Bee Stings and Razor Nicks, thoughts from a newbie
At the age of 50, all things in my life seemingly are going back to basics. I already had the mid-life crisis at 40, (the Harley has since been sold - bummer) so I know it isn't that. I just seem to be attracted to all things in their most simplistic forms. After 25 years of corporate life in the hotel technology world, basic and simple "everything" seems to have an uncanny appeal. Since I "retired" and became a commercial beekeeper, I thought if I could handle the stings of beekeeping, I certainly could handle the nicks of a SR during the "learning phase". After a week, I'm still good with that assessment.
I read, researched, YouTubed, lurked, and then acquired. Thanks to Lynn of SRD (and all others) for what you have done and continue to do for us in the SR shaving world. Although there were some anxious moments at first, getting comfortable with hand positions, understanding how to get lather from a cake of shaving soap, proper hand / SR positioning on a strop (thanks Lynn for that Honing certificate) and keeping the wife out of the bathroom while shaving with the SR (constant questions are distracting and lead to nicks), I am enjoying this experience immensely.
After a week of shaving, I have finally gotten the process of building a lather down. Now my wife will ask me why I bought that G20 from Georgetown when it arrives. Who knew it wasn't the smooth bottom cereal bowl, and just my technique?? The scuttle is more "gentlemanly" than a cereal bowl anyway.
After a week of SR shaving, I finally did my mustache and chin today, in their entirety, for the first time !!!
After a week of SR shaving, I finally went to XTG, and ATG the on cheeks and neck.
After a week of SR shaving, I actually look forward to shaving each morning, and only wish my beard would grow twice as fast so I could shave again after my evening shower (beekeeping is smoky work and requires it)
I am finding that aftershave balms are nice (never used with the cartridge/barbasol foam), even for a "country gentleman". My dogs were quite intrigued by the new smell too.
So even though I have nothing to offer in the way of expertise, I just wanted to finally stop lurking and thank everyone here that unknowingly provided the tips, pointers, and links I used to formulate the initial approach, equipment, and vendor selections for my new venture into SR shaving. Hopefully in the years to come, I too may provide some guidance to a newbie (we call them newbee in beekeeping).
So for the curious,
Heinrich L. Thater Series 4292/5 B 25mm Finest Badger Silver Tip
Dovo Best Quality White 5/8"
Dovo La Forme 6/8" (had to have a backup in case I blew out the edge of the primary)
Edwin Jagger Sandalwood Shaving Soap
Edwin Jagger Sandalwood Aftershave Lotion
Straight Razor Designs 3" Premium "Roo" Strop
To this equipment I recently added a Ralf Aust 5/8 Solingen and a Lynn Abrams Modular Paddle Strop. I had to send the Dovo 5/8 back for a re-honing due to a nick I put in the blade (shave #4) somehow. I think it hit the faucet as it was during the shave that I noticed it. Must have been a wife distraction. Bummer. Figured another back-up razor was in order. Really, I'm not a hoarder, but the R.A. was out of stock the first time I ordered and wanted to compare the Dovo and Aust. The LaForme scales were unique, but took a bit of getting used to in the hand. Besides, the two Dovos were about the only two in stock at the time.
Still working on stropping and shaving technique but am please so far with my first week. Long way to go, and looking forward to the journey.
Mark
