Thread: A stumble on the stubble...

Just thought I would share a recent knock to my confidence which I have now practically got over - some may be going through or experienced this before. Cut myself badly about a month ago when stupidly showing a friend the art of str8 shaving with far too much port in me. I let it heal and basically let the stubble grow for about two weeks (just took the notion to leave it for a bit) then shaved again. I found myself nervous I suppose, never a good thing with a blade, and the razor found the cut (1" long cheek gash) and opened it up again. Not good - well maybe in a way cos I got a chance to match up the two sides of skin better this time! Over the past two weeks I have been shaving every second day but not very well. Today I settled down for a slow and deliberate shave with every stage having attention to detail - it was good thank god.

I suppose pain and scars can be a good lesson not to get too 'familiar' with the blade and treat it with the respect it demands. My confidence was rocked a bit but thankfully that's behind me now. Maybe this is a 6-12 month experience thing? Think you can do it blindfolded then 'slice' and the blade tells you you're still a novice...

As far as I'm concerned until you've been shaving every day with a straight for 5 years your still a novice. After that your a Journeyman for many more years. When do you become a master? I don't know I haven't figured that one out yet.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

As far as I'm concerned until you've been shaving every day with a straight for 5 years your still a novice. After that your a Journeyman for many more years. When do you become a master? I don't know I haven't figured that one out yet.

I would have to agree.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

As far as I'm concerned until you've been shaving every day with a straight for 5 years your still a novice. After that your a Journeyman for many more years. When do you become a master? I don't know I haven't figured that one out yet.

I'm not sure there is such a thing as a master. It's like machinists/toolmakers: journeyman is as far as a non-arrogant jerk will classify themselves. Anybody who thinks they have "mastered" steel manipulation is deluded or surrounded by sycophants/incompetence.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

As far as I'm concerned until you've been shaving every day with a straight for 5 years your still a novice. After that your a Journeyman for many more years. When do you become a master? I don't know I haven't figured that one out yet.

+1.

Makar, I've been playing with these things for awhile now, and it's happened to me as well.
Usually when the razor isn't quite sharp enough and instead of wisely taking it back to the hone, you increase the angle or the pressure... or perhaps you skimp on the lather, and the blade skips....
Unfortunately with a straight this happens almost painlessly, at first, the first indication being the pinkish lather. Afterwards, the blade LOVES to find the scar or scab and catch it...so care is of importance until it completely heals. Possibly reduce the ratio of port to blood in your veins next time also, and you may have better results
Don't worry about it. Just like a bicycle, you'll be back in shape in no time, as I'm sure you've already guessed.


John P.

We have a saying in the Elevator trade---"Fimiliarity breeds contempt"

I have been shaving for about 7 months and I get a little twinge when I put the blade to the skin! Just can't help it.



Take Care, I hope you heal up quickly,


Richard

Terms for experience/ability are interesting if a little subjective and academic. Good to know my experiences are not unusual - always the joy of sharing! A lesson learned and probably a good one too...

cheers
Stephen