Fear not the Feather AC...
Greetings everyone,
I want to take this opportunity to both introduce myself and offer some reflections upon my wet-shaving experiences to date.
As a little back ground, up until about a month ago, I had, like many of you, tried a vast array of shaving devices, gadgets, and accoutrements (cartridge razors of various sorts, a brief stint with an electric, various creams, gels, etc.). While I wasn’t necessarily dissatisfied with the quality of my shaves, I was unsatisfied with the process and the associated rising costs.
You see, I was yearning for the mythical “zen” of a morning ritual – something I could take pride in, something to offset the morning drudgery… I discovered this and the other forums, along with Mark’s videos and Michael’s blog, dedicated to the art of wet-shaving, and at once knew I had found that which I was seeking.
Over the course of the next month, I proceeded to purchase a modest collection of DE razors, blades, brushes, soaps and creams. I trepidatiously explored various combinations, all the while trying to discover the techniques that would work best for me. Following the veritable cornucopia of guides, hints, suggestions offered on this site, I was able to settle into a nearly wound-free routine.
Along my journey, I found I preferred the Merkur razors (Viz. HD and the “slant,” over the Merkur Progress, Vision, and Futur), and didn’t care for the various vintage Gillettes I had tried. I also discovered I prefer a “thicker and dryer” lather (esp. those provided by a quality soap), over the “slicker,” but generally thinner lather provided by creams (although, this is not meant to say these qualities are mutually exclusive, nor indicative of all soaps and/or creams). And finally, I learned I preferred smaller "stiffer" brushes over the larger more “luxurious” brushes (this is not to say I prefer lathering with steel-wool; but rather, do not have a preference for a “floppy” brush).
This is by no means to say there weren’t some moments of reservation and self-doubt. Like many, I did have my “false starts” (with all the nicks, cuts, rashes, burns, etc. to prove it), and nearly reverted to “the old ways” on more than one occasion. However, with anything new, there is always a certain amount of acclimatization. Furthermore, with anything truly worth pursuing, there is the necessary dedication that surely must follow. I was, after all, not looking for simply a pragmatic alternative to my former ways (if that were the case, why bother?); rather, I was looking for an entirely new paradigm.
In pursuit of the latter, I finally ventured into the world of straight razors (well, truth be told, almost. I purchased a slightly used Feather Artist Club DX). With this instrument, I believe I have finely found my “zen” (no pun intended). Heedful of all the warnings of it’s nearly mythical sharpness (yes, these cautions are well warranted), I – with unsteadied hand – set out on my first (near) straight razor shave. Perhaps, it was the healthy respect I had gained for feather blades (I frequently used them in my DEs), or maybe it was the plethora of cautions I had absorbed from reading the posts on this, and other, site(s), BUT, I lived to tell. Not only was this the closest shave I have EVER had, but it was – horror of all horrors – the MOST COMFORTABLE I had ever had. “How can this be?”, I asked myself; Wasn’t this supposed to be THE MOST FEARFUL razor on the planet? The one referred to “Scary Sharp?” Not only that, but, against cautions, I am NOT an experienced straight shaver. Well, it IS scary sharp – at least I WAS scared... However, I learned today, it is nothing to be truly “feared.” Yes, I DID nick myself (on the upper lip, trying to go against the grain), but that cleared up with a little styptic and a splash of cold water. But, as I’m living proof, if I can do it, ANYONE can.
So, what else have I learned for all this? Clearly, I have found what I have been seeking all along. Perhaps most importantly, I learned the humility that I – although much more pleased than previously – still have a lot to learn. However, it is not necessarily the end itself, but the means to the end that has proved this such an enjoyable journey.
Finally, I would like to thank all of you who have made this forum such an invaluable source of information. Since joining the forum, I have, on several occasions, felt not like I was joining yet another web-site, but rather a true community of fellow devotees. Without your support and guidance, I would never have been able to realize shaving dreams…
Sincerely,
Sean
