Thread: I need a mentor.

Some of you may know, from some of my other posts, I'm new to using a SR (Kinda!) I say kinda, because my Father showed me how to use a SR when I 1st returned from the service (some 26yrs ago). And I did shave with a SR for awhile, until 'Life' got a hold of me (kids, work, etc.). When I set the SR down, I went to one of Dad's (now) vintage Schick M2 DE, which I have used daily every since.

My life has 'calmed down' a little and since Dad passed away 6 1/2yrs ago, I've come to reflect more and more on the little things he taught me. I recently found his old vintage SR's from when he barbered and thought, "now's the time to get back to the basics of life." The SR I used when I was in my early 20's was in there. So, I stropped it up and used it for about a week, until a new Dovo arrived. Well, SR'ing ain't like ridin a bike. Yeah, the basic mechanics are there, but I was surprised that I still like a rookie. I remember him showing me how to strop....how to hold the razor (use Both HANDS...not just my right) stretch the skin....everything I can find online. But.....it just ain't the same.

I have 'good' shave days and I have 'not so good' shave days. Take this past weekend for example. Saturday and Sunday, both days my shave was very nice. Felt good durng and all day long. Not as close as my Schick, but good for my hand with a SR. Today, however, eh! I purposefully awoke early this am to give myself a good 30-35mins to shave (that probably seems long for vet's, but I wanted not to rush). Well, I gotta a little thin (no nick, but a touch of blood) on my 'off side'....the dead center of my adams apple didn't get very smooth....I got a little spot under my right jaw that just wouldn't cooperate. All in all, I felt like a 1st timer! And my face? It 'feels' like I look like a wino. And since I work outside(Illinois humidity SUCKS), My face feels like I just asked a girl to do naughty things with me and she smacked the P out of me!

I've searched close to my location for a more experienced member. But, I live 3 miles East of nowhere. So, not too many folks around these parts. You know!

Comments.....suggestions?

Well you live n Illinois, so no your not east of nowhere, try living where sone f these guys up in Idaho or Utah or New Mexico, there is someone not to far, but you will have to be willing to drive a little. I think Dave (slaw an is up that way and he's been around a couple years, also there are lots of guys in the Chicago area, plus some guys in Indiana. Heck f your in southern Ill. Your not to far from western Tennessee. They just had a meet close to Chicago. Do a little more searching, cause someone will help you, get down toward memphis and you can stop by here and I,ll put you up. If your in eastern Ill. I know Learner is in Indy. Good luck. Tc

P.s. Your not that far from St. Louis and Lynn is there.

There are a few things to keep in mind, and it sounds like you are thinking of some of them. I did not hear you mention blade angle or pressure once. I recall others saying that a straight requires much less pressure than a DE. The angle is also super important. It needs to be quite low. I pay a lot of attention to keeping my angle low. Also making sure your lather is wet enough is an important point too. I know all about being from a long way from everywhere. I hope you can get in on some one on one, failing that if you can find your way to a meet, there is a lot of learning that goes on there.

Here's a list of Illinois members
http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...rt=posts&pp=50

You are 100 miles from Lynn's house in St. Louis. He is the founder of SRP and knows a few things about razors. Contact him and arrange for an opportunity to learn it all.

Originally Posted by Utopian

You are 100 miles from Lynn's house in St. Louis. He is the founder of SRP and knows a few things about razors. Contact him and arrange for an opportunity to learn it all.

Well-done, Utopian! Well-done!

Rezdog was going at the ability to learn a great deal on this forum. Lots can be learned here!
However, you must read between the lines a lot.

OK....A WHOLE lot!

I'm far (not far enough, though ) from Chicago...about 250miles. Closer to South/Central (Effingham, is the closest 'BiG Town.)

I recently bought a SR from Lynn, so I may very well contact him. I'm sure Mama wouldn't mind a trip south/west to STL...she can shop and and I can learn.