Thread: Dancer new to straight razors.

You should do fine shaving your chest and abs. I have never done so but it would seem easier since there are fewer sharp curves to maneuver around.

Wow thanks a ton for all the reply's. Nope don't shave my legs unless its necessary for the show im doing and that has only happened twice, and yeah it sounds about right i figured it would probably be easier if anything to shave the torso since i have pretty long muscles as a dancer i dont work at building up the rectus abdombinas (no six pack). lol well this makes me excited to try and i feel pretty confident with the idea being a knife enthusiest for most my life and hopefully it will mean the next time a choreographer wants me to get waxed so theirs no stubble at all i (NOT FUN) i can just give myself i real close shave and they will never know. Oh and i ordered my razor pre honed by lynn and was wondering what is the approximate amount of time its going to be untill i need to invest in a stone? i did get a strop but being a little short of money at the moment have withheld on the stone for now.

Strope i got: Heirloom Latigo "Apprentice" Strop
Razor i got: Dovo Ebony Spike Point, 5/8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor

Figured if im going to spend on a razor and most i ever want to have is two to alternate between i might as well get one that i really like the look of.

nice choices on the strop and razor. you must have done your research. when you get it be careful and take everything slow, you won't regret it. and everything is a light touch, whether stropping or shaving. that was the hardest lesson for me to learn, but once i did it made a huge difference.

Expert advice:
Watch the nipples man..
Put some sort of shed over your tool..

Don

Originally Posted by stuborndancer

Strope i got: Heirloom Latigo "Apprentice" Strop
Razor i got: Dovo Ebony Spike Point, 5/8" Carbon Steel Straight Razor

Great choices. I would caution that you need to be careful using the spike. Many a nicked ear have fallen to the use of a spike. In addition, a slight lift on the heel of the razor can leave a nice scratch or worse on the cheek. This is not meant to discourage you, I have a couple and love them... just exercise a bit of caution and pay attention to detail.

Well thanks a lot guys, i think ill have fun when it comes and hopefully shaving wont be such a chore anymore.

Originally Posted by stuborndancer

Oh and i ordered my razor pre honed by lynn and was wondering what is the approximate amount of time its going to be untill i need to invest in a stone? i did get a strop but being a little short of money at the moment have withheld on the stone for now.

I'd imagine that you wouldn't need a stone for at least couple of months. If money is a concern and you'll stay with only a few honed razor I'll recommend either a small coticule or a barbers hone - they'll be great for just touch ups and a coticule for even more serious work if you ever need it. Some people like to use CrO paste for keeping a razor keen and extending the time between hones further (Chris L used to offer more than you'll want for something small like $4).

You won't need a stone for 6 to 8 weeks, unless you roll the edge stropping. Be sure to keep the spine of the razor on the strop and the edge will pretty much take care of itself. A barber hone is all I've found necessary for a quick touch-up.

I'm guessing you are in NYC? I was a professional musician there and am too familiar with the whole show scene. I would suggest letting us know where you are and we could probably point you in the direction of members who might be willing to help as in- show you in person some tips or even how to hone your own. I'm not in NYC anymore, but I have helped a few people this way. Let us know!

Heya guys so i just shaved for the first time with my straight razor and it went ok, i did my whole face and only got one little nick because of the spike. i do have a few questions though, the blade seemed to skip a little and i did get it pre honed by lynn so i know its sharp enough but am wondering if its just my technique or theirs something else i am missing. And just making sure that you always shave with the grain on the first pass and on the second you can go against for a real close shave, i have only watched a couple videos on the internet of other people shaving relying on my ability to copy movement.