Thread: Another newbie nervious as heck!

Well; I certainly am enjoying my morning ritual and my day is so much more focused and calm as a result. I'm still learning the growth of my beard which really is a pain! My beard: face and neck, grows upwards, downwards, and oddly enough to the right and left. So; when I shave my face I'm making three runs. First shave is down followed by the hot towel and a quick strop, second shave is up, towel and strop, third shave is to the left and right. I am certain there's some other fellas out there who have to do this as well; do you have any suggestions? I absolutely adore the shave; I'm just curious about shaving to the right and left under my neck. (Something I have not tried yet.)

As always; thank you all for your opinions!

I tried the neck at a 45 degree angel up on the left and down on the right. It's not bad at all! Of course there's stubble 45 up on the right and down on the left but I really don't think I can get that no matter what I try.

There's no doubt that I can get a closer shave with a safety razor; however, it's now a matter of cost, quality, comfort, and luxury. I used Gillette's Fusion razors and went through 2 blades every morning (one to shave down and left the other to shave up and right. I got 14 blades for $40 and now that's just stupid in comparison to using a straight blade.

Originally Posted by jmueller8

I tried the neck at a 45 degree angel up on the left and down on the right. It's not bad at all! Of course there's stubble 45 up on the right and down on the left but I really don't think I can get that no matter what I try. That is an extremely difficult area. Eventually, you'll figure out a way to get it. I could try to describe what I do to get that area, but it just wouldn't make any sense. It has to do with making very weird faces.

There's no doubt that I can get a closer shave with a safety razor; however, it's now a matter of cost, quality, comfort, and luxury. I used Gillette's Fusion razors and went through 2 blades every morning (one to shave down and left the other to shave up and right. I got 14 blades for $40 and now that's just stupid in comparison to using a straight blade.

I'm just over four months in to straight shaving, and just a few weeks ago I was finally able to match the close shave I can get with a safety razor. Eventually, you'll get to where your shaves are as comfortable and as close as a DE. And it's very fun and rewarding when it happens. I think the only advantage (now that I'm this far in) to a DE/safety is that it's much faster. I don't ever want to get to the point where I'm as fast with a straight as I am with a safety razor. I just know it'll cost me an ear if I do. Some things are just not meant to be rushed.

I'd love to get that close of a shave but I won't hold my breath. As to the time spent shaving; that's my time: when I can get up before all the kids and enjoy a completely silent hour. Not to mention: this is the only thing I can do by myself without the loving council, encouragement, and caution of my wife! I'm telling you; if I could enjoy such a treat longer, I would!

The only thing thing that I guarantee you will want is a Tony Miller Strop. I greatly underestimated the importance of a good strop, once I got a TM the dovo was gone! Total change in reality.

Originally Posted by DavidM

The only thing thing that I guarantee you will want is a Tony Miller Strop. I greatly underestimated the importance of a good strop, once I got a TM the dovo was gone! Total change in reality.

They look good; but, what makes them better? I do like the fact that they are wider.

This is a great thread! Watching the progression. When I first started a few months ago, I was nicking myself almost every shave also, now barely ever.. I think it takes a few nicks to learn what is required..

HA!

Thank you! Finally I don't feel like a gimp! I really thought I was the only one nicking myself. I still get a tiny "scrape" every now and then but at least I know I'm normal!

Originally Posted by FloorPizza

... I think the only advantage (now that I'm this far in) to a DE/safety is that it's much faster. I don't ever want to get to the point where I'm as fast with a straight as I am with a safety razor. I just know it'll cost me an ear if I do. Some things are just not meant to be rushed.

I agree completely. Imagine my astonishment when I timed my normal shave at under six minutes. Add a few minutes set up and clean up and I'm in and out of my shave in 15 minutes most days. That is taking my time. I try not to think about the time at all. I agree though. I never rush. I think that's important

X

Originally Posted by xman

I agree completely. Imagine my astonishment when I timed my normal shave at under six minutes. Add a few minutes set up and clean up and I'm in and out of my shave in 15 minutes most days. That is taking my time. I try not to think about the time at all. I agree though. I never rush. I think that's important
X

We can relate so many things in our lives to shaving! It seems that anything we can do faster, more efficiently, and that requires less thought is better. I used to dread shaving because I could and often did do it in my sleep. It was a complete waste of time and I would not have even bothered with it if I could have tolerated the itch after two weeks growth!

Now; I love shaving! I can't wait to shave! When I get stressed out I want to shave. Even my most wonderful wife notices a stark difference in me. Shaving really is therapeutic.

Or, am I finally getting old? (Insert: grandpa smiley with a cane)

I'm just glad to be part of a great thing that embraces manly men who collect mugs, soaps, aftershaves, styptic pens, oils, strops, and straights razors while confident and comfortable enough to take up half the bathroom counter top that would otherwise be laden with girlie crap!

I'll pay for that one later I think!