Thread: Too many new things...

I decided to take a slightly different, and slightly longer, road to full on shaving with a SR. Until recently all I ever did was squirt foam out of a can, rub it in, then use a cartridge to scrape it all off again. I figured that adding a prep, learning to use a brush, learning to lather, learning to strop, AND learning to use the SR was just introducing too many variables for me to have any hope of having any success.

So, after I got my kit (beginners one from SRD) I decided hold off the SR (seeing as how that's the most difficult part) and just do all the other stuff while still using my M3.

The brush and soap? MUCH better shave with the M3 then ever before. Wow, is it really this "easy"? I've used all the different foams and gels on the market, even got some fancy expensive stuff from the Ulta store. The last thing I had been using was a shaving lotion from Lush (never gave me a close shave but certainly my skin felt nice after). They all pale in comparison to the soap and brush. It's not even close! Why isn't EVERYONE using this stuff? Why in the world have the gels and foams taken over? It CAN'T be ease of use because it is just not that hard or time consuming to use a soap and brush? I'm just baffled.

Anyway.

During this time I've tried to get more acquainted with the SR and not fear it. Like a lot of newbies I now have a lot of bare patches on my arms Yes, wife thinks I'm nuts.

So after a full week of procrastinating (cowardice), I tried the SR. Sideburns went too fast so I went on to do the whole side of my face both left and right, switching hands. I got overconfident and tried my neck and the razor just pulled and skipped. Ok, that's enough. Did the rest with the M3.

Day 2 couldn't get here fast enough. WTG on sides and jaw. Neck still pulled but I didn't want to give up so I tackled my chin. Cleft and all. Not pretty (no nicks tho) but still a sense of satisfaction. Cleaned up with M3

Day 3 I decided I would NOT use the M3 on the sides so they got a full 3 passes. Very nice. I also finally got my neck. Not sure what I did different (lather? angle?) but it went ok. No nicks. I also went after the upper lip. PAINFUL my friends. And that was just the WTG pass. I started doubting the sharpness of the razor but after reading on here all the other stories I know it was technique... Cleanup with the M3. I hope I don't get dependent on that.

Day 4 (this morning) I decided I would absolutely NOT use the M3. Sides went great. Jawline went great. Chin did not go so well. Major nick. I would go ahead and call it a cut but after holding the flap of skin down it stopped bleeding and seems fine. Neck went ok (that dang adams apple has ALWAYS been a bear). Upper lip went FANTASTIC. I really took my time and kept the lather applied. I did WTG and XTG and man it feels smooth. Not BBS but very good. All in all very satisfied. The sides of my jaw actually look shiny!

Oh, for post-shave I just use Publix brand Witchhazel.

I find it extremely humorous that up to this point in my adult life shaving has been nothing but a dreaded chore yet now I am actually wishing I had to shave twice a day.

Gentlemen, this is exciting.

Geoffrey

Originally Posted by TheGiver

snip...Chin did not go so well. Major nick. I would go ahead and call it a cut but after holding the flap of skin down it stopped bleeding and seems fine. ...snip

Ok, I am going back and categorizing this as a cut. I haven't been in front of a mirror since this morning but my wife just asked me what I did to my chin. Here's a pic (click for larger view).


Yikes!

Welcome and Congrats on keeping the Mach 3 on the bench.

I have only been doing in now for two months now and every time it gets better and more satisfying.

I suggest from time to time to check out the shaving video from jockeys

http://straightrazorpalace.com/video...-closeups.html

Just to catch some pointers and maybe refresh somethings.

Now just try to keep the RAD under control. There is so much cool stuff out there, it is hard not wanting it all.

What is your set-up

Originally Posted by TheGiver

Ok, I am going back and categorizing this as a cut. I haven't been in front of a mirror since this morning but my wife just asked me what I did to my chin. Here's a pic (click for larger view).


Yikes!

I'll score that a (4) and call it a cut,just let it heal up before shaving over it or it could turn into a 6 or 7.

great post , the nick dont to bad if it scar's it'l add character ...exciting yes aint it so ! cheers

All blades demand a sacrafice of blood, and we have all donated to the cause.

Really though, congrats on your first shaves! The first are the most intimidating, after that you realize it isn't as scary or dangerous as you thought it was as long as you pay attention. (You did learn to pay attention right?)

Oh, and ditto on not shaving over it until it is all healed. I did that once, and only once.

@speckey: Thanks, and I've watched (and re-watch) every video I can.

Setup is Dovo Best Quality 5/8, 2" latigo leather strop, Simpson B4 pure badger brush, and unscented shaving soap. It's the kit from SRD.

@nessmuck: Roger that.

@Bazz: nah, it won't scar. I've got some Vitamin E lotion to make sure it doesn't too And yes, VERY exciting.

@markevens: Hopefully that is all the sacrifice required. BTW, your journal is the last one I read before I put blade to face.

Shave this morning was not good. At all. I don't know if yesterday spooked me or what. Hey at least no new blood right?

It will come. How much are you shaving? how much of the face?
You should be doing at most one side. Some of the other members maybe can chime in on their experience suggestions.

No blood is good. One thing the helped me was to do my pre shave and know how the hair falls. I was aware of where the tough spots are. Once my side was done with some skill I moved on. There are still times that I miss something.

Hi Geoffrey,

Congrats on your start. It's quite an accomplishement to shave the right way. Don't get twisted up in your underwear over a small nick, especially in the first week. It will take some time to train your muscles, and your face, to the straight. Continue to take your time while learning. And, I just checked the straight razor rule book and found no entries concerning illegal uses of your previous razor. Remember, it's not a race. Learn at your pace and your face will thank you for it...

Congrats and that is a great story. I understand about wishing to shave twice a day. You can only practice shaving while shaving - but you can practice lather making and stropping anytime.

Keep it up - it only gets better.