Beginners Tips: February 2012

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So as many know I look for trends in the posts each month and try and address them in these monthly tips..

This month I am going to talk about YMMV or the Infamous Personal opinion.

Many people when they start want answers, they read the info on SRP and other forums then target the questions that have no real answer..

These are the most common ones

What is the best razor for a beginner
What is the best hone "
What is the best Soap "
What is the best Strop
Best is the common word here
Then our Newb gets smarter and realizes that there are no answers for these so we see the next round of questions

These are more directed such as
Glycerin soap -vs- Hard Milled soap
Full Hollow -vs- Wedge
Boar -vs- Badger
Synthetic -vs- Natural
The -VS- is the operative part here


We then see even more direction

Do I need the Linen before Leather
How many laps of each
Do I need a finisher above my 8k
Which is the best


All these questions have one thing in common that everyone who embraces this hobby needs to realize, all the answers you are going to get are simply each persons opinion there are very few actual "Facts" available... One thing I have learned that is a fact in this hobby is most every time I think I have something absolutely figured out, just give me 6 months and I will find an exception..

The best part of this hobby is the exploration and experimentation, ask all the questions, read all the answers, then go check for yourself to form your own opinion..

Just some things I noticed this past month, as always if any of the other Senior Members have some more opinions please feel free to voice them.. We are after all here to help each other.

well said. It is very true.

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Attachment 90759All these questions have one thing in common that everyone who embraces this hobby needs to realize, all the answers you are going to get are simply each persons opinion there are very few actual "Facts" available... One thing I have learned that is a fact in this hobby is most every time I think I have something absolutely figured out, just give me 6 months and I will find an exception..

The best part of this hobby is the exploration and experimentation, ask all the questions, read all the answers, then go check for yourself to form your own opinion..

Just some things I noticed this past month, as always if any of the other Senior Members have some more opinions please feel free to voice them.. We are after all here to help each other.

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Straight shaving is not a hobby for me.It is a medical directive from my doctor,"use a straight that can be sterilized or stop shaving completely".I'm fighting a flesh eating skin infection that has no known cure and disposable cartridges can't be fully sterilized and will spread the infection.So when I ask a question it's not playtime for me,it's dead serious.

So thanks to all the members here who have given me honest answers about a servicable daily shave.And the library has been a great resource for me.

Thanks again all,I'll keep watching for more tips on shaving!:)

I have been straight shaving for over 40 years, and I have found that one NEVER knows it all!!! The best investment I have ever made in shaving equipment was Lynn's DVD. He brought up points that over the years I had never thought about. If the new guys would spend the twenty bucks or so and get it, most of their questions will be answered. I would recommend they pay very close attention and watch it in a undesturbed environment and study it as they would if taking an exam on it. Lynn put in a great deal of time on this dvd and it is the voice of experience. Like I said, one can always learn something new if they have the patience to devote time to the learning process. I feel it is better to take the advice of one experienced man than to try to process the information from a dozen different people with different ideas. One can always expand on their knowledge once the basics have been learned. Very Best, John

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Originally Posted by Edwardd

Thanks again all,I'll keep watching for more tips on shaving!:)

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You can look in the archives of the forums for the old ones as GSsixguns has done these almost every month for the past 2 years I have been on the site. I have found everyone to have valuable information in them. Good luck on your journey with straights and hopefully it will be successful in alleviating your condition.

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Originally Posted by wildhog

The best investment I have ever made in shaving equipment was Lynn's DVD.

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John ++++4.0 Well said!!!