Thread: I'm SCARED!

So during my shave tonight I payed a little more attention to how I was able tos ee through my hand. Well what I found is i tilt my head down slightly. So kind of like ticking your chin down to your chest a little this allows me to see over my hand to where the blade is touching my cheek at the start

Hi everyone,
Again, thanks for the replies. I feel overwhelmed by the support for what is, umm, just shaving really, isn't it? But so cool isn't it? I've had THREE shaves now (two last night, I couldn't help it) and again this morning. Rather red in the face now (razor burn?), and watching shaving videos is just so mesmerizing in a weird, weird way. Anyway, replies, in order:

@Ace
I agree now, actually, that grip was a bit strange, and feel is probably more important. I did relinquish my 'vow' to my young son last night that "I'm ALWAYS going to shave with a straight razor from NOW on, if I can't shave with a straight razor, I wont shave!" by doing some tidying up with my normal Bic, but I really want to get as good as the guys I see.

@dyimages
I enjoyed your reply, very humorous, I see what you mean about 'looking through your hand'. I started using a facecloth (wet) for wiping on; might try dry. I'm not up to 'passes' yet, tried going ATG but it was too scary.
PS cool vid.

@MickR
Good advice about the dominant eye, I remember I had to get used to that concept when learning to shoot in the Army. I think my right eye is VERY dominant, like my right hand (I can hardly throw a ball at all with my left). Good advice about the rinsing, but I may try a towel first.

@AFDavis11
Thank you, I certainly didn't stage it! I think I've now decided that grip must go...

@jss
Not sure who the guy was with the two passes (video I saw here last night), I think the guy was German...Thanks for the encouragement...

@mjhammer
Excellent advice re setup and wiping the razor, I'll get organised with a setup (need to dump all the wife's shit in the bin first)

@hcintenio
Yeah, videos are great, I'm finding. I feel a little ODD watching men shaving, but it's interesting to try to learn the different strokes.

@Devilpup
Not at all, eBay, of course, from straightrazorsmith. Seems pretty good to me, excellent condition, really fast postage, affordable. I think I now want a Thiers-Issard "Evide Sonnant Extra" White, 5/8; cool blade markings, 'full singing' blade. 169 bucks, though, need to save up for that...

Catch you all later and thanks for the encouragement!!!

Not sure if it's still available but somewhere on the site archives there is a video called Chimenches 30 year anniversary shave.It might give you some good technique help,it did me.And seek out the 1950's barbers manual here as well.Not sure where that one is either but it's here . Also,try using a wet microfiber towel to wipe the gook off your blade as well as a rinse under the tap.I keep a piece of chamois cloth next to my strop for wiping off excess moisture before the final strop.Also get a bottle of Camellia oil from SRD to keep your blades oiled and safe from rust when not in use.And save desiccant packets from any food or packaging you get as they work great for keeping moisture away from your blades. Good luck on your new ritual,you're gonna love it !

Yes that redness is probably razor burn, and good luck with dumping all your wifes shit from the bathroom sink. I'll send flowers to the funeral.


Mick

@Nightblade, Yeah saw that video, that guy is good!
Funny you mention oil, just took out the razor to find a spot of rust on the shank. I tried to make sure it was dry before putting it away but clearly it wasn't. I did spread some Eucalyptus oil on it (will that work), or what about a thin smear of extra virgin olive oil?

@Mick, her funeral or mine? I'm the one with the razor, remember...

I've been married over 20 years with varying collections of knives, firearms and other miscellaneous weapons at various times. Seriously mate, she'll mess you up!

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

@Nightblade, Yeah saw that video, that guy is good!
Funny you mention oil, just took out the razor to find a spot of rust on the shank. I tried to make sure it was dry before putting it away but clearly it wasn't. I did spread some Eucalyptus oil on it (will that work), or what about a thin smear of extra virgin olive oil?

Sometimes water hides in the scales. Make it a habbit to take a quick look inside the scales when wiping down the blade. If you're using organic oil, make sure it's only for a very short period of time, or it'll go rancid and actually mess-up the steel. Some people use camelia oil, some light mineral oils, or whatever oil they can find.

Search the forums for ways to protect your razor between shaves, there are endless ways of doing it.

If it works for you, then by all means. I change my grip to safely and effectively shave my face.

After I SR shave, I do a nice cold water splash rinse, pat my face dry, apply some witch hazel, then finally my after shave balm. Face feels great and no burn marks from the razor.

Originally Posted by MickR

Never let Fear stop you from trying something new. You'll only live to regret it.

Mick

Words to shave--and live--by. Good on you, mate!