Thread: 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.

Originally Posted by SonOf1337

My neck hairs in the hollows have invented new directions, the kind that defy modern Euclidian geometry and space-time.

As a bit of a math/science dork - that... is... hilarious!

Welcome aboard! Things WILL get better

Welcome aboard Mike. Definitely gets better but intent & malice may well help

Welcome aboard. It will get better and you'll be so thankful you started...sounds like youre off to a great start allready

Welcome to Straight Razor Place!

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

Thanks for all the kind words, folks, and thanks for noticing my feeble attempts at humor.

Well the shave was again successful today. Only one pass: WTG. Limited again to just the areas above my cheeks, edging below my beard and straight down the windpipe, however, I expanded the area down my throat just a little to the right and left. I also cut a little lower from my beard to expand my familiarity with the blade. As long as the cutting was smooth, I used the WB, but as soon as it started to drag and hurt, I stopped. Finish was with a cheap-O 2blade disposable from Family Dollar. Zero pressure, low angles, thick lather and lots of careful prep. made for a pleasant and non-lethal experience.

My wife thinks it's stupid that I'm on here telling total strangers about how my shave went, but what does she know, right?
RIGHT?!
RIGHT!?!?!?!

Originally Posted by SonOf1337

I'm not BBS yet, and probably never will be.

BBS will come. For a long time, I thought my chin hairs were so rough and growing in odd directions that I had given up on trying to get a BBS on them. I could get a decent shave, but never BBS.

Then one day it happened. Everything just clicked and I got the most flawless shave I've ever had. A good razor will destroy your hairs, there is simply no contest. The deciding factor is your technique.

Originally Posted by SonOf1337

My wife thinks it's stupid that I'm on here telling total strangers about how my shave went, but what does she know, right?
RIGHT?!

Of corse she's right . I'm sure she can give you better instruction than any one here, Right ???
RIGHT ?!