So I'm four shaves in and yep...I got cocky. Thought I could do a workday morning shave, rushed it, and now my face is on fire. Serves me right and I knew it would happen eventually. I'm just glad I didn't butcher myself too much. Still looking for the right deal on a "Practice Razor" so I can work on my angles (Thanks Vern).

When using DE i kept it to weekends until I could do a shave in decent time and minimal irritation. Then i moved it to weekdays. Could do something similar with straights.

I have to say it helped. Or if you want can switch to shaving weekday nights if your growth isn't to thick or noticeable the next day.

Good suggestion, Regan! I shave around 8-10:00 at night when I have the time to get the lather warm, to take the time to 'pay' attention to what I'm doing. I barely have anything to shave until the next night. Mornings I look fine, better than most of my fellow associates at the winery. My beard does not seem to grow fast, and if you are like that you might get away very well at doing a shave in the evening. Nice and refreshing way to top off the day as well. You will have to be the one to decide on that, however, as you may really like the shave in the morning. I'm not a morning person, and like the ears right where they are at, as well as my upper lip.

Here's another tip I learned early on in straight shaving. Put on some shaving cream and then with your hands "feel" how your face feels in the way the whisker are growing. I was shaving down along under my jaw line along my neck and got razor burn. Then I started feeling exactly how the whiskers were positioned for growing. My neck whiskers grow in an upward direction, the Adams apple and below the same way, the Adams apple and above they were growing down, my face(cheeks) mostly grow at a down and slightly back direction. So, I adjusted accordingly. My first pass on my neck and I don't go against the grain, is always in an upward direction, and on cheeks is always in a downward direction or down and slightly back. Chin is pretty much straight out growth so doesn't matter much. I give 2 passes but pretty much keep the same direction of cutting the whiskers.

Thanks for the advice but I already have been doing both of these (tracking the hair grain and only using the straight on the weekends/evenings). I simply got over-confident on this shave and rushed it, getting the angle wrong. I'll learn.......

Love the attitude!

I'm sorry. One of the things I dont like about forums or communication over the internet in general is that you cant read an inflection so sometimes things get taken literally when they shouldn't be. I dont know if this is supposed to mean I sound like I have an attitude or if you are really saying you like the "I'll learn" statement (not giving up). If its the latter, forget this post. If the former, I really dont mean to sound like I have attitude. I really do appreciate all the advice I get from you guys. You know WAY more about this than I do, I was just saying that I am aware of those two particular practices but please, keep the advice coming!

Not a slam in any way intended, my friend! I was loving the fact that you're willing to hang in there and learn. So many give up after not really giving it a fair shake. You'll get there. I have no doubt.

ok, I thought that's what was meant but I just wanted to make sure. the last thing i want to do is seem ungrateful for all the help you guys are so free with! Thank You!!

And as for giving up: no way! I'm having too much fun with this!!

Seems like it took forever but my face finally healed enough to go back to the straight. I was much more careful this time, watching pressure and angle. Was able to get three full passes which is probably still too aggressive considering my experience but, again, with each successful pass I just couldnt stop. ended up with a little burn on my upper lip area and one small nik on my cheek but all-in-all (especially after so long off) I ended up with DFS. Glad to be back.

Well done, Sir! :happy096

I knew you had it in ya!

Thanks for all the encouragement. I knew I would come back by the way I kept staring at my straight (as basic as it may be) every time I was shaving with the DE: "You and me aint done yet, pal!"::duel

Like I said, I love the attitude!

WOO HOO!!:happy108 Used the straight on a work day for the first time since I mangled my face. Felt VERY brave and even tried my first ATG passes and I got a fantastic shave today! NO burn, TOTAL BBS! Sure not saying I'm gonna push for this every shave but everything REALLY came together for the first time today. Very, very pleased!

2nd day in a row using the straight with (almost) the same results. Did three passes with the last one being ATG. used very light pressure but got a little razor burn. not at all bad but still there. A little rough spot right under the chin but other than that, BBS BABY! I've been at this less than a month. In fact, I think this is only shave #11. Very happy to be getting results like this so quickly!

Diving in deep.

Hello everyone.

Just ordered my Dovo Black 5/8" Straight Razor from Lynn's place (straight razor designs). Got the whole kit and caboodle coming in a couple days from now.

Any advice?

Get it honed very sharp, maybe a few laps across balsa wood with Chromium Oxide. Face: lot's of hot lather and let it sit a few minutes on your face before you begin. Go slow and you should do well.

Shave #12- I took a couple days off cuz I was rushed getting to work, just used the DE (It was nice going back, great shaves are almost automatic with it now:happy108). Used COB and got a great lather going. Only did two passes (WTG XTG) and got a CCS. Big spot under my chin is pretty rough but not visible. Skin feels great, no burn. I give it a happy088:happy088.

Completely agree with Vern, Go slow, watch your angles. Dont be afraid to stop and come back to it. NO PRESSURE ON THE BLADE!!! I learned that the hard way:angry021!