Thread: OH MY! Am I in over my head?

I sent Jackdashack a PM but I'll put some of it here in case it is of benefit to anyone else.

The razors have been mailed and will be ready to use as is when received. That means no testing, no wiping, and no stropping--just shaving. Of course stropping should be done before subsequent shaves. The razors are in a roll and are to be used from left to right, ideally using each for at least a week before moving on to the next. It is easier for a beginner to get used to a single razor rather than several.

The first razor is a 5/8 Shumate round point. This is a better way to start, as you are less likely to sink the end of the razor deep into your cheek.

Next is a 5/8 Bismark square point. You can move on to this one after you have figured out some sort of creative way to trash the edge of the first one! Popular methods are dropping (don't try to catch it), dinging against the side of the faucet or sink (which there is no need to do as it is safer to just wipe the lather on a wash cloth or sponge rather than dipping in water), and rolling the edge while stropping (this one also is very popular).

Next is a 5/8 Wester Brothers De-Fi spike point. I did mute the spike so it is not as dangerous as it could be, but you still want to be more careful with this one.

The above three are full hollows. That means the blades are thin and flexible. The next razor is a Le Grelot Hospital, which is a 5/8 quarter hollow. It has a much stiffer and thicker blade and so will feel different than the others. If you really struggle with the first razor, the Shumate, you could skip ahead to this one if you wish.

The last one is a bigger blade just to give you a sense of how a bigger blade feels. I didn't measure it but I think it is between a 6/8 and a 7/8. It will feel different from the others and I hesitated sending it but figured you might as well experience it. Historically the 5/8 was the most common size but now everybody is gravitating toward bigger blades, so you might as well get a chance to see what the fuss is about.

Have fun trying them out!

Kudos to Utopian. He's gone a few extra miles to acclimate a newbie to straight razor usage.

Originally Posted by Utopian

I sent Jackdashack a PM but I'll put some of it here in case it is of benefit to anyone else.

Thanks so very much. I will go slow. As far as the stropping I'm going to have to read up on that so give me some time for learning curve. I'm not sure how soon you want them back BUT THEY WILL BE RETURNED. My parents didn't raise no dummy or a thief. I appreciate this so much. I will keep you updated. Please give me time to visit the Blood Bank from time to time. hahaha! ":-Dx jack

You also need a recent photo for the surgeon to use as a template!

Originally Posted by Utopian

You also need a recent photo for the surgeon to use as a template!

I hope I can laugh through this all! I will say that when the blue razor came I tried it carefully thinking it was ready. But I soon realized this can't be real. It was then I realized it did not have a shave ready edge but at least I did have it on my face. But now after so much careful and thoughtful warnings I'll be a little more tempered. I will get before photos ready for the doc! hahah! ":-Dx jack

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Kudos to Utopian. He's gone a few extra miles to acclimate a newbie to straight razor usage.

Hasn't he now!! I am still mystified that some people still trust in this world. I appreciate it beyond expression! ":-Dx

I wondered if you guys could appreciate this? How sharp and honed these swords must be and how he wields them so expertly. If he doesn't shave with a straight razor seems he'd be a good candidate. ":-Dx jack

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=IikRJNOKdvU

Originally Posted by Utopian

You also need a recent photo for the surgeon to use as a template!

Received this Thursday a.m. I sent a private message and then did an edit. I think I ended up resending it to myself. Let me know if you do not get to see the message where I confirmed received. Some information there. Thanks jack ":-Dx

Originally Posted by Utopian

You also need a recent photo for the surgeon to use as a template!

First blood cut and deep! BUT ON MY FINGER!!!! My left mouse click finger!! As I was turning the razor it got me good! lol You guys warned me of everything but fingers. My bad, just flipped it too fast. But it put's me out of commission for now. I am typing with my index squeezed against my thumb with high pressure hoping if will mend. Otherwise it is a mini gusher. lol I'm laughing. My stupidity. I did get in some licks on the face but was surprised. I must be doing some thing wrong? I can hear the beard passing below the blade but doesn't seem, at this point, much more came off than my bag 'o razors type. Maybe I haven't the technique yet? yep, still bleeding 30 minutes later. This is going to stymie this a bit I'm afraid until this sews up. Do they sell chain mail gloves! Oh boy .... what a dumb newb mistake. ":-\\ not feeling too proud

Originally Posted by jackdashack

First blood cut and deep! BUT ON MY FINGER!!!! My left mouse click finger!! As I was turning the razor it got me good! lol You guys warned me of everything but fingers. My bad, just flipped it too fast. But it put's me out of commission for now. I am typing with my index squeezed against my thumb with high pressure hoping if will mend. Otherwise it is a mini gusher. lol I'm laughing. My stupidity. I did get in some licks on the face but was surprised. I must be doing some thing wrong? I can hear the beard passing below the blade but doesn't seem, at this point, much more came off than my bag 'o razors type. Maybe I haven't the technique yet? yep, still bleeding 30 minutes later. This is going to stymie this a bit I'm afraid until this sews up. Do they sell chain mail gloves! Oh boy .... what a dumb newb mistake. ":-\\ not feeling too proud

There is a cut of the day thread. Its a chance to feel accomplished during these trying times.