Practice techniques

Hey everyone!

Just joined the forums and had a few questions about practicing. However, first off, I wanted to get into straight razor shaving for the close shave and some nostalgic reasons. My great grandfather was a barber, and I'm trying to bring that aspect back into the family. Anyhow, my dad says that my great grandfather practiced by shaving shaving cream off a balloon without popping it. He said that's how they taught how to shave back in barber school. (I'm sure I'll get most of my experience from actually shaving).

Do any of you have any "tricks of the trade" such as this?

Thanks for your advice.

The most helpful advice I was given when I started was, don't give up. I've never shaved a balloon. They don't bleed. They don't get razor burn. They don't have stubble left after you think you've done a great job. Your face does and that's where it can become discouraging. Pay attention to what you're doing an to what works so you can repeat the good moves and abandon what didn't dot for you. By all means, shave the balloon. But you're absolutely right about getting teh best experience by actually shaving. And welcome.

I have shaved a balloon. It is actually very hard to pop the balloon. I don't think shaving a balloon will teach you much other than touching a razor sharp blade to your face isn't going to be deadly.

My advice is to just shave, and do it everyday (as long as you're not doing any serious damage to your face). After a week or so your technique should stabilize enough for you to start developing confidence and skill.

Start off using a shavette is my advise.
Apart from removing the sharpness doubt (never shave with a dull straight), it ensures you get the pressure thing down.
A very light touch is required when using a DE in my opinion.

I agree, the best thing to do is get started and just shave the side burns to get the "feel". A shavette or similiar will get you started.

I was initially timid about working with a straight razor, but my initial gitters were unwarranted. Straight shaving was an incredibly good decision I made for myself and only wish I made this decision earlier.

Pabster

IME a properly honed straight is a much more comfortable shave than a de.
If you are very confident your razor is where it should be SHARP AND SMOOOOTH!!!, go ahead and use a straight.

We did not use balloons in barber school, we used people. Balloons are too tight and don't roll in front of blade like skin if the skin is not streched tight enough or if too much pressure is used on razor.
Just practice on yourself very carefully and slowly. Start with sideburns and cheeks only first and gradually add areas as you become more comfortable. Good luck. :beer2:

One thing that I think is valuable is to realize that shaving your face is not a lot different than shaving any other body part. Have you ever taken a knife that you have sharpened and run it along your arm to see if it was sharp enough to cut the hair? Put some lather on your leg or arm and make a short 2 inch pass to check it out. That should show you how it is going to work on your face. Some people sweat at the thought of putting a razor to their face and this helps put it into proper perspective. It is only shaving!

Take Care,
Richard