Thread: My Learning Curve

My experience as a beginner, which is probably not uncommon, was that I was immediately afflicted with several of the acquisition disorders. I had new razors arriving every couple of days. Naturally I wanted to shave with each new razor. As a result I was not becoming familiar and comfortable with any given razor. At some point I decided to pick a razor and shave with only that razor for awhile. My technique began to improve much more rapidly. As I thought about this it made sense to me that of course the more variables in the equation the more complex it is. For a newbie, constantly experimenting with different razors, soaps, creams, strops, etc. can make it difficult to analyze results, and improve performance. My suggestion is to get a shave ready razor from a credible source (such as SRD, one of the senior members with a shave ready razor in the classifieds here, Bob Keyes, etc.) This eliminates one of the biggest concerns most beginners seem to have which is: “is this razor sharp enough?” Then use only that razor and a consistent process (this assumes basic competency in prep, stropping etc) and stick with it for at least a week. As you follow this regime you will likely find that you quickly become more comfortable with the razor you are using, this will help you focus more on your technique and your results will improve. This will allow you to establish a performance baseline. Now if you alter one variable at a time in your process you will have a better understanding of its impact on your results. I hope this is helpful.

Hi there.
Reading your thread reminded me of ME!!.I too was smitten with the acquisition bug.I bought a shave ready razor but soon bought others ( mainly from ebay) and within 9 weeks i had a collection of 6 razors,and various creams, soaps, strops, brush etc
I agree about the using one shave ready razor and establishing a precedent etc, but from my point of view i wanted to buy these razors cheap but bring them up to shave standard using various hones that i bought (also from ebay).
I look back now and realise that i have really enjoyed honing those old disused razors of all shapes and sizes up to shave ready status,gaining valuable honing and stropping skills along the way and now enjoy using them on a daily rotation basis.
I think that the best advice is " get to know your face" .All the angles of your face along with holding the razor to keep the correct cuttng angle.
These skills will only come in time, slowly, can't be rushed and apply which ever razor you use.Every thing else is just personal taste.
regards
Noggs

Originally Posted by noggs247

I agree about the using one shave ready razor and establishing a precedent etc, but from my point of view i wanted to buy these razors cheap but bring them up to shave standard using various hones that i bought (also from ebay).
I look back now and realise that i have really enjoyed honing those old disused razors of all shapes and sizes up to shave ready status,gaining valuable honing and stropping skills along the way and now enjoy using them on a daily rotation basis.

Noggs

It is a fine thing to take an old disused razor and bring it back to shave readiness. The first time I enjoyed a great shave with a beat up old W&B I paid $13 for and then spent hours working on I was pretty pleased with myself.

My dear Lazarus:

You make a great deal of sense. Thank you for your thoughts.

It is far more important in the beginning to concentrate on honing one's skill in shaving with a straight razor rather than following temptation and amassing razors. How right you are. I think we all have made this mistake. I know I have.

Learn first and then build up a collection.

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Obie

It is far more important in the beginning to concentrate on honing one's skill in shaving with a straight razor rather than following temptation and amassing razors. How right you are. I think we all have made this mistake. I know I have.

Learn first and then build up a collection.

Regards,
Obie

Obie,

I wish that focusing on my skill in shaving had more significantly arrested my desire to amass razors. Alas this has not really been the case.

Nothing new here! Welcome to the madness!


BTW: If you are new and browsing this thread, do yourself a favor and take heed!

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Obie,

I wish that focusing on my skill in shaving had more significantly arrested my desire to amass razors. Alas this has not really been the case.

My dear Lazarus:

I know what you mean. I think what happens is this: For many of us, this art and craft of wet shaving with a straight razor not only fulfills a necessary activity, it also becomes a hobby. Collecting is an integral element in some hobbies.

I had planned at stopping at seven razors, one for each day, but something happened along the way . . .

Regards,
Obie

Originally Posted by Lazarus

Obie,

I wish that focusing on my skill in shaving had more significantly arrested my desire to amass razors. Alas this has not really been the case.

I hear you there, Lazarus. It won't be long before I will be bumping into you at the antique stores here in Colorado.

On a different note, are you coming to the Rocky Mountain Meet? Glen (gssixgun) is coming down here to visit in July. This would be a great opportunity for all of us in the area.

Originally Posted by Lazarus

My experience as a beginner, which is probably not uncommon, was that I was immediately afflicted with several of the acquisition disorders. I had new razors arriving every couple of days. Naturally I wanted to shave with each new razor. As a result I was not becoming familiar and comfortable with any given razor. At some point I decided to pick a razor and shave with only that razor for awhile. My technique began to improve much more rapidly. As I thought about this it made sense to me that of course the more variables in the equation the more complex it is. For a newbie, constantly experimenting with different razors, soaps, creams, strops, etc. can make it difficult to analyze results, and improve performance. My suggestion is to get a shave ready razor from a credible source (such as SRD, one of the senior members with a shave ready razor in the classifieds here, Bob Keyes, etc.) This eliminates one of the biggest concerns most beginners seem to have which is: “is this razor sharp enough?” Then use only that razor and a consistent process (this assumes basic competency in prep, stropping etc) and stick with it for at least a week. As you follow this regime you will likely find that you quickly become more comfortable with the razor you are using, this will help you focus more on your technique and your results will improve. This will allow you to establish a performance baseline. Now if you alter one variable at a time in your process you will have a better understanding of its impact on your results. I hope this is helpful.

+1 on what you state here.

But I have to tell you. The type of obsessive compulsive people that will stick with this until they get it are not always likely to listen to everyone elses advice. This is cool equipment - really cool equipment. If one's not enough, ten's not too many. And it's really really hard to do without hurting yourself. And when you have all of the skills mastered, the results are right there on your face.

Stop and think about the type of people that would be attracted to this shaving method and you will understand what I mean.

I don't think folks really start paying attention to advice until they start honing - that I think is because not following the advice renders your razor unshavable - and nobody wants that! Shaving with a str8 is damn difficult, but honing is a whole new level of frustration.

David

ahh yes there is a lot to be said for the guy who with one razor . someone once said " beware of the man with one gun . he probley knows how to use it" me i like to mix it up, having a tool that was made 100 years ago and is better the the newest 9 bladed computer guided plastic face scraper form gillette is a kick. haveing many such tools,and that the least of them will still kick butt on anything made today is intoxicating. mix in the brushs and soaps and creams ... my god this is nirvana. what a great way to start your day or finish one.i think if we took a poll we would find that all of us are collectors guns. cars, stamps you name it. it takes a certain knid of nut to want to learn how to put a truely sharp razor to his own throat... and enjoy it