Thread: Too much information = overwhelming!

What is the point of the Brush if I can use my hands? Same question with this "soap" vs the regular shaving cream?

Originally Posted by kurolap

What is the point of the Brush if I can use my hands? Same question with this "soap" vs the regular shaving cream?

Many many of us have found that it is a much better shave with the brush but if you insist on using your hands go for it you won't know any better so won't miss it.

Originally Posted by kurolap

What is the point of the Brush if I can use my hands? Same question with this "soap" vs the regular shaving cream?

The only point is that using lather made from shaving soap/cream using shaving brush works better that smearing the stuff from the can with your hands.
I hope you don't ask what's the point of shaving when you can just leave your facial hair just grow.

Kurolap, you've gotten a lot of advice from a number of the SRP members. The one bit of advice I didn't see listed (if I'm reading right) is edit you info to show where you are at and post a request for a meeting with any mentor in the area or comfortable driving distance. No matter what you read here, as good as it is, nothing and I repeat, nothing can take the place of a one-on-one meeting with a mentor who is more than willing to answer ALL of your questions and get you on a steady path of successful straight razor shaving. I live 50 minutes from my mentor and between PMs and a every other month face to face with him I have avoided many of the pitfalls of a new str8 user. Do it, you won't regret it.

Originally Posted by kurolap

What is the point of the Brush if I can use my hands? Same question with this "soap" vs the regular shaving cream?

Basically, the stuff in the can has chemicals (propellants among other things) in it that age your skin and dry it out. It also doesn't provide enough protection, nor does it hold enough moisture.

Without a brush, you cannot create a lather from non-canned creams or shaving soaps.

Another thing about a brush is that it is better at raising the hairs up, which helps you get a closer shave easier. When you apply canned cream with your hands, you're pretty much pushing the hairs down flat.
A brush is also better at working the lather into your beard which softens it, making it easier for your blade to cut the hair, which = less pulling and tugging = a more comfortable shave.

Plus, it feels nice.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Kurolap, you've gotten a lot of advice from a number of the SRP members. The one bit of advice I didn't see listed (if I'm reading right) is edit you info to show where you are at and post a request for a meeting with any mentor in the area or comfortable driving distance. No matter what you read here, as good as it is, nothing and I repeat, nothing can take the place of a one-on-one meeting with a mentor who is more than willing to answer ALL of your questions and get you on a steady path of successful straight razor shaving. I live 50 minutes from my mentor and between PMs and a every other month face to face with him I have avoided many of the pitfalls of a new str8 user. Do it, you won't regret it.

I've been at it a while now and this would probably be a good idea for me as well! Someone double check my work

Where would be the best place to post said request?

Originally Posted by kwlfca

I've been at it a while now and this would probably be a good idea for me as well! Someone double check my work

Where would be the best place to post said request?

Right here on SRP. Post in two areas. Beginners forum and the general Conversation section. And being where you are I'm sure there are several SRP members more than willing to share their knowledge with you. Might even be an American mentor just over the border also.

That third link shavette is nice. The "point" of the brush and good lather is that a good brush and lather is a key point in the "upgrade" process. If you are upgrading the quality of your razor you should upgrade the quality of all the components, so you upgrade your shave. Buying a straight razor and using can foam works. It's just like buying a new race sail boat and using bed sheets for sails. Silly, but, it works.

Originally Posted by kurolap

What is the point of the Brush if I can use my hands? Same question with this "soap" vs the regular shaving cream?

Since too much information is overwhelming, let me give you some very simple advice. Don't buy any new razors. Don't worry about honing or even stopping. Change one simple thing. Get that little brush and a good quality cream or soap. If you don't want to spend much try Proraso cream or Arko shave sticks. Just the simple improvement of a good soap/cream and a brush will greatly enhance your existing shave routine. Once you convince yourself that the experience can be made more enjoyable, look into a double edge safety razor or have yourself a try at a straight razor. But a nice cream or soap (maybe a good aftershave too) might help you enjoy the process some first. And its not overwhelming either since its shaving cream. I mean we're not curing cancer at this point. That's how I started out. I never intended to have this be a full blown hobby or anything . I just tried some decent products to make the experience less miserable and before I knew it, it was great.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Right here on SRP. Post in two areas. Beginners forum and the general Conversation section. And being where you are I'm sure there are several SRP members more than willing to share their knowledge with you. Might even be an American mentor just over the border also.

Phill @ Classic Edge is probably closest...he's just super busy!

That's a really good idea though. I've tried messaging someone from the local members area but they don't seem to be active...this seems like a much better idea!