Thread: Is it considered cheating?

It's a question I have been pondering for a week or so now.

Thanks to the help and advice of a certain master honer of this 'ere parish I have had some really good straight shaves lately.

However I got over confident yesterday and pushed my luck (and the razor to hard on the chin leading to my first real meeting with the styptic ).

So the time comes round to shave again and to avoid re-opening the minor nick on the chin I shamefully reached for the mach 3.

I immediately felt guilty and just a little girly...

Is tidying up with an unspeakable considered cheating or an acceptable practice?

I'd be interested to know your thoughts guys!

I have only used a single edge safety vintage (that you hone and strop) since I started straights but really see no problem. I really doubt anyone here will. We all love the straights, that's what brings us here. If you feel the need to use something else at times - so be it, don't worry about it. Don't feel "girly" - not that there's anything wrong with that...

Cheers
Ivo

I'd have used the striaght and gon only with the grain very lightly over the area. I think that would be even less damaging than a Mach III. Who's with me?

X

I am!

I only used the vintage safety a couple of times because 1) I wanted to try it 2) it was not on my face (might be too much info but armpits with a straight - can't do yet)

The straights are gentler on the face, indeed. However, some may prefer a bit of safety and blade length / handling that they are more used to (if not forgotten by now)

Cheers
Ivo

OK, if it makes you feel any better, I did worse than that - when I sliced my chin like a salami on a downward stroke, and replaced the steaming divot amongst the gore and sharp steel, I was concerned about opening up the divot - so the next day, still crusty and sore I reached for the - electric! Just so happened to have the thing still plugged in - only did that spot (and well maybe a little of the underside of my chin, feeling a little shot shy) and *yes* I felt like a boob. Here I was surrounded by all this magnificent equipment, bowls and brushes, blades and soaps and steaming towels and scuttles and aftershaves and alum blocks (that I have had to tap dance around the wife to acquire) - and I am reaching for the electric with a sure grimace of defeat -

It was either that or my brand new once used, once tossed in a drawer, vibrating "Fusion"...AAArrrghghgh. You see the dilemma?

So don't feel bad, only you will know - and I absolve you.

K

jusr be sure your straights don't see you, or it'll definately get suspicious. Cover your tracks, and make sure you still spend time with the str8 in question...oh, and remember, it's not cheating unless you get caught

seriously though, there are members here, including myself, that still use a safety razor sometimes. I got myself good on the corner of my mouth a month ago, and was using a DE around it.

Originally Posted by xman

I'd have used the striaght and gon only with the grain very lightly over the area. I think that would be even less damaging than a Mach III. Who's with me?

X

Here here.

So you have taken a mistress

if you desire one at least let it be a DE.

Originally Posted by xman

I'd have used the striaght and gon only with the grain very lightly over the area. I think that would be even less damaging than a Mach III. Who's with me?

X

I agree as well. I nicked one area twice in successive shaves turning it into a little cut. Over the next week I tried to "baby" it with the DE.... made it worse, then the electric .... razor burn, then the Fusion .... got an ingrown hair in that area and reopened it. Finally, stopped trying different things and just settled for a couple day break and single passes with the straight WTG for a couple shaves and in a few days all was good.

However, I wouldn't consider it cheating either. There's still a couple of areas on my neck that I can get closer on with a DE than I can with the straight and if I really need to be BBS for some reason I still reach for the DE to get it done. One of these days I'll get it with the straight though....

Ant

"Dear Mr Si,

After careful and dilligent investigation of your circumstances, and in light of your voluntary confession and active participation in razor forums, the members of the International Straight Razor Council have decided to overlook your breach of good form in this instance.

Yours Sincerely,

etc, etc..."

James.