Thread: First shave jitters?

Good for you! I think you'll find it will get easier each time. Keep using that non-dominant hand. I actually frequently use it to reach across to the dominant side. That is, I'm right-handed, and I frequently use my left hand to get a different angle on the left side of my face. Become as ambidextrous as possible!

Agreed on the overconfidence breeds cuts point! I was doing pretty well and then got too sure of myself and literally sliced my face.

Without being OCD about it, one must pay attention. Straights are not forgiving creatures, and spike-points are positively demonic.

The straight razor, much like a motorcycle, demands respect, vigilance, plus knowledge and skill.

In the early 80's I acquired a shavette from a hair dresser friend. Never was able to make my self use it. Was ready several times, just couldn't make myself. Of course, I was more handsome then

Then along comes the internet. Lo and behold, I find people that really use straight razors and I don't have to learn in isolation through trial and error (although there is still plenty of that!).

I think most everyone has some anxiety about the first shave with a straight. It is part of the experience. Consider it dues for joining the brotherhood.

I had my first shave last week, I was so excited. I was so stubborn that I didn't pay attention to the "first shave" article posted in Wiki. My cheeks, chin, adam's apple (surprisingly), all turned out ok. My neck was a difference story. The area of my neck between my chin and adam's apple turned fine, but for some reason, I keep getting nicks on the other parts of my neck.

Hey, I figure I'll be a quicker learner. I guess I just need more practice. LOL

Great job on the first successful shave, Bass!

Welcome, Bassmantweed!

I think we all have the jitters the first time we pick up a really sharp piece of steel that looks enormous when you put it up against the face--and then proceed to slide it down said face, sharp edge leading.

+1 to what others have said--relax (but pay attention!), take your time, and learn to use that non-dominant hand. If you're about to try something new and you don't feel comfortable, stop. You'll be surprised at how quickly you progress when you don't push it.

Good to have you on board!

Originally Posted by Bassmantweed

Well - I actually did it and I must say i did really well.

I did my whole face with the exception of where a goatee would be (lip and chin)

NOT A SINGLE NICK!!!!

I had a little trouble using my non dominant hand....... I think i want to try and use two hands rather than reaching across... any thoughts on this?

Keep practicing with your off hand. Its a skill that will pay off greatly as your skill increases.

Am I alone in this? I seem to get fewer cuts, and a better shave, with my off-hand. I suspect it's because I "learned right the first time" on the off hand? Maybe I pay more attention?

Someone else has said this--but it's true. For generations, all this shaving learning was taught to guys by their dads. What dad didn't know, your barber could tell you. I love the net, but I wish now I'd learned more from my dad.

it wasn't mainly his fault, either!

Originally Posted by LawsonStone

Am I alone in this? I seem to get fewer cuts, and a better shave, with my off-hand. I suspect it's because I "learned right the first time" on the off hand? Maybe I pay more attention?

Someone else has said this--but it's true. For generations, all this shaving learning was taught to guys by their dads. What dad didn't know, your barber could tell you. I love the net, but I wish now I'd learned more from my dad.

it wasn't mainly his fault, either!

Many of my soldiers have taken an interest in my journey into straight razor shaving and I was surprised to learn that most have never been to a traditional barbershop! I think we often learn too late that Dad or Granddad had so much more to teach us...

Really the only problem I am having at this point is making my sideburns square? If i square up the razor my hand is in my line of sight. I guess i need a sideburn grip on the razor - I just need to figure out what that is.