Mirrors help

Hi Everybody, I tried the search function and was a little overwhelmed and never found what I was looking for.

I've only been straight for about 3 months. I've been sharpening planes etc "popping" sharp for many years.
Razors are a little different but the equipment, theory much the same. I know my razor is sharp and estimate my beard to be on the gnarly side. I use my bathroom mirror.

Sorry for the long intro(I'm new never noticed an intro forum)

Almost everyday I get a minor nick that'll quit bleeding on its own rather quick, and usually when touching up. My technique is off I'm sure. It's some combo of leaning in to the mirror while bringing my razor up. Some random mis-touch you might say.

well I thought a folding arm or extendable mirror might help push my technique, get me closer to the action.
Looking online I found a range from 40 to 1600 usd. I saw a 40 dollar mirror at a big box bath store and was not impressed with its shabbyness. On the other hand I don't live in a high end Manhatten penthouse.

Does anybody use one even? Or, recommend a good one @ 100 usd or therebouts? Thanks for wading through my story:)

Hi there!

Thanks for chiming in with your story!
The mirror thing, for me, is not very important... I too find myself leaning over the bathroom mirror to touch up or even to get a closer look at what I am doing. But I find the bathroom mirror is quite enough to see what's going on, even when I get closer...
I once tried out one of those mirrors that are placed on the wall and have an arm that extends a bit... My girlfriend has one in her bathroom and uses it for finer detail on putting on some make up. So I tried to shave with it once and I have to say that I wasn't impressed... I mean... it seems to be a bit too small and the side that makes the reflexion bigger is of no use at all... at least for me. I guess the problem was that it was at a height that didn't suit my purposes. I guess I'll have to try it again some time just to make sure...
If you think it might be the right thing for you, go ahead. I'd suggest not spending much money on it... Is there a IKEA store around your town? IKEA has good and cheap mirrors like that (for instance, the one I told you about...) and might be worth a shot before you go ans spend 40 bucks on a mirror that you just might end up not using. I mean... those 40 bucks are good for RAD, right? :hmmm:
Nevermind the joke... :)

Hope this helps...
Take care!

Thanks. Sure it helps. i've already got the impression most folks with long experience would rather not mention they even use a mirror JK:nj

Whatever kind of mirror works best is the way to go.

This reminds me of some recent shaving improvisations during an electrical power failure. My bathroom does not get enough natural light for good visual shaving, so I tried propping up a small hand held mirror near a window. I got an acceptable shave, but when the power returned the bathroom mirror revealed several spots I had missed. I suppose I would get better at it if I did it regularly, and might even learn to shave well without any mirror at all.

I wondered what it was like in the old days without electrical light to shave daily with a straight razor. Many people must have shaved at times of day or night when natural light was not sufficient, or before sunrise, with candles or kerosene lamps. I tried to simulate this at night in the bathroom with a candle and my shaving was no better than semi-successful. In the old days there must have been many times when folks shaved with cold water, and some people preferred to shave during bedtime darkness to reduce the morning rush. :thinking:

What i have read is back then few men shaved themselves. They went to barbers on a less than daily basis.

Whatever works best is what I'm looking for:).

I thought it necessary to try the small mirror to mag in the bathroom so I went to walgreens and bought the 3 dollar mirror that they sell over by the brushes. It doesn't mount but the folding stand it has on it tucked nicely between the hinge side of the mirror and the medicine cabinet. I used it for a half a dozen shaves and learned that it was completely redundant so i was grateful I only spent 3 bucks. Ikea is a good idea though if you must.

Sean

Hey I've had similar problems with the leaning in to get a better look. I tryed one of the arm mirrors and found them to be far far to small and actualy resulted in more nics, so I came up with an new solution put up another mirror in the bathroom on a different wall, smaller then the big mirror behind the counter but more then big enough for shaving, it allows me to get as close as I need without leaning over the counter or using the silly little arm mirror. Hope this helps you out.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Purvis

I thought it necessary to try the small mirror to mag in the bathroom so I went to walgreens and bought the 3 dollar mirror that they sell over by the brushes. It doesn't mount but the folding stand it has on it tucked nicely between the hinge side of the mirror and the medicine cabinet. I used it for a half a dozen shaves and learned that it was completely redundant so i was grateful I only spent 3 bucks. Ikea is a good idea though if you must.

Sean

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Thanks Sean. I've seen those too and thought it about it for a second but passed 'em by

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Kevin8888

Hey I've had similar problems with the leaning in to get a better look. I tryed one of the arm mirrors and found them to be far far to small and actualy resulted in more nics, so I came up with an new solution put up another mirror in the bathroom on a different wall, smaller then the big mirror behind the counter but more then big enough for shaving, it allows me to get as close as I need without leaning over the counter or using the silly little arm mirror. Hope this helps you out.

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The one arm mirror I saw was silly. Now that you guys mention it, it was small. If I should get around to remodeling the bath like I need to, the second mirror solution would work I believe. Thanks I'll sure keep it in mind.

i once did an experiment where i shaved blind. from the moment i got out of the shower till i walked out of the bathroom. lights off, eyes closed. everything from prep, stropping, pre shave oil, lather, shave WTG and ATG. and clean up. what i learned is that my technique was not bad, but not being able to see it changed my speed, touch, just the general shave. the feel of the razor became intense. anyway, before you go spend cash on a gadget, invest in the time to improve your technique. it will bring you tons more than a mirror will.

then bye the mirror and enjoy it's added benefits!!!!


vgod

I agree practice is what I need. I have shaved without a mirror, but only the easy parts. I guess I'll keep going with what I have, and use "the money I saved" logic as razor budget.

Thanks All