I'm assuming stropped is stropped
Hello, everyone:
When I receive my razor from Lynn honed, I wipe the oil from the blade and shave without stropping. After the shave, I do strop it, usually 15 on canvas and 30 on leather. For shaves beyond that first one, I strop before and after.
Since on weekdays I shave at the gym, I pack my gym bag the night before, everything except for the dopp kit, strop my razor in the morning and pack it in the dopp kit and into the gym bag, and on to the gym.
The razor is thoroughly dried at the gym after the shave, dried again at home, and then stropped, oiled and left open for a while before being placed in the rack.
On weekends, when shaving at home, I shower, lather, strop and soar with a good shave. Afterward, the razor is cleaned, thoroughly dried, stropped, oiled, left partly open for a while, and then placed in the rack.
Ah, life can be such a joy.
Regards,
Obie
I'm Assuming Stropped is Stropped
Quote:
Originally Posted by
Alembic
Dear Obie,
Ok, I have to ask. First what do the folks at the gym think about your SRS? Second, with all those people there, how do you not become distracted, which we all know is a bad thing when it comes to SRS?
David
Hello, David:
Thank you for your note. Ah, yes, the gym locker room is a fascinating place. It also has been a source for many colorful conversations regarding my straight razor shaving.
I work out at the gym five days a week. I also eat properly. If I failed to do either, my older daughter, the dietitian and physical trainer, will haunt my dreams. "What do you mean you were too busy to go to the gym today, Dad?" Oy. She is a sweetie.
Anyway, my shave comes after the workout, obviously, and following a 15-minute steam bath. I don't know for how long I will have this luxury, but, by Jove, I'll enjoy it for as long as it lasts. Some of the guys already know me; they were my radio listeners from way back, and my readers. Many others I have met, because they were genuinely interested in why I used a straight razor.
I am happy to say I have switched a number of them to wet shaving and double edge razors. No straight yet, but I keep trying in the most subtle and diplomatic way. You never know.
Many of the newcomers, especially the younger ones, will do a double take when they see me shaving with a straight razor. This especially since I spend more than 90 seconds on my morning shave. Several have inquired why I do what I do, which has led to interesting conversations. Some have noted remembering their grandfather shave with a straight razor, and that, too, has led to interesting conversations.
In all, no one has ever made a snide remark. They take me for I am as I do them. I think if you hold your head high and act as a gentleman, people usually respond in kind. Also, I think if you display a humble attitude with a smile, you will invite a friendly handshake, so to speak. And, too, I am a good listener, and that is always an open door to a friendly response and a good conversation.
As for being distracted, I never am. I am well disciplined and focused in everything I do. That helps at the gym with the shaving. If I see a conversation is coming, I use a stop and start method with my shaving, stopping when I am chatting and shaving when not. Also, having done many radio interviews, I know exactly where to keep the focus of the conversation, how to direct it, and when to cut it if I have to.
It all works for me in the locker room at the gym. People fascinate me. That's why I love listening to them, and learning from them. Nothing in life bores me except arrogance and bad manners. Thus far I have not run into that at the gym.
Stay well, and thanks for your question, my friend.
Regards,
Obie
I'm Assurming Stropped is Stropped
My dear Lynn:
You say it so well. As a straight razor pilgrim, I am grateful for your thoughts and wisdom. Thanks.
Regards,
Obie