Beginners Tips: June 2013

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Once again it is time to think about another article to write as I read many of the posts that come onto SRP each month..

I try and write an article each month but now and then life gets hectic and one gets missed :)

This month let's discuss Simplicity.

We don't see quite as much posting about simple shaving on here, mostly I believe because most people that practice it come here gain the info they need and move on to other things.. The forum is filled with many of us that are more Hobbyists and therefore write endlessly about the minutia that we love so much..

Let's take a moment and discuss just what is needed for shaving, now keep in mind this is just my opinion but it was exactly what I used for over 20 years to get DFS results..

(2) Straight Razors
A Leather Strop
A Brush
Shaving Soap or Cream
A Stone/Hone that is capable of touching-up the edges


This is really all one needs for shaving.

What happens is that many of us start taking more steps toward refinement of all the aspects of this hobby and this is when things get complicated.. :)

How many of you experienced people take a step back and do a KISS shave now and then, I do just to keep myself grounded in reality, my last was Father's Day..

I used my "Barber's Hone Razor" yes I actually keep a razor that has only been kept sharp using a BH since 2007.. I stropped it using my original Illinois #831 that I bought back in 1981, yes it has some nicks along the edge but it is still a perfectly serviceable strop..
Thinking of Pops, I used an old coffee mug with Williams shave soap double stacked in the bottom, whipped up a lather using a $5 Eveready Brush from Walmart, with some time and technique I got a nice creamy lather...
A quick multi-directional pass and a clear water touchup was all it took for a DFS followed by Original Mennen's Skin Bracer, this took me back to a time of watching Pops shave in the morning and it also keeps me in touch with the fact that there are many people here that just want a close comfortable shave..

So those of you that are here at SRP who are just wanting to know what it takes to get a great shave using a Straight Razor, keep in mind that there is a simple easy path also...

As always to the Senior Members take some time and share your experience about KISS shaves on this thread

Great post Glen, I do find myself having quite a few razors and hones but my shaving method is really simple, i only face lather, shave,and splash with cold water and done, with the occasional witch hazel splash, works wonderful great shaves, definately something to be said about making good lather and having a truly shave ready razor.

As I can't reply to the monthly beginner's tips, I need to open a new thread...

Glen, Your'e more then right. I'm absolutely with You.

It's like new divers who don't see a single fish as they are too busy with all the fancy equipment they bought.

I would even go a step further and start without a hone. A hone is wonderful and I got really familiar with my razors when I started to hone them, but for the start - like the first weeks or months - I'd rather have no hone.

Having a hone at hand, leads to using it. So, if You dull Your blade by bad stropping, You will not try to correct that with CrOx and better stropping, but put it on the stone. It's quite easy to fix a slightly dull blade with a stone, so You do it. Hence the stone is likely to become a cure for bad technique.

When I started around 20 years ago, I had no idea of stones - we had no youtube and no internet and no one around who knew anything about using straights. If I had a dull blade, I knew I could give it to my hairdresser and I would (probably) get it back in a sharp condition - No idea if he would do it or just give it away. I just knew I could give it to him, but I never had to.

I shaved for around five years with two razors, a two sided strop (leather, CrOx), a brush (from my grandfather), the one or other soap and an alum-block.
No Pre-shave, no special creams or oils, no re-honing.

Yes, it is more comfortable and nicer with all the little gimmicks, and thanks to the stones, my edges are better than they used to be at that time, but for getting the basics right and the fun out of it, none of those are needed.

It's easy to get caught up int the merchandise.. Glitz and glory aside, there are so many variations in designs, each shaving just a little different, that it's hard to NOT explore all of them.

That said, one can still keep it simple. And limiting choices encourages you to get intimate with each item you've chosen. Lather the same soap every day, using the same brush, and for sure you'll learn how to whip up any form of lather you wish. Same for using one or two razors exclusively. You'll learn it's favored angle, where that scary square tip is at all times and how best to attach that trouble spot or three...

I compare it to photography. It's not the camera or lens- its the photographer. Stieglitz once borrowed a waiter's Kodak brownie to take a requested photo and this photo is now in a museum. However, better equipment can often get you where you need to go more quickly or easily. I like the idea of sticking to basic equipment while you learn. Then, after some proficiency you can start to build. But, I know, most guys will ignore that and go for the fancy stuff while in their starry eyed learning period.

I merged the responses with the OP..
If you look at the bottom of the Front Page article there is always a link to the Original Thread, there (here) you can respond to the thread :)

Many Thanks for the respones

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Originally Posted by MikekiM

It's easy to get caught up int the merchandise.. Glitz and glory aside, there are so many variations in designs, each shaving just a little different, that it's hard to NOT explore all of them.

