Thread: 10 Reasons why Your First Straight Shave Should Be Your Worst Shave Ever

Originally Posted by MaritimeFanatic

HAHAHAHAHAHA! That's not list of reasons, that is my checklist from my first week with a straight razor!

Seriously, all of the boxes got marked off.

+100 on that one!!lol

Originally Posted by MikeMN

This reads like something that would be posted on the office wall of a cynical old timer who is about to retire and not something I would expect to see in the welcome room.

If you are so frustrated with encountering the same newbie learning curve issues and thoughts perhaps the beginners room isn't the place to hang out?

Just sayin'

Well, I'm hardly ready to retire from straight shaving because I enjoy it to much. I was attempting to demonstrate how many obstacles stand before Newbies and a good first straight razor shave. The cards are really stacked against the Newbie. That's why this site can be so helpful to those starting out. I'm far from "frustrated with the same newbie learning curve issues and thoughts" which is why I spend so much time hanging out here. I just thought it might be helpful to show Newbies what they are up against and what needs to be learned to be successful, rather than guaranteeing them the best shaves ever in no time at all.

I agree with you Ace, but I don't blame Mike either for his misunderstanding.

I'd add to the list...
11. Your hands are shaking like you've got Parkinson's
12. Your SWMBO is certain you're going to slice an artery.
13. You're fairly certain you're going to slice an artery.
14. Everybody thinks you're nuts for trying this, including you, yourself.
15. You don't know if your lather is good or not.
16. You've seen 30 instances of guys ruining their blade on the sink/faucet.
17. You really have to pee, but you've spent 30mins just building up to this moment and you're not about to let that lather evaporate again!


Just some of the thoughts that ran through my head that first time.

Originally Posted by ace

I just thought it might be helpful to show Newbies what they are up against and what needs to be learned to be successful, rather than guaranteeing them the best shaves ever in no time at all.

As a newbie, I clearly misunderstood the tone as mocking/complaining about newbies. It's not that I disagreed with the points (in any endeavor, people new to the endeavor are likely to have similar reactions and evolve through similar stages). I just misunderstood your point I guess. Apologies.

No need to apologize. I can certainly understand how the post could have come across. I know how hard this stuff is to get down, how much work it takes, how long the learning curve can be. I'm just not comfortable promising Newbies great shaves quickly. They didn't come quickly for me, but finally I'm having some fun with it. Good luck!

All 10 of those figured into my first shave.
My # 11 reason, was the fact that it took me 2 1/2 hours to complete my first shave.
Now I'm down to 40 minutes.

I am as green as they come and I thought it was funny as hell. Mostly because I think I check all 10 boxes on days 1-7