Thread: Greetings from Colorado

Hello all!

I just bought one of Lynn's professionally honed razors from Vintage Blades LLC, and am anxiously awaiting its arrival on tuesday. It is my first straight razor, and I am truly looking forward to the experience. I am a cadet at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and I hope to use it as a nice way to wake up in the morning, or wind down late at night. I am also looking forward to participating quite a bit in these forums

Hope to talk to you all soon!

Hello, Wolfcobra:

Welcome to Straight Razor Place. Your posts will be welcomed here.

Please make sure you do as much research in the Wiki as possible for its wealth of information on the world of straight razor shaving.

A note of caution: I know time frequently is short in the military in the morning. If that is the case for you, please do not rush your shave with a straight razor. This could have adverse effect. Initially it will take you a little longer to shave, though eventually you will reduce the time. Good luck and keep us apprised.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome to SRP! The best way to start straight razor shaving is with a professionally honed razor I usually shave in the evening when I have more time and the shave den is not in high demand. The shave last well into the next day. Everyone's beard is a little different but it may be worth a try. As Obie stated, the WIKI is a good place to get familiar with the different parts of straight razor shaving. As questions as you go and enjoy the sport!

Thank you all I will let you know how it goes

Also, what type of learning curve is average, and fast? I have always been fairly dextrous, as well as ambidextrous, so I am hoping to pick the general idea up quickly. However, I have heard a lot of beginners saying even months down the road it is a struggle. Will I be able to pound out a comparable (compared to a Gillette Fusion) shave in a week? It sure would be nice! Despite this, I'm still willing to take my time and learn it correctly if I must.
Thanks

Hello, Wolfcobra:

The whole idea of the straight razor shave is time well spent. That means more time than one would spend shaving with a cartridge plastic razor. The learning curve depends on your natural ability to hone your skill. The one thing I suggest not to do is to rush and push the straight razor.

Your first shaves might not be impressive. Eventually they will get better. How long will it take you to get a good shave? I don't know. Don't expect a great shave in a week, though, because it does take time to master the straight razor.

Before you shave, I suggest poking around in the wealth of information in the Wiki on the world of straight razor shaving.

Try to enjoy the whole ritual of wet shaving with a straight razor. Take your time. If you're in a rush, use a double edge razor. Some of us do that. I do
Good luck.

Regards,
Obie

Welcome to SRP. Make the time to enjoy the shave. Good soap, sharp razor, nice aftershave lotion and balm. Its a great way to start the day or end it.
Dannyr

Obie,

I definitely intend to spend every single second required by this art to make it a pleasurable experience. I've been through just about every single website or video on straight shaving over the past week, and I suspect the questions are more of a result of anxiousness to try out all the techniques I've learned. Please forgive the nerves. Furthermore, thank you for the response. I hope to someday be able to return the favor, once I'm much more experienced, naturally.

-Wolf

Hello, Wolf:

You are most welcome. Ask as many questions as you need to.

The best way to start shaving with the straight razor is to take a deep breath and lay back a bit. It's really not all that difficult. Approach wet shaving with a straight razor as a way of life. Embrace the whole ritual.

Be methodical. Divide the face into geographical regions. Shave the easy parts the first few days; then little by little approach the difficult parts, such as the chin area and the neck. Keep the razor pressure light; let the razor's weight do the work. Watch your angle. Obviously, try not to everything in one pass.

You'll do just fine. Take your time. Have patience. Relax.

Regards,
Obie

Well, it came today! I am going to wait until later tonight to actually shave, when I will have the time to put an unhurried effort into the process. However, I have so far shaved some of my arm to get the angle down and gotten used to the feel of the blade itself. I'm optimistic for the moment