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Originally Posted by 1holegrouper

I compare it to photography. It's not the camera or lens- its the photographer. Stieglitz once borrowed a waiter's Kodak brownie to take a requested photo and this photo is now in a museum. However, better equipment can often get you where you need to go more quickly or easily....

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It's all about focus and concentration. As an experienced skier I can get more out of my skiing with better skis but better skis don't make me a better skier. Same with camera, diving or straights. Today a lack of skills often can be compensated by technique. If You don't forget to switch the camera on, it's almost impossible to not get reasonable pictures. The crucial part is, technique is not making You a better photograher, it's making You a worse photographer, because You need to know less about the materia and still get better results. We tend to externalize responsibility where ever we can and technology is a great means to do so.

I'm quite sure that within a five year's time no one (at least here in Germany) will be able to park his/her car in a small parking-space unless it is equipped with "beep beep beeeeeep", camera or other assistance.

I remember when Audi issued the first TT (the round one) it was done very much like a race car. It was really "greedy" for such a small one. Then several people died, because it behaved like a race car. So everybody said, it's a bad car, a dangerous car. (You know, You want a race car, that is as much of a race car as You can get, but it still should be somewhat cosy and definitely not dangerous). If You take a curve with a knoll too fast and with "power", weight is moved from the moved from the back to the font axle for a fraction of a second, the back looses grip and You have a beautiful flying object.
So Audi called them back and installed ESP as well as an ugly spoiler. Now the TT was lame and ugly but no one died anymore and everybody was happy. No reason for the idiots to learn how to master such a weapon. Technology fixed it.

I'm a software-man. So technology is all around me. But I still like to do the things I do right.

I'm new to straight shaving and I'm delighted that I've been able to find this forum full of experienced gents such as yourselves!

About 2 months ago I bought a straight razor very cheaply on amazon and now I'm hooked.. (Since then I've bought 3 more razors on eBay of considerable higher quality!)

I have everything I need to maintain a razor now, but they're all pretty cheap stuff just to get me started.

I ordered 3 hones for like £30 on eBay from a guy and they're slate. If you look for hones on eBay you will see this product it's all over it.

My query would be is it worth buying an expensive well known branded hone right now / am I wasting my time with this welsh slate stuff?

The only knowledge I have on hones is from YouTube. The product I've purchased hasn't even arrived yet so I've not tested it yet (and I'm slightly afraid too!)

Matt

Matt the 3 stone slate set is well documented here

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...huringian.html

Setting the bevel would be a effort in futility IMHO with that set, but anything else is well within the capabilities of those stones as you can read in that thread

I think the interesting thing to consider here is why you are wetshaving to begin with.

There are some who are interested only in a better shave and want to keep the experience to a bare minimum. There are others whether in the beginning or somewhere along the way that really appreciate what the experience brings to their life and want to be able to get the most that that experience can offer.

There are many days when I follow the same routine of washing with an olive oil soap, putting the brush in the scuttle to keep the suds warm for multiple passes, lathering up with the cream or soap dejour, stropping my razor and enjoying the shave followed by a nice splash of the aftershave dejour. You certainly can get by with one soap or cream and one type of aftershave or no aftershave or alum or.......

There are other days when I will use a hot towel or two before the shave and after followed by a cold towel and that to me, is an experience unto itself. Some people may never take the time for this pleasure which is absolutely OK.

I would totally agree that blade maintenance can be very simple, but once someone makes the determination to go beyond maintenance or really starts to get into the hobby, the sky is the limit.

There are so many wonderful products out there from pre-shaves to soaps/creams to after shaves/colognes that you can choose as little or as much as you want or your pocket book allows. Same goes for honing beyond maintenance.

Shaving can be as minimal experience as you want or as pleasurable as you can make it. It all boils down to how much time you make for your decision and what your personal preferences are on all fronts.

There really is no wrong or right. There is only the welcome that we can give to every new wetshaver and our assistance at helping to make using a straight razor or DE something that you will enjoy for a life time and hopefully we can continue to be here to preserve the art and grow it if possible regardless of how little or how much someone wants to participate. In the end, it really is all about you and that is a bootiful ting.

Good thread Glen!

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!!!:tu

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!!:shrug:

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

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... :D ) 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... :beer1:

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!

Hi Glen,
Another newcomer here, and I'm also very appreciative of your post. On my limited budget, keeping it simple is a must! That said, I've been wondering about what honing stone I should get, considering I'm not going to do any heavy duty honing, just to refresh the blade from time to time. Any recommendations?

