Learning to Shave (Ninja Style)

Hey Everyone!

Straight razor shaving has been skill that I have been interested in learning but never quite picked up. Being familiar with the wonderful experience of using a badger brush, pre-shave oils, etc I wanted to take my experience to a whole new level.

After reading the introductory articles available on the site I am now itching to get my hands on a razor. However, with all the cautionary tales of dull, folded, and wire edges my concern is the proper care and maintenance of my soon to be acquired shaving tool.

From what I gather buying and using a strop (properly) prior to every shave is important. However, in approximately 6-8 weeks it will become necessary for me to hone the blade (correct me if I am wrong)? Also, is the use of paste a supplement or replacement for the use of a hone.

As with any endeavor I sometimes run the risk of getting too technical and sometimes it is better to just pick a point and get started. Yet, I like being thorough so I can fully enjoy the nuiances of things that capture my interest.

As it is with being a Ninja, there is much knowledge and training that helps one be an effective straight razor shaver. Even with good stropping technique, you'll need to either touch up a razor after a month or so or use pastes to renew the edge. I don't use pastes so I can't help you with that. If I were you, I'd get a cheap strop and practice on it with a butter knife before putting a sharp razor to it. Like being a Ninja, it is not "better to just pick a point and get started". I'd recommend more reading and practice with a strop first.

Welcome to SRP.

Buying a shave ready blade from a reputable vendor will certainly take some of the unknown variables out of the picture. Straights by nature do require maintenance, so if that is something that is off-putting to you please take it into consideration. Pastes can definitely be used in place of a hone for periodic touch ups, but also be aware that when you are new 6-8 weeks is an almost unrealistic timeframe for an edge to last.

I like how you are doing your homework and researching before you leap. That's exactly what I did, and I had good luck starting out. It sounds like you have the patience of a ninja - study your objective before the attack :). Have fun.

I agree with Ace; read, watch videos, practice. Do not concern yourself with honing at the moment. If you buy a properly honed blade you probably have 3-6 months before it needs honed again. Get used to the way the blade feels in your hand. The angle and motion during stropping. Your enthusiasm is great, I hope you find what you are looking for.

When you you are able to snatch the brush from my hand.... Then you you will be ready... Oh wait that was a pebble.

Ok now that I got the Kung Fu referance out of the way...
If you have more then one razor, then you will be able to keep a rotation. And not have to have them honed as much. First question is where are you located at? There is probobly a group near you to offer help. Take it!!! Early on my shave technique itself sucked and dulled razors on it's own. Add to that bad stropping and my first razor did not stay shaving sharp long. It took time, patience and determination. also some styptic.. lol Stay with it and as questions come up let us know. If you are close and need honing info someone will help.
As Lynn says, remember to have fun!
Paul

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Str8Shooter

...also some styptic..

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Check! Haha! :tameshigiri:

Thank you everyone for the speedy feedback and input. I will most definitely check out any local community resources that can help me master the art. Given the preponderance of urgent insistence on shave readiness I bought a Dovo from Straight Razor Design. Later this week I shall begin the initiation process for this neophyte as I draw the blade to my face. Pictures and a potential motion picture about the tragic cut-throat ending of an aspiring man soon to follow.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by MadetoBlade

Pictures and a potential motion picture about the tragic cut-throat ending of an aspiring man soon to follow.

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Perfect timing, this thread just started today lol :

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...0-cut-day.html

BE ONE WITH THE BLADE. You need to be able to be in the Moment and not separate your motion or thought from the razor.

As Nike once said, "Just do it!"


Mick

Just received my blade and strop in the mail. Woo-hoo! Incredibly eager to jump right in but I'll follow the multi-day process outlined by Lynn *pout*

Dominant side cheek to jaw line primero.