Thread: The Sting of the First Shave

Originally Posted by LeeringCorpse

Thanks for some more good ideas and the nice link. This seems to be a great community of people. Shaving went a bit better this morning, using less pressure sure helps. However I found it near impossible to keep little pressure on the skin and still be able to shave against the grain, it kept wanting to skip across the beard rather then cut it. Next time I’ll try using the linen side before I strop on the leather side, see if that will give me a bit sharper blade. I also tried some new angles, some worked better and some didn’t, just needs a bit of experimentation. As for my brush it’s badger hair, a simpson beaufort 4. When I lather up I only give the brush the light snap to remove a slight amount of water, then I start working up a lather. When I first ably the lather it is rather thin, but after I do the hot towel treatment the water soaks into the soap and with a little more brush work gives me a thick silky lather that just feels great going on.

In time the shave will become easier and you will be a pro at it, it takes practice and repetition to get it right. Everyone has a different beard, so the shave is different for everyone.

I still remember when I first started shaving, I just did not have a sharp enough blade so it would drag across my skin and was not entirely comfortable. I was also a tad shaking sticking an extremely sharp blade so close to so many important arteries. One slip and I would be in trouble.

Thanks for all the good info, I've already put it to good use. Stropping on the linen did give the blade a bit more sharpness, thank you for that good sir and next time I'm in town I'll look into some glycerin. I have to say this morning I got the closest shave to date. After looking at the Wiki I decided to try the scythe, guillotine and slice techniques. They are much better then the one I was using before. In one pass they sheered me closer then in two passes from my old technique. This is a great site with a help full and knowledgeable community. Thank you all for the help.

Glad to hear the shaving is going well!

Yes this forum is very helpful and the members are some of the best people I have ever met (and I haven't even met them).

Might I bug you for your routine:IE
pre prep-(example hot shower, hot towel)

equipment-strop how many what material
razor
soap/cream
brush

post shave-(warm water rinse, cold water rinse)
astringent(witch hazel alum bar)
aftershave(old spice, aqua velva)
moisturizer/balm(cornhuskers lotion)

also you mentioned a rapier in you OP are you a fencing man? I learned the foil and dabbled w/ the rapier but never got into the sabre myself.

My shave routine goes as thus

Pre shave: I usually do a hot towel treatment, seeing as most times I shower in the evenings.

The equipment :
My strop is a Straight Razor Design 2'' red ligato. I strop 30 passes on the linen side then 60 times on the leather side.
The razor I am using is a Dovo Solingen Best Quality
I use D.R. Harris Lavender scented shaving soap
And a Simpson Beaufort 4 pure badger brush

The Post shave: I do a warm water rinse to get all the soap out of my mutton chops
I do not use a astringent
Then D.R. Harris aftershave milk
As for a moisturizer, I don't use one. The aftershave milk keeps me well hydrated.

A fencing man, me? No, I'm just a chap that uses the odd simile now and then. Although when I was young I thought about doing some fencing, but didn't have the coin for it. And now the violin takes up most of my free time, as well as my spare funds.