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Originally Posted by manutabora

...I've been wondering about what honing stone I should get, considering I'm not going to do any heavy duty honing, just to refresh the blade from time to time. Any recommendations?

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Welcome aboard...

I am sure Glen will answer as well.. I can't locate the link, but he has a great post on your very quesiton.. it's a "if you want to do THIS, you might want to get THAT' kind of post. I suspect there are many possible answers to this question...Barber's Hone, Lapping Film, Norton 4k/8k... Take a look at the Honing section in the Library
But you might also want to read the JaNorton Challenge on the Norton 4k/8k. Pretty versatile stone.

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Originally Posted by manutabora

Hi Glen,
Another newcomer here, and I'm also very appreciative of your post. On my limited budget, keeping it simple is a must! That said, I've been wondering about what honing stone I should get, considering I'm not going to do any heavy duty honing, just to refresh the blade from time to time. Any recommendations?

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Am just doing the same myself, i managed to at best turn itinto a.debacle.for.myself I did a.poll and of.an 8k or 12k naniwa the 12 was by far the most popular choice, if.you are going the Norton route a member here offered.me quite a good deal, pm me.and I will forward them your details if you like.
I AM NOT ENDORSING ANY PARTICULAR STONE, this is just my experience, ifi had given more options then 10k's were mentioned a lot too. But then there are all the other makes too. You.mightbe starting to see my problem.I have figured out what I am getting now, but I don't know enough to give you good.advice sorry.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by manutabora

Hi Glen,
Another newcomer here, and I'm also very appreciative of your post. On my limited budget, keeping it simple is a must! That said, I've been wondering about what honing stone I should get, considering I'm not going to do any heavy duty honing, just to refresh the blade from time to time. Any recommendations?

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This is the latest version of the article that I have saved, which Mike mentioned above, it raises the thoughts about what to buy before you buy :)

http://straightrazorpalace.com/hones...ml#post1148199

I was asked this exact question at the Denver meet this past Sunday, there was a time that my automatic answer was "Find a good quality Barber's Hone at a good price and never look back" but now a days those are getting to be stupid expensive and hard to find.. My goto response is more toward the Naniwa SS 12k now, that is a very versatile hone at a very fair price...

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

.... My goto response is more toward the Naniwa SS 12k now, that is a very versatile hone at a very fair price...

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So Glen...I've read all the I can on where to start... If my objective is to simply maintain optimal edge and I want to leave the bevel setting & any heavier work to a 'pro', the Naniwa is your recommendation?

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Originally Posted by MikekiM

So Glen...I've read all the I can on where to start... If my objective is to simply maintain optimal edge and I want to leave the bevel setting & any heavier work to a 'pro', the Naniwa is your recommendation?

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At this point in time Yes, unless you can luck into a Barber's Hone in good shape at a reasonable price, I feel the Naniwa SS 12k is the best bang for the buck...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

At this point in time Yes, unless you can luck into a Barber's Hone in good shape at a reasonable price, I feel the Naniwa SS 12k is the best bang for the buck...

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My friend is Very Correct! I got a decent barbers hone but on the advice a member, I bought the Naniwa 12k.

When you get into full honing that Bang for the Buck goes way up! I had to kind of bend my good friend pinklather's arm a bit to make him believe me on how well it worked. Just ask him!

With that said, I've posted many times that if I dropped and broke my Naniwa 12K and couldn't afford to replace it, I could live off of the 8K side of my Norton 4/8 for the rest of my life!

However if I were to break the 4/8 I'd eat peanut butter sandwiches day in and day out until I could afford a new one!

hmmmmm....

Naniwa 12k

or

Norton 4/8

?????

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Originally Posted by MikekiM

hmmmmm....

Naniwa 12k

or

Norton 4/8

?????

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No, not again groundhog day argh!!!! :-)

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

No, not again groundhog day argh!!!! :-)

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LOL... The whole JaNorton thing and all...

:banghead:

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Originally Posted by MikekiM

LOL... The whole JaNorton thing and all...

:banghead:

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Amongst others. :-) (-: special smiley just for MikekiM

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

:-) (-: special smiley just for MikekiM

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Ha!

Made my day..!!

MikekiM, I have an extra barber's hone. Check your pm's for the details.

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Originally Posted by gssixgun

This month let's discuss Simplicity.

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Wow, I wasn't expecting so much attention!

Started reading then shaving well equipped with knowledge. Kept reading finding out and buying more and more( wife not impressed) and was using towels pre shaves alum moisturisers etc etc. Now cold rinse, cold lather shave with cold water, cold rinse and moisturise at end. Done. Best shaves yet. And to stone question Id have to say Escher for finishing.