Beginners Tips: July 2012

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This past month one thing has really jumped out at me, as I read though the posts on SRP

Why are there so many differing opinions with using Straight Razors ????

As a beginner to this Hobby it can be pretty overwhelming to get a simple answer to a simple question sometimes, and I am going to try and explain why.


The guy in the Mirror
His opinion is really the most important one, and the first question you have to ask yourself to honestly answer is why do you want to use a Straight Razor..

There are actually many factors here on SRP that influence that simple question so let's break it down a bit. Are you here because you are after the most comfortable shave possible, or perhaps the nostalgia of the process.. Perhaps you are here for the fact that unless you get hooked on collecting, this is method of shaving is much cheaper and environmentally friendly then disposables.
Perhaps you are here because of the allure of the edge itself, and love sharp things, or you have skin problems and have heard that a SR can help eliminate them..
They are a myriad of reasons that brought over 40,000 of us worldwide to this site, to discuss a simple chore that men have been doing for hundreds of years ..

Lets look at one of the first questions that a Newb guy asks and break it down a bit to explain why so many different answers will be given..

What razor should I buy??? simple enough right ???

Not really..

The guys that are here to save money, will point you toward the cheapest thing with an edge that can shave your face, usually with the line "Don't spend any more until you decide you like it".. Now to them this seems very logical.

The guy that is here to get a great shave, might point you toward a Vendor who sells a new SR that comes with free honing and perhaps an extra free honing later down the road because he sees the advantage of this..

The guy that loves the nostalgia and the hobby might point you toward e-bay, an SRP Vendor, or the SRP classifieds, for a vintage SR that has a history to it that he finds as the most appealing aspect...

All these guys are not wrong, they are just telling you their opinion, if it matches yours so much the better, but if not then your first experience with a SR very well could be your last...

This same theory applies to everything throughout our hobby

What strop should I get
What hone should I buy
I need a brush, which one works best
What soap/cream should I buy

Take any of these questions and run it through the "Why are you here" filter and you end up with a mass confusion of different opinions and answers..

When you are a beginner, try not to only read the recommendations, but also the reason that each person is giving for the recommendation, to see if it matches your reasons for getting into the hobby.. Although it can be a bit confusing you can navigate the minefield of opinions here on the site..
One of the best ways to do that is find a person who's opinion and reasons for being here seem to match yours and just follow their advice, you might even try sending that person a PM and ask their specific opinion.. Most all of the members here, are more then willing to help a new guy get started down the right path for them..


I hope that clarifies somewhat why there are so many different answers to the same questions, as always with these tips I encourage the Senior Members to add their thoughts and opinions to this thread...

Thanks, Glen. You've given me something important to consider.

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

Snip..

One of the best ways to do that is find a person who's opinion and reasons for being here seem to match yours and just follow their advice, you might even try sending that person a PM and ask their specific opinion.. Most all of the members here, are more then willing to help a new guy get started down the right path for them..

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A very good set of points Glen!

As you pointed out, finding someone like that, and getting the right advice would make a world of difference.
Should you be able to find someone close to you, that you could meet up with, then even better.
A face to face really is a great way to get past all the questions, and starting to enjoy your shaves:)

I know that in this community there are tons of guys willing to help out!

Excellent advice. I think this really captures the reason for most of the confusion a person that is new to this hobby will encounter. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the reason(s) one is here is subject to change. That is why these varying opinions, although confusing, all have validity.
Knowledge is power!

The advice on finding someone to follow their lead or someone local to mentor them is dead on Glen...Good Show! I know that the newbs ask newbs questions and they are enthusiastic about what they are learning, however some of the advice may not be tried and true when compared with a more experienced shaver or honer's advice.

My advice for a newb is to listen to more experienced members who have a minimum of a few months into whatever task is at hand.

Of course face to face mentoring is always the best...

That is very good advice to run things through that "filter". As with most things in life there is no single best/true way to get to a similar if not same result. There are many different ways and an individual has to find one that fits their personal needs. What works for me may not work for others. Once you get past that the rest is fairly easy.

Bob

Wow, I am truly impressed with how you distill the "facts" down to some answers that are very manageable for all of us.

Yes, new or newish shavers, don't hesitate to contact someone local if you're lucky enough to have one nearby. In-person demonstration and coaching is worth weeks or months of trying and erring and reading and watching videos, and I think most of us would be thrilled to share what we've learned.

If there's a meetup within five hours drive, it's worth your drive time and a night in a motel. (September 30 in Denver, for you folks within that radius!)

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

The guys that are here to save money, will point you toward the cheapest thing with an edge that can shave your face, usually with the line "Don't spend any more until you decide you like it".. Now to them this seems very logical.

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I figured out a long time ago this hobby won't save me a dime, rather the opposite, still this is the advice I usually give....:p

Great set of advice! Finding someone who you can meet face to face and get advice from is worth a ton, I have learned a lot, specially when it comes to honing by hanging with the other guys up here :)
It's not just the part where you learn something concrete, but also that you are able to discuss experiences and theories in a whole different way than when doing it on the forum.

I've had a couple newbs coming to my place for a tutorial this summer, and even though it is kind of awkward to shave in front of another guy the first time, the feedback aftewards when they try for themselves is worth it, I wish I had someone to show me and help me going in the beginning :)