I think because it has a dark, mysterious and scary aura before you start but once you get started the 'pull' of straights is very strong. I agree even when my SR shaves not perfect I enjoy them.

Plus it sounds cool and SR shaving is very cool..... well at least to me.

I can not say enough good things about the people on TSD. I appreciate all of the tips and wisdom that has been shared here. You don't find this at just any forum. I'll try to make everyone proud tonight on this first shave. I don't think I'll be as nervous as I was trying a Rolls Razor the first time. Why should I be, I've got all of you backing me. Thanks to everyone.

My first traditional straight was a Dovo Best Quality from Lynn. I love that razor. I cannot really add any advice to what has already been said. Straight Razors are addictive though, I guess that is what makes it such a fun hobby.

This is a great thread. I'm just starting to move toward SR shaving. I have a razor out for repair and honing. I need to pick up a strop soon. The advice in this conversation will surely help me as I get started..

Back when I first got into straight razor shaving (early 2011), a fellow TSD member who had years of shaving with straight razors, shared with me these inspirational thoughts as I was beginning to learn the art of SR shaving:

The time frame it takes to become proficient at straight shaving is entirely up to the individual's realization level as he experiences the different aspects of shaving with a straight and advances to the next level along his journey.
There is the no pressure (light hand) required, the proper shaving angle that must be maintained on the ever changing contour of your face as your stroker advances. There is also the realization of using the different areas of the blade to access the different facial areas and contours. All these seem hard to fathom now but will become obvious once you are actually involved with the shaving process. The enjoyment that you achieve once you have mastered the art of straight shaving is a personal pleasure that others cannot understand until they reach it themselves. It is the feeling of personal accomplishment and the feeling of confidence in your own ability that is so rewarding. When I started to straight shave I also was overwhelmed with all the advice and videos on the web. It all seemed so technical and precise I thought I'd never be able to do it. Then I thought of my Grandpa on the farm back in Illinois. He was in his nineties and shaved with his straight razor in a dish pan on the back porch. He would lather up the shave soap in his mug with some hot water and boar brush, paint it on and strop his razor a few times and ....shave. No big deal! He had wrinkles and sagging skin on his neck and really didn't give thought to what he was doing. I thought to myself: sometimes we make things way too complicated!
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These observations demystified the process. I agree that we do tend to overthink the process of the how-tos, the 'what equipment?,' the 'proper' procedures, etc. People have been SR shaving for hundreds of years — long before internet shaving forums and YouTube how-to videos. All of these CAN be an asset in learning— but don't take the place of the simple "get a sharp straight, lather up well, take your time and learn how to properly shave yourself." Getting caught up in all the shaving minutiae simply detracts from the main goal sometimes.

This is a great thread...lots of excellent advice. Today was my first SR shave (Dovo 6/8 Best Quality)...and I can offer a few observations that I have found helpful....to me. First, don't use a SR if you are feeling rushed, or distracted. I can shave half asleep with a DE (or fully asleep with a Schick Type G), but that is risky with a SR. I received my SR a few days ago in the mail but I had a few rushed mornings this week and decided I would wait until I could have a more relaxed morning to start with the SR.

I have been using a shavette for a while now and everyone says there is a world of difference between a shavette and a SR....and they are right. Very different. A few things though are similar: hand position, the need for good prep and patience. I found the shavette good preparation for using the SR. Everyone's experience is different in that regard.

I shaved my full beard this morning...I planned to start with just my cheeks and then switch to a DE, but everything was going well, so I went slow, focused on proper angles and kept going and it worked fine (one tiny nick). I kept my lather very wet...and because I was going slow, I re-lathered certain areas that seemed dry. (I like Cella, MWF or Haslinger Schafmilch for this kind of shave). I also noticed I needed to arrange my sink and counter a bit different for a SR shave than a DE shave. I used a damp sponge to wipe my lather off the blade and kept a damp facecloth handy. I also made sure the mirror was not fogged. (Very important) I also made sure my hands were very dry when I picked up the SR. And of course the skin stretching, etc. are just little things that made a difference for me. Though, I did not stretch all areas of my skin...some areas just didn't need stretching.

It will take me a while to learn the setup and process of SR shaving that works best for me. My plan is to start with the SR everyday, but I will be ready to switch to a DE if I feel the shave is not going well. If I get up and feel rushed or distracted I will reach for the DE or SE and leave the SR for another day. Its supposed to be fun right!

