1st Straight Shave

[mouscacha]

Thanks to Straight Razor Designs, I finally recieved my first straight razor for a classic shave. I bought the Dovo 5/8" with 3" strop, Simpson Beaufort 6, proraso, MWF, alum block, and witch hazel.

I figured I'd stay safe and use the proraso just in case I couldn't get a good lather from the MWF.

So, as soon as the kids were asleep, I took a shower and tried the shaver. I must say, I had no idea what I was doing with the strop. I tried my best to follow the directions on youtube/this website, but I'm not sure if I did it correctly. Splashed some water on my face, put on the proraso, and proceeded to shave.

Here are my questions/comments on shaving 5x since Friday night =P


Stropping is a difficult technique. I can tell it'll take a while to get right, but I found THAT's what will give you the close shave.
I can't use proraso. The stuff irritates my skin. MWF, however, is a God sent!
Controlling the water to soap ratio is interesting for the MWF. I'll get it exactly how I want, but good enough for now.
I am NOT ambidextrous. Trying to shave my left side with my left hand is out!
How do you shave your chin/moustache? For some reason, I can get the sideburns down, but the chin/moustache area are left with a lot of hair. I'm not sure if it's my technique or the strop. My guess is both :blink:
I love my alum block. (period)
Not sure what the witch hazel does, but it must do something right. For the first time in my life, I was left with NO razor burn. My face felt almost numb... change that... My face felt GREAT!
I forgot to buy aftershave, so I used my kid's cetaphil cream. I like the feeling :)


Thank you badgerandblade forum and forum residents. I found a new passion in life :)

[Luc]

Good start!

Stropping -> There's a few videos on youtube showing how to strop properly. Go slow, it's all right.

For your lather, if you're too unsure, try to pratice during the day and see if you can do a few bowls. That should help

Using both hands isn't easy, it took me a good dozen shave before it had an hint of 'normal'...

Chin -> the angle is difficult, takes pratice

Moustache -> The 'O' face helps a bit to stretch the skin.

[SRock]

Congrats on the 1st straight shave.

[NatJag]

Well done on your first attempts.

I started a while ago with a straight and done 4-6 shaves, then decided the blade needs a hone (confirmed by the chap that sold it to me). Like you, shaving with the left hand is out. While I didn't do great, I had no irritation, yet I understand if you do get razor burn with a straight, you'll know about it. So, well done.

[LarryAndro]

I love Mitchells Wool Fat. You mentioned the soap to water ratio, which bring to mind my experience with MWF. Initially, I lathered on top of the MWF soap plug. By the end of the shave, the lather got gummy. Now, I load my brush with soap at the beginning of the shave, add a bit of water to the brush, and whip up some good lather in a separate lather bowl. Now, my lather is better, and the lather consistency is good throughout the shave.

Since the change in procedure, I've been on the MWF glory train more than any other soap!

[dpmtherrien]

Nice going, once the first one is done it gets easier from there. :w00t: :001_tongu

[mrbear]

Congrats on your shave!

Glad it's working for you :thumbup1:

[Ru4scuba?]

Congrats on your first str8 shave my friend! Many happy returns!