Thread: Discouraged and disappointed

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, Paul:


Many of us have had rough starts using a straight razor. I know I did. On top of that, I have a banged up left hand. Yet I kept on, because this is what I really wanted to do.

The advice offered in these posts by the SRP ladies and gentlemen is sound. As you know by now, SRP's Wiki has mounds of information for you, too.

Take a step back and analyze your situation. Then proceed to find solutions. These pages offer mounds of good advice. Of extreme importance are these: Be patient. Don't rush. Develop your skill. Try to enjoy the learning process.

Regards,

Obie

Hi,

Like everyone else, I'm sorry for the bad experience. But there is the wisdom of Solomon in the reply from Obie above. Patience is a must here. You cannot win this game without it - your razor will beat you every time.

This is a developed skill. You do not need to do you whole face right now. Just pick an easy area like your right cheek, and get used to it. That's all you need to encourage yourself to keep going.

Look, here are all the areas people spend a lot of time mastering.
1. Face Prep
2. Making lather
3. Applying Lather
4. Stropping
5. Shaving
6. After Shave Treatment
7. Honing

Pick one to get good at and get good at it. If you don't, all of these areas will be interacting with one another and you will chase your tail trying to bring them all into alignment at once. I would recommend stropping first. If you can't get that razor sharp - ain't nothin else gonna matter. Honing should be last.

Good luck to you - you can do this, many have. And good Lord have fun!

David