Thread: So it’s been about two weeks...

Hi folks,

I’ve been straight shaving for a little over two weeks now, and from my perspective it’s going very well.
I have a beard, so for now I’m only shaving my cheeks and lower portion of my neck; the latter being rather tricky, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’ve only had a few very minor nicks, and no bleeders. This morning’s shave was quite comfortable, without the awkwardness of trying to find the right angle. And for the 1st time in my life, I’ve been able to shave daily without irritation (traditionally I’ve been a 3x/wk shaver).


Following (mostly) the advice here, I have acquired a few shave-ready razors, my favourite of which is a Le Grelot. I also have a Reppenhagen as well as a Boker out being honed. I can feel an oncoming case of RAD – and I’ve already ordered a “stubby” or short blade (to facilitate following the inside curves of the beard), and if my common sense hadn’t kicked-in, I’d have already ordered a half-dozen other razors.

I’ll leave honing for later, but I hope to acquire at least a finishing stone, or barber hone in the near future.

What motivated me to begin? Well, I work in the often abstract world of technology and so the notion of straight-shaving appeals to me as a counterweight to my daily grind (ahem).

To me, straight shaving is a time-honoured tradition that requires patience. It’s tactile. And it celebrates the craftsmanship behind the tools of the trade. Best thing for me, it affords me time for myself – quietly, methodically, following a routine protocol - almost meditative and certainly therapeutic (and much cheaper than a therapist!)

Looking forward to learning more, and mastering this "craft"!

Originally Posted by Jakobs

Hi folks,

I’ve been straight shaving for a little over two weeks now, and from my perspective it’s going very well.
I have a beard, so for now I’m only shaving my cheeks and lower portion of my neck; the latter being rather tricky, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’ve only had a few very minor nicks, and no bleeders. This morning’s shave was quite comfortable, without the awkwardness of trying to find the right angle. And for the 1st time in my life, I’ve been able to shave daily without irritation (traditionally I’ve been a 3x/wk shaver).


Following (mostly) the advice here, I have acquired a few shave-ready razors, my favourite of which is a Le Grelot. I also have a Reppenhagen as well as a Boker out being honed. I can feel an oncoming case of RAD – and I’ve already ordered a “stubby” or short blade (to facilitate following the inside curves of the beard), and if my common sense hadn’t kicked-in, I’d have already ordered a half-dozen other razors.

I’ll leave honing for later, but I hope to acquire at least a finishing stone, or barber hone in the near future.

What motivated me to begin? Well, I work in the often abstract world of technology and so the notion of straight-shaving appeals to me as a counterweight to my daily grind (ahem).

To me, straight shaving is a time-honoured tradition that requires patience. It’s tactile. And it celebrates the craftsmanship behind the tools of the trade. Best thing for me, it affords me time for myself – quietly, methodically, following a routine protocol - almost meditative and certainly therapeutic (and much cheaper than a therapist!)

Looking forward to learning more, and mastering this "craft"!

Kudos, Jakobs, many kudos to you for realizing that this craft/art/hobby/lifestyle is one to be taken carefully and cautiously if a pleasurable result is wanted. Little more to be said other than look into the new version of the Naniwa SS 12k as a re-freshening stone for when your razors need touching up. Also, you do have a decent strop?

Welcome to the forum...was in Montreal at the beginning of summer, my daughter is at Concordia University....I'm in Toronto and would be glad to help you out, just PM me if you have any questions.

Sounds like things are going well so far, one thing to warn you about though, it only gets better as you learn more and more about this hobby/art.

For me, aside from turning my daily shave from a boring task, to a worthwhile experience, it fascinates me to hold a razor that is 150+ years old, brought back to life, and to think about who has held this razor and the journey's it's been on to end up, for this little while anyhow, in my hands.

Enjoy!

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

.... Little more to be said other than look into the new version of the Naniwa SS 12k as a re-freshening stone for when your razors need touching up. Also, you do have a decent strop?

