Thread: Proper activities for a first date w/ jnat

Well Pink sounds like you have almost arrived at you destination....problem is if you have the "Princess and the pea" syndrome you'll never get there!


Take Care,
Richard

Richard! You've been on my mind - usually about the princess/pea thread. I've been meaning to re-read that thread, wondering how/why an edge wouldn't last longer. 'Doesn't make me think you're doing anything wrong - the proof is in that Williams edge - just planted a terminal itch w/ the jnat.

It'll be a full shave w/ the same razor today. My cheek is still mostly smooth from the test last night. I'm sure a faster cutting stone could produce similar with less time or energy, but being able to get an edge like that at all is huge for me. What puzzles me is how I'd done every operation individually or in combination (slurry/water/dry, circles, back and forth, x-strokes), and the specific sequence seems to have finally grabbed the golden ring (or 'a' golden ring). There are many finishes (coti/escher) that I have never tried or felt. I'm in the wrong tax bracket to try them all for now. I've tried sharp, but you showed me smooth like there's just no tomorrow. The satisfaction is just astounding - worth all the work and expense.

I'm sure I will learn more as I go, but this level of satisfaction is more than enough to heave a big sigh of relief and call it good. Perhaps specific blades or circumstances will produce more questions, but at this point, with a razor that has pits in both the bevel and the edge - gives shaves I'd jump through my navel to get on any blade.

The learning hasn't cease, but it's sure fitting to give massive thanks to each of you that have helped this noob. Yamashita-san, Oz, Riooso, Zethlent have been invaluable. Hard to say how much I appreciate your incredible help. Will gladly jump for the opportunity to respond in kind - in any area I can be of help.

Glad to hear that you are settling down because when you first get a stone that you paid some big bucks for. One gets a little antsy about what you are getting in the way of an edge and a little panic sets in. J-Nats are very different animals and I am glad that you have reached some point of equilibrium. You will eventually drop the unnecessary steps and find what works best for you but the problem is that we can only shave once a day. I have added another couple shaves a week by doing the back of my neck but it still takes time to get it going on.

The guys here are awesome, and me as a beginner, have been very appreciative of the help that they offer. Good group!

Take Care,
Richard

Sorry for necromancing this thread, but can someone post a link to the princess/pea thread?

Thanks,

Bobby

Originally Posted by Nphocus

Sorry for necromancing this thread, but can someone post a link to the princess/pea thread?

Thanks,

Bobby

"The princess/pea" thing was a remark about how some people even though they have the finest edge with the smoothest of a mirror and the keenness of the best edge ever achieved,will, just like the princess in the story of "The Princess and the pea" find something wrong with it. This, of course, will mean another stone of some kind will be needed to achieve this "better" edge.....but for some people it never ends till many thousands of dollars have been thrown to the honing Gods. I don't remember the original thread but offer this as, hopefully, a satisfactory explanation.

Take Care,
Richard

Hey, Bobby

I think the reference came from the honorable Utopian (who has helped me greatly).
Utopian:
"I'll start by pointing out that millions of men shaved with edges off of just a coticule or barber hones for their entire lives.

I lean toward thinking that either you are in a "Princess And The Pea" shaving state or else you are being heavy handed with your honing. I suggest that you get either a coticule or a barber hone and maintain one razor with just that for a while. That will help you either improve your honing, or lower your shaving standards, or improve your shaving technique."

http://straightrazorpalace.com/honin...-12k-like.html

P.S. Richard, I've told you before, but I love your signature line.