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I woke up this morning as I do every morning (God Willing), got a shower and proceeded to shave with a regular disposable razor. On the way to work I touched my chin and realized it felt like I hadn't shaved at all!! I decided that I wanted better.
So here I am. I ordered a starter set from Straight Razor Designs and am anxiously waiting for a decent shave.
I am excited to find this community of folks that enjoy the finer things in life.
Welcome to SRP!
There's a steep learning curve to straight razors, but you'll be a pro in a few weeks... :)
It took me a lot longer than a few weeks, and I'm not a "pro" yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by Blix
Welcome to the learning curve . . .
Charles
Welcome Inky....and boy, are you ever in for some enjoyment. While there is a good learning curve, what have you ever done that was truly amazing, that you didn't have to really work for? It's incredible to get up at 6 am and shave, and then at 6 pm rub your face and say " oh, oh my.....that's nice".
Welcome to the forum....don't forget to ask questions. :)
My personal revelation was just how much more satisfaction can be had from an ordinary shave as you gradually learn how to manoeuvre the blade around your face. It takes time, but the journey is both pleasurable and worth the effort.
I must still be an amateur. Do I get money if I turn pro?
You get more respect as an amateur. Pros have to pay taxes. ;)
Good Luck,Quote:
Originally Posted by InkyDoug
I picked up the kit from SRD as well and am really enjoying the straight razor shaving process so far. It just makes so much more sense than the disposables and feels better to me as well.
Welcome to SRP and good luck.
Don't worry too much about becoming an "expert" too quickly. The pleasure is in the journey. I'm new to this by only a few weeks and I'm loving it already.
Besides, you know what an "expert" is right...? An "ex" is a has been and a "spert" is a drip under pressure. Who wants to be a has been drip under pressure?! ;)
Personally I think time and patience is involved in learning these straight razors..everyone I talk to about what I shave with...they are amazed..+1
Still strikes me as amusing that men ALL shaved with straight razors for 150 yrs., and now almost everyone is shocked to hear that anyone still uses them. We're a definite minority, gentlemen.
Welcome....Quote:
Originally Posted by InkyDoug
Hints...
Lather well -- a good lather and beard prep are important no
matter what razor blade you use.
Do no strop the razor for your first shave. Lightly
wipe any excess oil off the razor and give it a go.
Normally we start a lather, strop, finish the lather
then shave so do not rush the shave just because I
said to not strop the razor on the first shave.
Shave the easy bits first and finish with your older
razor. In the old days young men learned to shave
as their whiskers grew in over a year or two. They
were not Santa Clause for their first shave.
Use a light touch when shaving.
Strop slow and deliberately not like the
guys on TV or in the movies. The risk
with going fast too soon is a dull razor or
a cut on your strop. We all have done
bad things on a strop at first so it is not the end
of the world.
Be calm, be mindful ... take your time...
Thanks for all the encouraging words. And the starter steps Nifty! I'm sure I'll pick jup but I'm in no hurry.
I like doing things the old ways. I print on a letterpress, I write letters and postcards with a fountain pen and I smoke a pipe. I really enjoy developing the skills and learning the relaxing rituals that go with these luddite pursuits.