I'm in love! WOW!!! I don't know where to begin! Despite telling myself a million times that I'm only going to shave N-S on only my cheeks then finish with a DE, I totally did NOT do that. The first past on the cheeks were fine, and easy. I wasn't nervous one bit, and it just seemed like the right thing to do to go on. Pretty soon (not really soon at all, SEVERAL minutes) I had shave my entire face and neck; without A SINGLE cut. I even did THREE passes, with an additional finish phase! By that time, I had ONLY ONE spot of blood, that went away after I rinsed with cold water. My face is BBS EVERY where except for right under my chin, the bottom of my chin, and my mustache area--but they are still very smooth. AND to top all that good news off, I didn't even have to put on any lotion or balm. I rinsed with some Thayers Witch Hazel and then some good ol Aqua Velva! After that, my face felt plenty moist, and I haven't been able to do that in a LONG time. So am I saying that my VERY FIRST shave with a straight was better than my shaves with a DE? YEP! NO irritation, NO redness. I'm amazed, and ecstatic. The shave took quite some time though. It was a bit tricky learning the best way to hold the razor in order to get a clean swipe for some areas. And no, I'm not exaggerating, and I've never even held a straight razor until this previous Saturday. I think I'm hooked :biggrin: Thanks to Lee of Lee's Razors for the good deal on my straight, which was a 5/8 Dovo Carbon Steel, full hollow, round tip. I also got a great strop from Lee. BIG thanks to Raf for getting my straight shave ready, showing me how to use my strop, and giving me tons of pointers.
Congratulations!!!! The area of the mustache and chin are the last to be conquered usually. It will come with time, as will speed. However, if you're like me, you won't speed up your shave too much because you enjoy it so much. You done good, kid :happy096
Great Job Neil! A properly honed razor make all the difference in providing a nice and smooth shave, kudos to Raf for getting you off to a great start.
Congrats! Be patient with yourself. Sometimes its two steps up and one step back, but you're on the right track. Jordan
Glad to hear the straight worked out for you. I told you it was a good buy That blade should service you for a long time. If you have any problems with it, Raf and I are only a short drive away :happy102
It works out that you got a great shave...after you traveled all the way from Houston to pick up that straight. Grats on the success
That you did good sir! The shaves just keep getting better, as my technique does. I'm becoming a big fan of straights, and don't see me using my DE's any time soon, unless I'm in a hurry.
Hello, I can feel your enthusiasm just from your post - nicely done! After I master the DE, then I want to check out the straight shave. I hope I have the same experience you had! Jim
Straight razor shaving has become a passion of mines ever since I started about a month and a half ago. It will take a while to get a hang of all the different techniques but you will get great satisfaction once you have mastered them. Plus the amazing shaves you will have
