Thread: Skills and Personal Attributes

I was thinking this morning as I was shaving that we have a lot of discussions about acquiring skills that relate to technique. Such as honing, stropping, building lather, shaving, etc.

But then I was thinking about the personal attributes that would make a person successful at this art. I thought it might be interesting to know what people think is important personally. I thought of a bunch, but I will only list a couple of them to get this thread started. I'd like to know other people's perspectives on this.

So here goes:

1. Good Manual Dexterity - I think a musician, a craftsman like a wood carver or other previous hobbies like these would help here.
2. Perseverance - A person who does not give up easily is necessary. I have not been here long, but in the short time I have, I have witnessed people very enthusiastically purchase equipment, post the results of a couple of shaves and then disappear.

I would say a person who has an interest in the past, such as nostalgia for lost arts/skills. For example, I've noticed many members here who are pipe smokers; I am among them.

That's not to say this type of person necessarily rejects modern notions; he strives to reconnect with a time when men were gentlemen.

I agree with all of the above so far. I would also say, someone who is easily addicted to learning sonething new.


Mick

Randy told me early on that patience and persistence were requisites for becoming proficient with honing. I think that is true. I have always drawn pictures since I can remember and worked with my hands all of my adult life. The first half at manual labor and the next half in art. Always with the hands though. Perhaps that experience has been helpful for a transference of skills ?

Patience, perseverance and the ability to inflict pain on yourself and endure said pain until you get it right.

I think the ability to work by touch - to perceive and understand feedback, and then to react/adapt/respond to it - is very important. Also a willingness to learn and keep an open mind. Those, along with what has been mentioned above.

For me it is about the skill that needs to be learned to be proficient. I enjoy challenges and this is a big one.

Along with the challenging aspect, I enjoy quality things. And the time to enjoy them. I feel that if I take 30 min to shave (I'm new), that I feel better than if I were to watch 30 min of TV.

I'd say curiosity, stupidity, imagination and money.

I also think there is a certain OCD component to this hobby in getting the skills down, as well as a bit of a hoarding/ AD element. We like our toys!

I'd also like to add that the ability to focus and concentrate is imperative.

Damaged strops, ruined edges and blood are all the results of a wandering mind.