Closing the circle, almost

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

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

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

I'm with you bob; Simple shavers FTW!!

...YMMV

I find it nice to on occasion get out the bowl and build a lather, and the hot towels, and all of the prep and fluff, for the purpose of fluff and pampering. It is true on a regular basis with a good edge and a good technique that I can achieve a very close, comfortable shave, no fluff needed. Some days however, I do appreciate it all.

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Originally Posted by RezDog

I find it nice to on occasion get out the bowl and build a lather, and the hot towels, and all of the prep and fluff, for the purpose of fluff and pampering. It is true on a regular basis with a good edge and a good technique that I can achieve a very close, comfortable shave, no fluff needed. Some days however, I do appreciate it all.

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Don't get me wrong, never implied that for an experienced shaver doing the whole luxury bit is not called for when the mood strikes or all the tine if desired. There just seems to be a lot of beginners coming to straight razor and DE shaving with only their only experience being with carts and canned goo. For those, learn how to make a good lather with a brush and proper shave technique first. Don't mask your deficiencies in the basics by adding all the other stuff on top. It can get in the way of what you have to learn first.

Bob

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Originally Posted by 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

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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

I feel that way about the quick transition from "got my first SR" to "what hones are best"...in many cases, too far, too fast.

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Originally Posted by BobH

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

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

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Originally Posted by RedGladiator

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

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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

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Originally Posted by 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

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Couldn't agree more. Thank you.

All the extras are nice occasionally, but in the end it's just shaving. One of the guys I work with asked me "if all the time it takes to straight shave is worth it" I told him it only takes me 10- 15 min start to finish. He didn't believe me so I told him to buy the beer and come watch, if it takes more than 15 min I'll buy the beer. Two pass DFS with cold water. Done. Free beer:beer1:

SWOMBO gets me in to work well before everyone else, I check Emails whilst soaking the brush in room temp tap water. Strop and then build a lather, go to the bathroom and enjoy a morning shave. No bells and whistles so that has just become my routine now. On special occasions I will give the beard a soak with a towl but that is very rare. I do make sure that the lather is rubbed in good and propper though.

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Originally Posted by ecormier

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

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Why is that ridiculous ? :)

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

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Originally Posted by ecormier

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

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Ridiculous!? Wait till Jimmy gets here!

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.

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Originally Posted by BobH

Don't get me wrong, never implied that for an experienced shaver doing the whole luxury bit is not called for when the mood strikes or all the tine if desired. There just seems to be a lot of beginners coming to straight razor and DE shaving with only their only experience being with carts and canned goo. For those, learn how to make a good lather with a brush and proper shave technique first. Don't mask your deficiencies in the basics by adding all the other stuff on top. It can get in the way of what you have to learn first.

Bob

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I like the luxury! When I pay someone to do it for me.
I can't seem to enjoy doing my own hot towel. I'm not leaned back in a comfortable chair getting to relax when I do it myself.