I'm new but very excited about learning the art
Hello all,
I've been using an electric shaver (Panasonic Linear Electro-magnetic models) for about 15 years. In August of 2010, I started to consider a new model and began my research on the internet for the best/closest possible shave. Low and behold I came across an article about how the closest shaves come from the past "what your grandfather used to do" using Straight or DE razors. Thus I began my path to enlightenment.
My first purchase was a DE razor, shaving cream, alum bar, badger brush & stand from The Art of Shaving. As I was on a business trip and didn't want to scar my face, I only tried the DE on weekends. I did however use the cream with my electric shaver and the result was the closest and most comfortable shave I have had (with the electric shaver). I am happy to say that on my weekend DE trials, my use of the alum bar was minimal. However, my results were not as expected and I still got a closer shave from my electric shaver. Regardless, I persisted and grew more confident and started to get better results on the flat surfaces of my face. My neck, upper-lip and chin area still left something to be desired as I could never get a shave as close as my electric shaver without constantly looking like the result of someone using the area as a pin cushion.
Frustrated, I took a scary leap into the world of straight blades and visited The Art of Shaving to purchase my 1st TI straight razor along with a Dovo Strop. I've got my fair share of cuts but interestingly was able to achieve fantastic results on the flat surfaces of my face much quicker than with the DE razor. I've been shaving with the straight blade for almost 3 weeks now and am getting more comfortable with each use but again, not getting the results I would like in the neck, upper-lip and chin area. Not giving up yet. I fell in love with the idea of traditional shaving and am set on making it work.
Been researching on how to maintain the equipment and have already purchased (still waiting to receive): additional straight blades, 4k, 8k, & 12k Japanese Hones, travel strops, travel case & Dovo oil (to prevent the blade from rusting). As you can tell, I'm very excited about the whole process of maintaing the blades to it's best possible edge and the satisfaction & pleasure I'll get from shaving with an edge I was able to create.
Through my research, I've learned that shave-ready from the manufacturer does not necessarily mean it comes with the best edge. I'm looking forward to honing one of the inexpensive blades I purchased on ebay to develop the skill and see how much sharper a properly honed blade could be compared to a shave-ready one from the manufacturer.
So glad I found SRP as you have unbiased views, a deep affection for the art and years of knowledge I crave. I have a few questions that I am sure that members of SRP can help me with:
1) I am reading conflicting information about when the blade should be stropped. All state that you should strop before shaving but here's where they differ - Some state that you should also strop after the shave and some state that since the blade needs to "rest" and the edge will "spring" back to its straightness in about 48 hours, that you should not strop after shaving. Which is recommended?
2) Need a little help understanding the different pastes for strops, which surface they should be applied to, and when to use them.
3) Currently, my only experience with good shaving products is what I had purchased at The Art of Shaving. Although I am happy with the cream I acquired there, I'm always looking for better products. Any suggestions?
4) What is the difference between soaps and creams?
5) Finally, if anyone has suggestions on how to shorten the learning curve of my "difficult" areas, I'm all ears.
Thank you all very much and have a very Merry Christmas!
Michael