Thanks for the welcome.
I do have a decent strop - although I'm not too certain my stropping is up to par. I've already nicked it, but I'm guessing that's normal. Forum member Bagister showed me the basics (so much thanks to him!); I just need practice.

The Naniwa sounds nice, but I'm not sure I want to lay commit ~100$ on a high end hone just yet. Maybe a barber's hone to start? Or a Chinese 12k?

Originally Posted by Phrank

...I'm in Toronto and would be glad to help you out, just PM me if you have any questions...

Thanks for the offer phrank. I grew up west of TO and I'm often around those parts.
Concordia is a decent school - I'm sure your daughter loves it here. Who knows, she might move here for good (that's what happened to me!)

Originally Posted by Jakobs

Hi folks,

I’ve been straight shaving for a little over two weeks now, and from my perspective it’s going very well.
I have a beard, so for now I’m only shaving my cheeks and lower portion of my neck; the latter being rather tricky, but I’m getting the hang of it. I’ve only had a few very minor nicks, and no bleeders. This morning’s shave was quite comfortable, without the awkwardness of trying to find the right angle. And for the 1st time in my life, I’ve been able to shave daily without irritation (traditionally I’ve been a 3x/wk shaver).


Following (mostly) the advice here, I have acquired a few shave-ready razors, my favourite of which is a Le Grelot. I also have a Reppenhagen as well as a Boker out being honed. I can feel an oncoming case of RAD – and I’ve already ordered a “stubby” or short blade (to facilitate following the inside curves of the beard), and if my common sense hadn’t kicked-in, I’d have already ordered a half-dozen other razors.

I’ll leave honing for later, but I hope to acquire at least a finishing stone, or barber hone in the near future.

What motivated me to begin? Well, I work in the often abstract world of technology and so the notion of straight-shaving appeals to me as a counterweight to my daily grind (ahem).

To me, straight shaving is a time-honoured tradition that requires patience. It’s tactile. And it celebrates the craftsmanship behind the tools of the trade. Best thing for me, it affords me time for myself – quietly, methodically, following a routine protocol - almost meditative and certainly therapeutic (and much cheaper than a therapist!)

Looking forward to learning more, and mastering this "craft"!

Common sense? pray tell, what is that? I have found that a barbers hone is the cheapest and easiest method to maintain a razor aside from a good stropping technique and a quality strop. Shaving with a straight has an almost zen like quality to it, where as, a cartridge and can is just menial drudgery. There is a calming effect that comes with stropping, creating a lather, facial prep, lathering your face, the actual shave and then the application of a favorite after shave. What was once viewed as time consuming has now come full circle and become a ritual of meditation.

Originally Posted by Phrank

Welcome to the forum...was in Montreal at the beginning of summer, my daughter is at Concordia University....I'm in Toronto and would be glad to help you out, just PM me if you have any questions.

Sounds like things are going well so far, one thing to warn you about though, it only gets better as you learn more and more about this hobby/art.

For me, aside from turning my daily shave from a boring task, to a worthwhile experience, it fascinates me to hold a razor that is 150+ years old, brought back to life, and to think about who has held this razor and the journey's it's been on to end up, for this little while anyhow, in my hands.

Enjoy!

Attention mods, I hereby nominate Phrank for the role of mentor. I think he's got what it takes. I was serous about that but also serious about the generosity to meet up with those bot in your zipcode. The in person meet up is not always the best. Willingness to do so is appreciated.

Originally Posted by guitstik

Common sense? pray tell, what is that?

Well, the DW would argue I have precious little of it...
100% agree on the meditative benefits - starts off the day smoothly.

Welcome to SRP. Don't sweat the RAD until you start shopping for 14 razor Lots. :<0)

Originally Posted by 10Pups

Welcome to SRP. Don't sweat the RAD until you start shopping for 14 razor Lots. :<0)

Oh hell, I'm flocked. They found a cure for Ebola do you think they can come up with a cure for RAD?