Thread: After Five Years, I got back on the Horse.

Good to have ya back!

I also took a hiatus of around 5 years from SR shaving. Interestingly enough I was never satisfied with DE shaving and my Mach 3 wasn't the the bee's knees either. Although I do admit I used my Mach 3 more than my DE razors. Yupz, like that.

Anyhoooow, nothing even came close for me to the almighty straight razor.
So I started again, started restoring little by little and honing myself.

Long story short, my hiatus gave me a certain perspective, patience and in some ways made me a more mature man that now better understands all the different parts involving SR shaving; stropping, honing, preparing the beard and restoring. Because now I want to learn all the different parts involved with SR shaving. Back then I just wanted a good shave, but you need to do the other things well to be able to have a good shave. Hence why after the hiatus I succeeded where before I was not 'mature' enough and made too many mistakes and I didn't have the patience to say; 'I'll give it a rest for now, before I foul anything up and I'll try again later' And I have fouled razors up and strops, looking back, I feel bad about it. But at least it has taught me some good lessons.
Of course I read good advice on here and I did heed it, but at the time I didn't have the experience, nor perspective to put the GOOD advice into practice.

Best to you and your shaving endeavor good sir!

Congratulations and welcome back to straight razor shaving. When I started I took things slow since I was scared of slicing my face but once I got the hang of it I never looked back. It's fun and challenging and you learn new thing every time you shave.

I took about a year off from straight razor shaving too after hitting some trouble! I dove back in after my hiatus and have never looked back! Welcome back

Five years ago, I did just one sideburn on two different occasions, then I don't know what the hell I was thinking, but I got WAY too overconfident and just started shaving away like I was using a Gillette Sensor. TWO times I really gouged my sideburn area - the first time, I got away without a scar. But I foolishly did the SAME damn thing again, and now I have a light, but permanent battle scar. I've really learned to totally respect the razor, and to THINK about every move that I make with it.

Welcome back. We have been waiting for you.
As you stated wet shaving is not speed shaving.
Skin stretch and angle will get you to your BBS destination.
Enjoy the shave

I am getting better and more comfortable with each shave. I am getting more confident, as well - but I do not want to get overconfident again. Today was the smoothest, by far, shave I've had yet. My beard was longer this time than any other time I've used a straight razor - but the shave went quicker then ever. No major nicks, of anything - my stropping is better, I assume - but I have to remember to take my time.

Originally Posted by lemke

I am getting better and more comfortable with each shave. I am getting more confident, as well - but I do not want to get overconfident again. Today was the smoothest, by far, shave I've had yet. My beard was longer this time than any other time I've used a straight razor - but the shave went quicker then ever. No major nicks, of anything - my stropping is better, I assume - but I have to remember to take my time.

Old barber says,"Come in every other day and you will get a closer shave."
Go figure. I go 3 days and I get a 3 pass BBS shave. Everyday shave 1 pass and touch ups, I always miss something and not nearly as close.
Just my observation and share.

Similarly, though I have continued to shave with straights over the years, for whatever reason a few years ago I stopped visiting the site until a couple of weeks ago. In reference to your accident and laying it down until now, I remember garnishing the attitude by someone here about straight razor shaving which in my words would be, it is intentionally the direct opposite of the disposable item, hurried, drive-thru fast-food world we live in. Horn, bone, ivory or hand fashioned composites replace molded plastic handles; Hand-ground and sharpened silver and other steels legendary for their ability to take and hold an edge with engraving, gold etching and worked spines replace miles of razor bands cut into inch long pieces and adhered to a plastic head. Learning to set a bevel on an old razor you're reworking, honing or simply touching-up a newer razor on a succession of finer stones and then daily stropping appeals to the craftsman gene I think we all have to varying degrees. There is a great deal of satisfaction derived from being able to develop a dull edge to a keenness that will sever a hair touched to it. Then there is the ritual of shaving itself, nothing to be hurried before you run out the door and so, some years ago, I started shaving at night before retiring to avoid the morning rush and look forward to it...it's indulgent, relaxing and slows you down just as you should be before retiring.

So, I learned here and no better place...scores of custom razors are made...antiques reconditioned...strops fashioned...razors in the tens of thousands are honed by many here with shave experience in the millions and if you want to know something about anything...there is a thread on it with a multitude of qualified to expert opinion or suggestion from razors, to bourbon, to scotch and cigars. Depending on age, it's a place where we become our Dad, Grandpa or Great-Grandpa...it's the difference between Fabio and Clark Gable. Glad I dropped back in and "welcome back" to you.

Hardblues, that was pure poetry. Wow!