Thread: Hello Everyone

Just had my 5th shave this morning. No blood

Thats two shaves with no cuts! Today wasn't the best shave I'm sure but I did my cheeks wtg and atg, I also did my nech wtg and atg. I only did toward my chin once, I have a small beard and I have to be careful not to hack half of it off.

Anyway, much better than yesterday and again no cuts. I know I will get plenty more cuts, especially as a beginner but every successful shave gives me a bit more confidence and I don't have to sit at breakfast worrying because I need a shave.

Steve

Hello Steve, welcome aboard.
Henri et Victoria is à à shaving cream brand I like but not easily available this side of the Atlantic. As I intend to visit Canada next string, I will take the opportunity to get some more at that time.

Good for you Steve! I'm glad to hear that's progressing. I don't know how to say this without coming across as paternal or condescending but I'm proud of you. You're sticking with it and that's a good thing especially since you're going against the grain. I don't shave against the grain mainly because working outside all day it causes skin irritation which I try to avoid. I shave with the grain and across it. If you're shaving against the grain and not tearing your face up terribly then you're making what I would consider ahead of schedule progress. Keep it up and before you know it you'll be an old pro.

Originally Posted by PaulFLUS

Good for you Steve! I'm glad to hear that's progressing. I don't know how to say this without coming across as paternal or condescending but I'm proud of you. You're sticking with it and that's a good thing especially since you're going against the grain. I don't shave against the grain mainly because working outside all day it causes skin irritation which I try to avoid. I shave with the grain and across it. If you're shaving against the grain and not tearing your face up terribly then you're making what I would consider ahead of schedule progress. Keep it up and before you know it you'll be an old pro.

Thank you Paul.

I went for a haircut yesterday and my barber cleaned my neck up with a straight razor as usual.

I tried to see how he stropped his razor but his hand was just a blur.

I told him that I had just started and he said that he would do my neck with my razor next time if I brought it in.

I don’t actually care if my neck is done with my razor but I would like to show it off because it’s so lovely.

I have read here that lots of you keep your razors in the bedroom so I have moved mine into my bedroom too.

Apart from being drier than the bathroom I can see it more often.

Anyway to my actual point.

I had my 6th shave today, the 3rd shave with no blood.

I managed 3 passes and got my first almost BBS shave.

I still find it nerve wracking and I think I press too hard because the alum block stings like a bitch but I am starting to think I might get good at this eventually.

I must admit that I like shaving like not many guys do and I am proud to be a renaissance man.

I am grateful for the support and advice you guys have given me to help me and as a beginner look forward to getting to know you all better.

Thanks guys

Steve

1st off - congrats on the good run of bloodless shaves! Despite the inevitable occasional setback, the trend should continue in the right direction if you stick with it.

2ndly - you found a barber in Ontario that shaves with a real straight? I think that's a pretty rare thing! Most (including mine) only use shavettes and won't even use one of mine if I bring it in.

The barber that I make scales for, strops like that. To watch him, looks all wrong. But his edges are spot on, though when I get to hone them, the apex is totally rounded off.

Originally Posted by outback

The barber that I make scales for, strops like that. To watch him, looks all wrong. But his edges are spot on, though when I get to hone them, the apex is totally rounded off.

Hi Mike,

Two questions if you don’t mind.

What’s an apex?

I’m having trouble making lather like I see on YouTube in my scuttle, any tips or tricks?

Apex. Where two points meet!
Forget the scuttle. A jar of Martin de Candre original.

Think of a triangle, that is three equal Apex's.
His (edge) apex would have two curved sides.

For lather... That is something you'll have to learn by doing. It can be explained, but until you find what works best for you, its a matter of playing with it, and making lather.

Creams and croaps, ( soft soaps ) are typically easier to make lather with, compared to hard soap pucks.

You might try face lathering, instead of bowl or scuttle. I find it much easier to load the brush, and build the lather on my face. Then I can judge if I need more water or soap for a proper lather. The consistancy of Whip cream.!

Best thing..get your soaps out and play. It'll take ya forever to use up a puck of soap, don't worry, they made more, so you can buy more.

Plus side to it all, it'll help get your brush broke in, and bloomed out. That helps, too.