Closing the circle, almost

[BobH]

I am now back at the point where I started 40 odd years ago with my shaving tackle and method. I say almost because I have eliminated the use of hot water also. Started shaving with a sharp razor, soap/cream, a brush, after shave, hot water and face lathering. Gone are the elaborate prep routines, shaving scuttle, hot water and post shave alum/witch hazel. None of what was eliminated improved the shave I was getting to any substantial degree. Funny how things go.

The reason I am mentioning this is that I think too may beginners get carried away with all the add ons without getting the basics straight first. All the add ons are great if you enjoy them but, to me, not strictly necessary to get a smooth comfortable shave. As always with things shave related YMMV.

Bob

[ecormier]

Bob, I think beginners should get carried away (maybe just a little) when starting...... I saw it as a time to learn and try new things... which was something I never did before

[ecormier]

Bob, your stats are ridiculous over 7,000 posts, sheesh lol

[edhewitt]

Bob, your stats are ridiculous over 7,000 posts, sheesh lol

Why is that ridiculous ?

[tcrideshd]

Bobh , what you said is probably some of the best advice given, before going crazy , how about just learn to shave!, stay simple, good lather , and a properly honed shave ready razor and spend some time just learning to get the shave right . then play around with everything else,, I love a pampered shave, but if I couldn't shave well, it still would suck with all the hot towels , expensive soaps and custom blades and brushes, I enjoy all of it because when the razor touches my face its doing the job, start out with the basics as you do anything, sports , careers, it all takes learning from the ground up. hey I starting scrubbing the rig floor before I could run the rig ,,, great thread Bob tc

[nun2sharp]

Bob, your stats are ridiculous over 7,000 posts, sheesh lol

Ridiculous!? Wait till Jimmy gets here!

[BobH]

Bob, I think beginners should get carried away (maybe just a little) when starting...... I saw it as a time to learn and try new things... which was something I never did before

Yes, try new things for sure once the basics are learned and you are getting decent shaves then go for the new exciting stuff. WRT the posts what can I say I'm an old retired guy enjoying a hobby.

Bob

[RedGladiator]

WRT the posts what can I say I'm an old retired guy enjoying a hobby.

The more the better, I've learnt quite a bit from you

[BobH]

The more the better, I've learnt quite a bit from you

Thanks, just trying to be like most here by hopefully contributing something useful to others. I have learned a good deal from others on here too.

Bob

[edhewitt]

I agree Bob. All the other stuff just strikes me as distraction from learning proper technique. I think that a bit of basic pre or post shave balm can be useful with irritation/rash but that's about as far as i would go.