Hello Everyone,
I just took my first ever straight shave this morning and man, was it exciting!!! I can't believe I made it through two WTG passes and one XTG pass (with buffing) without drawing any blood. I did wind up with 8 or 9 tiny nicks and some razor burn, but overall, I was really surprised to have made it through virtually unscathed.
I began by prepping with a 5 minute soak, alternating between hot water and Feather Kanwa gell.
I lathered up with an Omega Boar, MWF soap and with a flock of butterflies in my stomach, I picked up my newly acquired, second hand, shave ready, Otto Fromm 72R.
Taking advice from other posts, I started off with an ultra-cautious, WTG on my sideburns and cheeks.
The first few stroke were really terrifying and the fear prevented me from using anything more than 1/4" to 1/2" strokes. Since I drew no blood, I moved on the the jaw line and upper lip. I was pretty surprised by how well it was going so, I felt OK about moving on to my chin and finally, my neck. Wow! First pass completed and no blood!
While rinsing, I noticed that there was a lot more stubble remaining than I would normally have had after one DE pass. But, who cares? This was F 'n A cool!!!
During the first pass, I noticed that the Fromm seemed to have some kind of weird suction going on... it felt like the blade sticking to my face. It was definitely weird but, in a strange way, it felt like it was helping. Maybe, I was keeping the blade too flat against my face? I'd really be interested in seeing if anyone else felt this happen.
I knew, from my first few DE shaves, that it is easy to get over confident so, I maintained the fear level for my second WTG pass. My strokes got a little longer, moving up to 1/2" to 3/4" on the flat areas of my face. After the second pass, I only had a few new, additional nicks and I was beginning to feel my oats! Woo hooooo!!!!
The butterflies in my stomach had disappeared and I was ready to try an XTG pass and felt safe enough to do some buffing. I tried varying the angle a bit and I was surprised that I was able to add a bit of pressure to the strokes while buffing.
After the third, riveting pass, I was pretty exhausted by all the adrenalin and hyper focusing going on so, I finished clearing the remaining stubble with an ATG pass on a slant DE.
My first ever straight shave left me in one piece, but it also left me with what can only be described as a fairly poor shave. While it was fun, I feel that my results should have been better - especially with the buffing.
I’m sure the quality of my shaves will improve with time. I was wondering if you guys had any comments and/or tips for a better shave. Looking forward to your feedback!!!
I just took my first ever straight shave this morning and man, was it exciting!!! I can't believe I made it through two WTG passes and one XTG pass (with buffing) without drawing any blood. I did wind up with 8 or 9 tiny nicks and some razor burn, but overall, I was really surprised to have made it through virtually unscathed.
I began by prepping with a 5 minute soak, alternating between hot water and Feather Kanwa gell.
I lathered up with an Omega Boar, MWF soap and with a flock of butterflies in my stomach, I picked up my newly acquired, second hand, shave ready, Otto Fromm 72R.
Taking advice from other posts, I started off with an ultra-cautious, WTG on my sideburns and cheeks.
The first few stroke were really terrifying and the fear prevented me from using anything more than 1/4" to 1/2" strokes. Since I drew no blood, I moved on the the jaw line and upper lip. I was pretty surprised by how well it was going so, I felt OK about moving on to my chin and finally, my neck. Wow! First pass completed and no blood!
While rinsing, I noticed that there was a lot more stubble remaining than I would normally have had after one DE pass. But, who cares? This was F 'n A cool!!!
During the first pass, I noticed that the Fromm seemed to have some kind of weird suction going on... it felt like the blade sticking to my face. It was definitely weird but, in a strange way, it felt like it was helping. Maybe, I was keeping the blade too flat against my face? I'd really be interested in seeing if anyone else felt this happen.
I knew, from my first few DE shaves, that it is easy to get over confident so, I maintained the fear level for my second WTG pass. My strokes got a little longer, moving up to 1/2" to 3/4" on the flat areas of my face. After the second pass, I only had a few new, additional nicks and I was beginning to feel my oats! Woo hooooo!!!!
The butterflies in my stomach had disappeared and I was ready to try an XTG pass and felt safe enough to do some buffing. I tried varying the angle a bit and I was surprised that I was able to add a bit of pressure to the strokes while buffing.
After the third, riveting pass, I was pretty exhausted by all the adrenalin and hyper focusing going on so, I finished clearing the remaining stubble with an ATG pass on a slant DE.
My first ever straight shave left me in one piece, but it also left me with what can only be described as a fairly poor shave. While it was fun, I feel that my results should have been better - especially with the buffing.
I’m sure the quality of my shaves will improve with time. I was wondering if you guys had any comments and/or tips for a better shave. Looking forward to your feedback!!!
Last edited:
