Thread: The Dangers Of Familiarity

When I was in my late teens , I would spend my summer months working in the machine shop of a local oilfield company , "grinding" off welds on repaired oilfield tongs. For those not in the know, tongs are fairly large tools, somewhat like wrenches, used to connect pipes used in drilling operations. We would use rotary grinders (wheel grinders) and pneumatic grinders to complete the work --some of the wheel grinders being equipped with the 5+ inch wheels. I was young, but I knew I could get hurt by a slipped grinder or piece I was working on ( some parts weighed well over a hundred pounds), so I didn't get hurt because I had respect. But with familiarity comes sloppiness, and one day while kneeling, I put one of those big wheel grinders into the side of my knee -- I learned respect again. The same with the straight razor -- I haven't been using one for long but already I see familiarity creeping in and I know one of those days will come. Have any of you experienced worse wounds with familiarity and how do you remind yourselves your dealing with a surgically sharp instrument? Just something to think about.

How right you are. I work in a factory in the maintenance department. We work on machinery that has pneumatic movement, 480V electrical supply, 500 degree heated parts plus saw blades and conveyors. The potential to get hurt is always there with anything we do. I always try to be very aware.

When shaving I try to treat it the same way as if I'm woking next to a 25" spinning saw blade. I know one careless move could cost me. I've been using a straight razor on and off for several years and recently made the switch to nothing but SR. So far only one little nick. I always allow myself a 15 or 20 minute window to shave. If I don't have time I just wait til the next day.

Yes. I think another word is complacency. Every once in a while it happens and one becomes lax in attentiveness and an injury occurs.

Been there, done that....


Scott

There was a piece on the site writen by sensei_kyle titled "Mindfulness" that you might like. I looked for it, but am not sure where it's posted. Basically it speaks of a exercise in martial arts that teaches the student to pay close attention to all aspects of the task at hand. It's worth the read if you can find it.


I found the piece. Here's a link:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/content/view/72/

I've been using a straight a few years now and I think you can never be complacent with a straight. You always have to be on focus and devote all your attention to what your doing. I have been taught this time and time again. Nothing serious but its like driving past a major wreck on the road, everyone is extra cautious for a while after that.

Thanks for the replies---- when I start a thread I always worry how others will be able to answer my questions or ponderings. I try not to be too generic or ask rhetorical questions. This was one of those situations but it seems others know what I'm getting at.

It's a very good thing to think about and I've recently had my sojurn into complacency. The first thing I do is take a breath and slow down. Something else I find helpful is use Creative Visualisation.

X

I guess we need a Zen and the Art of Straight Razor Shaving to accompany the famous Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance. But definitely not Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance while Straight Razor Shaving. I think that about sums it up!

Originally Posted by wopmanfixit

There was a piece on the site writen by sensei_kyle titled "Mindfulness" that you might like. I looked for it, but am not sure where it's posted. Basically it speaks of a exercise in martial arts that teaches the student to pay close attention to all aspects of the task at hand. It's worth the read if you can find it.


I found the piece. Here's a link:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/content/view/72/

Gee... is that still around? LOL. Seriously though, very zen-like, just be fully present at every moment no matter what you do. When you brush your teeth, just brush your teeth. I'm working to eliminate all the different multi-tasking behaviors and being single-minded about things.

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

and how do you remind yourselves your dealing with a surgically sharp instrument?

You cut yourself. It works every time...

Nenad