Thread: 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.

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.

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!