How long for the routine shave?

Ok...newb here again to ask a few questions.....So I'm sure there are a few out there who run into this problem.....fitting a new routine in your day such as str8blade shaving.....so I'm trying to plan this out.....I'm thinking for a while to start shaving at night so I'm not rushed....is that a good idea? I read that when starting out you should start by sections of your face.....start with one cheek, then the other....etc...I'm not into rushing at all as I'm not only into this for the best shave every time...but the whole experience every morning....so I'm sure the first few weeks/months will be getting to know my razor and my strop....I can't wait for my first full shave early in the morning.....I do have patience though....so my other question would be how long is typical of your routine? I have kids to get up in the morning before school and getting myself ready before hand means I'm up early......so I'm just wondering, for the experienced shavers out there....how long does it take you to do your routine? Half hour? Hour? I know it varies....but I'm just looking for an idea....I like to plan out my mornings so I'm sure for a while it will be over estimating on time...but better than rushing right? Man I'm excited to start this!

Thanks all!!

Shave at night is a plus!!!You dont have all that stress as you would with a morning shave. A 3 pass shave at night will take about 25-30 minutes start to finish,stropping ,making lather,clean brush and razor and scuttle,strop razor and oil,apply alum block,rinse,aftershave etc. A 2 pass alittle quicker,and thats after you have a year under your belt !!!!

+1 on Nessmuck's advice on shaving at night for awhile. You'll be surprised at how relaxing it can be and it's a great way to wind down from the day's events. I found that after being at this for awhile, I agree with the time estimate of 25-30 minutes start to finish. So if I want to use my straight razor in the morning, I just set the alarm to get up a half hour earlier. You certainly do not want to rush your shaves in the morning as that can lead to poor lather, bad stropping, a less than satisfactory shave, minor nicks, etc. If the time in the morning does not allow or I hit the snooze button once or twice, I just use my DE to shave. Best of luck and keep us posted on your progress.

About 40 min. here,for a daily shave, start to finish. Just take your time and enjoy. I find it to be some of the most relaxing/rewarding minutes of the day. There is something in the ritual of preping, stropping, lathering,etc, that is very calming and centering. Additionally, developing the skill to take a wicked-sharp knife to your face and remove only whiskers really boosts the self-confidence, which carries throughout the day, and is reinforced each time you touch your face and feel....smooth.:gl:

I started with str8s back in May last year and at this point I'm definitely in the 40-minute range too, but that's with 3 passes on my lip and chin and my neck (weird whisker growth patterns). Occasionally I've gotten down to about 35 minutes. But it was an hour when I first started. I used to get frustrated reading about guys who were getting BBS in 20 minutes, and then I just decided to enjoy that shave and not get hung up on the clock. How ever long it takes is how long it takes, you know? Just enjoy the ride!

I do a 4 pass shave, and a touch-up, in 15-20 minutes during the work week and about 30 minutes during the weekend but that includes the back of my neck.

Shaving the night before really is a great way to get started in straight shaving.


Take Care,
Richard

I shave at night and have gotten great results. My beard grows slowly so I'm still nice and smooth in the morning (I'm an every other day shaver btw). I find that shaving at night is quite relaxing and it gives me something to look forward to when I have a rough day at the office. Nothing quite like letting off some steam at the dojo and then winding down with a nice, slow straight razor shave. An added bonus...the little lady appreciates a stubble free face before bed, it helps prevent RAD wrath as far as I can tell.:D

I take anywhere from 30-50 minutes to do my shave, and I have always been a night shaver (aside from the odd shave here and there in the morning). I find it's a lot easier to take your time and be patient with your shave when you dont have to worry about watching the clock or being late for work.

It varies, but 10-30 mins sounds about right, without rushing...Shaving at night is a good idea, and if you need to, You could do a quick touch up in the mornings with a DE. My beard grows fast, and I would have somewhat of a shadow in 8 hours, believe it or not, even after a bbs str8 shave.

I love the DE's, they're great when your pressed for time, I keep a mug with some Ogalla Bay Rum/Sandalwood in it, and go for it...You can get a great shave quickly with a DE. You can proficient with your straight at night, that way if you have time in the morning, go for it, if not, There's always your off days.

Yeah I have really thick hair so by morning I'll have stubble...but I don't have enough to have a full beard...mostly goatee, lip and barely any sideburns...so it shouldn't be too bad while I'm learning...yeah I'm not a rusher and can't wait to have my routine started....this has been very helpful! I may look around an hour to an hour and a half at first.....like I said I'm aiming for this to definately be a relaxing routine!

It takes me about 30mins. to do a 3 pass shave. I've always shaved in the evenings except on weekends. That way I can take my time and enjoy the relaxing experience of it all :)

I do a WTG/ATG two pass shave with some touching up and get it done from lathering through clean-up in 10 minutes or less. I don't think I could look at my face for any longer than that without becoming ill.

What is the alum block for? rust proof?:confused:
I am still waiting my first razor to arrive by the way.

