Thread: Here goes...

Sorry for the double post - didn't start a new thread.
Hi everyone, I'm a 50 year old veterinarian in Alabama. For most of my life I used electric razors because every safety razor I tried irritated my skin. A few years ago I tried using soap & a cheap brush with a Gillette Fusion 5 blade and had no irritation. Because of my American Indian heritage I have sparse, odd facial hair growth. You'd think that I would easily get a close shave because of the low # of facial hairs per square inch, but I don't. This week I decided to replace the cheap brush with a good badger brush (tired of bristles coming out and hanging off my face & razor). I placed an order for a shaving set including stand, badger brush, bowl, and handle for the 5 blade from shavemac. Then last night I watched several straight razor videos and read Lynn Adam's beginner info about using a straight razor. After a flurry of emails to Bernd Blos I made last minute additions to the order - a DOVO 5/8 straight razor to match the set and a strop. They're due to arrive next week. I understand that the learning curve is steep, but I'm excited about the prospects of a closer shave. I also have to admit that there is a nostalgic appeal about a return to "simpler" times. Just wish I had the old mug grandpa used with his shaving soap...

Excellent. Shaving with a straight razor is the only way I do not get ingrown hairs and it is an extremely close smooth shave.

Before you know it you will be trying to remember what was so difficult about this.

Originally Posted by LinacMan

Sorry for the double post - didn't start a new thread.
Hi everyone, I'm a 50 year old veterinarian in Alabama. For most of my life I used electric razors because every safety razor I tried irritated my skin. A few years ago I tried using soap & a cheap brush with a Gillette Fusion 5 blade and had no irritation. Because of my American Indian heritage I have sparse, odd facial hair growth. You'd think that I would easily get a close shave because of the low # of facial hairs per square inch, but I don't. This week I decided to replace the cheap brush with a good badger brush (tired of bristles coming out and hanging off my face & razor). I placed an order for a shaving set including stand, badger brush, bowl, and handle for the 5 blade from shavemac. Then last night I watched several straight razor videos and read Lynn Adam's beginner info about using a straight razor. After a flurry of emails to Bernd Blos I made last minute additions to the order - a DOVO 5/8 straight razor to match the set and a strop. They're due to arrive next week. I understand that the learning curve is steep, but I'm excited about the prospects of a closer shave. I also have to admit that there is a nostalgic appeal about a return to "simpler" times. Just wish I had the old mug grandpa used with his shaving soap...

Welcome to SRP. I remember my Grandfather shaving with his mug and brush, he used a DE. I would have remembered a straight...I think you'll enjoy it, I actually look forward to the ritual of it each day. You are correct, there is a steep learning curve. It's also easy to irritate your face with a straight razor. You'll have to pay particular attention to your angle, and make sure you do a good "prep" before you shave. Everyone around here is helpful, so don't hesitate to ask questions...

Rich

Welcome to SRP. If you ordered the razor "shave ready" all well and good. If not give it a try and if it is not up to task check the classifieds for members who hone razors. See my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts.

Hello, LinacMan:

Ah, but you have made an adventurous choice by deciding on a straight razor. A great choice, I might add.

The task seems daunting at the beginning. Several shaves in, however, and you will begin to get comfortable with the straight razor.

Have patience and hone your skill methodically. This is one instance where the clock matters little. Throw it away and learn at your own pace. You're not in a race to see how fast you can learn. Rather, take pleasure in your travel.

Compare wet shaving with a straight razor to dining in a luxurious restaurant with wine and all. There, you take your time to enjoy everything, from the place setting and the ambiance to the main entree and the final cognac.

Enjoy the complete ritual of wet shaving with a straight razor, from creating luxurious lather to stropping the razor, from shaving to applying a fine aftershave. Take it in as a whole and you'll love every moment of it.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome and good luck. Obie gave you some fine advise, take it slow and easy and enjoy.

As I recall, Grandpa used a DE also. I don't remember a str8 razor, but I'll have to ask my oldest cousin (he got the cool mug w/ my Grandpa's initials painted on it). Thanks for the input - I'm sure I'll have plenty of questions.

Originally Posted by zib

Welcome to SRP. I remember my Grandfather shaving with his mug and brush, he used a DE. I would have remembered a straight...I think you'll enjoy it, I actually look forward to the ritual of it each day. You are correct, there is a steep learning curve. It's also easy to irritate your face with a straight razor. You'll have to pay particular attention to your angle, and make sure you do a good "prep" before you shave. Everyone around here is helpful, so don't hesitate to ask questions...

Rich

Thank you for the warm welcome to the group. I can only hope that my straight razor adventures are as eloquent as your prose While I jumped in feet first into the purchase of supplies, I plan to heed everyone's advice to read, ask questions, and slip slowly & patiently into the warm water. In veterinary college we were taught that almost anyone can memorize the science, but practicing medicine is an art that is learned day-by-day, patient-by-patient. I'm sure straight razor shaving is the same.

Originally Posted by Obie

Hello, LinacMan:

Ah, but you have made an adventurous choice by deciding on a straight razor. A great choice, I might add.

The task seems daunting at the beginning. Several shaves in, however, and you will begin to get comfortable with the straight razor.

Have patience and hone your skill methodically. This is one instance where the clock matters little. Throw it away and learn at your own pace. You're not in a race to see how fast you can learn. Rather, take pleasure in your travel.

Compare wet shaving with a straight razor to dining in a luxurious restaurant with wine and all. There, you take your time to enjoy everything, from the place setting and the ambiance to the main entree and the final cognac.

Enjoy the complete ritual of wet shaving with a straight razor, from creating luxurious lather to stropping the razor, from shaving to applying a fine aftershave. Take it in as a whole and you'll love every moment of it.

Regards,
Obie

Jimmy,

Thanks for the advice. I emailed Bernd asking if my new razor will be shave ready, but haven't heard back yet. If it is not, how do I find someone nearby who can hone it for me? I live in Auburn, AL, so Montgomery, Columbus, GA, Newnan, GA are relatively close. Birmingham & Atlanta are about 2 hr away.

Greg

Originally Posted by JimmyHAD

Welcome to SRP. If you ordered the razor "shave ready" all well and good. If not give it a try and if it is not up to task check the classifieds for members who hone razors. See my sig below to avoid nicks and cuts.