My straight razor arrived from @Mark so i decided to jump straight and in have a crack. I worked up a lather of some description and applied. After a few small strokes of the razor i think i found an angle that seemed to work and stuck with that and completed my right cheek WTG.
It may have been due to a poor a lather or incorrect angle (or both) but it was a harsher shave than i was expecting. The blade wasn't really gliding and i resorted to small strokes. I tried adding more/less water to the soap but neither seemed to work. It was fairly noisy too.
Undeterred i switched hands and moved to the left side. After a few seconds of uncoordination i mimmicked what i did in the right side without too much trouble. By this time even tho i knew i was probably making a few mistakes the lack of blood gave me confidence and inspired me to complete the rest of my face. My neck was a bit sensitive (as usual) but wasn't as tricky as i expected. The parts i struggled with were the bottom of my chin under the neck and the moustache. My nose seemed to get in the way and prevent me using the angles i wanted.
I didn't attempt ATG but all in all my first shave was somewhat of a success. Some parts of my face and neck are a bit red and irritated but nothing concerning.
Some questions i have, which may or may not be simple responses are;
- what would be stopping the blade from gliding and catching a little bit? (also noisy)
- do you rinse the straight razor under the tap or fill the bowl with water?
- do you need to use your left hand for the left side of the face?
- what do you guys attach your strops to?
Any feedback would be appreciated!
It may have been due to a poor a lather or incorrect angle (or both) but it was a harsher shave than i was expecting. The blade wasn't really gliding and i resorted to small strokes. I tried adding more/less water to the soap but neither seemed to work. It was fairly noisy too.
Undeterred i switched hands and moved to the left side. After a few seconds of uncoordination i mimmicked what i did in the right side without too much trouble. By this time even tho i knew i was probably making a few mistakes the lack of blood gave me confidence and inspired me to complete the rest of my face. My neck was a bit sensitive (as usual) but wasn't as tricky as i expected. The parts i struggled with were the bottom of my chin under the neck and the moustache. My nose seemed to get in the way and prevent me using the angles i wanted.
I didn't attempt ATG but all in all my first shave was somewhat of a success. Some parts of my face and neck are a bit red and irritated but nothing concerning.
Some questions i have, which may or may not be simple responses are;
- what would be stopping the blade from gliding and catching a little bit? (also noisy)
- do you rinse the straight razor under the tap or fill the bowl with water?
- do you need to use your left hand for the left side of the face?
- what do you guys attach your strops to?
Any feedback would be appreciated!