Thread: Should I make the jump

I had a couple of small ones, like 5mm or so from the pre-SRP days. Used a blade that could not be made shave ready and I didn't even know what shave-ready was. Since I started using good English/Spanish/German/Swedish blades and got a honing lesson from X, I've been scar-free. If you want to practice honing, you need a hone. Norton 4000/8000 combination stone's the best to get it shave-ready and you finish it off by giving it a fine polish on the paddle.

I actually gave myself this, my worst facial cut ever just this morning from trying to shave without cream. By the time I got to this side my face had even dried completely. Stupid me. It looks much worse than it is. When it happened I hardly felt it and it barely bled. I'm expecting it'll heal without a mark. A straight razor cuts very cleanly.

X

Yikes, X! That one's a capital catch Next time do it by halves (water on one side of the face, shave, water on the other side of the face, shave). That's how I do pass #3 (when applicable).

Geez,
That's not a good picture to show someone like me who is just starting. I'm not afraid of blood but being a cop in the military has given me enough scars. I've heard that most people nick themselves less than with a safety razor. Is this true? I already ordered the set I mentioned previously and Lynn's video. Good thing too, that picture may have made me think twice...

Actually this is a very rare ocurrence even if you're a beginner, not to mention when you're at X's level (he gave me my first honing lesson). The reason it happened was that he didn't use a soap or a cream but water and it dried in the middle of the pass. That is why if you are doing a pass with water alone, you have to reapply the water at least once (if you're fast) and more often if not. By the way, Nenad has been using the Arko shaving stick and that stuff's made in Turkey and must be dirt-cheap down there, so you're in luck until you get started on something more exotic.

Well blhoward, if you follow instructions: soften the hair, make a good lather etc. It is most likely you get yourself only small nicks and cuts. The cut X has, is only possible by doing something st**id like dry shaving with a razor designed for WET shaving.

(Sorry X...)

It reminds me of my very first shave with the str8. I was well lathered up, the right cheek was OK. But when I tried to shave the left cheek I had my blade in an upright position and I managed to dig the whole blade into the skin. It left no scar, but I haven't touched a str8 for 10 years, until about 6 months ago. I now shave without any major bleeding...

Originally Posted by Pinda

The cut X has, is only possible by doing something st**id like dry shaving with a razor designed for WET shaving.

(Sorry X...)

No apology necessary, you're absolutely right. With even a little prep this would never have happened.

blhoward2, like I said, it looks much worse than it is, and it just happened today. It's not even 1mm deep. I'll post another picture in a few days and again shortly after that so you can see the progress and how easily it heals.

X

I'll have to look into the Arko shaving stick. What is it exactly? I'll have one of the Turks who works for me look for it downtown. Its hard to find stuff with my limited Turkish. Do I need the Norton honing stones right away or will the 4-sided pasted strop be enough? I noticed the set comes with a boar hair brush, everything I have been reading says to use Badger hair. Should I buy one awhile or is there not that big of a difference between it and boar hair? I can see that this could get expensive fast. Before I spend too much I want to make sure that SR shaving is for me.