Thread: super newb question

Ok my first shave will be tomorrow and i just wanted to ask a couple more super newb questions

1) I got a col conk shaving soap and it came in a plastic container. Should I leave the soap in the plastic container and then create the froth in the shaving mug?

2) also I am in the california san fernando valley area in thousand oaks. is there anywhere locally where i can pick up an alum block/bar or do i have to order it?

I read leisure guy's guide to safety razor shaving and watched some utube vids of mantic59 . I definitely feel like i got the jist of it, such as the angle , very little pressure, going with the grain, multiple passes etc.

Yep, you'll probably get better lather if you do this method: http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=439

Also, keep it light but be true to your convictions --follow through with each stroke -
Just believe you can do it but be smart about things. No side to side motion -no face wiggling or moving -keep the blade moving , don't let it just sit on your face while exerting pressure. Take time and do your prep work right. And last but not least keep a bucket handy for any serious blood loss ---just kidding, a coffee cup should be fine.

good luck,

Justin

Most guys put the soap cake right in the mug. Good luck, rokuez!

X

As to an alum block in So. Cal, you might try calling Ross Cutlery in Los Angeles. They have a fairly good selection of barber supplies (or at least they did at one time). Ross is right next to the Bradbury building on Broadway across from the Grand Central Market.

There used to be a Caswell-Massey shop out in Newport Beach at the Fashion Plaza, maybe it's still there. You might have some luck there as well.


Scott

Good luck!

1. Soap cake in mug; wet brush in hot water tap; shake out some water then put tip of brush into mug & swirl on top of cake; build lather on face; adjust proportions as necessary. Rember to prep well first.

2. If all else fails buy a small canister of Schilling (or other brand) of alum (powder) on the spice shelf at your local grocery store. It will last a long time.

3. If the razor pulls it probably isn't sharp enough. That was my #1 problem when I first started.

Monte

In leisure guy's guide to safety razor shaving there is a woman who talks about using an alum bar to clean her face.

would it be okay to use the alum bar on the nose and forehead as a cleanser?