Thread: Shaving is a zen like experience.

Hello, my name is Matt. I am a volunteer fireman (hence my screen name), Corrections officer, and a former U.S. Marine. I served one tour ini Iraq in the Al Anbar province. I have been using a Dovo Shavette for the last 6 months. My technique is slowly being perfected and every shave just keeps getting better. The only trouble I have is shaving that pesky upper lip area. I became interested in using a straight razor because I was tired of buying $15 razors every two weeks. It's funny...I thought taking a half an hour to prep and shave every other morning was going to be a chore. I actually look forward to getting out of the shower, using my brush and lathering up some soap. While I am shaving I even realized it is a zen like experience. Concentrating on my blade angle, direction and many other things is almost like meditating. I have a very stressful job...and I found that shaving like a true gentleman relieves a ton of stress and makes my day of working in a prison that much better...well I guess as good as it can be in a prison. I want to transition from my shavette and start collecting vintage straight razors. Can anyone help me? What are some good brands of vintage straight razors?

Thanks,
Matt

Welcome aboard, and thank you for your service to your country. I have recently made the transition you are planning. I would start your research here:

Frequently Asked Questions - Straight Razor Place Wiki

I am sure others will chime in with their recommendations.

Welcome aboard and thank you for your service. I had issues with the upper lip as well. I use the very end of the blade and take fairly small strokes, it seems to be working well. I must say the upper lip area right under the nose I don't go ATG. I will on the corners but it just takes time. Jump into a regular blade and give it a shot.

Shave On!

Chip

Welcome and Enjoy the site Great community. And Please put your mark on the map http://straightrazorpalace.com/vbgooglemapme.php

Welcome to the forum

You may find this article interesting as well, written by one our forum members on the same subject The Zen of Straight Shaving - Straight Razor Place Wiki

Welcome aboard and a toast to a fellow OIF vet! The best advice I can give regarding the moustache area is to stretch the skin as tight as you can and use very short strokes (fractions of an inch). As for vintage razors, I have a Joseph Rodgers 5/8 square tip which research tells me was made in the mid 1870's and a JB Eyre 4/8 round tip that was made in the 1890's.

Welcome to your new obsession