Learning, A Forum Search Guide

[AFDavis11]

I want to pass on my theory of learning to shave with a straight razor. This may be helpful for some of the newer folks jumping in. I see learning to use a straight razor in 4 broad categories: wetshaving basics, shaving with a straight, honing, and finally stropping. So I'll put out some objectives for learning and under each one I'll attempt to put the search words I would use on this forum to find information for each objective. Here goes.

The student will:

Obj 1. Describe the principles of wetshaving
- hot water, soaking, lather, shower, rubbing in cream, sharp blades, prep, building a lather, creams, soaps, brushes, alum, grain

Obj 2. Describe variances between wetshaving and straight shaving
- water only pass, prep, rotation, single hand, off-hand, angle, pressure, back handed, grip, weak hand, two-handed, pulling, stretching

Obj 3. Given proper tools demonstrate the ability to hone a razor
- x-pattern, x pattern, X pattern, angle, light touch, Norton, Barber hone, back hone, wire edge, soak, lap, true, wet/dry sandpaper, paste, .5, green, red, flat, micron, finishing, bevel, overhoned, microscope, HHT, thumb

Obj 4. Given proper tools demonstrate the ability to strop a honed razor
- strop, light touch, x pattern, draw, pull, spine, flat, angles, linen, leather, Russian, paddle, white, dressing, tension, flip

There is more to learn about specifics, such as characteristics of razors, but searching on the words under the objective should garner you all the basic knowlege to shave with a straight razor. If you know the basics of wetshaving you can skip that, if you don't you should utilize the search words to ensure you understand all the considerations of the objective. Same goes for the other objectives. Consider this a search guide. Feel free to comment as well. Might make for a good sticky one day.