Thread: Failed

Well, last night I tried to shave for the first time with a Straight and failed. Couldn't do it. I have a 2-3 week beard, but planned on only shaving the neck area. Soon as I put the razor to the skin, it just wouldn't move. Felt it grab, scared to put pressure on the blade and decided to hang it up for the night. I'm not sure if it would have made any difference, but I was using regular shaving cream with no shaving brush. I'm waiting for my brush to come in the mail (hopefully this weekend).

Good shave prep-- a hot shower or hot towel, later, etc. will make the world of difference.

You also are, as you may be aware, up against an extra steep curve if you plan to start with the neck!

Also, welcome to SRP! Take deep breaths, don't be afraid to try again the next day, never be ashamed to do spots with your old razor, and enjoy the game!

The neck is probably the hardest part to master. You will probably be shaving with a straight for 6 months to a year before you feel 100% comfortable shaving your neck. The hair growth is usually wacky and the angles are uncomfortable. I recommend that you read the wiki, especially the part for beginners that suggests starting with just the area of your face below your sideburn on your dominant side. I also would not attempt this with more than 2 days growth for your first shave.

It does not come easy, but stick with it and do not fear the blade. You control the razor, not the other way around.

Originally Posted by shorts

Well, last night I tried to shave for the first time with a Straight and failed. Couldn't do it. I have a 2-3 week beard, but planned on only shaving the neck area. Soon as I put the razor to the skin, it just wouldn't move. Felt it grab, scared to put pressure on the blade and decided to hang it up for the night. I'm not sure if it would have made any difference, but I was using regular shaving cream with no shaving brush. I'm waiting for my brush to come in the mail (hopefully this weekend).

Oh man. A huge advantage of a straight is that it can mow through a full beard, but NOT on your first shave. The beginners section of the Wiki and the top of the Beginner's section of the forum both have a lot of information for first time shavers. The brush and real lather will help but it's not a magic bullet.

I would suggest that you mow that beard down some other way and then try the straight again just below the sideburns. The neck is harder than the side of the face and for most the jawline and chin are the hardest. The cheek area under the sideburns is the easiest, so start there.

Are you certain that your razor is sharp? Did you buy it from someone whom you trust to sell you a razor that is truly shave ready?

Yeah, I think I'm going to trim down my 3 week old beard and try across the cheek. Maybe over the weekend when I have time.

95% of us fails in our first attempt.
Just keep it trying one day you will get the best shave of your life and never go back tO DE ETC.
ask questions you have.
gl

I bought the razor off of Larry from Whippeddog.com and told him to send me a shave ready razor. Never met the guy but trust him after reading other reviews about him. Seems like a straightforward guy. I'm sure the reason was the other guy looking at me in the mirror...

Originally Posted by shorts

I bought the razor off of Larry from Whippeddog.com and told him to send me a shave ready razor. Never met the guy but trust him after reading other reviews about him. Seems like a straightforward guy. I'm sure the reason was the other guy looking at me in the mirror...

You are well on your way. Most people, including myself, try to blame the razor in the beginning. You know where you stand. Trim the beard and start with the sideburn and you will be fine.

I also suggest waiting for the brush and soap. If nothing else, it will enhance the whole experience for you.

Originally Posted by shorts

I bought the razor off of Larry from Whippeddog.com and told him to send me a shave ready razor. Never met the guy but trust him after reading other reviews about him. Seems like a straightforward guy. I'm sure the reason was the other guy looking at me in the mirror...

Yep - usually is. One thing I give you marks for was knowing to stop. Plenty of people just plow through and then wonder why the sink is full of red water.

As has been stated already - slow down, take it step by step and enjoy the fairly steep learning curve - you will be rewarded, I promise.

BTW - do you have a strop? Now that you have gone into a beard with your shave ready razor, you will probably have to strop before the next attempt.

shorts,

Try a hot towel as well as part of your pre-shave preparation after lathering up with whatever shaving soap or cream you are using. Apply the towel and let it stay on your beard for 5-7 minutes. Then relather and try shaving the left or right side of your face--whichever is your dominant hand.