Thread: Epiphany from a Noob.

Hello all,
I am new to the forum - having just posted an introduction last week - and I would like to thank everybody for the great information and tips! Like many I have read about here, I decided to jump into the SR world because I wanted to reconnect with this seemingly "lost" art form and distance myself from the buy-it-and-throw-it-away attitude that has permeated our culture. Plus, if you have to do something, I figure you might as well do it with some class.

Starting out I have had - and am still having - quite a learning process as I become more acquainted with these new skill sets. Coming to the end of my second week of straight razor shaving, I have had an epiphany. My first shave was, well, rather dodgy. My second was better, but still not great. Third better, and so-forth. Last night's shave was absolute heaven.

The epiphany I had was exactly what everybody hear has been saying all along: Slow down, enjoy the experience. I thought I had learned to sufficiently "slow down," but I was mistaken. I did my usual pre-shave prep, lathered up (SRD West Indies Bay - wonderful stuff) and went to work. For some reason I did not actually think about shaving, but only the way the razor was gliding along my face and neck. Slow and deliberate.

Before I knew it, I was done, (In almost half the time strangely enough) and with quite possibly the best shave I have ever had in my life! I think I may have finally stumbled upon what you guys have been saying all along. I realize now that I still have not truly learned to dismiss today's fast and hectic approach to life. Now that I have had it once I want it again.

Congratulations!
FWIW I've lost rack of the number of times I've thought i'd gotten the best shave ever... they just keep getting better and better.
There really is something to this straight razor shaving.
Keep it up!

Congrats!! As just mentioned, they will get better and better. Soon you will be achieving the coveted BBS...

Congrats! Shaves can be so enjoyable with a straight. Never would have thought I'd enjoy shaving when I was using the mach 3.

+1 to the above. Shaving has gone from a chore to a pleasure.

Congratulations! you've hit an insight some of us took a lot longer to find.

But also be aware that you'll have plateaus and setbacks. About the time I thought I was really doing well, I administered the worst cut of my whole shaving career. A real German Dueling Fraternity cut. I look like the old 1960's GI Joe toy. Fortunately, it was a very clean cut (it is a razor after all!) and healed completely, but I was duly humbled. I learned to pay attention. Straight razors are unforgiving of any neglect or inattention!

Then I thought I had it together and didn't realize my wife had knocked one of my razors slightly against the fawcett and dinged the edge right where it curves up to the toe. Just rolled it slightly, but there was a nasty bite there. I got a matching Dueling Fraternity cut on the other cheek! What I learned there was to inspect my razor every time I shaved. This little barb was easily removed, but the cut was nastier and has healed more slowly.

So be prepared for some speed-bumps and setbacks. Don't let them discourage you.

Congratulations on the epiphany. Kinda makes you wonder why you waited so long doesn't it?

Congratulations. It is a great feeling when I all starts to click. Now, come the AD's.
+1 on the SRD soaps, they are among the best I've used, and in my regular rotation...

It's funny how you can be working on technique, taking your time, and the best shaves kinda sneak up on you. Sometimes it doesn't really seem like you do anything differently, but the results are better. Just skills getting better, I suppose. Keep up the good work.

Gerald

Congrats!

As you rightly say, slow down and enjoy the ride and the results will come. Some people think that their first shave is going to be this near religious moment where the hairs effortlessly melt away when in fact it probably will be worse than they are used to. I know my first shaves were!

But if you stop worrying about the result and start enjoying each stage of the process, the lathering, stropping, the pre shave prep and the shave itself, you'll find that those BBS shaves arrive faster than you might think..!

Good luck and keep us posted!