Thread: Either this will be a very "Zen-like" experience, or I'll slit my throat . . . . ?

Originally Posted by javaride

Having had the blade sharpened by (supposedly), a reputable company, I have to assume the blade is "Shave-Ready". I will have to try using it again, paying close attention to the angle. I have always shaved before I shower, I enjoy washing my face after the shave, feeling the smoothness, love a nice close shave, thus the interest in the Rolls Razor and now straight razors. Perhaps I really need to consider showering and then shave . . . Maybe the heat/water from the shower WILL make a difference, however I've never really thought of my beard as tough . . .

If you shave before you shower, which I did for DECADES, you really need to clean and lubricate your beard before shaving. In your case I would suggest a pre-shave oil (or Noxzema), gently massaging it into your beard very well, and then a wet hot towel for at least 5 minutes before you apply lather and shave. I think you will find you get a much better shave, with little to no skin irritation if you do that.

Very Cool!! I'll give it a try, Thanks!!

BTW, I noticed that you have not specified a location. Just click on "Settings" above and enter your location in your profile. That way you can be notified of any upcoming Razor Meets in your area.

Watch the following Forum for Razor Meets in your area......

Get Togethers and Meetings




Use this search screen & fill in your "Location" to find other SRP
members in your area.........

http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search

Randy, Thanks for the insight!! I don't think the strop is dry, it didn't seem to be, and I have since put some leather conditioner on it. It seems to be fine, but as I continue to reveal, I am certainly no expert. Is there a way to get in touch with Dresden for his perspectives on shaving with a Rolls? I think I'd like to master it before graduating to a str8.

here is a link to Dresdens profile

http://straightrazorpalace.com/members/dresden.html

Just send him an email, not a PM.

Also check out this thread and send some of the more experienced of them a PM/email........

http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...azor-fans.html

I have a few Rolls razors and they are interesting little beasts I have one that is shave ready and used it a few times.

My advice for using it is:

1) always be mindful of your angle, this is basically a straight on a stick so it is sensitive to blade angles
2) Pressure - This is a razor that demands a LIGHT touch. You pretty much want zero pressure and just let the weight of the razor do the work. First few times I used it I was finding myself subconciously putting pressure on it without meaning to


It's possible that it does need sharpening, I know you sent it to a sharpening service, but unless they have experience with rolls razors or razors in general it's possible they didn't put a good edge on it. Post in the classifieds to find someone who can order that...

As for the straights, without seeing pictures we cannot tell you what condition the razors are in, but my advice is pick on style of razor (DE, SE, Straight or Rolls) and then stick with that one style until you are confident in your abilities with it and with your abilities as a wet shaver in general.

Hope this helps

"Ni, Ni, Ni...", oh, and, "It's just a flesh wound, I can still fight..." Hey mcgyver, thanks for the wisdom of your experience. I am going to try shaving with it again today with all the new info taken into consideration. I've used "normal" razors all my life. As they started to have more and more blades, "Try the new 487 blade razor for the closest shave ever, all in one stroke!!!!!", anyway, I settled into a Gillette Sensor with just two blades, it just seemed to shave better than all those 3, 4, 5, whatever blade razors. Now, as I explained, I'm very interested in the old ways, so I will likely learn and become proficient with a Rolls before I pick up a straight razor, and I'm sure I'll be on here looking for, and hopefully at some point giving, advice regarding both.

Thanks Again!!

Just a quick update before I head off to work. Took into consideration all the advice recieved yesterday and tried the Rolls again last night . . . nice, not perfect, but a vast improvement over every other time I've attempted to shave with it! I can easily see how angle is everything. I think the blade actually IS sharp. Does anyone know of a simple test to check sharpness of a blade? It'd be nice to know for future reference, and once I master this beast they call a Rolls Razor, on to the straight! Thanks you all so much for all the information! As cheesy and simple minded as it sounds, it just feels more manly to shave with a potentially deadly instrument, and for anyone who hasn't been there, the other thing that has sparked my interest in these old ways of shaving is a web site called "The Art of Manliness". Seems like a must see for anyone shaving with a straight razor . . . Thanks Again!!

Originally Posted by javaride

the other thing that has sparked my interest in these old ways of shaving is a web site called "The Art of Manliness". Seems like a must see for anyone shaving with a straight razor . . . Thanks Again!!

I'm a fan myself...great site.

Originally Posted by Slartibartfast

Maybe you will have a zen like experience as you transcend this world as blood gushes out of your neck.

Let's hope the dalai lama at least told him he'll receive enlightenment on his deathbed so he'll have something going for him