A newbie no more!

**JPM** · 12-07-2009, 08:40 AM

I started typing, "A straight virgin no more!" but then I thought that didn't come off quite the way I was intending.

Anyway, finally had my first straight shave this morning! I was going to do it over the weekend and each time was rushing to get somewhere so I put it off until this morning when I could take my time.

I did a WTG and a XTG with a little ATG in a couple of spots. In some areas I have a really smooth shave, but the throat and neck are still a little rough. No really visible patches of whiskers though. I got a couple of weepers on my neck, but no nicks so I'm pretty happy.

My two biggest problems were trying to figure out how to hold the razor and position my hand/arm so I didn't block my vision for a couple of areas and how to get to a couple spots around my goatee. I'm sure an experienced straight shaver would have been horrified by some of the ways I was twisting my hand, but I took my time and figured it out for the most part.

I'll be stropping my razor tonight (very carefully) so I can give it another go tomorrow. So far, I am really enjoying the new experience!

**professorchaos** · 12-07-2009, 10:13 AM

Congratulations! It is fun, isn't it?

**Luc** · 12-07-2009, 11:52 AM

Congrats!

**JPM** · 12-07-2009, 01:25 PM

Originally Posted by professorchaos

Congratulations! It is fun, isn't it?

It certainly is. I already can't wait for tomorrow morning to have another go.

**Tom Ford** · 12-07-2009, 03:06 PM

Congrats!!! It's a blast isn't it?

I have a goatee as well, and I use my DE to shave around it at the moment. Once I'm an accomplished grand master jedi of the straight blade is when I'll be comfortable enough to shave around it without any DE assistance. I'll then sell my Merkur HD on BST

Keep us posted on your progress.

**JPM** · 12-07-2009, 03:41 PM

Originally Posted by Tom Ford

Congrats!!! It's a blast isn't it?

I have a goatee as well, and I use my DE to shave around it at the moment. Once I'm an accomplished grand master jedi of the straight blade is when I'll be comfortable enough to shave around it without any DE assistance. I'll then sell my Merkur HD on BST

Keep us posted on your progress.

I've been thinking of shaving the goatee for awhile, so this maybe the added incentive I need. SWMBO isn't too thrilled with the idea, however. Guess she wants as much of the ugly mug covered as possible.

Fortunately, I shave my head also so I get to use my DE's on the noggin and the straights on my face. I think it is going to be quite some time before I'm confident enough to put a str8 to my scalp.