Thread: Mantic Goes Straight?

Well, I'm in the deep kimchee now.
My father-in-law just gave me a nice Dovo straight for Christmas:



So it looks like 2011 will be the year-of-really-getting-serious-about-straights.

--Mark

go mantic!

Its nice to have you fully on board. Good luck on picking it up fast, I'm sure you'll have no prob.

Have fun Mantic thats what straights are about.
Just remember DE vs Straights is like chalk and cheese two different beasts. DEs are for everyman and Straights are for a certain kind of person who likes a challenge.

You'll see.

ps Kimchee I love that stuff but then I don't work in an office

I've really enjoyed you videos. I would be happy to send you a shave ready razor so you can make a "straight" video. Send me a PM if interested.

Great news! I hope you take to it!
--Shoki

Resurrecting this thread yet again! Its been a slow process, messing with straights only on the occassional weekend, but things are starting to come together--at least for the purposes of a video (I'm still thinking this will be something ready in the Fall). I've been using a Ruprazor/GD and, most recently, a Dovo Best. I've also obtained a Feather AC, a Dovo Shavette, and a Parker SR: these are "straight-razor-like" razors with replaceable blades. My plan right now is for the video discussing the basics: the parts of a straight (i.e. scales, "monkey tail," bolster, tang, etc.), variations in blade (5/8, 3/4, points, grinds, etc.), and the differences between straights and straight-like replaceable blade razors (BTW, so far as I've played with the replaceable straights it seems like they're the "worst of both worlds"--anyone agree?). Then I'll discuss prep (e.g. stropping) and a little bit about actual shave technique. My thought about demonstrating actual shave technique is to pretty much admit that I'm not the best source and refer viewers to SRP, Lynn's DVD, and a couple specific youtube channels (like geofatboy) for more help with technique.

Speaking of technique, I've tried something that seems to work with me but I'm not sure if I should pass it on in a video: I lay the blade flat against my face then ever-so-slightly rock the razor just so it starts cutting, rather than try to estimate a 30 degree angle. Thoughts?

Originally Posted by mantic

so far as I've played with the replaceable straights it seems like they're the "worst of both worlds"--anyone agree?

I am not a fan

Originally Posted by mantic

Speaking of technique, I've tried something that seems to work with me but I'm not sure if I should pass it on in a video: I lay the blade flat against my face then ever-so-slightly rock the razor just so it starts cutting, rather than try to estimate a 30 degree angle. Thoughts?

The few folks I've helped learn how to shave all responded well to that advice. Somehow (maybe by providing a zero reference point) it takes some of the guesswork out of those first shaving strokes that already feel so awkward

good luck with the video

Good luck mantic. Can't wait to see the video when you get it wrapped up

Michael

GL with the straight video and thanks for the other ones.

BTW: Very interesting news about your presentation and the November thing in Chicago; I really like going to the Merz store at the Palmer.