The Beginner's Paradox

It's kind of funny, but now that I think about it everything the beginner needs to get a comfortable close shave is exactly what they are trying to develop.

They need to pick equipment, but have no experience doing so.

They need to Prep properly, but don't know how.

They need to strop properly, but don't have the technique and muscle memory.

They need to build lather properly, but don't have a sample to emulate or know what their skin will like.

They need the correct pressure and angle, but have no frame of reference for what is going to work.

They need to know their beard growth directions to know what blade angle is going to work where, but do not.

And so, the dynamic of learning to use a straight razor is one of developing skills and techniques that you need to already have but do not.

There my friends lies the Beginner's Paradox.

Isn't that just learning?
Are you suggesting that it's different for shaving than it is for anything else?

Besides maybe equipment, that is just something everyone has to learn.
That is *the* thing i like straight razors (as well as hand tools such as old chisels) so much. There is something you have to learn and no short cuts.

People today are so much after answers that are already chewed. Getting there without learning or having to think something by yourself. Getting comfortable experiences just by laying cash on the table.

Generations before us has used straight razors. It is a shame if we are worse.

If it were too easy, it wouldn't be worth of it.

I think it is very much like learning any other technique or skill, with perhaps one slight difference:

The beginner in straight shaving essentially starts the process with an extremely sharp blade held very close to his jugular vein and with no clue what to do with it.

It would help if Newbies were automatically supplied with an extremely dull blade to practice with and lather that is at least 50% styptic pencil powder.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by HNSB

Isn't that just learning?
Are you suggesting that it's different for shaving than it is for anything else?

---

Of course it's just learning, but in this case, it's not like let's say playing a piano where I won't go play a recital unitl I'm ready, I play a recital every day.

What I am saying is that the finished final product is what I am shooting for every day while at the same time trying to learn the skills.

I don't have to do that with many arts. Typically you start very rudimentary and build.

I'm rambling now - maybe I thought it was more prolific when I first thought about it than it actually was.

I am sure my brothers here will properly let me know:D

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sailor

Besides maybe equipment, that is just something everyone has to learn.
That is *the* thing i like straight razors (as well as hand tools such as old chisels) so much. There is something you have to learn and no short cuts.

People today are so much after answers that are already chewed. Getting there without learning or having to think something by yourself. Getting comfortable experiences just by laying cash on the table.

Generations before us has used straight razors. It is a shame if we are worse.

If it were too easy, it wouldn't be worth of it.

---

Yeah, I'm not thinking about it like that, where shortcuts in learning are tying to be taken or how easy it is and its value. I agree with you on those points.

No, I think it is really a good point. I have always felt a little differently on two points. One, I think I lot of guys know how to prep and most know how to build lather. If they don't they learn quickly.

Where I think guys really screw up is that, deep in the recesses of their experience, their skin really does know what a razor feels like. They know what a razor feels like, but, for some reason they try to shave with a piece of metal that does not feel or act like a razor.

Then, for some odd reason, they complain about the shave, irritation, or whatever. I did the same thing, of course. It's natural.

A sharp razor, properly stropped, held at the right angle and used with a light touch feels just like any other razor against the skin.

The real smart ones do a lot of reading or get instruction first, the minute they realize things don't feel right.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Alembic

...maybe I thought it was more prolific when I first thought about it than it actually was...

---

I don't mean to discredit your idea by any means. I think it has a lot of validity to it, but it also is worth discussion.

I imagine someone, somewhere, has already classified and applied terms to different types of skills and what it takes to learn them. Certainly there are some skills that can be eased into and practiced "small" while there are others that require jumping right in with both feet, and practicing in the same manner as you would if you had already mastered the skill.

I guess when I read your post a skill that I was thinking of a comparison to shooting sports. Basically when someone becomes involved in shooting, they have no idea which firearm for their application suits them best, or which ammo is best for that particular firearm. Additionally they need to learn trigger control, grip, stance, aiming, etc... all while trying to hit a target. I guess the difference in learning as a beginner is that you use bigger targets at close distances.
Coming back to shaving, if you read the beginner guide, Lynn recommends beginning with a one pass shave of one cheek: the easiest part for most people to shave.

There are other similar arts as well: woodworking for instance... When I started woodworking I needed to buy tools. With no experience, I had no idea what to look for in tools. I had an idea of how to do things, but the only way to get more proficient (and I am still not proficient) is to practice using those tools with an end result in mind. I don't do anything differently because I am a relative beginner though.

A very interesting discussion. I have to say, even though it requires putting the sharpest instrument known to man against the jugular, I'd rather learn this than say, doing a summersault on ice skates. I wouldn't want to miss that on the first try.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by leadduck

A very interesting discussion. I have to say, even though it requires putting the sharpest instrument known to man against the jugular, I'd rather learn this than say, doing a summersault on ice skates. I wouldn't want to miss that on the first try.

---

I also wouldn't want to jump out of a plane with a parachute that I packed myself with no one there to supervise. ;)

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by Sailor

...People today are so much after answers that are already chewed. Getting there without learning or having to think something by yourself. Getting comfortable experiences just by laying cash on the table...

---

Very nicely put.

And those who learned before us didn't have an internet or a large gathering of gentlemen with such kindness to ask uninformed questions to and be treated well. This is really big stuff to me.

Ever been to a firing range and watch someone new to firearms do some really, really stupid things? For that matter ever see someone experienced with firearms do something really stupid.?

At least the razor won't kill you as you learn.

Agreed it is a ton of info at once. These are cumlitaive details of what tends to get the best consistent results.

Men of centuries ago used a similar sharp piece of steel.
Doubtful when they would shave theirselves, they consider all these details.

When they wanted a professional experience, they often went to the barber.

The details listed, would be similar to what the professional barber would do and use.

Once learned, it will be a skill you will have forever.

In a sense you are striving to do the task a man of yesterday may have done for a living. Makes sense when first starting that no one will shave like a pro.

This is why its so nice to start with a shave ready razor. Any of the factors you mentioned can make a shave inferior, but if the beginner is trying to sharpen their own razor at the same time, you can include 1) they are doing all of the above decently, but the razor is dull, or more likey 2) amplify all of the above because the razor is dull.

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Ever been to a firing range and watch someone new to firearms do some really, really stupid things? For that matter ever see someone experienced with firearms do something really stupid.?

At least the razor won't kill you as you learn.

---

seconded

Not knowing these things, learning them is part of the fun. My paradox was not being able to shave enough times in the week to learn faster.

Interesting discussion ....... I often wonder what drove me to take the decision to give up the complacent use of disposable razors and enter the world of straight shaving. I obviously realized there was a certain risk involved with hurdling through the learning curve, but like the rest of you, I took the decision anyway.

Thinking back on it I feel that it was an art form which I wished to pursue as a means of bettering myself. To commit to a disciplined process where attention to detail and taking pride in ones self is essential to success. Taking the time to learn how to prepare my face and properly sharpen, use, and maintain my instrument was essentially an affirmation that I truly care about myself, and the details that I have control over in my life.

Therefore, the inevitable paradox is worth muddling through if for no other reason than to get to a place where one truly feels pride in themselves. Whoever thought that something so routinely typical as shaving could effect a life so positively.

Here's to ya fellas,

CK