Thread: Reflections

Howdy all, long time no see. I've been pretty busy lately but still managed to find time to enjoy a good straight shave about half the time -- not as much as I'd like, but still pretty decent! I've finally hit that point where I don't usually nick myself at all, and I don't really have any more "trouble" areas. Although I'd say I'm no longer a noob when it comes to the shave part of straight razor shaving, I still have a lot to learn on the honing and restoration fronts...

I'd like to say thanks to all those who sent me advice, tips, and took the time to actually go to the post office and mail stuff out, since I know what a pain it is to fill out those darn customs forms and such. Thank you!

I also thought I'd share a few of the things that worked for me, to hopefully help those up-and-coming new shavers:

1) Absolutely essential is understanding the grain your hair grows, which was probably my biggest stumbling block that I didn't even recognize. While I was busy learning to hold the razor correctly, strop, and shave with my left hand, I wasn't paying attention to this. Turns out almost all of my facial hair grows back towards my ears, which means I have to make some pretty creative poses to shave against the grain.

2) Razor burn indicates that you're not doing something right -- I know this has been said before, but it took awhile to get through my stubborn head. Once I did, I realized that I was butchering my chin.

3) Don't be afraid to try things that aren't on Lynn's DVD. The scything motion that's been talked about here took care of my last trouble spots under my chin and also seem to irritate my chin less. I think for me it has to do with the direction my chin hair grows, straighter than the rest, but still back towards my ears.

4) Never stop learning.

Now I am REALLY looking forward to the states, a hot towel soak pre-shave, and some real aftershave / skin balm afterwards, to complete the whole experience...and maybe a badger brush. You'll see more of me again when that happens, I imagine.

Sgt T

Hey, Sarge -
Good to hear from you - and some good advice all the way around.

Are you homeward bound soon?

-Lou

Nice to hear from you again, keep yourself safe out there.

Good to hear from you sarge! You should have a few PM's & emails from me. Please check & reply