Took plunge. Cue anxiety.

[blindmouse]

I've been DE shaving for about a year now and after toying with the idea of straights, and reading a lot on here, finally ordered a sight unseen razor from Whipped Dog.

Now as I excitedly wait for it to arrive, I have read the occasional horror story that I didn't see before, and a tinge of anxiety has set in. Not bad enough to reconsider though. A splash of scotch is probably as good as a suture I figure.

Anywho, you'll likely find me in the straight shave clinic forum in a couple weeks!

 

[Doc226]

Welcome to the club.

Take your time and you will be fine.

Limit the shave to WTG for a week or two. I would also suggest a WTG pass with a DE followed by WTG with the straight. Less hair to remove while you learn the hold and angles.

Keep the razor almost flat on your face, need a deliberate stroke, never rest the edge on your face, always start the straight moving before placing on face.

 

[SIG9]

Everything Doc said. Also, take it one shave at a time. Each subsequent shave will get better.

 

[professorchaos]

Don't sweat it. We all started out having to do it for the first time. All you need to do is get through that first shave. It won't be a good shave but you'll realize that it isn't as easy to cut yourself as you anticipated.

The real threat comes later, once you become confident.

 

[jcblough]

I'm with ya. Just ordered mine tonight. I definitely had an "ohh crap" moment afterwards.

 

[sugra]

The real threat comes later, once you become confident.

Too true. I've done my worst when feeling my best.

Good luck with it, mouse. Read up, take your time and you'll be just fine.

 

[gash]

Dibs on the OP's estate.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

Anxiety prevents nicks while overconfidence produces them.
Always be a little anxious and you will always be safe. Have fun!!!

 

[tomjr]

WELCOME !! to the darkside.

 

[tezza]

Anxiety prevents nicks while overconfidence produces them.
Always be a little anxious and you will always be safe. Have fun!!!

Yep, too true!

 

[totorlekiller]

Actually, the first few times were not the one with the most nicks for me.
I was so concentrated and careful that no (major blood) was shed. Meaning, not more than a Mach 3.
It is after a dozen time or so, that I got more cocky and did a few stupid mistake.
Nothing bad. I still have not bother to get a styptic pen.

I found that I get a more nicks when the razor gets duller and considering Larry's reputation, that is not a problem you'll be having for a while.

 

[wherndon]

Actually, the first few times were not the one with the most nicks for me.
I was so concentrated and careful that no (major blood) was shed. Meaning, not more than a Mach 3.
It is after a dozen time or so, that I got more cocky and did a few stupid mistake.

This too is me, I have a nice scar on my lower lip, but I still enjoy straights over that electric thing I used to use...
Slow and easy.
No going back for me!

 

[AjaxLepinski]

My girlfriend walked by in her knickers while I was straight shaving... they aren't called knickers for nothing!

 

[BDF]

Wouldn't they be called knickhims then?

Brian

My girlfriend walked by in her knickers while I was straight shaving... they aren't called knickers for nothing!

 

[BarbaGnosa]

Don't sweat it. Do your homework: read a guide like Whipped Dog's straight razor guide. See some videos, of which there are a number referenced on the ShaveWiki. Then give yourself a nice, leisurely, relaxed time to do your prep right and just start slowly. I just had my first SR shave on Memorial Day, and had a blast -- got a surprisingly damn fine shave with only two microweepers. That took like 20 minutes. Today I had my second, and shaved in only about 10 minutes, with just one little nick, and still a damn fine shave (both times my right cheek is BBS). If you've got a well honed shave ready blade from WhippedDog, do your homework, do great prep, go slow, my own experience (and I've only been DE shaving five months) suggests it can be a smooth transition.

 

[Alum of Potash]

Good luck. On top of everything you'll have to deal with from the start, there's the question of using one hand or both. I started with both, and it was surprising how easy it was to use my non-dominant hand after a little practice.