Hello everyone,
I am brand new to straight razor shaving (only used cartridges and a splash of water for my first 31 years on the planet). I recently did some research and became interested in SE shaving. I had my first shave this morning and would like to share my experience so far and maybe get some pointers on what I may have done right and wrong.
First, all my equipment so far has cone from whippeddog.com. Flawed straight razor, flawed strop, and silvertip badger hair brush. So far i am very happy with the razor, it definitely has cosmetic flaws on upper half of blade and miscolored scales but that is why I only had to 29$ for it. The business end of the blade seemed fantastic to me and as far as a newb like me could tell it was well honed. The real highlight was the 35$ brush. I love the look and feel of it and couldnt be happier as i am also shaving this way for frugal reasons and hope to keep the brush forever.
Lathering: this is where i ran into my first real issues. Some slick frog soap came with my brush from whippeddog and i couldnt seem to gett a lather started in my mug. I watched some geofatboy videos about this and also read tutorials on this forum but had no luck. Finely decided to soak the soap while i took a shower. Still no luck in the mug so i switched to my hand. At this point i felt like i got a real good lather going and applied it to my face. However when i did start shaving after a minute or 2 it would be come real translucent and hard to tell where it was on my face. I tried to keep it thick and used very little water but it kept happening. Could it be the soap? Any recommendations? Is it hard to make your own shaving soap?
The shave: I started with a full beard about a half inch long, i thought it would be fun to start out shaving a real beard, however looking back I probably should have kept it short for beginners sake. I used short strokes and took my time, for the most part it went well. I was surprised I was able to shave with my left hand and it didnt seem all that awkward. I did take the tip of the blade to my left cheek on accident though and got a small slice because of it. What part of the blade should actually be cutting whiskers? Tip, middle, heel, all of the above? At times it felt like the blade was pulling (im assuming because if my technique) especially on my lower neck.
The results: In the end i definitely ended up with some razor burn and more of a 5 oclock shadow shave but i wasnt trying for much more and only went wtg 3 passes and no xtg or atg. A couple small nicks but did get my cheek slightly with tip once.
All in all I loved it and I didnt even get much of a shave yet. It was relaxing and rewarding. Gonna try again tonight after work. Kinda wish i had better smelling soap though lol. Taking any advice and critiques. Thanks and nice to meet you all
I am brand new to straight razor shaving (only used cartridges and a splash of water for my first 31 years on the planet). I recently did some research and became interested in SE shaving. I had my first shave this morning and would like to share my experience so far and maybe get some pointers on what I may have done right and wrong.
First, all my equipment so far has cone from whippeddog.com. Flawed straight razor, flawed strop, and silvertip badger hair brush. So far i am very happy with the razor, it definitely has cosmetic flaws on upper half of blade and miscolored scales but that is why I only had to 29$ for it. The business end of the blade seemed fantastic to me and as far as a newb like me could tell it was well honed. The real highlight was the 35$ brush. I love the look and feel of it and couldnt be happier as i am also shaving this way for frugal reasons and hope to keep the brush forever.
Lathering: this is where i ran into my first real issues. Some slick frog soap came with my brush from whippeddog and i couldnt seem to gett a lather started in my mug. I watched some geofatboy videos about this and also read tutorials on this forum but had no luck. Finely decided to soak the soap while i took a shower. Still no luck in the mug so i switched to my hand. At this point i felt like i got a real good lather going and applied it to my face. However when i did start shaving after a minute or 2 it would be come real translucent and hard to tell where it was on my face. I tried to keep it thick and used very little water but it kept happening. Could it be the soap? Any recommendations? Is it hard to make your own shaving soap?
The shave: I started with a full beard about a half inch long, i thought it would be fun to start out shaving a real beard, however looking back I probably should have kept it short for beginners sake. I used short strokes and took my time, for the most part it went well. I was surprised I was able to shave with my left hand and it didnt seem all that awkward. I did take the tip of the blade to my left cheek on accident though and got a small slice because of it. What part of the blade should actually be cutting whiskers? Tip, middle, heel, all of the above? At times it felt like the blade was pulling (im assuming because if my technique) especially on my lower neck.
The results: In the end i definitely ended up with some razor burn and more of a 5 oclock shadow shave but i wasnt trying for much more and only went wtg 3 passes and no xtg or atg. A couple small nicks but did get my cheek slightly with tip once.
All in all I loved it and I didnt even get much of a shave yet. It was relaxing and rewarding. Gonna try again tonight after work. Kinda wish i had better smelling soap though lol. Taking any advice and critiques. Thanks and nice to meet you all
