Thread: First shave

Originally Posted by hrkris

Hey all,

I recently acquired an old C.V. Heljestrand razor (maybe 80+ years old) and decided that I wanted to try shaving with a straight. I read these forums, which were very informative on everything from Lather, to stropping, to the right brush...every question I had was answered, which is great! When I first got the razor, it hadn't been used in 20+ years and was in its container...safe, I know :P, so I stropped it for the first time since the last time and took my first shave...

I know its been said that for the first straight razor shave, it's better to start slow and maybe just do a sideburn, but I did my right sideburn, and it went so well that I went ahead and did both cheeks. The lather wasn't perfect, since this was the first time I ever made lather with a brush, but the shave wasn't that bad. I went WTG for both cheeks and also right along my jawline, but left my neck alone for when I get more comfortable. It was actually a shave that I could compare to when I first shaved with a Gillette, not horrible, but not great either.

Still though, I'm very impressed with how well it went, I didn't have a single nick or cut and only missed a small spot on the left side of my face. I actually did both sides with my right hand, using my left hand felt extremely unnatural and it felt like I might slip with the razor, so I used my right instead.

Well, I just wanted to share that there's been another happy shaver and now I actually look forward to shaving and can't wait to shave again once I get my razor back from Lynn

Great start, for sure ...and of all things, with an 80+ year old str8. Would love to see pictures when you get the chance .

hrkris,

Let me add my congratulations as well. It appears that you are well on your way to becoming a straight razor afficianado.

Like you, my first shave went so well that I went beyond one side of the face. My face was red for a day or two as my technique improved and my face adjusted to the new/old razor technology that I was using on it.

Take care, be patient, take it slow, don't get discouraged--and continued smooth shaving.