Today, I did my first straight razor shave. I used my new Excelia from KAI. I used Feather ProGuard blade and used Nivea moisture shave gel....(I know...I am waiting on a shave brush I ordered) Then after shave with Perry Ellis 360 White AS. I would have to say that I did not like the shave very much. I am very much used to using the Fusion I have been using for a while now. I wasn't nervous and I didn't cut myself at all. I just don't think I have the patience yet to shave with a straight. I did two passes and one with the grain and one to the side of the grain. The fit and finish of the blade is very nice. I am just not exactly comfortable with it yet. I am not giving up by any means as I do not like using the Fusion at all...(mostly because of replacement blades) Is this pretty normal to not enjoy shaving with straights at first? I do feel somewhat discouraged but I do not plan to give up on it by any means.
:happy088 :happy088 for having a go with the str8! There's a lot of folks who wouldn't even dare to try one. As for me, I can say my first str8 shave was not the best shave I've ever had. I get many 4 and 5 Blade shave ratings with my DEs and SEs. I gave my first str8 shave 2 blades for comfort and results and 5 blades for the cool factor. They have gotten better. Only you will be able to decide if it's going to be worth sticking with. I do admire the fact that you're not giving up after just one shave. Way to go!
I have to say it gets better! Usually the first shave falls short due to high expectations coupled with inadequate technique. It is a time consuming hobby. I don't plan on shaving with my straight every single day at first. But I could see myself doing more and more often. Anyways, congrats and good luck!
I'm not familiar with that razor you're using. When I first started out it was with couple pre-owned Roundpoints. I didn't want to risk damaging the other 2 new RP's by rolling edge on strop and what not so I stuck with the used one. Anyway, I only shaved the sideburns and kept my facial hair because my dying electric would tug the shi* out of my skin and I wanted to avoid that. As soon as I got comfortable within 1-2 weeks I moved on to entire face. I say 2 weeks because a shave with straight would yield baby skin smooth for 2 days. So I allowed 3-4 day beard growth and went from there. To answer your question, my first shaving experience was pleasant. It took longer than I wanted to ( 30-45 min ) but we all have to start somewhere. Eventually you'll find out what works for you and I hope you enjoy many more shaves my friend. BTW what brush did you get?
