Thread: Ok...let's go over this one more time...

Originally Posted by edhewitt

Sorry to sound like a frump but less toys are better until you develop proficiency with the 2 you have, in the case of a shavette one would be better. I say this as it reduces the variables, you can already change blades and don't have to strop etc.

I hear you loud and clear. Actually I don't plan to buy any toys until I know the direction I want to take with SR shaving. I ordered two shavettes because I was concerned about the grip in my hand...this is important to me. I will pick the one that feels best in my hand and work with that one until I learn how how to shave with it properly. I won't switch back and forth...as you say, it will reduce the number of variables. Thanks for the advice.

Originally Posted by Whizbang

I hear you loud and clear. Actually I don't plan to buy any toys until I know the direction I want to take with SR shaving. I ordered two shavettes because I was concerned about the grip in my hand...this is important to me. I will pick the one that feels best in my hand and work with that one until I learn how how to shave with it properly. I won't switch back and forth...as you say, it will reduce the number of variables. Thanks for the advice.

Seems sensible keep us updated

Originally Posted by 1OldGI

Sounds like you may be overthinking the whole process a bit. If you're currently a DE shaver you have all the basics down. As far as the non-razor part of the routine, I'd just do whatever you normally do for a DE shave. Yeah, you'll need to learn to hold a drive a shavette (and probably a traditional straight after that) but don't let it freak you out too badly. Just pay attention to blade angle, placement and pressure (just like a DE) and here's one I learned the hard way: If for whatever reason, the blade binds or doesn't move the answer is NOT put some arse behind it (force it). Instead, pick the blade up re-set and gently glide the blade where you want it.

It really is a bit like the first few times you drive on snow and ice. If you're driving along with a white knuckle grip on the steering wheel and four inches of drivers seat upholstery slammed between your butt cheeks, as soon as the rear end wanders just a little, you'll freak out, whip the wheel in six directions and the car will end up hitting something or running off in the ditch. It's just driving (or in this case, shaving) relax and enjoy the ride.

Great analogy, I can't stress enough the importance of the blade angle and pressure. It took 4 months before I was able to get a great shave out of my shavette. I was getting good shaves but nothing fantastic, and almost gave up on the whole Pipe dream. Persistence and practice will pay off!

Originally Posted by Jcoombs4

Great analogy, I can't stress enough the importance of the blade angle and pressure. It took 4 months before I was able to get a great shave out of my shavette. I was getting good shaves but nothing fantastic, and almost gave up on the whole Pipe dream. Persistence and practice will pay off!

The OP is Canadian so I knew he could relate. On a side note, this is my exact winter driving stratgy my first winter in Alaska. My hands were generally numb after five minutes of driving LOL. Needless to say the winter driving block, if you're taking drivers ed in central Florida is almost non-existent

I started with a Parker PT. My profile pic sums up my first shave. I didn't listen to all the advice and just shaved my whole face. My white tee shirt turned red a couple of minutes in. It didn't hurt at all so I kept going.
I figured what the heck, a kid just a little over a hundred years ago could continue on while learning to shave, I could to. Best thing I did. Every shave got a little better. I tried 8 or ten different blades and then settled on Shark's.
I stopped and went back to my DE for a couple of months. I couldn't finish the shave in time. I picked the shavette back up about six months ago and haven't looked back. I have since moved on to straights but am thinking about loading up a blade in that old Parker.
Good luck and remember a break is good but don't give up.
Cheers,
John