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.