just finished my first shave about an hour ago, i went in to it very positive but that was false bravado. 5 bleeders, but certainly cant say it was in a problem area as they were nicely placed around my face. i am still not sure what all i did wrong but it seems to be plenty. in hindsight though i think i did not pay enough attention to stretching the skin and that is most likely where those nicks came from? on the plus side by the end of (well i cant actually call it a shave) i did figure out the light touch. all in all a very humbling experience and i have oh so much to learn about grips and angles.i am going to have to set aside a larger block of time for my shaves for now. and i am hoping that this becomes somewhat easier in the not too distant future.
well that was humbling
- Thread starter sanfranciscian
- Start date
Practice makes perfect. It does not sound too disastrous.
Sounds quite typical for a first straight shave.
Make sure you have realistic expectations going into this new adventure.
The learning curve with a straight is steeper than a DE, figure it will take you double the amount of time to get excellent quality shaves as it did with the DE.
I am 22 shaves in, and starting to get repeatable passable results. Prior to that, I was using a secondary razor for touch ups after I was done straight shaving. I can get results now that are socially acceptable, and don't need the secondary razor for touch-up. They are still quite far away from being as close as a DE/SE/Injector razor though.
Make sure you have realistic expectations going into this new adventure.
The learning curve with a straight is steeper than a DE, figure it will take you double the amount of time to get excellent quality shaves as it did with the DE.
I am 22 shaves in, and starting to get repeatable passable results. Prior to that, I was using a secondary razor for touch ups after I was done straight shaving. I can get results now that are socially acceptable, and don't need the secondary razor for touch-up. They are still quite far away from being as close as a DE/SE/Injector razor though.
Antique Hoosier
“Aircooled”
You completed your first shave and recognized a major component. Practice and you are well on your way! Congrats!
Antique Hoosier
“Aircooled”
This is a MAJOR leap forward when you throw that crutch of a DE or "finishing tool" away. Hey,..... I did it too! Only after I resolved to using JUST the open blade razor from start to finish did I really advance. Good on you young man!!!
Before each stroke, deliberately follow a routine. Plan your stroke. Place your stretching hand. Stretch the skin. Position the razor away from your face. Start your stroke with the razor away from your face and gently lower the razor until it makes contact.
Keep at it. I think everyone's first few shaves were less than they were expecting. It is worth it.
Keep at it. I think everyone's first few shaves were less than they were expecting. It is worth it.
It took me.......oh.....over a year I think, on and off and I still get better every time I go back to a straight. Think of it like learning to play a musical instrument and don't be at all hard on yourself. Remember, before 1903, lads probly started fooling around with shaving at 16 or 17 and had both the combined knowledge of the whole world as there was no alternative and the rest of their lives to perfect the art. I'm therefore at about the stage of an 18y.o. from 1860. That's good enough for me.
You're doing fine. Excel at WTG! Once you master WTG then try WTG + 45 degrees. Ease your way around the horn. By experimentation determine how many degrees after WTG you can manage without producing razor burn.
Congrats on completing the first shave, and don't worry it takes time and practice to get the shave you want with a straight.
Indeed i haven't long been getting good shaves myself it will come together just give it time and lots and lots of patience.
The good news is, It only gets better from here. My first straight shave sucked too. Concentrate on the angles and youll get it.
- Thread starter
- #13
thanks all for your encouragement, tried it again today but i was a little to wary and had some sore spots ie nicks from yesterday and since it didnt feel right i just put the razor down before i did some real damage. guess i will let the face heal and try again in a few days.
Humbling? Perhaps. But if shaving with a straight were easy, everyone might still be doing it. My first straight shave took close to 45 minutes and the results were less than stellar. Congratulations are, however, in order. The first shave is the hardest.
Sounds like the better part of valour! If it hurts it won't be a good shave no matter what you do! Keep at it, I am on shave 5 and it is getting better each day!
In my opinion, you did pretty well. Remember this moment so you can enjoy your progress!
Congrats on having the first one down! Stick with it. The learning curve is longer than a DE, but it will be worth it.
I got great shaves back in the mid 70s, when I was in good practice with a straight razor. One thing I learned back then about straight shaving is that the way to get bad results is to hurry it up.
I tried to rush one a bit recently. This rule has not changed at all!
I tried to rush one a bit recently. This rule has not changed at all!
- Thread starter
- #19
thanks again to all for their encouragement, i still am giving the face a little heal time and had serious thoughts that this might not be the shaving medium for me and that may prove to be the case but not until i have given it my best.
You're in good company. Pass the styptic pencil...
