Thread: I'm SCARED!

Thanks Bjørnar,
Yeah, I know the grip is weird, but how can you see the razor the other way around? Your hand is in the way? Maybe you don't need to see, mare feel? I'll keep trying to do the normal grip, and yes, more videos should help. One doesn't have a father to watch do this sort of thing these days, does one?

I wouldn't manipulate my grip so I could see. When you become more experienced, you'll be able to do some areas by feel. You can always do the sideburn areas first with a different utensil and then switch to the straight. There are plenty of passes in which looking just gets in the way. With a face like mine, looking is painful anyway.

You get used to the view through your hand. It just takes a few days of bringing razor to cheek and then down then back then down then ahh frick it and you start. I had a period where my left sideburn was 3 cm shorter then my right and as if that was not bad enough it was on about a 45 degree angle. Not a nice 45 degree where you would look and say oh maybe he is trying to do some neat taper/fade thing, i mean pointing the other direction like a notch. But i just wore it with pride and let my daughters laugh at me. Don't even think the wife noticed.

As for rinsing wiping. I fold a dry towel and put on left side of sink then a wet face cloth folded on right side. I wipe the razor on the wet cloth while shaving and between passes put on the try towel while re lathering and rinsing. On occassion if i see some residue on the razor beyond the white fluffy soap i give a clean on the dry towel.

You comment about a smoke in bathroom reminded me of this video. I seriously love this video. To me it just screams bad ass.

Carl, with regards the loss of seeing, You may or may not notice that you can see where the razor is on one side of your face but not the other. Is this the case? If it is (I swap hands for each side), it is because you have a dominant eye that is preventing you from seeing one side properly. Try shutting one eye, then the other to find which one offers better sight on the 'blind side'. With that, and some slight head angle changes while looking in the mirror (don't, for the love of all that is holy, stand too close to the mirror while holding a razor to your face! When you do it you'll realise what I mean.) you'll find an optimal position in which you will have 'better' vision. Ideally you will soon learn to go by feel and judgement, but for working your angles in the hard to see areas, try the techniques I've outlined.
With the rinsing of the blade, I do that under the tap and I find hot water will clear the lather better if you are making it a little too dry, but make it just right, and hot or cold will clear the lather easily. I regularly go bush to work on my family property, and cold water is easier to use out there, you try shaving outside with a cold, moisture sapping, breeze blowing and a wash basin full of cold water. Not an easy task I can tell you,but you learn to make the lather a touch wetter. Anyway, I digress once again. I'll let you get on with it. It will only get easier from here on in, as you have gotten past the worst of the nerves. You will still get them for a few days yet, but it will be easier every time. You may also get them back in the early stages, if you take a break for a few days, and then come back to it. Don't worry, you've cleared the first hurdle well, and the others are all slightly lower.
Oh, yes, I have a washer folded up on the sink bench to place the razor on between passes, while lathering up again too. I want that bugger safe and sound. No slippies.


Mick

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

Attachment 70907

That is one of the coolest, most natural looking pics, EVER. Yea, your grip is a little off.

HI Carl..I may be the two passes guy you mentioned..I shaved two passes again today (second str8 shave)..My recommendation is stick with the expert's advice..I was extremely fortunate indeed..I am neither bragging, gloating, nor suggesting that anyone do as I did..Right now I have enough time for leisurely shaves and the luxury of living with the finished product....

Be encouraged,

Julian

yes, your grip can be anything you want it to be, as long as you don't cut, knick or abrade your face with it.

You will find the best grip for YOU. Some will tell you to switch hands, some will tell you to alternate a grip in your dominant hand. Some will tell you to find your own way, find what works for YOU. That is my advice as well. Find what works best. There is no right or wrong, other than what your face tells you.

Don't be afraid of the sink. One good knock and you will never do it again. I rinse my blade off, keeping a small amount of really hot water in the sink, a towel folded to my right to dry hands on, and a washcloth at the sink edge to get the soap off my face and hands between lathers. I keep a kerchief at the edge of the sink to set my razor on when not in my hand, with a box of tissues handy for drying and oiling when I'm done.

That's my 2 cents,

looks like you're off to a good start. i started straight shaving a few months ago and geofatboy's videos on youtube, along with everyone here, greatly assisted me in learning. just take you time and focus on what you are doing.
here's the link to his channel: YouTube - ‪geofatboy's Channel‬‏
if you have any time to just watch some of the videos, go for it. i think he's got some really great stuff.

Hi, as a follow up to my previous post, I thought I would just snap some pics of my shaving setup. That way, if any one has a better way, they can say so, but it sure works for me...

Towel, washcloth, kerchief, balm, styptic ( just in case) and tend skin, truefitt & hill, Omega, and tooo many razors. Showing is my 1891 classic 'Challenge' from Challenge Razor Works.

Soon to be added to the collection: An Old Spice Mug with Soap!! It's going to be a fathers day gift from my son, but I had to find and buy it... hehehe. just like a kid, eh??

Later men!!

Hammer

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

First razor arrived today (Burrell Top Flight). I was a bit worried before, but NOW!!!

This is stupidly sharp, I'm not sure I can put it anywhere near my face, I think I'll just lock it away and forget I even considered I could do something so stupid. One guy here shaved his whole face TWICE first time!!!

I think I'll just look at it and polish it (very carefully)...

COOOOL looking razor though, about 55 bucks, seems VERY sharp (as you might infer from my remarks above). Might buy another from that guy...to polish and look at...

If you dont mind me asking where did you buy it?