Thread: You know, I'm just proud of myself...

I think I'm finally figuring out the Straight Razor thing. I tried it a bit on my own before I found SRP, but my technique really took off after I read the forums, watched the videos, and simply *thought* about what I was doing.

The blade angle made a huge difference for me - as it does for everybody I guess. One thing that really helped was for me to visualize the blade angle of the blades in a Gillette Mach5 when I shaved with those. That was the magic bean in my case - the "ah ha" moment.

I'm still experimenting with slightly different processes for my shaving experience (WTG, XTG, ATG), and the order in which I shave the different parts of my face. Another significant learning for me was that I can lather up again and do the same areas more than once.

I'm not 100% with the SR yet - I do finish up the Adam's Apple with my Mach5, but most of everything else is being done with a very nice TI 5/8.

I had a truly refreshing and relaxing shave this afternoon (ok, I didn't shave this morning as I wanted a bit more to work with) and it was nirvana. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a nice cigar to immediately follow the shave. Maybe tomorrow. Funny, my wife doesn't get the big deal. She just rolls her eyes. Go figure.

And, joy of joy, I've got two new blades coming in from Martin at RasurPur.de. And a very nice shaving box from Classic Shaving. Man, I'm enjoying this. For the first time in my life, I kind of wish my 5 o'clock shadow came in a bit faster...

is either lying, or has amnesia.

'Grats. It DOES feel great! May there be many more.

Originally Posted by danbrew

Funny, my wife doesn't get the big deal. She just rolls her eyes. Go figure.

Mine actually quit rolling her eyes after a few months.

My wife thinks it is crazy as well "all that work to shave" she says. I try to explain its the romantic ritual that goes into the whole process. Some people just will never get it and thats ok.

I forgot, congrats on that moment. Practice makes perfect.

Congrats !You sound like you're hooked (a good thing) . I also had to clean up my shaves with a Mach 3 , when I started shaving with a straight razor . I think this is the best way to go . Let the transition progress at the speed you're comfortable with .

Originally Posted by danbrew

I think I'm finally figuring out the Straight Razor thing. I tried it a bit on my own before I found SRP, but my technique really took off after I read the forums, watched the videos, and simply *thought* about what I was doing.

The blade angle made a huge difference for me - as it does for everybody I guess. One thing that really helped was for me to visualize the blade angle of the blades in a Gillette Mach5 when I shaved with those. That was the magic bean in my case - the "ah ha" moment.

I'm still experimenting with slightly different processes for my shaving experience (WTG, XTG, ATG), and the order in which I shave the different parts of my face. Another significant learning for me was that I can lather up again and do the same areas more than once.

I'm not 100% with the SR yet - I do finish up the Adam's Apple with my Mach5, but most of everything else is being done with a very nice TI 5/8.

I had a truly refreshing and relaxing shave this afternoon (ok, I didn't shave this morning as I wanted a bit more to work with) and it was nirvana. The only thing that could have made it better would have been a nice cigar to immediately follow the shave. Maybe tomorrow. Funny, my wife doesn't get the big deal. She just rolls her eyes. Go figure.

And, joy of joy, I've got two new blades coming in from Martin at RasurPur.de. And a very nice shaving box from Classic Shaving. Man, I'm enjoying this. For the first time in my life, I kind of wish my 5 o'clock shadow came in a bit faster...

You're F$%#ed....you just jinxed yourself.....I bet you take off your earlobe on the next one.

But then all my paintings will go up in value...

Originally Posted by danbrew

But then all my paintings will go up in value...

ha ha...true....but now that you're doing so well it's time to add in some advanced techniques.

Anybody can shave with a sharp razor so the first thing to show off your skillz is to shave with a dull one. You can do this by either giving your edge a couple of good whacks on the counter or send it to me for a good stropping.

Now try the advanced shaving technique where you use the blade at a steep angle and saw it back and forth like you are cutting through bread. This must be done quickly and pulled down without stretching the skin. Make sure to use excessive pressure and if you feel the blade dig in just "muscle" it on through. I suggest that you start with a part of your face that is hard like your chin to begin and then move to easier ones.

Oh and it's best to do this with no beard prep or water...just dry. It's called "skything" (whistling and looking around). And of course YMMV.

Congrats Man, The Ah Ha is the best, and it only gets better from here.
You think you have eye rolling now, wait until the Ad's slip in, and you have packages coming to the house every other day...You really have to get creative when she say's,
"Is that more shaving crap?" and you reply, Why, No, it's free samples.......Or I use, "I'm testing soap samples for a vendor"....