Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12
Results 11 to 17 of 17
Like Tree10Likes

Thread: no longer a virgin to staright razor shaving

  1. #11
    Member OldSalt's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2014
    Location
    Hamburg, Germany
    Posts
    95
    Thanked: 18

    Default

    Congrats on getting started. I'm sure you'll get the hang of it.

    I remember my first SR shave in the late 80's as if it was yesterday. I dove in and did the whole shave with a DOVO I bought in a little hardware store. It wasn't shave ready, which I didn't know anything about then. I did the whole thing in one pass and shaved over my face in different directions without relathering. It cut me up pretty bad the first five times or so. Precious blood to gain me experience. After that and probably due to wrong stropping I guess it was really dulled and some weeks later I quit.

    With what I know now I would start just like you did: Take my time and make sure the razor is sharp.

    Better shaves,
    OldSalt
    apipeguy likes this.

  2. #12
    Silky Smooth
    Join Date
    Sep 2008
    Location
    Southern California
    Posts
    798
    Thanked: 154

    Default

    Hi path,

    When shaving with the grain (direction of hair growth) about 30 degrees is a good blade angle. (Going shallower can result in partially-cut, "shredded" whiskers. But like the other fellows said, don't press down on the razor; just let the razor touch your skin with a feather-light touch.

    When shaving against the direction of growth, then it is a good idea to keep the angle quite low - about a spine width or even less. Otherwise, the razor will pull and tug at the whiskers. Keeping the blade angle low going across or against the grain will result in a smooth glide through the whiskers.

    The main idea at all times is to keep the angle of the blade aiming to cut as straight across the shafts of the whiskers as possible.

    To repeat, remember to always keep the pressure of the edge against your skin very, very, very light. It's the abrasion of the edge against the skin that causes a lot of the razor-burn one can experience.

    This all might sound kind of complicated. But it won't be long before you'll be automatically changing the razor to the best angle as you shave without even thinking about it.

    Be careful and have fun!

    Jeff
    de gustibus non est disputandum



  3. #13
    Senior Member Ernie1980's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2013
    Location
    Texas
    Posts
    1,568
    Thanked: 269

    Default

    That's what I did to start too, just shave a cheek! It will gets easier as time goes on, just don't rush your progress. I remember shaking when I first put that razor near my face...

  4. #14
    ~ Life is but a Dream ~ petercp4e's Avatar
    Join Date
    Dec 2014
    Location
    Oakham, Ma.
    Posts
    3,833
    Thanked: 1217

    Default

    Congratulations on a new beginning. If you remember that we were all in your shoes once, and that learning the age old art of straight razor shaving will be one of lifes most rewarding experiences, you will enjoy the journey immensely. Keep at it and enjoy the ride down the rabbit hole! You will find all of the encouragement and advice that you need here.

    Pete <:-}
    "Life is short, Break the Rules. Forgive quickly, Kiss Slowly,
    Love truly, Laugh uncontrollably, And never regret ANYTHING
    That makes you smile." - Mark Twain

  5. #15
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    Ct
    Posts
    13
    Thanked: 1

    Default

    Congrats, I just did my first shave this morning. I was planning on just doing sideburns down but couldn't stop myself and ended up doing 2 passes. Very nerve racking but well worth it. A couple times there was a gasp and a uh-oh but I only had one small nick.
    outback likes this.

  6. #16
    Member
    Join Date
    Jun 2015
    Location
    Sacramento, CA
    Posts
    33
    Thanked: 5

    Default

    Congrats and welcome to Humpglide. We are on the same journey; I just finished my 20th SR shave and I can assure you it gets better each time. I am a long way from having the process down. I was amazed in the beginning as well and I couldn't stop either. For some reason it is very addictive.

    Enjoy!!!
    Humpglide likes this.

  7. #17
    Senior Member
    Join Date
    Aug 2015
    Location
    oswego, new york
    Posts
    277
    Thanked: 28

    Default

    Hey its a great addiction being well groomed no matter how far you take it. I just live for my morning shave and the smell of my chosen cologne or aftershave. I even have some hair tonic as well.
    The women at work may tease me about it, bur there is nothing live a great shave.

Page 2 of 2 FirstFirst 12

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •