ok, so yesterday I tried !!

[LordTyranus]

Hi gents,

After a few months of hesitation and lots of reading, I finally plunged into straight razor shaving.

On saturday, I got my Dovo back after professional honing and tried my first shave yesterday.

At first, the most difficult was not having a shaking hand !!!!
Cheeks and neck went quite well, but the mustache and chin were horrible : not enough space, too many angle...

I finally did a 3-pass shave (probably 1 too many but did not want to waste my Martin de Candre lather ), all with the grain, I was not confident enough to try XTG or ATG.

I finished with an alcohol-based splash to make a comparison with my usual DE shaving. Surprisingly, it did not burn more than after a DE shave, except on these da..ed mustache and chin.
But still, I felt more razor burn than with my DE not so long after the shave.

Obviously, the result was not the BBS shave I'm used to with my Futur, but it was pretty acceptable.

Next time, I'll try only 2 passes WTG and XTG and hope to improve the result !!!

 

[valmara1971]

This is exactly why mine went off to another B&Ber. I tried it and didn't like it but I know now my razor wasn't honed but it still put me off for life.

I'm sure the str8ers will be along with some great advice soon enough.

 

[DE Shaver]

Next time, I'll try only 2 passes WTG and XTG and hope to improve the result !!!

Your technique will improve and the shaves will get better. I wouldn't change too many variables, so stick a regimen and refine it until you get the results you want.

 

[bonusmarple]

I experimented off and on for about a year before I got it right. One tip I would give would be to use your DE to touchup after the straight. I never saw the point of wearing a bad shave just because you are learning.

 

[dpmtherrien]

I'm still learning myself after about 3 months. Yes it does get better, and easier. Just stay with it. Do the easy parts. sideburns, cheeks, and as your technique and confidence improve move to other area's.

There's nothing wrong with finishing up with your DE. You want the shave to not only look good, but to be comfortable too. As time goes on you'll find yourself using the DE less and less.