First Straight Razor Shave. “Is there a Doctor in the house!!!?”

**REP** · 03-07-2010, 05:51 AM

I must admit that I approached this new style of shaving with a way too how hard could it be attitude. My transition to the DE was so natural and trouble free that I simply didn’t consider how different this new approach would be.
Well let me tell you; I was humbled very quickly after I accidentally extended my blade a bit too far towards my right nostril. Here once more I found proof that our maker has not only instilled our sense of humor but, enjoys his own as well. For it was at that moment my wife who has long proclaimed that we all here were a little silly making much over nothing rounded the corner with words all ready spoken of “are you enjoying your new razor”?
I of course tried my best in a nonchalant sort of way to hide the steady stream of blood running down my face but it was too late. Oh what an expression or joy ran over her face as she conceived that she had grounds for those four much anticipated rare and savored words “I TOLD YOU SO!”
This was followed by the briefly put but sincere question of; are you ok? All the while trying not to look too hurried to get to the phone and share this unbelievably funny experience with my mother and a number of others who she knew would enjoy this humorous event.
You can guess the rest as I endure what will seem like an eternity of first greeting question from family and friends of; how is the traditional shaving going? To, do you have any straight razors to sell? Anyway I think I would be well served to do a bit more in the way of how to videos and reading on this matter.
Please consider this question in closing; do you ever get use to the left hand thing? I seemed to really be handy capped in trying to shave with my non predominant hand.
Hope you enjoy, REP

**Ru4scuba?** · 03-07-2010, 06:39 AM

Ouch!

**figaro_black** · 03-07-2010, 07:18 AM

Well, as long as it will heal nicely at least your wife will be happy for a while.

**Defend Tacoma** · 03-07-2010, 08:56 AM

Well, you can always take solace in the fact that chicks dig scars! Seriously though, hope your beak heals quicker than your pride! :)

**dpmtherrien** · 03-07-2010, 10:09 AM

Kind of sounds a bit like my first time too.

Just go slow, and for now stay away from the nose. Just do your sideburns and maybe your cheeks. Get your technique down. I wasn't sure about using my other hand either, but now I do and it is easier. Just use your other hand on easy spots too. As time goes on everything will come together.

I still manage to nick and cut myself from time to time, you just have to be super careful and watch what you're doing. The blade is so sharp that unless you really open a cut, they'll heal nicely. Don;t give up.

**galopede** · 03-07-2010, 10:15 AM

When I got my first straight and started using the "wrong" hand, I got some practice in cleaning my teeth with the wrong hand! Sounds simple but it can be quite difficult at first and a tooth brush doesn't do as much damage as a razor!

**Alacrity59** · 03-07-2010, 10:17 AM

+1 on OUCH!

**prrfan** · 03-07-2010, 10:18 AM

The good news is that they have done a face transplant and it was sucessfull!!

In answer to your question, I have been straight razor shaving for two months now and the left hand shaving does get easier. You will hear a lot of folks say that this is the best way to develop a good technique.

**JPM** · 03-07-2010, 10:39 AM

Bummer! It does get easier though. I use both hands to shave, and while it was awkward at first, I find it a much better approach now.

**moonshine44** · 03-07-2010, 10:42 AM

Oh my! I knew that there was a reason I don't own a str8t!

**spanx** · 03-07-2010, 11:48 AM

Quit holding out on us.Lets see the pics.

**Omnichron** · 03-07-2010, 11:52 AM

yah.. we need pix man

**Luc** · 03-07-2010, 12:50 PM

Respect the blade... now you know... How about some pictures??

**richmondesi** · 03-07-2010, 12:59 PM

Oh wow, that's funny... Yes, you'll get used to using your non-predominant hand. One thing that will help is to start using it more on a day to day basis (brushing your teeth or combing your hair).

Enjoy the learning curve as well as the rest of the journey. There'll come a time when you are zipping through effortless shaves and the anxiety, rush, excitement, etc. will be gone... Enjoy this too

**troy1979** · 03-07-2010, 01:00 PM

a straight, you got more guts then me.

**REP** · 03-07-2010, 05:15 PM

I thought about Pic's but was to busy trying to stop the bleeding!!
You may not know that I shave around a beard. This only adds to the hazard to a newbie.

**59caddy** · 03-07-2010, 05:23 PM

we all get the little nicks at the start. you will get better with time and with each shave. using your "off " hand will come to you also in time. good luck
most of all do not get discouraged

**mdunn** · 03-07-2010, 06:03 PM

yikes.

I started off using only my right hand (my left hand is worthless when it comes to things like this). Once I had some confidence in my right hand abilities, i used ole' lefty for some easy cheek passes, and eventually promoted him to doing some neck. I still use my right hand more, but I do use both in every shave.

Practice is the name of the game, my man.