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Originally Posted by nessmuck

Shave at night is a plus!!!You dont have all that stress as you would with a morning shave. A 3 pass shave at night will take about 25-30 minutes start to finish,stropping ,making lather,clean brush and razor and scuttle,strop razor and oil,apply alum block,rinse,aftershave etc. A 2 pass alittle quicker,and thats after you have a year under your belt !!!!

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One pass, I try to keep improving my technique so that every shave is better that the last one. Would more passes make an improvement? Yes, but one pass forces me to concentrate on how and what I am doing. I shave in the morning and start to finish it takes 17 minutes. No messing around. I wash my face strop the razor, whip up the soap and shave. I gave up the wet towel etc. as it did not help the shave.

+1 DMHarpers comments.

I'm pretty new and shave in the evenings as well. Takes about 45 minutes for the whole process. I hope to be able to switch to mornings once my proficiency allows.

Who cares how long it takes, for me it's like taking a ride in the convertible on a summer day. I do agree on the night shave, although I alternate to days occasionally. I office from home and right now it's slow so I sometimes shave around 10AM after morning business. Just me and the dogs, how sweet it is.
I wrap it around my shower so it takes me an hour for the whole thing.

Shave On!

Chip:

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Originally Posted by remingtonmarlin

What is the alum block for? rust proof?:confused:
I am still waiting my first razor to arrive by the way.

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I believe (as I'm a newb in this) that the alum block is to stop bleeders....with a bit of sting....sounds like a necessity when you use a str8 blade....I think it's basically a block you wet and rub on any nicks or cuts.....

It closes the pores and acts as a mild antisceptic... gives a nice sting/tingle.
After you've given your face the cold water rinse, run some cold water over the block and just rub it over your face/neck. I just use a styptic pencil, they're about 2 bucks at the drugstore.

Shave On!:rock:

Chip

Does anyone see my license plate picture in these posts?:shrug:

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Originally Posted by chipvj

Does anyone see my license plate picture in these posts?:shrug:

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I don't see it, but perhaps that's only because it isn't there.

It's in my profile page, how do I get up?:shrug:

Quote:

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Originally Posted by geekinsyde

Ok...newb here again to ask a few questions.....So I'm sure there are a few out there who run into this problem.....fitting a new routine in your day such as str8blade shaving.....so I'm trying to plan this out.....I'm thinking for a while to start shaving at night so I'm not rushed....is that a good idea? I read that when starting out you should start by sections of your face.....start with one cheek, then the other....etc...I'm not into rushing at all as I'm not only into this for the best shave every time...but the whole experience every morning....so I'm sure the first few weeks/months will be getting to know my razor and my strop....I can't wait for my first full shave early in the morning.....I do have patience though....so my other question would be how long is typical of your routine? I have kids to get up in the morning before school and getting myself ready before hand means I'm up early......so I'm just wondering, for the experienced shavers out there....how long does it take you to do your routine? Half hour? Hour? I know it varies....but I'm just looking for an idea....I like to plan out my mornings so I'm sure for a while it will be over estimating on time...but better than rushing right? Man I'm excited to start this!

Thanks all!!

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Starting with straights at night is a wonderful idea. My job does not care what level of facial hair may or may not be seen, so the longevity of the shave results the night before did not matter. Some people may have a position where facial hair is forbidden… so adjustments may be necessary.

When I first started using a straight, a year ago, a single pass took about 15 minutes, and the entire prep, shave, and cleanup took me about 45 minutes for two passes (I tried 3 passes and made my face raw). It took about 45-60 days to get my technique to where I could consistently and comfortably finish under 20 minutes. That is when I started to shave daily in the morning after a hot shower.

It took another 45 or so days before I regularly got a BBS shave without irritation. Now it takes me about 15 minutes to prep, 2 pass BBS, and cleanup… I strop both of my two ‘daily rotation’ razors at night after work for 30-40 laps each; this way each razor gets stropped 60-80 laps between shaves over a 48-hour period, and I don't have to worry about it until after work (it ain't going anywhere).

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Originally Posted by SkyDiver

Starting with straights at night is a wonderful idea. My job does not care what level of facial hair may or may not be seen, so the longevity of the shave results the night before did not matter. Some people may have a position where facial hair is forbidden… so adjustments may be necessary.

When I first started using a straight, a year ago, a single pass took about 15 minutes, and the entire prep, shave, and cleanup took me about 45 minutes for two passes (I tried 3 passes and made my face raw). It took about 45-60 days to get my technique to where I could consistently and comfortably finish under 20 minutes. That is when I started to shave daily in the morning after a hot shower.

It took another 45 or so days before I regularly got a BBS shave without irritation. Now it takes me about 15 minutes to prep, 2 pass BBS, and cleanup… I strop both of my two ‘daily rotation’ razors at night after work for 30-40 laps each; this way each razor gets stropped 60-80 laps between shaves over a 48-hour period, and I don't have to worry about it until after work (it ain't going anywhere).

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Great advice! I especially like the stropping routine...didn't even dawn on me to split that up!!

Man I just can't wait to start!! You guys have me all pumped! ...and again I know it takes time and patience...and I'm willing to wait and take my time....

I am a newbie too. Currently I do one pass WTG and XTG in the morning before my shower. the whole shave and shower takes me 30 to 40 minutes.

