Thread: It does get easier or at least more familiar .

Originally Posted by midloth72

I can see how some people would give up (I've read it can take up to 100 shaves to get really good )

That 100 shave mark is a gross generalization, one I hope will not deter you (or any one else for that matter) from proceeding down this path. I'm sure it has taken some guys around 100 shaves before being able to get BBS shaves; some may have reached that same level around 20 shaves in. It's totally dependent on the individual and their unique skill sets.

Hi Scott,

It'll be a year for me in 2 wks. My handle Pinklather was not chosen by accident. I had a bumpy face and no method was bloodless. I made many errors and continued with misconceptions. As each error fell, the shaves got ALOT better, There seemed to be plateaus for me at 3 mo, 5, 8, and at the present. I don't expect to finish learning, but the shaves are insanely good, and a pleasure. Because I hone alot and test the edges, I switched to doing a single pass, almost exclusively with the grain - so I'd have some stubble at night with which to test edges. The only flaw in this approach is my one pass is getting so good, it surpasses what used to take 3 passes to get. A nice side benefit is that the bumpy skin has smoothed out completely.
If there was a mistake, I've made it. If it was expensive - I probably made it twice. I sucked at stropping & destroyed 5 strops.

Stick with the videos and practice it - especially stropping. If you haven't seen Glens thread
http://straightrazorpalace.com/begin...ch-2011-a.html
its golden - especially the vids of afdavis that appear further down in that thread.

If you need a hand with restoring the edge on the King Steel or other, PM me. Pick up (actual) postage as your only cost.

Hang in there. It gets ALOT better.

One guy had emailed me (from another forum) and said don't expect good shaves until the 100th one . His tone was rather snootish to be honest . Not exactly encouraging , tried to sell me on buying a Dovo or TI razor brand new !! Glad I didn't take that advice . I suppose he forgot that he was once a newcomer to the straights ! BTW ..my shave today was quite decent - no nicks and the moustache area cut free ! Still getting the stropping down . I'm in for the long run !

Scott

Originally Posted by Ryan82

That 100 shave mark is a gross generalization, one I hope will not deter you (or any one else for that matter) from proceeding down this path. I'm sure it has taken some guys around 100 shaves before being able to get BBS shaves; some may have reached that same level around 20 shaves in. It's totally dependent on the individual and their unique skill sets.

" BTW ..my shave today was quite decent - no nicks and the moustache area cut free ! Still getting the stropping down . I'm in for the long run ! "

That's it, Scott. Now its a challenge. That will change into just pleasure & great shaves. It'll happen. Keep it up!