New guy keeping a shave log - too geeky?

Hi everyone!

I'm new to this and at Age 41 have gotten interested in shaving with a straight razor and to dip my toe in the water bought a shavette-type (made in pakistan) razor as a start on the journey to see how I like it and get used to the wet shaving world.

I started to keep a shave log because quite honestly, I've been baffled at all the info that I've been seeing here and on other forums and want to keep all the the things I try "straight" :-)

This is what I have done thus far and all comments and suggestions are appreciated...

Shave log (Copied from a txt file)

Day 1 - 2 JUN 2010
First attempt at shaving with shavette-type Straight razor using a deby SE (half-DE) blade.
Used a combination of TBS Maca Root Cream and VDH Deluxe Soap
Trouble using non-dominant hand and tried to shave both sides and when attempted under neck and cut across adam's apple... styptic to rescue...

- later in the day
Used VDH Deluxe Soap
Tried to finish shaving and did a pretty good job on just right cheek, but still nicked my self on upper cheek and lower right neck...

Day 2 - 3 JUN 2010
Used Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream and does not lather that great, shaved cheeks only with straight razor, then used Schick Quattro for rest of face

Day 3 - 4 JUN 2010
Used Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream mixed with VDH
Shaved cheeks only with straight razor, then used Schick Quattro for rest of face

Day 4 - 5 JUN 2010
Used Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream mixed with VDH
Shaved cheeks and under neck somewhat with straight razor, then used Schick Quattro for rest of face, reapplied shaving mix for use as after shave face moisturizer

Day 5 - 6 JUN 2010
Used Williams and shaved cheeks and uinderneck, but it dried out too fast.
I mixed a second bowl of Williams and added the Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream and got a much better lather and redid my whole face and tried WTG everywhere I possibly could and tried a little bit around Adams Apple and the upper lip/below nose area. Did the best I could, getting hang of cheeks and doing better under neck (not under chin, yet).
Still using right/dominant hand on whole face. Need to practice using non-dominant hand.
Using the Schick Quattro for the rest of face.

Day 6 - 7 JUN 2010
Mixed williams and Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream.
Started with a new blade in the razor.
Shaved cheeks and under neck somewhat with straight razor, but today I must have been too comfortable with the cheeks having no nicks or cuts since day 1 because I nicked myself on both cheeks and once on the neck. Ouch!
Giving face a rest and will go back later and finish up later with the Quattro.

Joe.
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New guy.

Hi and welcome here!

It doesn't sound geeky to me :)
Cool to have a log, just adds to the meaning of it!

my advice is to read and enjoy here at SRP :y

(and yes, the :y smiley is my favorite hehe)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Trainer7

New guy keeping a shave log - too geeky?

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I think you're asking the wrong crowd.

No way. Keep the log, months from now you'll really appreciate it. Some guys here keep honing logs as well. How else can you for sure know what went into that magic shave?

By using the Shave of the Day threads? Or by keeping a blog?

I learned a long time ago not to judge people that do things different than I do. If a log is what makes you comfortable and helps you learn by all means have at it. I'm sure in my own way I may also be keeping a log but I'm the only one that can 'see it'. ;)

It's a bit geeky, but it'll help you improve by identifying what works for you & what doesn't.
I don't consider myself a shave geek, but my wife thinks I am. She just doesn't understand the joy that can be had from a lather covered badger & shiny metal.

Hi Trainer7,
What do you mean too geeky?-you are amongst the biggest bunch of geeks in the world!:D -welcome to SRP.
Keep your progress logs coming-as it is interesting to see how you develop.You might get a little bored further down the road though- say after 50 shaves!
You might want to buy yourself a quality D/E to finish the shaves with rather than a cartridge.
Good progress so far .
Regards and smooth shaving

Noggs :)

noggs, us geeky

Quote:

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What do you mean too geeky?-you are amongst the biggest bunch of geeks in the world! -welcome to SRP.

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we sit at our computers, look at pictures of straight razors, talk about our shaves, and discuss everything from coffee to zinfendels, were not geeky, were a bunch of freaking weirdos. but hey, i like this club i belong to, the only one that i can think of, where im not alone in my vices. lolol

Too geeky. Sorry.

The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory, keeping a log will help you to sort out what works, what doesn't and why.

As someone who used to shave with conventional straights and now uses a "shavette" exclusively ( I cant strop and hone anymore due to a medical nerve condition in my hands and arms) I really use the quote from Jimmy's profile "An old barber told me to hold the razor securely but lightly enough so that is if it pulls the razor will flex in your fingers and be less likely to nick. He also told me to never force it if it does pull. Following that advice I have rarely gotten a nick." A disposable blade straight is very unforgiving and will cut you very easy if you force it even a minute amount. I have found a very light touch and some very thick lather will eliminate most if not all of your nicks and cuts. Good Luck. ;)

I didn't write down or post my first shave or any of the experiences I had When I started them. I remember of course, but as for the date of my first straight shave, or how long it took me to get the right angle, the first perfect strop, even how I learned to whip up a decent lather, it's lost to history. If it works for you, write on!

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement...

I have purchased a DE to touch up in addition to the straight and never knew one could feel so good compared to the Schick Quattro and Gillette Fusion.

I can't believe how amazing I feel "not to cut myself" - insane about how little things can make your day:-)

Here are more additions from my log and I welcome any comments...
Thanks, Joe.

----Shave log --- (cont'd)

Day 7 - 8 JUN 2010
Went back to VDH and Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream.
Shaved Cheeks only, no nicks, no cuts.
Rest of face shaved with Quattro

Day 8 - 9 JUN 2010
First day using Shea Moisture Brush everyone is raving about... felt great! Used VDH alone and got a great lather with the new brush.
Shaved Cheeks only, no nicks, no cuts.
Rest of face shaved with Quattro

Day 9 - 10 JUN 2010
Used VDH alone today.
Have officially switched to the Shea Moisture brush, retiring the Marvy from Sally Beauty Supply.
Shaved the cheeks and neck, except under chin area, no nicks, no cuts!
Finished up with Quattro

Day X - 11 JUN 2010 - No shave today

Day 10 - 12 JUN 2010
Used Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream mixed with VDH
Shaved entire face WTG with no nicks or cuts excepts for a cut under the nose. Didn't get very close under lower lip (some trepidation) and the under nose was also my first time and I cut myself, but didn't do too bad on the uncut side.
Also did a second cut WTG on the neck, still no cuts:-)

Day 11 - 13 June 2010
This morning was my first DE shave using a Weishi Safety Razor and a Dorco ST-301 blade.
I used my Shea Moisture Badger brush with the VDH Deluxe and Shea Moisture mix for Superlather:-)
First shave went great including both WTG and ATG, but from what I understand this is not a very aggressive razor which is one of the reasons I bought it.
No nicks, no cuts, shave feels smooth.
I plan to use the DE to also to clean up after my slow learning curve with a straight (still primarily only going WTG)

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