1st moment you stand with a razor sharp striat, look into the mirror and say OMG!

I have gotten a ton of really good and honest help here. Apparently the 2 razors I've purchased might be good for a "watch something rust" study. lol Another confession, the first hour of comments after joining I did think I was into a bunch of straight razor snobs. Having been a cigar aficionado in the past (cheap pipe now) I knew not to talk about my $1 smokes around those that think a $5 smoke is "slumming" it. ha! These cigar snobs have nothing but derision for those that don't burn a sawbuck every time they smoke. But then I realized there's a difference. With a bad smoke you spit the taste. With a bad razor you spit blood and skin. I get it, I got it pretty fast and understand the passion behind wanting future newbs to enjoy the experience. I am a virgin! hahaha! Only on a straight razor. I have a brilliant nurse daughter.

A generous person is sending/lending me a razor (maybe 2?) for a bit to see how I get onto it. I was wondering what you guys may think about starting with just one part of the face for awhile. Not the entire face. Maybe an easy part first for a few days? Doing the rest with my store bought gazillion blade thingers. And then walking into a little more territory when I get comfortable with that part? If there is an easier part of the face what is it?

AND 2ndly. I find I get a better shave even with the gazillion blade safety razors when my beard is longer. Is it so with a straight razor? Is it best to go as long as you can with growth before shaving?

Well I hope these were 2 half fast questions are worth some consideration and as always .... many thanks! Jack ":-Dx:nj

Starting with one part of the face is often recommended. The easiest part to start with is the cheek.
You should read the article written by Lynn Abrams and watch his Youtube videos on shaving and stopping while you wait for your razors to arrive.

First straight razor shave - Straight Razor Place Library

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

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

Starting with one part of the face is often recommended. [/url]

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Many thanks Leatherstockings! I will have this for reference and use it soon! ":-Dx

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Originally Posted by jackdashack

Many thanks Leatherstockings! I will have this for reference and use it soon! ":-Dx

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This is the video that got me into the game....still makes me laugh, simple setup, and he makes it look so easy.

Think I've posted this about 10 + times now...;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q4IRoaJH34

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Originally Posted by Phrank

This is the video that got me into the game....still makes me laugh, simple setup, and he makes it look so easy.

Think I've posted this about 10 + times now...;)

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For pity sakes! He makes me sick! ahaha! Of course sick from green envy. 3rd world country? Maybe no safety's available so he's done it his entire life. I know I used the old fashioned safety straight years ago in the 60's, but it's been a long time. I know, a straight razor is nothing like the straight razor. That was one funny/helpful video. Thanks for sharing! Jack ":-Dx

My favorite by one of the masters.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XIM0Coix6Gg

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Originally Posted by jackdashack

For pity sakes! He makes me sick! ahaha! Of course sick from green envy. 3rd world country? Maybe no safety's available so he's done it his entire life. I know I used the old fashioned safety straight years ago in the 60's, but it's been a long time. I know, a straight razor is nothing like the straight razor. That was one funny/helpful video. Thanks for sharing! Jack ":-Dx

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His name is Willi/Wulli and he is/was a member here...first time I saw it - thought he was going to shave with the butcher knife on the wall.

It's not a 3rd World country by any means...very European apartment, there's another video of him on his yacht shaving with a straight.:D

And Chim's 20th Anniversary shave was always a favorite - that 7 Day TI set he has - beautiful.

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Originally Posted by Phrank

His name is Willi/Wulli and he is/was a member here...first time I saw it - thought he was going to shave with the butcher knife on the wall.

It's not a 3rd World country by any means...very European apartment, there's another video of him on his yacht shaving with a straight.:D

And Chim's 20th Anniversary shave was always a favorite - that 7 Day TI set he has - beautiful.

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The 3rd world reference I made was to the previous video, not this last one you call the master. Sorry for that confusion. Easily confused here at times. This guy was a master. Now did he lather and shave 3 times? Where's the 20th video. lol You've "whet" my yen to see that one now. Yes, that is a beautiful set.

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Originally Posted by Phrank

His name is Willi/Wulli and he is/was a member here...first time I saw it - thought he was going to shave with the butcher knife on the wall.

It's not a 3rd World country by any means...very European apartment, there's another video of him on his yacht shaving with a straight.:D

And Chim's 20th Anniversary shave was always a favorite - that 7 Day TI set he has - beautiful.

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The first video is Wulli, from on here? The speed shaver?
Thanks for that bit, love that vid and had no idea I was dialogin with a web sensation!
:tu
And to the OP, welcome aboard! A good cigar is always good, but a good shaving is freakin awesome!

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Originally Posted by Phrank

This is the video that got me into the game....still makes me laugh, simple setup, and he makes it look so easy.

Think I've posted this about 10 + times now...;)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Q4IRoaJH34

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I love that he heats up his water on the stove, doesn't look like he cares who made his brush and how they did it, ha.... and that crapy strop he uses, ha..... and the 5 strops he gives it before he goes at it! HA. I love it all. A definite KISS shave.

Jack, you are Mid-Atlantic (as am I)... where abouts? >> (Nevermind... I see in the other thread you are in Delaware... that puts you a good 3 hours from me.)

I started out doing cheeks only with a straight and the rest safety razor. Then I went to my whole face with straight, but only WTG... ATG was still with a safety razor.

When I was getting decent shaves with the straight WTG, I started doing my whole face WTG and ATG with it. It didn't take long to get to that point, so hang in there!

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Originally Posted by HARRYWALLY

I love that he heats up his water on the stove, doesn't look like he cares who made his brush and how they did it, ha.... and that crapy strop he uses, ha..... and the 5 strops he gives it before he goes at it! HA. I love it all. A definite KISS shave.

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Thanks HARRYWALLY ... someone beat you to it. Same video posted about 5 comments up but ditto every thing you say! ":-Dx jack

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Originally Posted by Phrank

This is the video that got me into the game....still makes me laugh...

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I remember that video. Absolutely nothing like how I shave :-)

I'm tempted to do my own video and post it. I have a goatee, so I could show how I shave around that. Concerned though that if someone more experienced than me thinks I'm doing something wrong, I don't need the abuse and derision! On the other hand, I recall how nervous of the razor I was when I started. So, if my video could help just one person, then it's worth it.

and for some fun and giggles watch this

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

wayne394,
Go ahead and make a video. I think the majority of the members here would be supportive of your effort and also acknowledge that there will be variations in technique.

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Originally Posted by wayne394

I'm tempted to do my own video and post it. I have a goatee, so I could show how I shave around that. Concerned though that if someone more experienced than me thinks I'm doing something wrong, I don't need the abuse and derision! On the other hand, I recall how nervous of the razor I was when I started. So, if my video could help just one person, then it's worth it.

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Why don't you post it to my FB private inbox? You may find that it has to go into the OTHER folder but I check that folder daily. FB name [ Jack Poore ] Profile photo is flared out colors with my chin in my hand. Or you may be able to attach it to a PM here? I understand not wanting the good/bad input from a video. Everyone is going to have their own comfortable technique I'd supposed having none yet myself. I've even thought of making one FIRST TIME (a virgin video) hahaha! But I only have a tablet and wouldn't know exactly how to do that. I supposed others have a camera and tripod. Thanks for input! ":-Dx jack

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Originally Posted by Leatherstockiings

wayne394,
Go ahead and make a video. I think the majority of the members here would be supportive of your effort and also acknowledge that there will be variations in technique.

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Ditto what Leatherstockings said. ":-Dx jack

Welcome to SRP Jack. Great bunch of helpful members here as you have already discovered. Not snobs at all, everyone wants you to succeed. Starting with part of your face is recommended, but hard to stick to in all the excitement. Watched a ton of videos when I started, and they definitely help. One thing I have found, no two shaved the same. Part of the fun of learning to shave with a straight I guess. Best of luck.

Mmmm. :hmmm: I shaved earlier today, so I think I'll wait 3 or 4 days for a bit of growth then give it a try. I'll post the link to Youtube once it's up in a new thread! Thanks for the encouragement gents.

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Originally Posted by Grazor

Welcome to SRP Jack. Great bunch of helpful members here as you have already discovered. Not snobs at all, everyone wants you to succeed. Starting with part of your face is recommended, but hard to stick to in all the excitement. Watched a ton of videos when I started, and they definitely help. One thing I have found, no two shaved the same. Part of the fun of learning to shave with a straight I guess. Best of luck.

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Great advice Grazor! Many thanks! Since everyone's face is somewhat different I would suspect you are right, "different strokes for different folks!" .... oh, my bad. I could never be a stand up! lol

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Originally Posted by wayne394

Mmmm. :hmmm: I shaved earlier today, so I think I'll wait 3 or 4 days for a bit of growth then give it a try. I'll post the link to Youtube once it's up in a new thread! Thanks for the encouragement gents.

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Wayne if you follow through, please rate it PG-13 if there is blood and gore! hahaha! Just kidding. I'm sure you have it down pat for your mug! ":-Dx jack

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Originally Posted by mainaman

and for some fun and giggles watch this

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

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I really like that LITTLE DICTATOR. Watch it every chance I get. Do think you'd sit for a barber like that? Maybe that's why the old barber poles had the red stripes for blood. Old timey folks thought blood letting was good for ya? Who knows, maybe a bit now and then is good, but preferably with a syringe. ":-Dx

I still remember standing in front of the mirror with my freshly honed Dovo, and my hand started to shake when I got close to my face! I had to step back and take a breath, and then I shaved part of a cheek. I laugh at myself now when I think about that, but you have to respect a razor or it can hurt you.
I watched all the videos that I could find, and that helped me overcome a lot of fear. Then I got the hang of it and haven't looked back!

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Originally Posted by Ernie1980

I still remember standing in front of the mirror with my freshly honed Dovo, and my hand started to shake when I got close to my face! I had to step back and take a breath, and then I shaved part of a cheek. I laugh at myself now when I think about that, but you have to respect a razor or it can hurt you.
I watched all the videos that I could find, and that helped me overcome a lot of fear. Then I got the hang of it and haven't looked back!

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Ernie, I'm from the Chesapeake Bay area, Delmarva. Crabs are big thing here since the beginning of time. I've caught many and been bitten by a few. I picture holding the razor the first moment like dangling and 8" live and kicking blue claw crab in front of my face and wondering if I can tame it enough to just sit there and not bite me. AhAA~ When they bite they clamp down and don't let go until you either rip them off and your skin too or you just simply break the claw off the crab and pry loose. One way or the other you will probably draw blood. ":-Dx jack

Here's a good shave video, it's instructional and funny (whiskey and cig break in the middle)


https://youtu.be/mK3I1utxgNM

[QUOTE=rodb;1557687]Here's a good shave video, it's instructional and funny (whiskey and cig break in the middle)

Another good one. Similar to one on another post, young guy, European didn't speak English, have full beard and mustache and gone when done. Looked like he was just dragging a butter knife over it but you know it wasn't. (I wonder if that was whiskey or soda. lol He could have done that to look more macho. lol Just a thought. ";-Dx jack

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Originally Posted by jackdashack

Ernie, I'm from the Chesapeake Bay area, Delmarva. Crabs are big thing here since the beginning of time. I've caught many and been bitten by a few. I picture holding the razor the first moment like dangling and 8" live and kicking blue claw crab in front of my face and wondering if I can tame it enough to just sit there and not bite me. AhAA~ When they bite they clamp down and don't let go until you either rip them off and your skin too or you just simply break the claw off the crab and pry loose. One way or the other you will probably draw blood. ":-Dx jack

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I like that comparison! I will share this with my wife, who still worries that I am going to slit my own throat while shaving.

The difference is, that crab's claw will grow back, but you will have that scar for life! :D

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Originally Posted by jackdashack

Ernie, I'm from the Chesapeake Bay area, Delmarva. Crabs are big thing here since the beginning of time. I've caught many and been bitten by a few. I picture holding the razor the first moment like dangling and 8" live and kicking blue claw crab in front of my face and wondering if I can tame it enough to just sit there and not bite me. AhAA~ When they bite they clamp down and don't let go until you either rip them off and your skin too or you just simply break the claw off the crab and pry loose. One way or the other you will probably draw blood. ":-Dx jack

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Originally Posted by Aldwyn

The difference is, that crab's claw will grow back, but you will have that scar for life! :D

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Aldwyn you are familiar with the "Beautiful Swimmer" (book written by Bill Warner, Pulitzer Prize Non-Fiction) Yes, true, scars are hard to go away. And don't think for a moment I don't know what they can do. I was just using a metaphor not a realism. ":-Dx

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Originally Posted by jackdashack

Aldwyn you are familiar with the "Beautiful Swimmer" (book written by Bill Warner, Pulitzer Prize Non-Fiction) Yes, true, scars are hard to go away. And don't think for a moment I don't know what they can do. I was just using a metaphor not a realism. ":-Dx

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Being from the mid-atlantic, myself (and having grown up with uncles and cousins that were watermen), I was just teasing you. :)

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Originally Posted by wayne394

I'm tempted to do my own video and post it. I have a goatee, so I could show how I shave around that. Concerned though that if someone more experienced than me thinks I'm doing something wrong, I don't need the abuse and derision! On the other hand, I recall how nervous of the razor I was when I started. So, if my video could help just one person, then it's worth it.

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You should do it, there's more than one way to shave and it's what works for you. I have a goatee thingy (moustache, van dyke and soul patch all separate) and I generally use the heel of the razor to cut in around the chin hair...

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Originally Posted by Aldwyn

Being from the mid-atlantic, myself (and having grown up with uncles and cousins that were watermen), I was just teasing you. :)

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Ahh very good! I had a brother in law that was a waterman for a while in Cambridge MD. I used to go trot line with him in the early morns. It is an addicting lifestyle. Medatative and just a joy to be on the water in the early morn. I can remember when I first moved there in 1974 we could purchase a bushel of "Jimmies" for $20. Now they are over $200 a bushel and I've heard $300 beginning of season. They are no longer for the common man. When I managed estates on the Bay and waters during the 90's I could have them everyday free from my own pot or just trot out to a waterman in my creek and buy them fresh. Ah for those days long gone now. I lived in Easton and St. Michaels' from '74-2001 ":-Dx

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Originally Posted by mainaman

and for some fun and giggles watch this

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

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Absolute brilliance from a master of comedy!! Thanks for the trip in the WayBack machine! Reminded me of all the classics like the Marx Brothers, Laurel & Hardy, Three Stooges and one of my favorites, W. C. Fields! They don't make em like that any more!!

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Originally Posted by NewellVW

Absolute brilliance from a master of comedy!! Thanks for the trip in the WayBack machine! Reminded me of all the classics like the Marx Brothers, Laurel & Hardy, Three Stooges and one of my favorites, W. C. Fields! They don't make em like that any more!!

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By chance on my Roku last night I found this movie with John Ratzenberger (Cheers) called the Village Barbershop. If you search Roku it's $3.99 to rent. Go to FilmRise Channel and it's free. Good story. Anyway by sheer desperation he takes this vagabond chick in, reluctantly that can cut men's and women's hair and give shaves. The first shave she did I got to thinking, these guys are already shaved of course, she's just swiping the the cream off and gives the appearance. But all in all it's a good movie about an way back barbershop. Give it 3.5 to 4 STARS. lol I'm sure Mr. Chaplin doing the same here. Already shaved, just removing the cream but FUNNY STUFF! lol

I refrained from posting a link to this one until I received the OK from the mods. Although not a straight razor shave , here is a short film by Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas,Taxi Driver,Raging Bull,etc) that he made while a film student at N.Y.U in 1967. I leave it up to you to research the symbolism of the piece. (Caution,if you have a weak stomach you may wish to avoid viewing.)

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

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Originally Posted by Wirm

I refrained from posting a link to this one until I received the OK from the mods. Although not a straight razor shave , here is a short film by Martin Scorsese (Goodfellas,Taxi Driver,Raging Bull,etc) that he made while a film student at N.Y.U in 1967. I leave it up to you to research the symbolism of the piece. (Caution,if you have a weak stomach you may wish to avoid viewing.)

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

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Yeah, thanks but no thanks! lol I started it and then ran the needle across the timeline to see what was the gore, saw about 2 seconds of it. That was enough. If I was not just in the genesis of shaving I'd watch it. But for now I don't need those images. lol Nice try Wirm but I'm still have the b*lls. I might no have the adams apple when done but the other yes! lol ":-Dx jack

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