Thread: Beginners Tips: June 2011

I looked through this month's posts so far and honestly it was hard to find a prevailing theme for this thread..

So I looked at many of the conversations and the one thing that stood out was the huge amount of information thrown at the beginner much of which is contradictory...
So I looked a bit closer and came up with this months Tip

Why are so many threads filled with contradictory info all aimed at the beginners???

Well to answer that you have to look at our membership,and realize that we are a diverse bunch of people..

But let's just take this simple easy question:

Hi I am new to this, what razor should I buy????



First off everyone will tell you what they think is the best razor, "In Their Honest Opinion" now comes the diversity of the membership

The Retro/Hobbyist - usually the older more established members that feel shaving this way is a treat/hobby and only the best of the best works for them, and comfort is usually their objective..

The Shaver - This is the high performance guy, who is after the closest shave with the best equipment possible...

The Flavor of the Week - This is a shaver that is changing their opinion every week as they buy more and more equipment always chasing the next great thing...

The Economist - They are going to tell you all about the cheapest of the cheap I mean after all we are just shaving here ain't we???

The Environmentalist - Another minimalist but in a different vein than the Economist, they normally look at brushes, soaps, and strops, a bit differently...

I know there are many of us that fit into a few of these categories, and perhaps there are more categories out there, but this is us in general...

So to you beginners... the tip of the month, is to ask your question with as many details as possible, then narrow down the responses to the people that think like you do

For instance:

Hi I am new here I am looking for a razor my budget is $100 for just the razor, I would prefer a new/newer razor where should I start??? Are new razors shave ready ??? I know I need a strop I don't want to spend more then $60 on that... I am going to need a brush, and I am planning on using shave soap, what do you suggest I look for????

Every little bit of info you post helps the Senior members guide you better...

One more thing, the Google map option is so so important to use, many times there is a senior member close to you that is willing to help.. And it stops us from linking a ton of sites in the US if you are in Europe and the shipping and VAT might make what we think is good, not such a great idea for you or visa-versa...

Come on... You couldn't find a common theme?
You just didn't want to do yet another Beginner's Tips on HHT, did you???

Thanks Glen, and your right!!!

Well put... Your not a journalist are you??? JK!!

I teach kids....and rules make kids feel safe. They understand the expectations, and can meet them, and they feel good.

Giving advice or help is the same way....I don't like the ballpark feeling and then floundering. Details make me feel safe, because I can dictate or type my response to meet those details and expectations, which then in turn makes me feel good for helping someone.

my 2 cents.

Good observations! Thanks, Glen!