Thread: I'm SCARED!

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

The grip is an issue, and drying cream. And should I wipe the razor or wash? Maybe not in the sink as it could bang on the side? Would wiping with paper towel dull the blade? I think maybe my grip is stupid (below) is that a stupid grip? That way I can see where I'm going...All the pictures I've seen show the other way, with the hand in the way of the image...

Your grip is definitely NOT stupid. I've been straight shaving for over a year and had always had to turn my head in a funny angle to try to see if I was starting the stroke on my sideburns at the right spot because my hand was in the way. When I visited Bob Allman (a custom razor maker in Houston, TX) he showed me that he shaves with the same grip you're using. It allows you to see exactly where you're starting your downstroke. I've been shaving with that grip for the WTG pass on my cheeks and sideburns ever since. The added benefit for me is it also allows me to define a crisp edge on the lateral margins of my VanDyke as it's easier to watch the toe of the blade vs. the heel in this area.

I use microfiber wipes to clean the blade and use a stropping motion. Many will tell you to know rinse for fear of dinging the blade on the faucet. I'll have to admit, I sometimes rinse under the faucet, but I'm extremely slow and deliberate with my movements. I bought a package of microfibers for very cheap at WalMart (I assume you have a similar store down under).

Could you tell us a little more about the drying lather? Is it drying in the bowl, on your entire face, or is it drying out on sections of your face before you get to them?

Greg

Originally Posted by LinacMan

Your grip is definitely NOT stupid. I've been straight shaving for over a year and had always had to turn my head in a funny angle to try to see if I was starting the stroke on my sideburns at the right spot because my hand was in the way. When I visited Bob Allman (a custom razor maker in Houston, TX) he showed me that he shaves with the same grip you're using. It allows you to see exactly where you're starting your downstroke. I've been shaving with that grip for the WTG pass on my cheeks and sideburns ever since. The added benefit for me is it also allows me to define a crisp edge on the lateral margins of my VanDyke as it's easier to watch the toe of the blade vs. the heel in this area.

Hey, GREAT reply, Ta! I feel much better about the grip! Last shave I had I could not COUNT the number of times I switched grip. That's not a BAD thing; I'm using what works, not what looks good. For some strokes on the left side I changed hands; for others I didn't. I possibly also have a van dyke (I never really know what it's called, a moustache, soul patch (bit under bottom lip) and little beard thingy, but none of it linked (i.e. all separate). I'm finding it hard to shave around the edges. I also find it really hard to use the heel to shave around that edge; the toe would be easier; though my razor has a square point, which I've read is more difficult to use for a beginner.

I have been rinsing under the tap (faucet), but like you being really deliberate. Let's face it, the whole entire process from start to finish should be deliberate. I've been using a hot wash cloth (after all the other regime (shower, shaving cream in shower, hair conditioner on face, etc etc) and while the cloth is on, been leaning on the edge of the sink saying a morning prayer. It's a meditative experience.

The lather is drying on my face; but only because I'm going pretty slowly (got a shave down to 30 minutes this morning). ALL the videos I've seen show lathering of the whole face. But I shave a side at a time. I've considered lathering only the right side, shaving it, and then lathering the left. Anyone else do that?

Anyway, great reply and encouragement. I get my Dovo strop tomorrow, and in a few weeks a Thiers Issard Evide Sonnant Extra razor - no stopping me now!!!

Originally Posted by MickR

That strop is an all important tool mate. The sooner you have one the better. If you get stuck give me a yell. See what I can sort out for you.


Mick

Cool, thanks Mick. I pick up a Dovo strop tomorrow (100 buckeroonies), bit narrower than what I wanted but they're as rare as hens' teeth. I may still get a paddle strop later, if the wife doesn't arc up about it...

Originally Posted by Noisykids

was that when Paul was about to have his hand shoved in the gom jabbar?

Yeah, it was, cool bit wasn't it? Thinking his hand was withered and destroyed by the pain he felt and then it's all OK when he draws it out.

