Do You agree with new advice for newbie?
I saw a "demonstration" at The Art of Shaving" store- ok- so I'm game and here I am- found this group through YouTube. I did NOT yet buy a razor from The Art of Shaving- too expensive, and I need to learn some skills first...
ok- so I find this barber near my home- advertises that he's a Master Barber and can show me how to shave. Gave me a quick lesson. He told me to buy a straight razor- the disposable kind- the one you can change blades. Showed me how to shave on a Kiwi first- told me to practice on the Kiwi at home, then on a balloon, and then on my face. (I ordered a cheap disposable staright razor off ebay- should be here any day) Says when I get good, I should then buy a more expensive razor from the art of shaving (or elsewhere). The barber said he would show me how to hone it, strop it, etc...
How does this advice sound?
Skip the Balloon Shaving---they don't need it!
Interesting idea, but being a fairly successful new straight shaver myself, I say skip the balloon exercise for several reasons.
1. A balloon doesn't have WHISKERS---especially thick, wirey ones.
2. You won't feel the blade and how it's reacting to your face. The balloon won't tell you either!
3. You're probably not going to shave that balloon in the mirror, are you! You aren't going to learn all the contortions you need to do to shave certain areas of your face. Is your face perfectly smooth and round? On the other hand, your face doesn't pop if you nick it, flinging shaving cream everywhere!
Skip all the hooey and just do it. Just make sure you've done a little reading and watching of videos or others and you'll figure it out if you want to. It really is not rocket science or something to be terribly afraid to try. Just remember, EVERY guy used to shave like this--it can't be that hard. With regular practice, I'm convinced anyone who wants to can get a superior shave with a straight. Good Luck.