So I did it (and I'm scared)

[maich]

I took the plunge, and bought a Scheon Burg 665. About three months ago I was using a Schick hydro 5 and whatever cream/gel was the cheapest, I made the switch to a DE. Then got a Feather AC roughly a month ago.

It was a gateway drug...I secretly wanted to have a real straight. I was scared of them, so much at once stropping, honing, shaving. I'm still scared more of ruining a razor or strop, but I figured it's been a month of daily use with a Feather. The blades are supposed to be as sharp or sharper than anything and I still have a face with no battle wounds how hard could it be? Now I just need to find a strop and hopefully figure this all out. Wish me luck...

 

[eljaydub]

Good luck! I got hooked too... first it was the badger and learning to make a good lather... then came the aftershaves and balms and then the DE... Now I went a little ebay crazy and picked up some straights. Currently I'm waiting for my strop and looking for someone in Germany to hone one of the straights for me so I can give it a try... they told me I could quit at any time... now my friends look at me funny and the SO is wondering how she lost the battle for bathroom counter space...

Let us know how it goes!

 

[kirisute]

Good luck to you!
but don't be scared! Be THRILLED!
its an adventure and a thrill and its a great way to shave!!
if you can't get the hang of stropping etc before you shave; then invest in a shavette and some razor blades...that way you can learn the technique and straight shave, and you can take the time to practice your stropping until your thoroughly happy!
good luck and happy shaving!

 

[AjaxLepinski]

Good luck! Every stroke of the blade is an act of will - you have to know exactly where the blade is at every moment.
Just start each stroke with the blade as nearly flat against your face as possible. Do a WTG on the side burn areas and if you feel confident, move on to other areas.
I only shaved my side burn area for about a week and finished with a DE until I developed a more confident hand.
It took about two weeks before I was able to shave my whole face and about two months before I got my first socially acceptable straight shave.
Other than that, have fun!!!

 

[global_dev]

The 665 is a frameback? Either way... awesome!!! Don't worry about ruining it, just be attentive and stay far away from sinks and never drop it. If you haven't knocked the feather yet, you should be fine.

Let us know how it goes!

 

[gash]

Oh, boy. You are in for some extreme fun. Also, I see a kamisori in your future.

 

[professorchaos]

Don't be scared. Be careful.

 

[Monsieur Blaireau]

Best of luck! You're in for a fun ride.

 

[maich]

The 665 is a frameback? Either way... awesome!!! Don't worry about ruining it, just be attentive and stay far away from sinks and never drop it. If you haven't knocked the feather yet, you should be fine.

Let us know how it goes!

Yes it's a frameback

Oh, boy. You are in for some extreme fun. Also, I see a kamisori in your future.

I'd love to have one eventually

 

[tomjr]

nice blade

 

[duderdo]

Japanese framebacks are great. Functional and a real sexy look, in my opinion. I had five at one point but chose a favorite and it's my only one.

 

[Kentos]

WOW heck of a starter razor!! Good luck!

 

[Brianskeet]

Congratulations!! You will an old salt in no time!!

 

[noahpictures]

You have good taste! It's all about the edge being shave ready. Let us know how the shave went.

 

[maich]

First shave went great. It felt huge compared to the feather in a good way, my cheek was one swoop and the cream disappeared. I don't have a strop yet so unfortunately the next shave is going to have to wait. Feedback was crazy honestly I could hear and feel what seemed to be every whisker that was being cut which I assume is due to the blade thickness and I'm not sure if I'm crazy about that. No cuts, two passes and no irritation which seems like is about all I could ever ask for on a first run.


Pics of my Japanese family all together lol.



Now to find a strop and fast

 

[maich]

Back with the feather today, it just felt right compared to the straight. Guess ill have to make a decision

 

[KW Driver]

take a newspaper, fold it in 3" folds, hang it over a towel rack, and strop away till some leather shows up. definately before you hshave and after you shave as well to dry the edge.

if you keep using the paper until you quit cutting it up, you may save some leather.

 

[California Cajun]

First shave went great. It felt huge compared to the feather in a good way, my cheek was one swoop and the cream disappeared. I don't have a strop yet so unfortunately the next shave is going to have to wait. Feedback was crazy honestly I could hear and feel what seemed to be every whisker that was being cut which I assume is due to the blade thickness and I'm not sure if I'm crazy about that. No cuts, two passes and no irritation which seems like is about all I could ever ask for on a first run.


Pics of my Japanese family all together lol.



Now to find a strop and fast

I suggest you get a 3" leather strop from Star Shaving. I'm not trying to push this vendor over others, other than to say the quality is good and it is cheaper. The reason for a cheaper strop is because you will likely cut it learning how and you might as well cut up one that costs less. I have the English Bridle strop, paid about $37.99, cut it up learning how to use it properly, and this vendor sold me a replacement piece of leather for $25 shipped.

This is the YouTube video that helped me learn how to strop the most.