Thread: Beginners Progress or Not So Much

i've found that even after i have watched videos on the subject if i go back and watch them again I still pick up things i've forgotten.
As for the chin i think i've figured it out: i don't try and take it all in one pass but take several light passes to help slowly reduce it until it's gone (think of cutting the grass and lowering the mower a little each pass.) the under side is a little more difficult though since the whiskers seem to lay flat against the skin.

Anyone else ever read a Forum thread and run into the bathroom and break out the brush and razor?

I'm now progressing into leaning XTG and ATG strokes. For me, using the opposite hand (right hand used to shave the left side, etc.) works best. I don't want to start learning a technique that's not favored however!

~mc

I'm at about the 9 month mark and have 5 straight razors in rotation (Can you spell R-A-D?). I also have 2 DE. I save with the SRs about half the time and the DE the other half, but always do similar prep. Like others, my chin is still a work in progress with my SRs, but has been fine with a DE. One thing I have done to save sanity, money and face is to avoid honing myself. I figure once I feel comfortable with everything else, I'll try honing, after I read a million more pages, watch thousands more videos and hopefully find a mentor in my area. In the meantime, I'll be sending the straights out to Lynn, Glenn or someone else experienced.

As to progress, it was a while before I got really comfortable with stropping, although now I have have a routine that works with a SRD paddle strop. I strop before and after shaving (10 linen/40 smooth leather before and 7/25-30 after). I also have experimented with a bunch of soaps and creams and have narrowed down to a handful of favorites for my SR shaves...the DE is more forgiving of weaker lather. I've found the key is enough water and time to really build a lather, then refresh it as I go along.

Lastly, I take care of my stuff and face. I clean up everything well and dry the razors, then let them air dry, before putting them in my box, which is air-tight and has dehumidifying silica packets in it (as used in gun safes). My brush, I shake out and hang bristles down, and my creams I always re-seal. Most soaps I let dry out.

I think the key for me has been taking my time and constantly learning from the folks on this forum and the rest of the site, and from experimenting with technique. I also only change one thing at a time, so, if for instance, I get a less than great shave with a soap and razor, I change out the soap/cream but use the same razor for the next shave.

The great news is that I get a better shave with a straight than I do with a DE, so I know I'm making progress. Next I'll master the chin (or grow a goatee).

Thanks to all experienced folks, and especially to the founders of SRP.

Originally Posted by DamnStraight

Anyone else ever read a Forum thread and run into the bathroom and break out the brush and razor?

I'm now progressing into leaning XTG and ATG strokes. For me, using the opposite hand (right hand used to shave the left side, etc.) works best. I don't want to start learning a technique that's not favored however!

~mc

If you can get it to work it is the right technique for you, i shave left handed only as i am useless with my right hand.

Originally Posted by edhewitt

If you can get it to work it is the right technique for you, i shave left handed only as i am useless with my right hand.

LOL I have the same problem and shave right handed only.

To the guys worried about the honing part, you have the right idea about sending your razors out to one of the pros. Use the razor they send back to you as a benchmark to measure it against another razor you hone. I believe the biggest problem with new guys honing is you are either scared of trying it out or you think you can do what it took others many razors to master on your first blade. Both are bad. Lose your fear on a cheap razor that you are not afraid to trash till you get comfortable. Though honing is NOT rocket science, it is a skill that needs practice to master even slightly. Like stropping, it needs to develop muscle memory. Don't get me wrong , practice won't turn us into Lynn or Glen right away, but you should be able to hone NORMAL razors to shave ready. Why do I say NORMAL razors? Well , there are plenty of razors with uneven bevels, lots of hone wear, frowns, smiles, etc. where you will need much more knowledge to crack.

As for the guys that think they can do this over night because they normally master other things quickly or because they sharpen knives, well lets just say we'll be hear to help you when you get past your pride...LOL

We are not here to judge anyone, we are just here to make sure we promote this GREAT art and hopefully get you to enjoy it as much as we do. Then and only then will you help pass this on to someone else.

Originally Posted by crouton976

PRACTICE, PRACTICE, EXPERIMENTATION AND MORE PRACTICE!!

Originally Posted by Formel1

Be patient...Be calm...If I go to rush or distractions with wife, daughter or dogs...an equation for disaster...

On top of the above, always be humble enough to stop and contemplate why its not working when its not working. Go back to the basics when in doubt. Also, don't be afraid to try new things.

Caveat to trying new things: Try each new thing one at a time. Too many ingredients makes it difficult to identify where things went wrong.

That's just a few. To fully chronicle all I've learned so far in this short period of time would require a Blog post and a Moderator title(for all the editing and such).

I'm still new here, but the one thing that really helped me was to take an old antique store cheapy razor (less than $10) and sand it down dull enough so it would be safe for a three year old to play with (no sharpness at all). Use that practicing the motions and grip for shaving with your off hand. Really helps to get the motion down and become comfortable with it.

Originally Posted by coachmike

As for the guys that think they can do this over night because they normally master other things quickly or because they sharpen knives, well lets just say we'll be hear to help you when you get past your pride...LOL

We are not here to judge anyone, we are just here to make sure we promote this GREAT art and hopefully get you to enjoy it as much as we do. Then and only then will you help pass this on to someone else.

That's me. I learn quick. I've (nearly) mastered almost everything I've jumped into. Take note: I said "nearly" "almost"... Somethings just weren't "up my alley" so to speak.

When I was contemplating trying out the SR, I first got a DE (probably already mentioned that) and waaaaited for my Dovo to arrive. Then... I had to send it out and waaait some more! I then opened up the wallet and got a few "essentials" (suggested to me by my (thus far) mentor who was so excited for me and understood the direction I wanted to head).

After about 5 shaves with the Dovo, I was sure the Dovo isn't the end all of razors which led me to a slightly more expensive Revisor. I needed to compare. I'm still in that process. I'll have another SR to throw into the mix soon enough.

I think I'll watch a few more videos and head out to the garage and destroy a $10 Golden Dollar (I bought two for such), as you (coachmike) and probably EVERYBODY else humbly suggests before I start in on $100-$225 razors. If I can get a GD to shave my arm, I'll be feeling alright about my progression over the next couple of months. Slow and judiciously. <- I've never said that before!

~mc

Originally Posted by coachmike

LOL I have the same problem and shave right handed only.

We could form a 3 arm shaving team, a bit like a 3 legged race team, but with razors.