Thread: Beginners Tips: June 2013

We used to have a member, sadly taken from us, named Bluegill. If I remember he was in W.Virgina or Tennessee. His gear was humble, the work - his own, the soap - made by his sister. The photos looked like a still-life photo from the 1800s. When he described his shave of the day, it just dripped with joy. No gear or trinketry could provide the satisfaction described in his daily chore. It was always humbling to read. Every time I think of posting in SOTD, I think of Bluegill. I wind up not posting, 'cause I haven't gotten my head around how to convey the joy that he seemed to give without effort. He had something money can't buy. I looked on and still remember with envy.

Thanks very much for the link, you guys really have covered everything there is to know about straight razor shaving..

So looks like I'm short a low grade hone needed to reset the bevel but have a few decent stones to work with in terms of keeping up general maintenance of an already sharpened razor, ill live with that!

Thanks!

Eric (HNSB) was the one who took time out of his busy life to help an old redneck country boy learn the ropes of shaving with and maintaining a straight razor when I was just starting out, Glen (GSSIXGUN) provided the knowledge for me to produce some very nice edges, Robert (pinklather) furthered my knowledge by offering an exchange of honing on different blades.

I once posted how I’d found a way to purchase Williams soap (which I’ve used for 30 years) and that started a semi-war! I had no idea that there was such a divided camp!! I still use the Williams daily! ‘If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it’!!

I’m so glad that Glen brought up the point of us who are very comfortable with just a nice shave!!

I’ve posted time after time that I don’t believe in the BBS (Baby Butt Smooth) shave, I believe in a close and Comfortable Shave!!!

My choices in hones are very basic-Norton 4/8k and a Naniwa 12k but people seem to like my edges. I’ve also posted that if all I had was the 4/8 I could live with shaving off of that for the rest of my life and enjoy the shaves!!

Bigger and more Fancy or Expensive doesn’t necessarily mean that it’s going to be better!!

I agree with everyone.
I first learned about straight razor shaving from Puddin'head Johnson. He told me that if I could not afford an Ali razor scaled with dinosaur oosik sharpened on a hooter hone I might as well tape a single edge blade to a Popsicle stick and walk away from the forum. I'm glad I didn't take his advice. Your own qualities both good and bad will manifest here in the forum. But I believe, even the members of the forum who are sellers, are also motivated by the respect, fascination, and love of this truly fine pursuit.

You know, I actually kept it simple yesterday. After stropping and a hot towel, I used a "nuttin' fancy" Genco Pyramid 7N (well, all but two of my razors are Genco), my Van Der Hagen Badger brush (1st brush I purchased), Arko soap and finished up post shave with an alum block and a splash of Old Spice.

Normally, There's a scuttle or mug involved, glycerine and vitamin e oil added to my lather, some DIY preshave oil made from olive oil, glycerine and tea tree oil, and the nivea sensitive post shave balm on top of everything else.

Right now, my face feels great. There was something even more relaxing than normal, and I'd just bet it's that I didn't pile on the whole shebang.

Kinda makes me wonder if I'm overdoing it a bit...

Great post, Glen... I love reading through your beginner's tips!

I have 1 razor, 1 strop, 1 brush & my soap, balm, and pre-shave were what I could find at the grocery store across the street. Keeping it simple does work for me. While I would like to delve into more of the niceties that go along with this practice, I feel that I don't actually need more than I currently have apart from some a decent hone for touch ups. The fact that this can be so simple at its core, is one of the things that appeals the most to me. Of course, I still have much to learn.

Some great comments here. My initial reason for starting straight razor shaving was to save some money, that theory has way been blown out the water with multiple razor purchases. But now, after a year, i feel i have come almost full circle, using the same razor, soap, and strop ninety percent of the time.

Great Post! And so true...

Back in the day (and more years ago than I want to think about... ) when I was IN COUNTRY (RVN for those that don't know... ) I shaved with a Dovo SR stropped on a canvas web belt and a an old leather belt that I picked up somewhere. Couldn't get any Williams or Colgate so I used a bar of Dove Soap with the skin cream in the soap. Don't know why but these bars were easy to get? No brush, so I just worked up a good lather with my hand. A few passes and I was ready to go. Nice smooth shaves...No irritation, even in the 100+ degree heat and 100% humidity. Finished with a generous splashing of my all time favorite aftershave: Mennen Skin Bracer! Also quite easy to acquire over there...

Sometimes KISS is best! At least it makes for the best memories...

I appreciate the keep it simple bit, as a newcomer, I find that forums can be quite overwhelming with all the jargon, I live by a simple rule of best to keep quiet and appear a fool, rather than open your mouth and remove all doubt!
But having been on a few times and read threads from other newcomers, seen the replies given by the more knowledgeable, I have to say again, it has helped me to get a better shave, the best I've ever had, the responses and replies superb!
Already, in 3 weeks, I would say I've made a few friends....I'm rambling again, (tear in the eye), you can't help but get involved with SRP....if you want it simple, it's here! If you want more...there's plenty of people out there that can help!
I tip my hat to you all!

Thanks for the article Glen! For someone who just started in to wet shaving having advice like this really puts it in to perspective that you do not need to spend hundreds of dollars on equipment and balm. For me I know that when I switch from my DE to a straight it is going to be a switch I know I will love forever! We all need to step back and enjoy our shave even the most basic of them. Thanks again!