....how can there be this many questions about shaving?!!?
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....how can there be this many questions about shaving?!!?
Because we question everything.
I've been thinking the same thing myself lately, and I've come to some conclusions that might help you.
First of all, you have to remember that for the vast majority of the people here, shaving with a straight razor actually has very little to do with removing facial hair. It's a hobby and/or it's about a little pampering. (nothing wrong with that)
If all you want to do, is get a good shave with a straight razor, it's really WAY more simple that a lot of folks make it out to be. If all you want to do is get a good shave with a straight, there's just 10 easy steps to follow.
1. Get a good razor that somebody else honed. (does not need to be expensive)
2. Get a good strop. (does not need to be expensive)
3. Get some decent shaving soap and/or creme (does not need to be expensive and it doesn't matter which)
4. Get a decent brush (does not need to be expensive)
5. Strop your razor before each use. (Doesn't really matter how much you strop as long as it's at least 20 laps, no more than 100, and it doesn't matter how hard/soft/fast/slow as long as you don't roll the edge or cut your strop)
6. Lather up well enough that the lather covers your skin. ("superlather" is completely unnecessary)
7. Shave with at least two passes. 1 pass that is more or less in the same direction your hair grows, and 1 pass that is more or less across OR against the grain, whatever is comfortable.
8. Clean up after yourself.
9. When your razor starts to tug, touch it up on your favorite cheap barber hone, pasted strop or finishing hone, or send it out to somebody else. (It doesn't matter which)
10. Just remember that it is possible to take straight shaving to an art form AND a science, but you don't have to if you don't want to.
I'm not saying that this is the "right" way to straight shave, or the "best" way, or the "only" way. What I'm saying, is that if you don't want to make a big deal out of using a straight, this is all the more you "need" to do.
Why do you say that? Is it because we are seeking the ultimate shave? Is it because we disdain those plastic, multi-bladed monstrosities that are considered "normal" now? Is it because we have not yet decided if Tabac or MWF provides the superior slick lather? Is it possible to compose an entire paragraph of nothing but questions? :)Quote:
Originally Posted by BeBerlin
- Mark (S-4-C)
Nicely put VeeDubb65,to me its nice to know that you can have a common intrest with soooo many people and have quality discussions,tips and share experiences without feeling out of place. Keep the ?'s coming :)
The answer is "MWF".Quote:
Originally Posted by Strapped-4-Cache
To all of the above questions.
I would add "aftershave" to VeeDubb65's list. Doesn't have to be expensive but a bit of antiseptic and a little cooling effect is mandatory for me.
Like BeBerlin said, we question everything - we even question how we question, don't we?Quote:
Originally Posted by Yahoochiewatchie
Steve, fantastic reply! BRAVO
Lewis
+1 Steve
Could be said louder, but not clearer.
Yes, it is true, we question every thing ...... and we really enjoy it ! :y
I question nothing and just go with the flow.
In my experience, because I know so little, I find it much easier to ask questions than it is to answer them. Seriously, I have been the recipient of some excellent straight razor advice on SRP. Taking up the straights and all of the accompanying activities, if someone is serious about it, naturally generates a ton of questions. This is the place to get answers from those who know what they are talking about.
Some similar comments from my wife...
- "The old-timers couldn't have spent so much time on shaving as you are." And,
- "The old-timers couldn't have had all the fancy equipment you mention as owned by SRP types."
Valid points! But, it misses the essence of the experience.
I suspect that the "regular old Joe" shaving with a straight in 1880 didn't know nearly as much about shaving as many of the SRP members now. (Not speaking about the professional barbers, but the do-it-yourself shaver on the farm.)
I'll bet most adult male farmers in 1880 were bearded!Quote:
Originally Posted by LarryAndro
When each question has multiple valid answers you get more questions about the answers which of course leads to other questions, which when answered are all asked again the following week.
Kevint said...
"...other questions, which when answered are all asked again the following week."
Assuming (I think rightfully) that the questions are not being re-asked by the same people, the great number of questions sounds like growing up. When we are young, we ask tons of questions. As we grow up, we in turn help the younger less experienced set.
Personally, getting sappy, listening in on men being men, helping each other is very satisfying.
Right, but isn't it slightly more respectful of people's time and effort and willingness to help by spending some appreciable time in Advanced Search mode?
There is certainly nothing wrong with seeking advice. There is something wrong when the expectation is to have everything spoon fed upon demand. Or imagining that one's situation is so unique that the last "which hone" thread somehow didn't cover all the bases.
:soapbox:It has almost nothing to do with men being men when instant communication demands instant gratification; when the best answer to a question is another question: "Did you even try?"
Kevint, you are right, it is reasonable to expect prior research.
The original question was, "How can there be so many questions?" I just read the responses again, and I don't think anyone said the obvious... We ask so many questions because this IS complicated stuff, requiring knowledge and physical skill.
It takes skill to swing a bat... It takes skill to wield a straight!
You're right about searching archives before asking. Maybe when a new member makes his first post, one of the first responses might be to welcome the member and make a point of directing them to the extensive cache of all kinds of helpful information contained in the archives. Sometimes all it takes is for someone to provide a link to a wiki or an earlier post about the same question.
Also, I think sometimes it helps for a person to actually say, I've just checked the archives and didn't find anything, before asking the question.
Because when we started we knew nothing. After we started we found out there is a lot more to this hobby than anyone would have ever dreamed.
Speaking for myself I want to know everything I can find out!
Although I am hooked and freely admit it,,,
I also like what Steve wrote and actually try and do one of those shaves each week "My simple is what simple does shave" where you break out the William's and a Burma Shave boar brush and finish off with the Mennen or Aqua Velva, yep those are every bit as enjoyable....