1st two shaves with a Str8

[BigFoot]

OK I am two shaves in. The shaves were ok cut off some whiskers did not cut myself......so I guess that is a plus. But I absolutely, truly without a doubt hated the entire experience.

When I first started with a DE it was clumsy the shaves were not spectacular but I loved every minute of it. I hated every minute of this. I am not sure if it is the clumsiness of it or what but it was not enjoyable. I practiced stropping for a long time with a butter knife on my practice Strop. Before shaving tonight I went to strop and butchered the strop. I am not sure this is for me.

Maybe I will come back to it maybe not.

[luvmysuper]

Come back to it Scott, and don't feel bad about the decision.
It's gotta be fun, or it's all for naught.
Maybe at some time in the near future, you'll give it a go and find it fun or challenging or both, but better not to do it than to force yourself into doing something you don't enjoy at the same time you are losing something you do enjoy.

[BigFoot]

Come back to it Scott, and don't feel bad about the decision.
It's gotta be fun, or it's all for naught.
Maybe at some time in the near future, you'll give it a go and find it fun or challenging or both, but better not to do it than to force yourself into doing something you don't enjoy at the same time you are losing something you do enjoy.

Those were kind of my thoughts Phil. I was really looking forward to trying this. I still have four or five beautifully honed razors waiting for me when or if I decide to try again. I am sure the edge on the Solingen is shot after cutting the strop but it is still sharp. I was thinking of maybe practicing with it after I repair the strop. If I get to enjoying that part of it maybe I will try again.

[Kentos]

Aye, why do something you hate? I loved it from the getgo, which is why I haven't touched a safety razor in months. At least you can say you tried,
which is more than most can say.
Don't feel bad about the strop, everyone nicks and slices them up, it's a given. Better the strop than your Neck!!

[DLBconductor]

Do you remember how scary and shaky your first bicycle rides were? Eventually, with more experience, it all became second nature. Straight shaving is a little like that. I felt more comfortable after 50 shaves and actually had a more consistent technique after 100 shaves. I love using a straight razor. That said, I also love the experience of shaving with my EJ DE89L.

Ultimately, you may not enjoy using straights. No shame in that. I would just urge you to give it 50 shaves before deciding.

[Luc]

It's a good first start! Don't worry too much about the strop. One trick that could help you, when you get to the end of the strop, before you flip the razor, lift the edge a tiny bit and drag the spine. This will avoid having the spine on the leather and making the mistake of nicking/cutting the strop.

Don't go too quickly, take your time, it's not NASCAR!

[sanfranciscian]

Sorry to hear, bravo for giving it a go and hopefully the second time is the charm.

Ian

[maxman]

It took me months and months to get a decent shave (off and on with a DE because it took so dang long).
I like it, but I don't love it.
I like my DE's, but they get a little boring because I get very good, consistant shaves.

If you do keep it up, you'll hit your stride. Eventually.

EDIT: if this helps you any, I do find that some soaps are better suited to my style. Cella works well for straights where Arko doesn't. Go figure YMMV!

[Mr. Scruffy]

Don't give up, big guy!

Set everything aside for awhile and then come back to it.

And put the Williams down!

[ouch]

When I started with a straight (before I ever tried a DE) I really, really wanted to like it, but it was depressing. I thought I'd never be able to master some of the angles or manage a decent shave on anything but my cheeks. It took a long time for me to become comfortable with the entire process, but I'm glad I stuck it out and kept revisiting it until I was happy.

It's certainly not for everyone, and there are plenty of other ways to get a great shave.

[life2short1971]

I was in love with straight shaving from the very first pass and i knew it was for me.Just because you don't like it now doesn't mean you won't change your mind in the future. Try it a couple more times and if it is still not for you I would at least hold on to the tools for a while in case you get the urge again it might just click.

[dmcconnell]

I remember the uncomfortable, messy, awkward and often frightening first few shaves. Believe me it does get better fast. I hope you hang in there.

[Brent]

I guess I'm glad I went straight from a cartridge razor to a straight. You go from crappy to not as crappy I got excited. I wonder if I'd be more hesitant if I was a good DE user first.

[BigFoot]

Thanks for the support guys. I need to give my brain a break. I am not getting rid of any of the tools......for the simple reason even though I really did not like it I still may have the urge to try again.

[taffy]

Well you got past the first hurdle, trying a straight, so well donei cut my first strop up, had awful shaves, but a year later loving it, give it another go!

[azmark]

Thanks for the support guys. I need to give my brain a break. I am not getting rid of any of the tools......for the simple reason even though I really did not like it I still may have the urge to try again.

Gluten for punishment.

Stick with it, it's just breaking habit from your DE.

[Derrells]

I'm a noob at STR8 but ya know what...I've been shavin' for half a century just because I had too....now I found that I like taking the time for ME and shaving with a DE gives the best BBS shave but its not what they did 100 yrs ago...so I like trying to shave with a straight...I'm not good (yet) but I like doing it...so relax...do what you like...it's not a challange...its something that you do for yourselfjust my 2 cents