My first straight razor and my "100 Face Shaves" challenge - page 1 -

• My first straight razor and my "100 Face Shaves" challenge by Crowbar on 16 Aug, 2013 09:18
• 
  
  Got my first straight razor recently and I have set myself the "100 Straight Razor Face Shaves" challenge.
  
  This challenge has a rule in the fine print that says....  "NO OTHER RAZOR CAN BE USED except the straight razor for 100 shaves in a row"
  
  Wish me luck in my mission
  
  
• #1 by Sir Harry on 16 Aug, 2013 09:59
• Good luck, Crowbar! Nice piece of equipment you have there!
• #2 by Magoo on 16 Aug, 2013 12:07
• You should be an expert by the time your done, probably the best way to learn. Good luck and keep a styptic pen near by.
• #3 by Ming the Merciless on 16 Aug, 2013 13:53
• And be sure to buy a box of "Band-Aids," and an economy-size styptic pencil.
  
  And when will we hear from the contingent that uses hot coals to singe the hair off?  Or those that favor clamshell tweezers?  Any Neanderthals on the forum? 
  
  But whatever works you and anyone else here--feel free!  Ming does not judge.
  
  Ming, however, feels it's "just hair," and whatever removes it with the least ructions and lacerations is best for His Imperial Majesty's dome.  Time saved here is useful for crushing rebellion.
• #4 by warhawk on 16 Aug, 2013 22:24
• Hi Crowbar:  That is a beautiful straight razor.  I look forward to your updates and pics.  Kindly post in the SAFETY RAZOR SOTD.
  
  
  WARHAWK
• #5 by Bluebriz on 16 Aug, 2013 23:43
• Have you used it at all yet?  Please make sure it's shave-ready rather than just with a factory edge, otherwise you won't be getting the proper straight shaving experience and it will probably put you off straight shaving for good!
• #6 by greatnessinc on 18 Aug, 2013 20:32
• Make sure you strop it on a regular basis.
• #7 by Crowbar on 19 Aug, 2013 20:25
• Thanks, will do Warhawk.
  I have the styptic and also some proraso gel
  
  Yes it is a beautiful razor Bayou, I can feel an addiction to collecting these coming on if I continue to use these after 100 shaves.
  
  I got it sharpened on purchase and it seems to be feeling smoother each time perhaps because of the stropping before each shave
  
  11 Shaves now performed and counting! I have stopped shaking now which is a help
• #8 by Bluebriz on 24 Aug, 2013 04:01
• How's it going crowbar?
  
  I have 3 fully honed straights heading my way at this moment.  Should be here in 5 days I think.  Looking forward to getting on the horse and staying there.
  
  Also got myself some really cheap'uns to practice honing on, so I don't knacker my good edges!
• #9 by Crowbar on 24 Aug, 2013 05:12
• Going well, it's feeling better and a little more natural with every shave (up to 13 now)
  X pattern stropping is feeling better each time too
  
  What did you get? would love to know
  
  Great idea re cheap ones to practice honing on. I just got some Naniwa 5k, 8k and 12k stones in the mail, so getting ready plus I got some 0.3 micron sandpaper which I was thinking I could stick to a piece of balsa wood to use instead of the chromium oxide. I have no idea whether this is a good idea that will work or not 
• #10 by Bluebriz on 24 Aug, 2013 06:21
• Glad it's going well.
  
  I can get great shaves with shavettes or the more expensive Feathers or Kais, but never given regular straights much of a try.
  
  The straights heading my way are already mine, I just sent them to a good guy in the US for honing.  One is a Boker, a Christensen, and a D'Allo or D'Allello or something like that.
  
  I'm sure I'll have pics in the SOTD thread soon anyway 👍
• #11 by Crowbar on 24 Aug, 2013 07:01
• Nice, looking forward to seeing them in SOTD!
  
  I can't find anyone around here that knows about straight razors or honing, so with luck I'm hoping I may end up being that guy 
• #12 by baldjoeg on 24 Aug, 2013 10:10
• Good luck on your 100 straight razor shaves challenge. Let me know how it goes. It sounds like you are off to a great start. I have a straight razor but have not used it yet. I hear there is a learning curve to using one. I know that they give you a great shave.  That is a nice looking straight razor that you have. Take care.
• #13 by smoothsailing on 28 Sep, 2013 18:43
• how's that challenge going
• #14 by warhawk on 01 Oct, 2013 15:24
• I would love to hear more of your straight razor journey.
  
  WARHAWK