Thread: Shaving so far - I dig it!

Hello all,

Well, I recently started straight razor shaving a week and a half ago after many years of interest. I did about a week of research (much time spent on this forum as a non-memeber) and on youtube. The equipment so far: One Dovo Forestal 5/8", one Dovo 6/8" Best Quality Blond, MWF soap, Art of Shaving pre-shave oil, Art of Shaving Shave Cream, Art of Shaving After-Shave Balm, Art of Shaving Badger brush, American Made 3" strop. I already have a hard felt pad. I already have waterstones up to 15K grit.

The Forestal feels fantastic in my hands, the balance is perfect for me. Not to light, not to heavy. The razor sits easily in both my right and left hands, transition is straight forward. I really like the 6/8" Dovo but due to the larger blade and lighter handle, the razor feels a little less balenced and agile in my paws. I'm not getting rid of it though, still a very nice basic razor. I will give it a try day after tomorrow (I shave every other day) I'm not concerned about the gold wearing off the Forestal.

To date I have four shaves completed - still alive to tell the tale. My first shave was with the Forestal out of the box using all Art of Shaving products. The Art of Shaving cream is fantastic with my Mach 3 but with a real razor, not the best. The cream doesn't leave a thick lather and kept the razor from slicing through the whiskers - it seemed to catch most of them prior to cutting. I'm sure half of this was my technique and that the razor didn't come with a wicked edge out of the box. Still, when I was done my face was unbelivebly smooth (all strokes WTG). The second shave was better than the first but still, lacking the results I knew I should be getting. The first two shaves were about 75% razor, 25% cheating with my Mach 3. Ha!

Then comes my new strop in the mail with the MWF. WOW! I cleaned the Forestal's edge up and was able to get one of the smoothest shaves I have ever had, EVER. I had similar results today (4th shave, 100% straight razor). The MWF creates a nice lather that makes it much easier to shave with, the razor just slides over my face taking all the hairs with it! The third shave (best to date) was like an awakening. The first pass WTG went so well I decided to go XTG on my cheeks. Wholy, smokes. Smoooooth! I just shaved my beard off last month after having it for two years so having a clean shaven face is amazing. After the shave I went for a walk. We have had some crazy weather here, way colder than normal. It was snowing so I know it was below freezing. The cold air was quite refreshing.

The process so far -
Hot shower
Pre shave oil
Thick lather of MWF
Shave
Seccond coat of MWF
Shave
Hot water to clean off the soap
Cold water
After Shave Balm

My problem areas are the chin (big supprise right) and my notoriously sensitive spot on my neck. I have nicked myself a few times on the chin and dirrectly under, other than that, not much blood loss. The razor is so sharp that the cuts heal very fast. I am still very new at this and have a lot to learn but so far, this is starting out well for me. Thanks to all those who have provided valuable information via this forum! Cheers!

Congratulations on a fine start, certainly better than mine. It gets better with each shave, and you'll be learning a lot as you go.

Congrats! Sounds like you are on your way. The chin was a problem area for me as well when I started, not so much now. I find a light touch with small strokes around the chin do well for me. Hope this helps.

YouTube - Straight razor shave