Thread: Self Deprecating Newbies

There is saying in golf that, "It's not the equipment, its the operator." Beginning golfers usually start out thinking that if they purchase the most expensive set of clubs, balls, etc. that they will be able to hit it longer and straighter as well as sink more putts than Tiger Woods. After awhile, they find--much to their dismay--that being a good golfer requires patience as well as devoting a lot of time to learning the basics.

IMHO the same is true of str8 razor shaving. Nobody should expect to achieve a perfect BBS shave after only a few days looking in the mirror with a face full of lather and a sharp instrument poised in their hand. Like achieving the perfect golf swing, there are just too many variables in play to achieve perfection in str8 razor shaving in a short amount of time. Barbers spend years, even decades, perfecting their skill at str8 razor shaving--and even they occasionally nick or cut a customer.

I approach my str8 razor shaving a lot like I approach golf. Although I regret not getting involved with either skill set until late in life, I have come accept the fact that I will have good days and bad days. I don't beat myself up when I slice a drive or miss a putt, and I don't beat myself up when I nick myself or don't get a perfect shave. That I'm not alone in nicking or cutting myself is evident from the supply of styptic available in my local drugstore. They sure do make a lot of it.

When I entered the world of str8 razor shaving last December, I accepted the fact that I would probably never reach the upper echelons of skill. It still takes me twice as long to shave with my str8 than it did with my Mach 3 or my DE. Chances are that I will never be able to shave in 15 minutes or less with a str8. But I really don't care. The world is in far too big a rush to go to hell in a handbasket for my tastes anyway. I may occasionally nick or cut my face, but my soul is rested. The satisfaction that I get from a str8 razor shave each morning--BBS or just ok--suits me just fine. I wouldn't have it any other way.