Thread: So my third attempt at shaving...

It's taking me a while to get used to the straight razor. Love it. Just finished my third attempt at shaving. (I'm only 18 so I shave every other day.) One cut this time on my chin. It seems a little hard for me to shave underneath my chin and around my jaw line. I am also blind in my left eye so a little hard for that whole side of the face. It went fine but I could use suggestions. Also, I get razor burn around my chin as well and I'm breaking out all over my face. I'm using the Van Hagen shaving soap, brush, etc. And American Crew post-shaving lotion.

It does take awhile. I started much slower than it sounds like you are. I spent a week just doing the side-burn area on the right side of my face. Then moved down to the jawline and throat. Then spent some time learning to use my left hand. Then I finally got around to the chin. So relax it sounds like you are ahead of the curve. I had to go to the mirror and cover my left eye to see how much difference that made and surprisingly the answer is not much. For both the razor burn and breaking out I would suggest the same thing which is back off on your pressure (think just the weight of the razor) and a less aggressive blade angle. The best advice I heard is when starting don't worry too much about getting a close shave (we tend to get all obsessed with that BBS shave) but focus on getting a comfortable shave.

Hope this helps.

I'm glad you like straight shaving, but be prepared to give it time to get great results. I'm on shave #130 or so, and the chin is still difficult for me, taking more time and just gradually getting better results. If you're in it for the long haul, and it sounds like you are, you'll find that things do get better, but it takes a while to get good. You'll find ways to compensate for your visual issues. Bring up any questions you have, and the guys here will pave the way for your future progress.
My third shave was more like a suicide attempt than a shave. Hang in there!

Hey Christian!

One cut on your third attempt sounds like you are doing really well to me. I found that is it quite common to get some dry skin and some spots when you first start shaving with an open / straight razor, until your skin gets used to it. This generally goes after about a week of shaving in my experience.

As for the razor burn and the problems with shaving around your chin and jaw line; this is also the hardest part for me as well! The burn is probably coming not from the product, as you aren't breaking out anywhere else, but from the pressure you are using in that area. It is quite common for people to attempt to apply more pressure in areas they can't remove all the stubble from in the mistaken belief that it will somehow cut the hair more effectively. This is not the case and only leads to the dreaded burn. My advice would be to apply less pressure and the burn should go away. Splashing cold water on your face after also helps with the burning sensation.

There's some great advice about shaving your chin and jaw line in the other forums. But, one way to tackle it is to treat the area as lots of little flat surfaces, using shorter strokes, concentrating on the angle of the blade to begin with until you get the right pressure. It took me about an hundred shaves, so don't give up, the mussel memory will kick in the more you practice.

Keep up the good work and let us know how you are getting on.

Thank you all! Lazarus, it's great to know that I'm "ahead of the curve" so to speak. And you're right, my left hand could use improvement. It feels sorta awkward right now. Ace, that made me laugh haha but I appreciate it. I believe straight razor shaving is more beneficial to me in the long run, and honestly, I find it quite fun. Finally, Alexander, I tried the cold water thing in addition to aftershave and it really helped on my neck and jawline! No razor burn after that. Great advice on the rest of it. If I knew how to "thank" on this forum, I would for all of you haha. Attempt 4 happens tomorrow!

Oh, and Ace! You live in Virginia? Heading up to Liberty University this fall!

Hey christian. Another thing that works for me for breakouts and razor burn is a splash of witch hazel and an alcohol based after shave with a drop of glycerin. For some as balms on my skin cause me to break out. The alcohol after shaves seem to keep my skin cleaner and more fresh. Bay rum after shave is a great astringent and cleans out my pores well.

Originally Posted by alexanderdurham

...one way to tackle it is to treat the area as lots of little flat surfaces, using shorter strokes

+1 on this advice for shaving the chin. I underestimated the importance this when I first started shaving my chin with a straight. I thought I was maintaining a proper angle as a went around the curve of my fairly sharp jawline, but I was still getting burn or occasional nicks. When I regrew my VanDyke and decided to make the bottom edge of it more of a chin strap I was forced to treat portions of my chin as separate areas. The results? - no more burn or nicks and a much smoother shave. Also, as others have said, use only the weight of the blade - forcing only leads to blood

Originally Posted by Christian2100

Oh, and Ace! You live in Virginia? Heading up to Liberty University this fall!

Yup, you'll be about 110 miles south on Route 29 from me. PM me when you get there if you run short of Styptic Pencil and I'll send a truckload down your way. Expect improvement almost daily with your straight shaving, but don't expect it to come quickly. Anyone who tells you that is shaving with the backside of the blade. Good luck in your studies and with your shaves.

Appreciate it everyone. And thanks again Ace. I will let you know!