I survived to shave another day. Slight nick under my right side burn. I've got to watch how I approach my face with the blade. Nothing some cold water couldn't take care of. Finished the right cheek, and changed hands to do the left. I definitely got to work on my left hand cordination. No nicks on the left side. Then, as I stood in front of the mirror, I decided to go for it. Skin stretched and got both jaw lines. No backing out now, got my neck next. Just a small speck on the right side of my adam's apple from the heel of the blade. Just a speck. Moved on and edged my mustache. Man, a straight razor is the ticket for that. Now the dreaded chin. Got the lower lip, the right side, then the left. Not the best job, but no blood. Finished up with a WTG pass from my Ever-Ready 1912. DFS and barely any razor burn.

Here are my takeaways from this shave:

Got to get the lather wetter than I am used to. I did rehydrate as needed.

Have got to use my left hand more. I may start brushing my teeth left handed to get my cordination up.

Always remember to lock the bathroom door. Wife may not like it, but I don't care. Her, and my 5 yr old came in right when I rinsing off to "watch Daddy shave". It's very sweet, but I don't need an audience.

Tools used:

Simpson Berkeley
Haslinger Schafmilch soap
SRD 3" Latingo w/premium fabric strop
Ralf Aust 5/8 Hollow
Ever Ready 1912, CVS carbon blade
Witch Hazel splash (peppermint EO added for kicks)
Nivea soft creme moisturizer

Thank you to everyone for their advice. I am always open to anyone's help.

Congratulations everyone on the completed shaves without much bloodshed! I am right handed and still have problems with the right side of my face under my sideburn. I believe I approach to fast and have trouble seeing where to start. Left side no problem, go figure... I, like most new shavers spent hours watching youtube videos of how to properly SR shave and then I came across one where the guy shaved his whole face in about 1 minute. It's sort of like using a DE for many years, at first you cut and nick yourself and eventually you can do it with your eyes closed and not draw blood. This is my second deep dive into SR's and I am finally hooked. With that said, I have a moustache and goatee so I imagine once I shave that off someday (which my wife tells me I can't do) I will have to learn new techniques so as not to sustain heavy damage to my face.

Don't chase a BBS shave RIGHT AWAY!...and mind the toe of the shaver and shave in a quiet night environment until it becomes easier.

I give up on chasing BBS. Every time I did, a neck fu)l of razor bumps was waiting on me. WTG and XTG get me just nearly BBS.

I have 3 shaves with a straight razor under my belt now. I have been doing a full WTG pass, then finishing up with a 1912 Ever Ready SE. It has been fairly easy shaving my jawline, neck, and under my chin. The lower lip and chin is going to take some practice. Like mentioned above, I have to pay attention to toe. I thought I caught my lip last night, but it never bled.

The combination of the SR and SE has worked out very good. A friend at work today commented on how slick and smooth my face was today. He was really surprised when I give him a tuck of Poslivers and a sample of Cella.

As far as the "quite night environment ", I wouldn't know what that is at my house. I've got 2 little girls, the eldest is 5, the youngest is 15 months. I just tend to slip off to the bathroom, lock the door, and put on some tunes.

These past 3 shaves, the SR has seemed a little tuggy to me. I have been stopping pre and post about 50/50. I have used the Ralf Aust each time. I going to try the Dovo tomorrow night. I have not stropped it yet. I can rule out stropping technic maybe using it before I strop it. I am also going to try to adjust my blade angle. From my razorburn, I may be a little steep, and scraping some. Could the shallow angle also release some sharpness? I have not had that hot knife through butter shave yet. Anyone have any thoughts about the tugging? Thanks.

Shaving under your belt with a straight razor is not recommended.

I should have known better with this bunch.

Have you had the razors honed?

Because here in lies the problem, I cannot offer you technique advice, if your razors aren't shave ready. And many tell you to sell you, that the blades are,shave ready.
If you start with a blade made right by someone you trust, then you'll be able to have a starting place.
And I'm reasonably sure many have made good edges not so good with improper stropping.

They are supposed to be shave ready. I bought them new from SRD.

They may well be, hang in there, it takes a while to become proficient.

I have some CrOx paste, but I have been reluctant to use it on my hanging strop. I have thought about getting a linen strop just for paste. Might add a little smoothness to the edge maybe.

I have a bench strop that I use paste on (if I use paste). I personally would not paste your only strop.
Try the next new razor, be mindful of your stropping technique, remember quality over speed.
The pulling/ tugging during shave shouldn't be.

Thanks. I will report back Wednesday.

Don't be afraid to do some laps, not too many, on the CrOx. I have a tough beard that is hard on edges plus I am a 4 pass shaver so I hit the CrOx after 2 shaves. I do 6- 10 passes. I uses linen for the too but depending upon what the back of your strop is might be able to use the back of your strop. Do NOT PUT THE CrOx on the side you use for stropping.

Also consider adding a finishing stone to maintain the edge.

Congrats to all our Padawan learners, it looks everyone is off to a better start than I was.

I have a balsa board I use my paste on, which seems to work well.