I think I'm sick in the head

[Locarius]

So today I was enjoying the best shave I've ever had in my life (improving stroping and honing skill) and suddenly found blood spurting from my hand at an alarming rate.

Somehow when changing hand positions I ran my knuckle across the blade and made a real mess of my bathroom. After slowing the bleeding to a reasonable rate I found a 1" clean cut right down to the knuckle on the ring finger of my right hand (on a 30 degree angle or so )

Now the sick thing is the most challenging part was stopping the blood while keeping my lather wet and then re-stroping. Shaving with an adrenaline high is interesting too.

Anyway, I am working on a long picture filled post detailing my enterance into the straight razor shaving world, along with a review of the 3" paddle strop that Tony was kind enough to send me. Expect it early next week as I am going white water canoeing this weekend.

[robertlampo]

Dude, you better stock up on butterfly bandages and suture sets. Oh, and maybe you should put 9-1-1 on speed dial. Better yet, maybe you should get one of those "I've fallen and I can't get up" alert things worn around your neck.

[Locarius]

I've never even knicked myself. It's a good thing I'm not accident prone with this hobby. I predict that this makes it 'sink in' that I not only need to be careful with a blade to my face, but when handling it too.

[robertlampo]

I predict that this makes it 'sink in'

You don't want anything to "sink in" with this hobby, namely a 6/8" piece of keen steel!!! Remember, it's a razor, not a scalpel. Be careful and good luck.

-Rob

[thebigspendur]

Well, another guy who didn't read the axioms of straight razor shaving. I'll bet you'll be real careful from now on.

[garythepenman]

Respect is a word that comes to mind + concentration. These straights are lethal without those two ingrediants.

I am impressed however that the cut was a 30 deg angle, the perfect cutting angle.

Locarius, seriously though, take care.

Gary

[rtaylor61]

I can't recall where I read it, but some wise sage said that "the most dangerous place for a straight razor is anywhere but against your face". Simply put, don't drop your guard when you are not shaving with the razor. You'll wind up with another cut like you have now, or a cut elsewhere, i.e., thigh or worse!

RT

[SharkHat]

I had a slip not too long ago while I was passing the razor from right hand to left hand during my first N-S pass. Caught my left index finger right next to the fingernail. Didn't feel a thing at first, which is pretty much as you'd expect.

[bg42]

Being a knife maker these things happen from time to time, I must admit the more practice the less it happens,my method is close the cut ,stick a paddle pop stick under your finger and tape it up, works for me .
The only drawback is depending on the digit it can look like you are giving everyone the finger for a week which can have dire reprocussions in its self
Kind regards Peter

[deepweeds]

Geez, I was so happy to have my shower-and-shave routine down to only an hour this morning. After reading this, I'll be back at 90+ minutes tomorrow...

These stories are very, very good for us beginners! They always seem to come along when I'm starting to feel cocky, like an "old hand."

Deepweeds