When was Thanksgiving? We don't 'do' that here. Just want an idea of when I can get better at this. Although it was shave number five this morning (I shaved this morning although I did so last night, I'm a little obsessed) and all went well, still no blood; even did my neck. I am lucky that even at 49 I have soft-ish sparse-ish growth; I don't think I could actually grow a full beard!!

I believe Thanksgiving, or "Turkey Day" as some seem to like calling it is around October/November sometime. Not sure of the exact date though.

I am particularly unfortunate in that I have been able to use my beard (when around 4mm in length) to sand wood. It softens eventually if I let it grow right out but I'm going to have to learn good stropping to keep up my razor.

Originally Posted by MickR

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

Mick

I had to comment on this line. First, because it's a great line. Second because I immediately thought..."Yeah, and if you don't let it stop you, you'll either experience a great adventure, or you won't live to regret it anyway!" A little gallows humor.

Originally Posted by MickRussell

I believe Thanksgiving, or "Turkey Day" as some seem to like calling it is around October/November sometime. Not sure of the exact date though.

Thanksgiving is the Fourth Thursday in November in the U.S. I believe it's slightly earlier in Canada. FWIW

I'm glad you overcame your fear...something we've all felt to some degree or another.

Peace,

Originally Posted by carlmaloschneider

I possibly also have a van dyke (I never really know what it's called, a moustache, soul patch (bit under bottom lip) and little beard thingy, but none of it linked (i.e. all separate). I'm finding it hard to shave around the edges. I also find it really hard to use the heel to shave around that edge; the toe would be easier;

I've yet to find 2 places on the net that define facial hair styles the same way. My mustache and chin hairs are joined on either side by a vertical patch of hair and my soul patch joins the chin hairs. Some sources call this a Van Dyke, and some call it a circle beard. I've also seen a Van Dyke defined as mustache, chin hair, and soul patch not joined. Who knows.... I'm always at a loss as to what to call what I wear.

Another advantage of this grip that I forgot to mention is that it keeps me from dragging my fingers and the hinge portion of the straight through the lather on my Van Dyke when defining the lateral margin of the vertical hairs. Getting moisture/lather in the hinge area is definitely a bad thing for your razor.

As for the lathering - as you become more proficient at shaving this should become less of an issue. Depending on how dense your beard growth is, one could argue that lathering 1/2 of your face at a time is a bad idea because the goal is to keep your beard moist so it's easier to cut. Even if the lather dries some while you're shaving the other half, at least it has some moisture on it. When I first started wet shaving and this happened, I applied a warm wet towel to re-moisten and reapplied some lather.

As Lynn always says: Have fun!

Greg

Originally Posted by BigJim

I had to comment on this line. First, because it's a great line. Second because I immediately thought..."Yeah, and if you don't let it stop you, you'll either experience a great adventure, or you won't live to regret it anyway!" A little gallows humor...

You got it mate, that was exactly how it was meant.


Mick

Originally Posted by LinacMan

...As for the lathering - as you become more proficient at shaving this should become less of an issue. Depending on how dense your beard growth is, one could argue that lathering 1/2 of your face at a time is a bad idea because the goal is to keep your beard moist so it's easier to cut...Greg

Very good point. Again, MOST happy with the knowledge I'm gaining through this forum; in fact, a lot of it via this ONE post that's now five pages!

So now as of today I have a Dovo strop and some Provaro shaving cream. The strop seems a little expensive for what it is, even if it IS German 'rindleder'. Should have got a 'roo one from Mick; at least I'd know the animal died cleanly with a .303 between its big brown eyes, and I bet it's larger than this piddly little strop!

So then it's a badger brush for 50 bucks, a Thiers Issard razor (so I have one vintage and one new), some after shave balm, a stone, and I'm set!....582 bucks later...no wonder the wife seems a little worried about this new obsession...but it IS the little things in life that count, and in the scheme of things, I'd rather spend the money on these niceties than a big screen TV or some 'consumer' item like that, and I know you would too!