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"!