Thread: Learning the hard way...

Yep. Didn't think ANYbody used straight razors this day in age until I foolishly bought one on a whim from a traveling knife dealer for 50 bucks (even THAT was over paying for this Chinese made, dollar store piece of crap). Naturally, being a man of many tools, I decided to look up the proper use of this new knife and was blown away with how popular shaving the old way really is! The wife has heard me talk about proper sharpening and pre-shave prep for weeks now, and my Christmas list is full of honing stones of fine grits, strops, pastes and a fairly basic DOVO Razor to start out this new obsession of mine. It'll be a bit 'til Santa drops off my new gear, so I've been using a mug soap and brush and shaving with every sharp object in the house! After a good facial scrub in the shower and deep lather, I tried that far-from-sharp Cheap-o straight razor (after a good strop on my jeans) and was impressed with how well it actually worked. A fresh box-knife razor blade worked a ton better and even my leatherman knife took a fair amount of hair off. I've finished off the tough areas with a disposable and given the skin a great aftershave routine, but it's still rough on the face. I can't wait to get a shave-ready razor in the bathroom for some one-on-one meditation. Until then, I think I'll give the scrape shaving a rest...

Welcome aboard! Hope you like it a much as the rest of us do! Read up on the stuff in the wiki and ask away!

Thanks!
The benefits of a sharp razor shouldn't be a mystery to any shaver, but it's the intricate techniques that the straight razor shaver use that intrigues me. The methodical prepping of both beard and blade. There's a discipline needed, yet it gives an edge of rebellion that shines through it, all while melting away the stress of a demanding job (not to mention that when done properly, you're left with healthier skin!). Above all else, what hooked me was the paraphernilia and maintenance. A man takes pride in what he does with his hands, especially with his tools! I have a feeling my blades will be coveted for their edge

[QUOTE=AD3;1062949]Above all else, what hooked me was the paraphernilia and maintenance. A man takes pride in what he does with his hands, especially with his tools! I have a feeling my blades will be coveted for their edge {QUOTE]

Indeed - well said, sir! And welcome!

Jeff

class...

welcome to srp

it's easiest if you tackle things separately and incrementally. until you have your razor you can work on getting right the prep part. then start honing simply - norton 4k/8k is probably as simple as it gets. stropping is perhaps the part most beginners underestimate, that's another thing well worth spending the time to get really down...

but most important is that you enjoy the process and it looks like you do

The SRP forums are addicting! I've searched everywhere online and the majority of the helpful information comes right out of SRP. I've been diving into finding better beard prep until I can play around with the other gear (up until recently, I used Dial Softsoap to wash and shave with!). Aside from that I've seen a ton of tutorials on sharpening but IMO the best one uses the electrical tape to protect the spine and set the angle. On top of 4 and 8k stones, I'm throwing in a 12k to polish it up, a pasted strop and a clean one (with maybe some strop conditioner). I love hearing what works well for different people. It's the mindful techniques of the experienced honers that have my attention most!

Originally Posted by AD3

Yep. Didn't think ANYbody used straight razors this day in age until I foolishly bought one on a whim from a traveling knife dealer for 50 bucks (even THAT was over paying for this Chinese made, dollar store piece of crap). Naturally, being a man of many tools, I decided to look up the proper use of this new knife and was blown away with how popular shaving the old way really is! The wife has heard me talk about proper sharpening and pre-shave prep for weeks now, and my Christmas list is full of honing stones of fine grits, strops, pastes and a fairly basic DOVO Razor to start out this new obsession of mine. It'll be a bit 'til Santa drops off my new gear, so I've been using a mug soap and brush and shaving with every sharp object in the house! After a good facial scrub in the shower and deep lather, I tried that far-from-sharp Cheap-o straight razor (after a good strop on my jeans) and was impressed with how well it actually worked. A fresh box-knife razor blade worked a ton better and even my leatherman knife took a fair amount of hair off. I've finished off the tough areas with a disposable and given the skin a great aftershave routine, but it's still rough on the face. I can't wait to get a shave-ready razor in the bathroom for some one-on-one meditation. Until then, I think I'll give the scrape shaving a rest...

WOW. Please don't tell me you tried using a broken bottle! LOL. I'm going to feel a lot better about your future when that Dovo arrives.

AD, Warm Welcome.
Your post gave me a big smile, and queued an old song 'Hard Way Everytime' (Croce). I'm 'pinklather' 'cause that's how I learned also. It was - colorful.
You'll probably insist on doing your own edges right away (I did). If I could do it over - I'd change that part. It held me back alot on learning the shave. I also didn't know that others would have gladly helped w/ edged for free (just cost of shipping - about $3.25 for bubble envelope and postage). You probably won't be deterred from doing your own, but I would suggest having more than one blade (doesn't have to cost much at all), and keeping one that has a pro-quality edge. That way you have a backup shaver, and one you can use as a standard against which to measure your honing progress. The honorable Gssixgun put an insane edge on one for me that served that purpose. Should you want a hand, pm me. 'Gladly help.
I think you'll find yourself falling in love w/ the str8 shave. It doesn't seem to fade. I recently went a week w/out shaving 'cause I couldn't stand the thought of having to use something else while I traveled.

Best of luck - and enjoy!

Originally Posted by pinklather

AD, Warm Welcome.
Your post gave me a big smile, and queued an old song 'Hard Way Everytime' (Croce). I'm 'pinklather' 'cause that's how I learned also. It was - colorful.
You'll probably insist on doing your own edges right away (I did). If I could do it over - I'd change that part. It held me back alot on learning the shave. I also didn't know that others would have gladly helped w/ edged for free (just cost of shipping - about $3.25 for bubble envelope and postage). You probably won't be deterred from doing your own, but I would suggest having more than one blade (doesn't have to cost much at all), and keeping one that has a pro-quality edge. That way you have a backup shaver, and one you can use as a standard against which to measure your honing progress. The honorable Gssixgun put an insane edge on one for me that served that purpose. Should you want a hand, pm me. 'Gladly help.
I think you'll find yourself falling in love w/ the str8 shave. It doesn't seem to fade. I recently went a week w/out shaving 'cause I couldn't stand the thought of having to use something else while I traveled.

Best of luck - and enjoy!

"pinklather"?!
That describes my attempts with the Leatherman knife perfectly!
I completely agree that starting with a true shave-ready razor will better set my standards for a good sharp shave (and what to strive for when stropping and eventually honing), but I think part of the learning curve comes from the trial and error. It sometimes takes a little blood, sweat and shaving soap to carve out some character!
In all seriousness, it's always better to learn the right way with the right tools, and here it's obvious that shave-ready sharp is definitely right. I may have to put down my hones (and pride), and let a true honemeister prepare the blade that sets the bar..