Experiences of the Semi-n00b
Howdy, folks. I just recently purchased a shave-ready razor from Whipped Dog. It's a Wade & Butcher with black plastic-esque scales, a full-hollow grind, some major smile, and a heckuva sharp edge on it. My wife called it ugly, but what does she know? Right? RIGHT?!
Anyway, in my eagerness to use the razor, I went ahead and lathered up for my shave, then got swiftly down to business. I'd been using a Paki-made "Marbles" Damascus razor in the 5/8 range (all steel scales, so VERY tail-heavy) and before that a Fromm hair shaper with a disposable single edge blade. I'd gotten to be pretty proficient with those two, using the Paki to edge only, and the Fromm to even do a full shave. However, this was still not the best experience I'd ever had. Switching to new equipment always has a learning curve, and I should have remembered that fact.
After the transfusion following the shave, I remembered some of the jewels of wisdom I'd read here and decided to ease it back a notch. The second shave (a couple of hours ago) was slower, more reserved, calmer and with an easier hand. I also limited it to doing the edging on the underside of my beard about 3/4" down my neck. I also took a swipe straight down my windpipe in the center, avoiding the hollows and odd shapes altogether. I decided to pursue this as a confidence builder, and to familiarize myself to the new blade. The operation was a success! No blood transfusions were needed. The paramedics were told to go home about halfway through. My wife was comforted that she did not have to deal with the insurance company. All was at peace.
I'm not BBS yet, and probably never will be. My neck hairs in the hollows have invented new directions, the kind that defy modern Euclidian geometry and space-time. My hair requires more than a sharp edge: it requires intent and malice before it will fall. But, any shave that doesn't end in sorrow is a good shave in my book.
My name's Mike, and I believe I'm hooked.;)
Experiences of the Semi-noob
Hello, Mike:
Thanks for that delightful post.
There is a Chinese proverb that says: "Patience, and the mulberry leaf becomes a silk gown."
So take your time and you'll get there.
Regards,
Obie