Thread: First straight on the way, any advice?

I've been shaving with a DE along with a proper lather for more than a year and I just decided to jump into the world of straight razors. I already have the fundamentals of good lather, beard mapping and reduction, and NO PRESSURE. I've been reading everything I can on the first shave and proper technique. Anything else I can/should do while I'm waiting for my stuff to arrive?

What are you waiting for:
Make of razor, new used?
Shave ready or factory edge?
Strop?

We need this info before anyone can give advice. But start slow. Maybe just the cheeks then progress to the chin and upper lip and finally the neck.

I would visualise myself successfully shaving!

Nah, there's not a lot you can do before your first shave besides research. Probably the best research is on getting a good razor (not a cheap rubbish one that wont hold an edge) that has been properly honed by a professional. If you get that far you've done well, and the rest is about learning technique which can only really happen through practice and use.

God luck, hope your gear arrives soon.

James.

Don't take this the wrong way, but make sure you have a styptic pencil at hand. Not that you should expect a nick, but it's always good to be prepared.

Do as much homework and watch as many video's s you can. Then enjoy the learning process!
Good luck!

Pete <:-}

Agree w/ pensacola tiger. You may also want some witchazel, and alum block, if you cant find alum block, go to local drug store and look in the deoderant isle for ( crystal deoderant) its the same thing. And maybe some glycerin.

Make sure you have no distractions and plenty of time. You do not want to rush the experience and if you are pressed for time or have other distractions you will not be able to focus on the razor. Remember to pay attention to the whole edge. While the middle may be smoothly removing hair the heel or toe can be digging into your skin.

Do you stretch your skin while shaving with a DE? You will need to stretch the skin to shave with a straight.

Take it slow at first and expect to finish with a DE for awhile. Also do some practice stropping with a butter knife or similar dull razor shaped object to help avoid strop damage

I've got a shave ready no-name vintage solingen blade from the classifieds here on the way.

Originally Posted by PensacolaTiger

Don't take this the wrong way, but make sure you have a styptic pencil at hand. Not that you should expect a nick, but it's always good to be prepared.

Haha no worries! I'm a big proponent of being prepared, so I'll probably do that. I also already have witch hazel and glycerin on hand, so I should be alright in that department.

Thanks for the help and all the suggestions guys!

If i could ad watch also video about stropping, the shave is really important so as proper stropping. I'm still a newbie in straight shaving but improper stropping will ruin your edge and you will get problems whit your shave. A lots of veteran shaver gave me that advices start whit a butter knive and when you get the tech done you'll be able to keep a good edge. Gino