Thread: Another first shave down

I always see these threads, and I know they're repetitive, but I think this is a very memorable experience that I'd share with you guys.

So... I finally shaved with a straight razor... and guess what?!? It was amazing! It took a long time, as I have a fairly stiff beard and a few days of growth, but with two passes WTG I managed to chop that sucker down. I missed a few spots (directly under my nose and right next to my ear) but otherwise this is the closest shave I've gotten while still being comfortable.

I knicked myself once but by the end of my shave I couldn't even tell where I knicked myself. I must say, I was very intimidated at first, expecting to get pretty sliced up. My Alpha 6/8 I bought from Ken (Kenrup) was very forgiving and provided me an excellent shave.

After my shave, I put on some aftershave and my Anthony Logistics Ingrown Hair Treatment (with alcohol). Unbelievably (to me) I felt less burn than I do when I shave with my DE, as alcohol is a great indicator of where you screwed up.

Anyway, thanks for listening to my story, I'm glad my RAD is not going to be just collecting but actually shaving with the razors . My only question (for now I suppose), how do I dry the blade? I used my towel (that I was still wearing from my shower) but I used it very gingerly so as not to dull or roll the blade.

Congratulations on the shave! Gentle stropping on a dry towel can work ok. To be sure, some like to strop one or two laps on leather or flat newsprint (my personal fav) to "gently" dry the very edge.

I'm rather picky about drying though, since I live in a humid climate most of the year. Meaning that I often use mineral/camellia oil even after drying.

Another question... I see Joel from the Badger and Blade forum in Mantic's video shaving with a straight. He seems to shave straight down on every stroke. My grain direction is not necessarily downward, especially on my neck. Should I shave straight down like Joel or try to still go in the direction of the grain?

I have slight razor bumps today (the day after my first straight shave) and I was just wondering how to improve my shave. Thanks guys!

I have only managed to get to my fifth shave with a straight as yet and cut myself only once per shave. Sometimes I can get away without a cut. The shaves are excellent but could use some work as the safety is helping out on the chin area, which is something less then perfect with the straight.

Very well done! The direction of growth on my face is
not always down as well, and I shave with the direction
of the growth. For me, this is upwards near the bottom
of my neck.

Good luck!

- Scott

Any suggestions on shaving a head? I havent takin that step to buy a razor yet Im still in the researching process (I want to be able to shave my husbands head and yes...he trusts me lmao) any suggestions, tips and advice would help so much.

Thanks,
Shakes

To be honest, I do not have any info on shaving heads. I cut mine down to a 1mm cut with clippers but never actually SHAVE my head. Anybody know if those yellow head-shavers work well?

Head hair is not as tough as beard hair so it takes an extra sharp blade. I would suggest trying a bunch of small strokes rather then any long passes. You may need to strop up a few times as the head is a large area to cover.

The yellow head blades work great. Dovo also sells a head blade if that is more your style.

Be sure to watch the ears...