Thread: 3 Months, 150 shaves, 10 Lessons

I began on the straight razor over 40 years ago but my dad always did the maintenance, I just shaved my peach-fuzz. Then I moved to the double-edge, then the disposable...all the time hating shaving more and more. I tried coming to the straight several times, but failed--I knew nothing of the maintenance part of things, nor of how widely razors differ in quality.

Guess what: a Gold Dollar or Kriegar that hasn't been honed…won't shave! It won't cut hair, but my oh my how it will cut skin.

About 3 months ago, aged 55, I started again, after finding this place, and I'm enjoying shaving again. It's a favor I do myself every morning, and sometimes even in the evening before bed, or before going out with my wife. So over these last 3 months I've probably shaved maybe 150 times.

No expert yet, but for other beginners, I share my top 10 lessons learned. None are original. Most I learned right here somewhere on SRP, so thanks to all my advisors and teachers.

1. The hone is for making the razor cut whiskers, the strop is for making the razor comfortable on your face. Don’t neglect the strop.
2. Angle is everything. Wrong angle, bad shave.
3. Strop tight and light. The strop does not sharpen, it polishes.
4. If you strop rightly, you won't strop too much. Strop wrongly, you'll always strop too much.
5. Beginners should beware spike points. Spike points show no mercy, give no grace. They want your blood. They get what they want, when you least expect it. They’re watching, even when you sleep. They demand—and reward—excellent technique and perfect concentration. It's worth cultivating, but you'll pay for it.
6. Any stroke whose path starts to parallel the blade’s edge will cut you. Not whiskers. You. And the cut will be about as long as the part of the edge touching your face, i.e. an inch or more. We’re talking Prussian dueling scar here. There are no exceptions to this rule.
7. This is not a contest. Nor is it a legal case you have to prove. It’s just shaving.
8. For some reason, I do a better job with my “off hand” (left in my case) than with my strong hand. Maybe it’s humility?
9. Cheap razors will cost you in blood. Literally. And it will cost you in shame as your wife observes blood coursing off your face into the sink and asks “Wouldn’t you like just to use a disposable?” SRP has a list of good brands. Use them.
10. Start with a good razor, honed by a honemeister. Maybe stay there.

Any additions, corrections, commentary, or disputation is welcome.

Thanks for all who have advised and encouraged.

This is great especially #5 and #6, but the whole thing is good! Thank you good sir for taking the time!

+1 on Number 5. Very well said.

Lessons learned personally are usually lessons remembered. As stated above, very well said. Good advice for everyone. Congratulations on the milestone and happy shaving!

Gerald

In the past 3 months that I've been using a straight razor, your comments ring very true.

You guys are all very gracious.

Beautifuly said; Bravo!

I'm a fan of #6. I can't yet finish a shave with out at least one "dueling scar". Keeps me humble.

...I am about to give up and sell my spike-point razors, maybe keeping two just to work with them. I don't know how many gouges my already ugly face can endure! Or those who look at me and kinda awkwardly ask if maybe I scratched myself falling into a barbed wire fence, or maybe ran into a chain saw...

Fantastic post, I'm especially fond of #5. My still solitary razor has a slight spike point and even that little bit is unforgiving of even small mistakes. Despite the punishment I love it though, I figure it's pushing me just a little faster through the learning curve.

Very nice post! I was about the same age as you when I tried my first straight. 150 times in 90 days, you have it bad!
I have started shaving the back of my neck after work a couple of day a week so that I can get a couple of extra passes, with another recently honed razor. My neck is something I could never do with the disposables without a lot of hassle. Cleans up real nice.


Take Care,
Richard