Thread: First Straight Shave and a question about blade and scale miss alignment.

Had my first go at a straight shave today. I recently bought a honed, shave ready W&B along with a whipped dog poor man. I can tell learning to strop is going to take a bit of practice. Anyway, on with the shave. I followed Lynn's advice from his video and only shaved from the side burn to the jaw line on each side of my face. I switched hands when I switched sides. Left hand was a bit awkward, but I think I will get used to it.
I am planning on going this route for a while, shave the side burn down on each side until it becomes natural. Then I will move on to other areas.

Question:
The razor I bought has a nice edge, at least I think so but I have 0 experience to compare to. The blade doesn't close down the middle of the scales and I noticed that i hit the scale once; what does this hitting do to the shave edge? It was a slight hit not a crash.

The only thing you want to touch that edge is your face. You may not have done much but I bet you did a little . Close your razor and put it back while you watch. Even a razor that centers perfect can be guided out of bounds very easy. A habit you should get into right off. Many more you will learn the hard way so just be careful. Keep your razor away from the faucet. This means find a way to wipe it off instead of rinsing under the water. Like being careful with the shave the same holds true for care and handling. Nothing you do is the end of the world but it can hit you in the wallet and leave some small scares.

Welcome to SRP!

10Pups has given you some great advice, it takes VERY little to damage an edge, a bump into a faucet or a shaving mug can send a razor back to the hones in a hurry.
I use a damp sponge to strop the lather off my blade while shaving, I don't want that edge anywhere near the faucet.
I have dulled edges doing just what you did, also by bumping them into things that were just in the area, so one must be careful and develop appropriate habits or honing will be in your immediate future.

Sounds like you have a good plan and I welcome you to SRP.

Welcome to the forum. The edge is a very delicate and fine tuned tool. You should probably be very careful for now and if you can find a senior member in your area it might be an idea to get them to adjust it but at the very least you can have that fixed on the next honing. It often can be fixed by adjusting the pin but care in the mean time is likely the best route. Glad to hear that progress is being made and the shaves are pleasurable.

Welcome to SRP

Hi and welcome. It will be a good idea to use two hands to close the razor making sure not to touch the scales. You may have done very minor damage or a small nick to the edge. If you can find someone local to access it that would be great but if not consider sending it off to a pro honer who could also get the blade to center properly as well