up with a nick in the middle of my chin - it didn't weep or anything, just some blood rose to the surface. I cleaned it up with the cartridge again, since I looked a little bit like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Rubbing my face with the alum block produced a slight tingle on my chin, but no burning sensations.
The biggest takeaway from this second shave is that it actually feels good to shave with a straight razor. I'm sure it feels good shaving with a safety razor, but my previous experience was only with cartridge razors. I typically just buzz down my beard once a week with an electric trimmer. Shaving with a cartridge, even daily, felt like I was trying to rip sandpaper from my face. My beard is coarse and thick and grows fast.
With the straight razor on that second shave, I took down two days growth and I couldn't even feel the hairs leaving. I'm actually looking forward to my next shave and getting more comfortable with the razor and lather.
For gear, I purchased a shave ready kit from StraightRazors.com - it included a "Grim Dollar" instead of a Gold Dollar. After looking through the forums post-purchase, I kind of wish I had researched more and purchased a vintage razor from someone that was ready to go... but, for the price, it was nice to just get the things I need and give it a shot.
I will do my best to update this as I make milestones. I really enjoyed reading through @GearNoir 's thread on his journey into straight shaving.
I just finished shave number 2 last night. Overall, it came out okay.
For my first shave, I tried to keep my razor at a 30 degree angle and use ZERO pressure, only the weight of the blade. I took lots of small passes, and it felt like the blade skipped around a lot. I only went with the grain, and ended the shave with what looked and felt smooth (as long as I rubbed my face with the grain). I had a lot of trouble with my chin area, and ultimately gave up, cleaning it up with a cartridge razor I had nearby. No nicks, no burn from the alum block, and overall pretty pleased that I didn't walk away looking like horror film. I didn't like the bouncing around, and the shave wasn't comfortable... but I have never liked shaving, so I just chalked it up to that. If you didn't read my intro, this was my first time wet shaving at all, so I'm sure I could have lathered my soap incorrectly or applied it wrong or any number of things.
After the shave, I stropped my razor 25 times on the fabric side, then 50 on the leather side. I repeated the process right before my second shave.
I gave myself two days growth and went for the second shave.
For the second shave, I kept the angle much shallower, maybe 10-15 degrees instead of 30, and I used slightly more pressure than just the blade weight (thanks to @smokey0325 for his thread on pressure). The shave felt MUCH better. Instead of stuttering all over my face, I felt practically no resistance, just the sound of cutting hair. I was able to take longer strokes more comfortably, and I probably finished my shave in less than half the time of the first one. I was already more comfortable doing my cheeks, neck, and nose/lip area. I tackled my chin with more confidence than my first shave, and actually managed to do a pass on all of it, but not well. I ended up with a nick in the middle of my chin - it didn't weep or anything, just some blood rose to the surface. I cleaned it up with the cartridge again, since I looked a little bit like Shaggy from Scooby Doo. Rubbing my face with the alum block produced a slight tingle on my chin, but no burning sensations.
The biggest takeaway from this second shave is that it actually feels good to shave with a straight razor. I'm sure it feels good shaving with a safety razor, but my previous experience was only with cartridge razors. I typically just buzz down my beard once a week with an electric trimmer. Shaving with a cartridge, even daily, felt like I was trying to rip sandpaper from my face. My beard is coarse and thick and grows fast.
With the straight razor on that second shave, I took down two days growth and I couldn't even feel the hairs leaving. I'm actually looking forward to my next shave and getting more comfortable with the razor and lather.
For gear, I purchased a shave ready kit from StraightRazors.com - it included a "Grim Dollar" instead of a Gold Dollar. After looking through the forums post-purchase, I kind of wish I had researched more and purchased a vintage razor from someone that was ready to go... but, for the price, it was nice to just get the things I need and give it a shot.
I will do my best to update this as I make milestones. I really enjoyed reading through @GearNoir 's thread on his journey into straight shaving.
Last edited:
