Thread: My own worst enemy for learning to use a straight razor

It's still been a lot of fun trying to learn to shave with these cool looking razors, but I still have yet to change my morning routine around to give me some shaving time. I'm just so used to trying to fly through shaving for so many years, that I just haven't been able to get it through my head yet.

I've done a little better, but I still haven't given myself nearly enough, and almost always feel pretty rushed for the actual shave, so I can strop before/after, get it out of the safe/put it back in the safe to keep the 4yr. old from disaster, etc.

Even without the childproofing, it's like a ritual almost with many parts. I like that a lot, but I'm still blowing it on giving myself the extra 30 minutes, or whatever.

So I end up cutting the worst corner possible to make up for it, and getting extra cuts on the days where I can't make my hands work well enough to keep up. The shave looks like crap compared to when I give myself time as well.

I'm sure it will work itself out eventually, but I think till I get my actual routine down pat I'll be getting up a little earlier from now on.

I shave in the evening about half the time and still don't show 5 o'clock shadow for a good 24 hours. By the end of the 2nd day, my stubble looks like what I used to see within 12 hours of using an electric razor.

If you can, try shaving at night. When I was working it worked well for me. Even now that I'm no longer under involuntary servitude I tend to shave either late in the afternoon or evening.

Things are slower then. Your little one could be put to bed and allow you all the time you need without worry.

At least give it a go for awhile--you really don't have anything to lose do you?

Originally Posted by cudarunner

If you can, try shaving at night. When I was working it worked well for me. Even now that I'm no longer under involuntary servitude I tend to shave either late in the afternoon or evening.

Things are slower then. Your little one could be put to bed and allow you all the time you need without worry.

At least give it a go for awhile--you really don't have anything to lose do you?

Seems to be a popular idea with a few of you guys, so I think I'll move to nights.

Someone suggested it before on another thread I started about the time thing after my first couple shaves. Told myself I didn't think it would work at that time, but I have no idea why. I was just trying to think of the reason, and couldn't come up with any. So I guess that's the ticket.

After my 3 cut, ugly shave Monday, I need to switch something up.

Originally Posted by Jwtruth45

Seems to be a popular idea with a few of you guys, so I think I'll move to nights.

Someone suggested it before on another thread I started about the time thing after my first couple shaves. Told myself I didn't think it would work at that time, but I have no idea why. I was just trying to think of the reason, and couldn't come up with any. So I guess that's the ticket.

After my 3 cut, ugly shave Monday, I need to switch something up.

Ok, you have at least 3 cuts from your shave today/maybe more from before. While it's a Pain in the Arse, with your next shave/shave around the cuts. (After lathering, remember where the cuts are and use your finger to wipe the lather away from the cut so you can see it) If you don't you'll just keep opening them up and then it just cascades downward from there.

Please remember that this isn't any kind of a 'Race'! Slow and Steady Wins Every-time!

As has been mentioned if you need to either do some cleanup, touch-up or even finish shaving with something other than a straight, have at it! There is No Shame!

Keep us posted with how the evening shaves work for you.

I'm a fan of shaving at night as well, but not because I sleep in until 20 min before work or I can barely spell my name without at least 10 oz of coffee in me.

It helps me sleep. Good smells and a meditative routine help get my overactive night owl brain to shut up.

Plus, "Men who love their job shave in the morning. Those that love their wives shave at night."

Originally Posted by dinnermint

I'm a fan of shaving at night as well, but not because I sleep in until 20 min before work or I can barely spell my name without at least 10 oz of coffee in me.

It helps me sleep. Good smells and a meditative routine help get my overactive night owl brain to shut up.

Plus, "Men who love their job shave in the morning. Those that love their wives shave at night."

Aloha!

I typically use Lavender scented soap and aftershave and balm for shaving at night. I have read many times that Lavender is a natural sedative aroma and helps with relaxation and calming nerves. So when I shave at night, I always try to use the Lavender. It seems to work for relaxation, whether it is psychological or physiological. Not sure which it is, but it works for me.

And you are correct. Shaving at night is a very nice thing to do for SWMBO.

-Zip

When I started I shaved with a straight at night. Just a WTG. Then in the morning I cleaned up with a multiblade. As I got better with the straight I added in XTG and ATG at night and a morning cleanup with a DE. Finally I didn't need the morning clean up so I switched back to straight shaving in the morning. After about a week of morning shaving, I switched back to night shaving. It is how I unwind before bed. And with a 3 pass straight shave at night I don't get a five o'clock shadow until about 6pm the next day (and have black hair).

Ultimately, find what works for you and do it.

I think you are way overthinking this whole thing.

You are trying to copy ways that some people with more time than you have have developed for themselves after years of practice.

At least for myself if I go to work and my cheek isn't BBS, no one else cares. Make your first goal a DFS.

Put your razor on a high shelf out of reach of your 4 year old. She could go into the kitchen and turn a burner on and get into trouble a heck of a lot quicker than cutting herself with your razor. If you have trained her to stay away from the stove you can do that with your razor.

Scuttles, hot towels, stropping after the shave are all great but not necessary.

Concentrate and spend your time with while the blade is near your skin. {Maybe think of if that lather wasn't perfect I can see the difference}

Don't watch any movies that show someone getting their throat cut with a straight.

Have fun, relax, and don't expect perfection. [At least for now!]

Originally Posted by cudarunner

Please remember that this isn't any kind of a 'Race'! Slow and Steady Wins Every-time!

And I would add, routine, doing the steps in the same way each time.