Thread: Just Learning

On Thursday evening, I gave it a first try (shaving with a straight razor, that is), not knowing much more about it beyond what I've seen on the big screen in an occasional movie. I muddled through a complete shave and, except for the butcher job on my face, a survivable loss of unknown CCs of perfectly good blood and a red-splotched towel I might yet need to explain, I got a pretty close shave and became much friendlier with my Pinaud stick. Today, my older son, Bjorn (on the list as bpave777), came by to instruct. In exchange for a bottle of Truefitt & Hill shaving oil, I watched, made mental notes and kept quiet about the differences in his shave and mine. I didn't use oil; I didn't have my razor sharp enough; I didn't prepare the lather right; I didn't prepare my face well enough. Maybe there was something else, but isn't that enough for one shave?

Tomorrow morning, I'm saying to myself, I'll do it better. Practice, practice... . At least I'll have the basics down pat-- no telling about the result. I can see the attraction to doing this the old-fashioned way: it's a connection with our historical past, the beauty of basic objects that transcend utility and become art and design in and of themselves and, probably, a glob of narcissistic masochism. [This is the Polish forum, isn't it? Or am I in the wrong place?]

Oh... and I should probably have chosen a better razor. I usually go for better objects; why I didn't in this case is a mystery to me. On the other hand, I know that when you're new to something, chances are you can't do it any better just by using a better device... usually, that is: a new skier on day one is just about as bad on cheap slats of wood as on the finest, techiest, latest marvels of engineering. And yet, on the third hand, I've never been sorry that I ever bought the best of anything I could buy, but I have been sorry when I bought something short of that. Yeah, but on the fourth hand (don't they have multiple hands in India?), it's always nice to have something to look forward to. [I'm stopping the hand thing at this point-- you'll understand what I mean.]

Finally: I have Type O Positive blood; if I'm not heard from tomorrow, somebody please check and make sure the ER gave me the correct transfusion.

Bob

A nice trade indeed Pop. Thank you. I love that T&H Shave Oil. I think I fared a bit better in the exchange. Besides the prep, you've already got it all down. Also, the fact that you were brave enough to shave ATG on your first shave says something. It took me at least 10 shaves before I got there.

I think your razor is fine. It's Swedish Carbon, which is good stuff. Since it was professionally honed, it just need a good stropping before your next attempt. Give it a good 20 - 30 passes with no pressure.

Just do me a favor and A) make sure Mom's home, and B) hide the blood stains or we'll never hear the end of it.

Welcome to the world of straights, Bob. I have a total of 3 weeks worth of experience on you. It will come in time. Unfortunately, or fortunately dependinr on how you look at it, correctness and efficiency will come with time and experience. In those 3 weeks, the last 2 shaves have been nick free. Those are the only 2 times so far. In fact, I managed to put 2 very proper cuts, not nicks, on my cheeks during the initial learning stages. My shaves are just about BBS now. I couldn't agree with you more about buying quality items. You will never be disappointed with quality.

Well, my second straight razor shave this morning and I'm still alive [you call this living?]. Only one nick in my left cheek, but this shave was sure better than my first attempt. While definitely better, I still didn't get the lather as thick as my son can get it-- when brushed on, mine looked more like an anemic Santa Claus... his is a Michelin Man's Santa Claus. I shaved right after a hot shower and applied T & H oil before the Classic shave cream. I also did some pre-shave stropping, but I think that I need to do that even more. I'll wait for my latest scar to heal and then I'll go for the third shave. I'm thinking of buying a Tommy Gun in a violin case to go with my new name: Scarface. If that gets me no respect, I'll get Guido and Carmine to explain things. Nyyah... you dirty rats... this linguini is free... get it?

Bob

HA! Guido and Carmine.

I have to admit I had a bit of an unfair advantage with my Castle Forbes shaving cream. That stuff is just too easy to make "uberlather" with.

I spent about an hour one day just messing around with a few different shave creams trying to get them to work right for me. The water to cream ratio is tricky. I suggest you reduce your water. Just leave some moisture in the mug and on the brush, then mix for awhile. Better to start with too little water than too much. You can always add a bit more water as you go.

Keep at it Pop!

You are making fantastic progress for your second shave.
While I have some T&H shave oil, I have found that a small bottle of olive oil works as well or better. It only takes about 4-5 drops and is cheap to refil; just steal another ounce from the kitchen once in a while.

In fact, if you buy a bottle of pure castor oil and mix a little in with the olive oil, you will have Art of Shaving unscented pre-shave oil for which they charge $11 an ounce! Very little is needed.

Nice to have you aboard Bob, Hmmmmm two generations here on SRP way cool....
Bjorn I can't believe you held out on the Castle Forbes, that is the best shave cream on the planet

It only gets better from here Bob, well shave wise anyway, once yer hooked, then all the AD's kick in and it is a terrible thing, stealing, robbing, beating up old ladies for their pension checks, just to feed the AD's terrible, just terrible


Welcome aboard the straight train may your ride be long and smooth !!!!!

Thanks to all of you guys who took the time to post something of encouragement and advice. Once the liquid blood-letting stops (and barbers used to perform that service), the money-type of blood-letting starts... that's what addictions are all about, I guess... .

I'll keep at it.

Bob

Don't worry, you have PLENTY of blood. Seriously, you have to walk before you run. IMO, you need 3 basic things to get a decent shave and not look like you walked through the patio door.

1) Thorough prep 2) a shave ready razor and associated ancillary products 3) PATIENCE

The rest will come with time. Respect, but don't fear the blade. Let it do the work,focus on the task at hand and then stand back and admire the fruits of your labor.

Best of luck