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"!

Quote:

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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"!

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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!

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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?

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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?

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Originally Posted by Phrank

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

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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!)

Quote:

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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.

Quote:

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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!

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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.

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Originally Posted by guitstik

Common sense? pray tell, what is that?

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

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

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Originally Posted by 10Pups

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

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

I would lean towards agreeing with razorfeld, if you get a good hone to start with you will bypass all of the "i wonder if's", and potentially end up spending the money anyway. Though i dont really have anything else to compare them to, the naniwas are nice, and you will be able to resell it easily enough if you need to, whereas a cheap hone would cost more to post than you would sell it for.

Hi and welcome. I to only shave around a beard thanks to SWMBO. Hope your neck hair grows in a reasonable direction and not all over the place like for some of us. If your going to contract RAD you may as well contract HAD you will need some decent hones to keep all those razors going. The naniwas are great stones and have a bit more versatility than a barbers hone. Good luck whatever you choose.

Welcome to SRP! You are definitely a candidate for RAD. Just don't get too carried away. Enjoy! :)

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Originally Posted by edhewitt

I would lean towards agreeing with razorfeld, if you get a good hone to start with you will bypass all of the "i wonder if's", and potentially end up spending the money anyway. Though i dont really have anything else to compare them to, the naniwas are nice, and you will be able to resell it easily enough if you need to, whereas a cheap hone would cost more to post than you would sell it for.

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Thanks, your advice is quite reasonable.
OTOH, I'm new to all this, and going through all of the challenges behind the "I wonder if's" will hopefully translate into solid fundamentals through learning experiences. So I'm leaning towards a barber's hone, or a chinese 12K, and with the experience acquired, decide on a next step.

To put it in other terms, if I wanted to go hard into road cycling, I don't think a bike like this 10,000$ Cannondale would be my 1st purchase. Ok - admittedly, I exaggerate. But you get my drift :)

Anyway, no honing plans for now - when the time comes, I'm sure I'll consider the naniwa.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Jakobs

Thanks, your advice is quite reasonable.
OTOH, I'm new to all this, and going through all of the challenges behind the "I wonder if's" will hopefully translate into solid fundamentals through learning experiences. So I'm leaning towards a barber's hone, or a chinese 12K, and with the experience acquired, decide on a next step.

To put it in other terms, if I wanted to go hard into road cycling, I don't think a bike like this 10,000$ Cannondale would be my 1st purchase. Ok - admittedly, I exaggerate. But you get my drift :)

Anyway, no honing plans for now - when the time comes, I'm sure I'll consider the naniwa.

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I completely understand your logic, and reasoning, i just used to send my razors out for a refresh the first few times, then I considered the cost and figured I could buy a stone for about the same price as 3 or 4 honings taking into account postage. But as you say when you get nearer the time you can make a decision. Though it was good to have properly honed edges to learn with, and get a feel for a nice edge, i am nowhere near that good but I can maintain shavable edges now.

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Originally Posted by guitstik

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

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They have....it's buying more razors. I have 7 which fills all the slots in my razor box, but find my finger dangerously near the "buy" key every day online.

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Originally Posted by Haroldg48

They have....it's buying more razors. I have 7 which fills all the slots in my razor box, but find my finger dangerously near the "buy" key every day online.

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Yup - then it's on to the Windsor Design's 8 drawer wooden machinist chest...looks perfect to store stuff....just ordered one...wonder when I'll have to order another...:gaah:

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Yup - then it's on to the Windsor Design's 8 drawer wooden machinist chest...looks perfect to store stuff....just ordered one...wonder when I'll have to order another...:gaah:

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I've got about 230 in this one:

http://theshiveringbeggar.com/wp-con...2e2a397fa1.jpg

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Originally Posted by Voidmonster

I've got about 230 in this one:

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That is sweet. :)
I've managed to ward off the RAD so far, but you're certainly not helping here.

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Originally Posted by Jakobs

That is sweet. :)
I've managed to ward off the RAD so far, but you're certainly not helping here.

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Find ten of them that are as meaningful and varied as possible. Keep it at ten.

If you want a new one, it has to be more interesting than one of those ten, and it replaces one of them.

You'll be very, very happy.

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Originally Posted by Voidmonster

I've got about 230 in this one:

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Thanks Zak - that's good to know....I was thinking I'd be able to get my collection into one box...I'm at about 40-45 razors, so I figure they should fit in easily in their razors socks as well.

Is the pic you posted a Windsor Design?

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Thanks Zak - that's good to know....I was thinking I'd be able to get my collection into one box...I'm at about 40-45 razors, so I figure they should fit in easily in their razors socks as well.

Is the pic you posted a Windsor Design?

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Yup! It's this one.

And I pack them in like sardines.

http://theshiveringbeggar.com/wp-con...c31d60f328.jpg

Sardines that've been packed with desiccant packets, that is.

Actually, that pic is several months old now and I've significantly reorganized the whole chest. I didn't like the big pile of razors at the top, so I loaded the lower drawers more densely (when that picture was taken, only those two drawers had that many razors in them.

WARNING!

230ish razors in that case weighs about 90 pounds.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Voidmonster

Yup! It's this one.

And I pack them in like sardines.



Sardines that've been packed with desiccant packets, that is.

Actually, that pic is several months old now and I've significantly reorganized the whole chest. I didn't like the big pile of razors at the top, so I loaded the lower drawers more densely (when that picture was taken, only those two drawers had that many razors in them.

WARNING!

230ish razors in that case weighs about 90 pounds.

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Very, very cool....I ordered the same one....so should be no problem with the razors I have and storing them in their socks, as well as the tin desiccant packs I've got....when I got a tape out and measured how big the chest is, it really isn't so big that it's unmanageable, so should sit nicely and safely in a set area....this has been a great thread for me, thanks to the OP...think it started off with a Gerstner machinist box, which I was determined to find, then another member posted the Windsor Deisgns box....gotta love SRP!

I have two....two razors ! Lol. Welcome to SRP.Yeah ,don't worry about the honing yet. When you're ready you will feel it. In the meantime,definitely concentrate on stropping because believe it or not, the better you can strop, the less time honing. Enjoy the ride...there's a good bunch of souls here.:chapeau

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Phrank

Very, very cool....I ordered the same one....so should be no problem with the razors I have and storing them in their socks, as well as the tin desiccant packs I've got....when I got a tape out and measured how big the chest is, it really isn't so big that it's unmanageable, so should sit nicely and safely in a set area....this has been a great thread for me, thanks to the OP...think it started off with a Gerstner machinist box, which I was determined to find, then another member posted the Windsor Deisgns box....gotta love SRP!

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I reckon on of those would be overkill for my 5 razors :)
But I still want one to put something in. Maybe razors, hones, pens and inks

"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".


Without having read everthing everyone has added and at the risk of repeating something. I learned a tip from an old barber for better control when lathering especially around ears and noses, so I guess bead lines as well, allow your first two fingers to press on the hairs to compress them abit and it allows you more control in lathering tight areas.

I hope this was not a repeat and that it helps.

WARNING!

230ish razors in that case weighs about 90 pounds.[/QUOTE]

+1 on putting heavy stuff on the bottom. Cant beat this style of box for orginization. I put each maker in a drawer. Or each 7 day set.
230ish is insane amounts. yeah thats sardines,when do you get to shave with each one?? Once a year?? Kudos to you I have seen some of the razors you have shared and fixed. great work.

I think I'm going to go to harbor freight and get me one of those. It's just what I need..

Hello, and welcome aboard!!