Results 1 to 8 of 8
  1. #1
    Junior Member
    Join Date
    Mar 2009
    Location
    Tucson, Az
    Posts
    8
    Thanked: 0

    Default First time be gentle

    So i just finished my first shave with a straight razor. I used a 5/8 dubl duck goldedge i picked up from the classifieds. All in all i'd say it was pretty good. Not the best shave i've had but not the worst either. I wouldnt call it painful but it did scratch a bit but less than with my safety razor. A couple of small nicks as i suspected but nothing that didnt stop with a splash of cold water. The hardest part was above the lip, chin and my neck. Also being a righty and trying to switch to my left hand to get the other side of my face. It was strange holding a straight and trying to find the proper angle to get to some of those tougher spots. Got some pretty wicked razor burn too but i'm expecting that to stop happening as i get more experience. Guess i need to spend some more time watching video and reading the wiki. But i would still chalk this up as a successful step in the right direction

  2. #2
    Professional Pedantic Pontificator
    Join Date
    Apr 2009
    Location
    Monmouth, OR - USA
    Posts
    1,163
    Thanked: 317

    Default

    From what I hear, that's a razor you can't go wrong with.

    Don't worry too much about the nicks a burn. Today was shave #5 for me, and I'm already getting the hang of switching sides and while I did irritate some existing razor burn, I didn't make any new burn, and I didn't nic myself at all today.

    Just stay relaxed and enjoy it. I'm sure we'll both be old pros in no time.

  3. #3
    Retired Developer
    Join Date
    Mar 2008
    Location
    Berlin
    Posts
    3,490
    Thanked: 1903

    Default

    Welcome to SRP, and enjoy your stay here.

    Keep in mind that shaving with a straight is an acquired art which takes months rather than weeks to learn. You might indeed want to go through the Beginner's guide to straight razor shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki again. You are trying to do all at once, and that approach might lead to disappointment. While shaving itself seems the most daunting task, it is only one part of the straight shaving equation. I would encourage you to get your stropping and preparation absolutely right first. You will get dissatisfactory results with a dull(ish) razor, dry foam, or too little stretching, I can promise you that.

    That said, I did exactly what you did, dove right in, got nicked, did not mind. After all, there is a certain manliness aspect to straight shaving, too...

  4. #4
    Slick 50 Raudrive's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Dickinson, Texas
    Posts
    162
    Thanked: 20

    Default Welcome to SRP

    Sounds like you are on track. Rarely do I read of someone getting it right the first time, like never. There are so many variables to straight razor shaving that need to be learned. That is what makes straight shaving fun and a challenge. The learning curve is fast.

    Hang in there, it gets much better quickly.

  5. #5
    Senior Member AlanII's Avatar
    Join Date
    Apr 2008
    Posts
    1,689
    Thanked: 244

    Default

    Sounds like you're doing well. As others have said, read around here, there's a wealth of useful information and generosity. Welcome.

  6. #6
    Mostly Harmless mlangstr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Nov 2008
    Location
    Netherlands
    Posts
    566
    Thanked: 103

    Default

    Welcome Cowboy!,

    Looks like you just dove in the straight pool..
    Razorburn can mean a couple of things.. too much pressure, to many time over the same spot. too steep of an angle or a beard prep that could use some more attention.

    The shaves will probably get better pretty soon..

    Have fun,

    Maarten

  7. #7
    Striving for a perfect shave. GeauxLSU's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2009
    Location
    Louisiana
    Posts
    850
    Thanked: 235

    Default

    You're getting there. There's a learning curve to a straight, but nothing practice won't solve.
    I strop my razor with my eyes closed.

  8. #8
    Senior Member blabbermouth jnich67's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2006
    Location
    Westchester NY
    Posts
    2,485
    Thanked: 184

    Default

    Always be gentle...

    Jordan

Posting Permissions

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