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

Jeff,

Thanks for the video. I'm getting hooked on these things although I did miss the belch. You need to do one after a Mexican dinner and a beer or two.

I do have one suggestion: I saw a lot of hand movements that concerned or even scared me. The problem with hand movements is that they can cause the angle and the level of the blade to change as you shave, and that can cause nicks and cuts. I've had better luck keeping my hand steady and using my arm to initiate the actual downward shaving motions. Using the arm to do the shave movements will also naturally slow down and smooth out your strokes because they are being made with larger muscles. Using your arm to initiate downward (and eventually upward and sideways motions) will mitigate against any angling using the hand may create. It will also make your non-dominant hand passes safer and steadier.

Good luck, and keep the videos coming!

Nice video thanks for posting this Jeff. I look forward to seeing the next one.

Making me antsy to get my straights delivered!

Originally Posted by ace

Jeff,

Thanks for the video. I'm getting hooked on these things although I did miss the belch. You need to do one after a Mexican dinner and a beer or two.

Um.....Yeah, I think I will save the beers for a time when I'm not holding a razor up to my throat!

Originally Posted by ace

I do have one suggestion: I saw a lot of hand movements that concerned or even scared me. The problem with hand movements is that they can cause the angle and the level of the blade to change as you shave, and that can cause nicks and cuts. I've had better luck keeping my hand steady and using my arm to initiate the actual downward shaving motions. Using the arm to do the shave movements will also naturally slow down and smooth out your strokes because they are being made with larger muscles. Using your arm to initiate downward (and eventually upward and sideways motions) will mitigate against any angling using the hand may create. It will also make your non-dominant hand passes safer and steadier.

Was there any part in particular on that second video which stood out as being shakey? I know that when I first used my non-dominant hand on the second side of my face, it looked a little "shakey", but at least on my FACE, I think I am using my arm in downward strokes. I do think that I am having some trouble on the sides of my neck though.

I also notice that I unconsciously go over parts of my face again without lather. For example, I will shave and then double over on the same spot to get any remaining hairs. While maybe not a big deal, I am sure that this would be better done with a second lathered pass.

I totally thank you for the feedback and for watching, Ace!

My pleasure, Jeff. I didn't mean to imply that you were shaky, although in straight shaving that would be understandable.

I meant that you should use arm actions instead of hand actions because they are more controllable and smoother. Try to think of the action being initiated from the elbow with the arm pulling down and the hand following it.

I think your videos are a superb educational opportunity. Please keep them coming. Good luck with your next shave!

SpicyJem-

I just saw your thread and it's a great set of videos so far! I was grinning the whole way through and as most have already said, it's the journey that we all went through the first couple of shaves until you hit that A-HA moment and it all pretty much clicks into place.. you'll figure out how be able to see almost all of the areas you shave in your peripheral vision and what areas you can apply a bit of different techniques to get at the problematic stubble. but since you are running a goatee, you are kind of avoiding the more difficult areas and curves... but learning a straight is plenty adventurous regardless.

great job... I don't think i would have been able to provide running commentary while my first shaves were happening. I was concentrating so hard on grips, pressure, angle, line of sight, etc... but i was thinking the same thing...

As one newbie to another... don't lean too much into the mirror to get a closer look while shaving with the scales open at anything other than 180 or you'll bump the end of the scales into the mirror and nothing good can come of that!

keep it up!

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

nice idea Jeff.. i'm pretty much brand new too so it's fun to watch how you're doing it
I can only watch so many of the videos that make it look easy.. haha