Thread: Newbie With Beard

Hi All. I am a newbie with a straight razor. Have a Dovo Bismarck 6/8" that I got from SRD hopefully honed by Lynn. I have a Van Dyke beard so shaving with an SR has its challenges. The mustache is a pencil-thin type and the beard close cropped on the chin. I shave below the lower lip and have to cleanup under the nose above the 'stach. I also only shave twice a week because I like the look of one-two days growth. Right now I only shave WTG and I'm getting more comfortable using my left hand but it is still shaky. Only nicked myself once and almost cut into my upper cheek but felt the blade grab and backed off quickly. Right now I finish everything off with a Harry's Truman, which I was using before I got the SR. I will say that with the combination I am getting the closest shaves I've ever felt in my very long life (official senior citizen). I have a pure badger brush and also picked up what is supposed to be a chip dip cooler that works perfect as a skuttle. Love the warm lather shave.

What I love is that shaving has become a ritual for me and it is very meditative. We are in the midst of a drought, so I don't run the sink water. I heat my water up in a pan on the stove, pour it into a pan that hold a towel and some into the skuttle. I whip up my lather and then use the towel on my face before I get started. I strop prior to preparing the water -- getting better at that all the time. I am careful, slow and deliberate when I shave and will probably continue to be since it is part of my ritual/meditation. I have to say I like shaving like this. It does take a good half-hour or more, so I plan accordingly.

My only regret is that I didn't start doing this sooner in my life.

Welcome to the party! It sounds like you're well on your way, especially if it's already enjoyable. I still consider myself a noob even after 7-8 months shaving almost daily, but it took me many shaves until it reached the enjoyable level. And really that's what it's all about at the end of the day.

Rusty,

Congrats on the new Bismarck!!! That is the SR that I am looking into purchasing as my first. That or the Dove Gentlemen. I too am a newbie to the scene. I currently use a Parker Shavette. I share in your enthusiasm with the ritual wet shaving provides. It does take me a long time though. I have not yet tried using my left hand. I use my right for both sides of my face. I find most of my trouble is around the chin. I hope you continue to enjoy your new SR!

-Videdster

Rusty,

I, too, have a beard (though mine is full), and I shaved with a straight for the first time a couple days ago. It's really an amazing experience isn't it?!?

Have you ever used a 7/16 or 1/4 " razor for designer beards and mustaches?They are made for your type of shaving

Originally Posted by semperfi6141

Have you ever used a 7/16 or 1/4 " razor for designer beards and mustaches?They are made for your type of shaving

I'm just getting started with SR shaving and hadn't even thought of such a razor. I'll look around. Thanks.

Originally Posted by semperfi6141

Have you ever used a 7/16 or 1/4 " razor for designer beards and mustaches?They are made for your type of shaving

The smaller blades really are much easier to maneuver in the tight spots. Also good for hollows on the neck etc

Originally Posted by eddy79

The smaller blades really are much easier to maneuver in the tight spots. Also good for hollows on the neck etc

google "typ coiffeur" they generally are small blades 3/8, 7/16 or so. coiffeur is a male hairdresser or barber, typ coiffeurs are great for styling and modeling beard styles and hairlines. c-mon made a nice one if you can find one for sale. if you cant find anything send me a pm, I have a bunch of 3/8ish razors that would work well.

I am a fan of the "smaller" blades... only use 4/8 or under now. That said, I think you got a great razor to begin with. I think you'll really like it.

The smaller blades may indeed be great for a multitude of reasons, but they take a little more dexterity initially.

Like any sport, you try different equipment as you progress. Congrats on getting started and welcome!

OTOH, i've learned that I can "pick off" one whisker at a time when trimming up beard lines with anything from 8/8 to 4/8. I love the little 4/8 for the sharpness and smile, but really prefer a 7/8 or 15/16 out on the "open cheek" even for the upper lip.

Welcome and enjoy, lather well!

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oh and, that goatee in the avatar i didn't shave until after i had a pretty good handle on the SR. This kept my chin safe for some longer time. I do keep longish sideburns and a lower lip patch when "full shaving". When i do a "full" beard i keep my upper lip and lower neck clear. Get the best shaves with at least 48 hours stubble.