The ATG routine is hard for me, so it is left for the weekends.

If I am in a rush, i break out the multi-blade... it is all about what works for you.

the last couple of weeks i have been really busy and havent had time in the morning to shave so i have been doing it at night. being in the military i have to be clean shaven (i hate that) and i have found that shaving the night before i could make it all through the day and on a couple of occasions didnt feel like i had to shave the next night, i have just recently been able to get that perfect bbs shave and boy does it last. if im really in a hurry ill bust out the old DE, the only thing about shaving at night is nobody gets to smell all that aftershave that i have been collecting :gaah:

-dan-

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Originally Posted by sinnfein

...the only thing about shaving at night is nobody gets to smell all that aftershave that i have been collecting :gaah:

-dan-

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After shaving at night, splash on some Witch Hazel (I prefer (not a plug) Thayer's Unscented with Aloe) as the aftershave and use the great smelling stuff for when you go into work. It will help soothe the skin after and not contend with whatever you'll use the next morning.

Just for a little different perspective. I am not a morning person and have a goatee. But if I cannot shave, shower, and be dressed in 10 min I am late for work.

Tim

I'm not a morning person either, but this motivates me on occasion
Gotta get up a little early or lock yourself in the bathroom at night.

Full face about 10 min, sometimes I leave a goatee and it gets me out the door in 4.

It seems the consensus is for an evening shave.

Personal preference for each individual.

As far as taking the extra time, I set it aside in the morning (get up earlier) and shave then.

I like to shave in the morning's, it helps limber up my arthritic fingers!

It invigorates my face!

I do not like the nights 8 hour stubble on my face in the morning!

Nothing for me like starting out the day with a smooth, silky, refreshed mug!

It would be akin to not brushing my teeth in the morning!

Just my personal feeling's on the subject.

Willie.

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Originally Posted by chipvj

Does anyone see my license plate picture in these posts?:shrug:

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Nice license plate !!!

At night is a good time. Give yourself at least a half hour to dedicate to shaving if you are new to it. Good luck & enjoy!

Thanks for this thread. I was way off in my expectations. I've been watching YouTube videos for pointers and these guys seemed to pull it off in 10 minutes. Last night was my 3rd attempt at the straight edge. The first 2 were very disappointing. I rushed my lather, my stropping, everything. Last night was awesome though. I broke in my new dirtybird 1.5 scuttle. I slowed down and did a perfect stropping. This time when I did my first pass the razor just slid down my face like butter. I went for it and decided to go for the whole face. SUCCESS!!! I couldn't believe it. I lathered up again and went for the XTG pass. SUCCESS again!!! I couldn't believe how close my shave was. Definitely BBS. I just had clean up directly under my chin with my old Mach 3. All in all the whole process took about 30 minutes. In conclusion, just slow down, follow your steps and turn the whole thing into a ritual. Also when you do get that first close shave, don't chase the SWMBO around asking her to feel your face. It got old quick.:tu
Thanks Again...
-Alex

I'm going for a record this morning, my fastest straight shave ever.

Uh, by the way, if I don't get back to the forum in a while,
would someone please come rescue me?

I shave at night 99% of the time. On the occasional morning shave I have a hard time focusing. I'm on my second cup of coffee by the time I get started and my mind is running about what I have planned for the day. Shaving at night is very relaxing and I think of every aspect of the straight shave. The other night I spent time at making lather with Al's shave cream. No rush, just taking my time and I might add, time well spent. I watched the video before I started and finally got a decent lather. Plus, I appreciate the shave much more after shaving at night. It just seems to be more gratifying.

Alex that's awesome! Sounds like you are on the way to shaving nirvana.
I have a 2 day growth on right now, can't wait for this afternoon / evening. I'm starting to think about it already.

Shave On!

Chip:rock:

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Originally Posted by rc05

I shave at night 99% of the time. On the occasional morning shave I have a hard time focusing. I'm on my second cup of coffee by the time I get started and my mind is running about what I have planned for the day. Shaving at night is very relaxing and I think of every aspect of the straight shave. The other night I spent time at making lather with Al's shave cream. No rush, just taking my time and I might add, time well spent. I watched the video before I started and finally got a decent lather. Plus, I appreciate the shave much more after shaving at night. It just seems to be more gratifying.

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Thanks so much for the info!!! That totally Stokes my confidence even more!!

I agree, I like climbing into bed with a fresh face....so does my wife. Ultimate relaxation. During the day I will hone and strop blades and generally care for my equipment. At night it's showtime. I do need better lighting though.

Shave On!:rock:

Chip

im still a bit of a noob at this myself and on average i takes me 30 ish minutes to shave, i do mine in the night as its more peaceful n i get the bathroom to myself most of the night :)

ive never been a fan of morning shaves even with safeties it was too much rushing.

hope this helps

Ive been on the straights since Christmas and have just been progressing through all the advised techniques.

At the moment because of early starts I strop before I go to bed. Then in the morning, wash face, apply baby oil, lather on face, 1 pass, rinse and apply after shave balm.

I then strop when I finish work.
I get a good enough shave to last to early evening.

Now the weekends are a different story, minimum 1 hour of face pampering!