Thread: What's the worst that can happen?

Hey-

I am very happy to have found this fascinating web forum. I am about to take my baby steps into the world of SRB shaving.

As I have been discussing this interest with the wife, a reasonable question arose for this community:

What has been the worst accident / event you have endured as a straight razor shaving enthusiast?

Any of you have any visible scars from this activity? Anyone have to rush to an emergency room? Anyone have to undergo cosmetic surgery to undue any harm done?

I just wanted to know the worst case stakes at hand before I start putting a razor to my face.

Am very interested in hearing your stories and second or third hand anecdotes.

Thanks!

Seth

Hi Seth, welcome to SRP. Sorry to disappoint but the worst nick I've gotten shaving has been with a 'safety razor'. What the old barber told me in my sig line below may account for my rarely getting even a nick and never a cut.

See the beginner's guide here for some reading to get you started in the right direction.

The worst that can happen? Just don't shave in the shower and it won't...

So far, nothing significant. Small nicks and minor cuts, which have become pretty infrequent. I know, just jinxed myself.

From time to time someone reports some bloodshed, but its usually a workshop incident related to razor restoration rather than usage.

When shaving my side burns i once over run and sliced my earlobe,there was a disgusting amount of blood,but almost no scarring.

I can tell you and I am sure anyone else would agree, the only way you'll do any damage is by not paying attention, watch what you're doing and you'll be chipper.

Geek

Nothing bad has happened shaving (for now). but repairing is a different matter. Given myself some seriously painful and deep cuts sanding the bloody things carelessly

Whatever you do, if you drop the razor just let it fall. My co-worker dropped his and got 9 stitches. He tried to catch it.

Learning curve: When I was learning I cut myself. No stitches but a nice cut. Once I got the hang of it and learned the correct technique all my problems went away.

Here is my face when I was learning...

http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ulous-cut.html

1 small nick on a mole. Had to shave around it for a couple days...

If you respect the blade, like any tool you use, then you will be fine. I haven't done any worst than when using the safety razor.

Most of my blade accidents happened with knifes. Whittleing as a kid, or in the kitchen as a cook. One slip makes a good reminder..... worse mishap cut the tendon on my right little finger when I was 17, still has crooked look to it. At 55 I have much more respect for the blade than to be careless.

Enjoy!...

Worst cut was by applying too much pressure on my second pass.. had to let it heal a week before I could shave again but no scar.

I will recommend though if you have pets or small children make sure to close your door so you can shave without physical disturbance as I have had a cat jump on the counter and knock a razor off.

The first month, the worse thing happened is dropping a couple hundred bucks on razors, hones, strops, soap, etc, etc...