Thread: Jeff's Video Journal: A Beginner Learns Straight Razor Shaving

Jeff,

The chin and moustache area can take some time, especially at first and when you are trying to get a close shave. Those are not easy areas at all, especially for beginners.

You might consider doing your normal shave without videoing it and then start videoing when you move to the chin and moustache area. That would give you time to get the job done there and would really be instructive for newbies (and everyone for that matter). You may even find that the chin will take you 15 minutes by itself.

Keep the videos coming!

Another nice video, watch how you hold down your razor, before you know you cut yourself, or tap your razor against something on (time7.40).
(time: 10.38) Try your left hand to stretch your skin to your ear, so your hand is not in the way if you shave the left side.
I look forward to the next video

Originally Posted by ace

Jeff,

The chin and moustache area can take some time, especially at first and when you are trying to get a close shave. Those are not easy areas at all, especially for beginners.

You might consider doing your normal shave without videoing it and then start videoing when you move to the chin and moustache area. That would give you time to get the job done there and would really be instructive for newbies (and everyone for that matter). You may even find that the chin will take you 15 minutes by itself.

Keep the videos coming!

I don't want Jeff to get hurt but he will never have a second chance at filming his first attempt. At least attempt it and if it seems like a bad idea then abort the filming and/or the shave. I think a lot of first timers would find it educational.

I think his original idea of capturing his progress is going to be a helpful series of videos. A new guy could watch them start to finish to see how shaky things start and how confident he ends up.

I still like to watch Chimensch's 30th Anniversary Shaving Video every now and then to see his technique and to see how effortlessly he handles the razor and the shave.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...tml#post555820

Anyway be careful Jeff but I am rooting for you to keep up with the "I only want to film things that I haven't tried before" and the later "more "experienced" videos" that are to come.

--Shoki

Originally Posted by ace

You might consider doing your normal shave without videoing it and then start videoing when you move to the chin and moustache area. That would give you time to get the job done there and would really be instructive for newbies (and everyone for that matter). You may even find that the chin will take you 15 minutes by itself.

Yep, that's pretty much what I was trying to convey in my previous post when I said:

Originally Posted by SpicyJem

1. I think I only want to film things that I haven't tried before. Otherwise, I'm going to be boring you with the same things, over and over again. My next film will probably be me tackling the chin & mustache area, since that will give a beginner perspective at what it will be like for first timers.

I hear so many scary things about attempting those areas, I hope I don't turn my video into a snuff film! So I will probably take a week or two of just doing the cheeks and neck area, building up my confidence, and then tackle the lip and chin area at that later time!

Originally Posted by Shoki

I still like to watch Chimensch's 30th Anniversary Shaving Video every now and then to see his technique and to see how effortlessly he handles the razor and the shave.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...tml#post555820

Thanks for posting that video. It's one of the best I've seen. Any idea where I could pick up a kickass scuttle like the one he used on the video?

Originally Posted by SpicyJem

Thanks for posting that video. It's one of the best I've seen. Any idea where I could pick up a kickass scuttle like the one he used on the video?

Give this review a look:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/misce...tml#post751241

--Shoki

Originally Posted by SpicyJem

Thanks for posting that video. It's one of the best I've seen. Any idea where I could pick up a kickass scuttle like the one he used on the video?

Here you can buy this beautiful scuttles >>.... Click

Thanks for the scuttle tips. While I really want that schwarzweisskeramik version, I ended up starting with a Dirty Bird 1.5" scuttle after speaking with Julie Moore, the creator.

Someday, when I have more counter space and perhaps a local carrier of the schwarzweisskeramik versions, I will pick one up. But the distance and cost of shipping on those is a little too high to justify that particular scuttle for me in California.

Jeff,

You're scaring me, dude. Plus I miss the videos. You OK?

Originally Posted by ace

Jeff,

You're scaring me, dude. Plus I miss the videos. You OK?

LOL No worries, Ace. I'm still around, and perfecting my shave! I decided that I will only film a new video when I tackle a NEW area of the face. After all, this thread is about a Beginner's Journey, so I think it's only fitting to film something that I am trying for the first time.

That way, people (especially beginners) can see some of the same challenges that I am faced with and learn/grow from them.

Right now, I am still shaving the face and neck as I did in my first two videos, and doing that until it becomes second nature. I'm almost there! Then, I think the next video in a week or two will show me trying to hit the moustache area for the first time.

I will then do the same in a fourth video showing the chin area.

Once I get really good and feel like I can contribute something knowledgeable, I will film an entire shave....not as a beginner but as someone who is showing tips and tricks that I have learned.

I do have some similar videos I plan to post soon showing some tips on stropping and razor holding technique that I've found, but haven't yet seen anyone else point out.

So no worries, I'm not bleeding out on my bathroom floor or anything! I'm still lurking and responding to posts as time permits!