Thread: The Straight Shaving Learning Curve

Well, I have come to a point in my straight shaving that I thought I would never reach: I can shave comfortably and effectively everyday!

I have been straight shaving for about ten months and it has only been in the last two or three weeks that I have been confident that I would get at the very least a decent shave with a straight any time I tried. Up to this point it has been hit and miss, with some shaves being much better than others and shaving well one day and not so good the next.

I think I owe the reaching of this plateau to a couple of things: first and foremost, this board and its members. Without the encouragement and advice I would still be shaving with a dull razor and getting nowhere.

Second, all those who have given me sharpening advice (most recently Randy Tuttle). Most razors are sharp enough to cut a person. This is no where near sharp enough to shave with. It has taken time, energy, patience, and support to finally be able to hone a razor into shaving shape. I know I can do better than I am, but I am pleased to be self sufficient now.

Just now typing this I realize anything that has gotten me to this point has come from this board. A huge thanks to one and all. I hope I can pass on some of the knowledge that has been so freely given to me.

NOW: how long did it take YOU to get to an efficient straight shave?

showme

Phase 1 - Learning, Completed

Phase 2 - Accumulation, Commences

True words from David. I'm up to fifteen razors, four brushes, four strops, and I won't even contemplate how many soaps/creams/aftershaves I have (so far).

This is way true. I have only been shaving since Christmas. I now have 6 razors 2 brushes 2 strops two hones and one scuttle. Let the buying begin

Way to go Gary. Now the fun begins.......how long did it take you to get into pipes and tobaccos? Enjoy. Lynn

I've been smoking a pipe for the same amount of time as I've been straight shaving. However, I was efficiently smoking a pipe much sooner than straight shaving!

I'll try and post a picture of my smoking a pipe and shaving at the same time. Hmmm, you know, that may have been my problem all this time: not being able to see through all the smoke.

showme

Congrats, and still working on it. I'm past the getting a good shave thing. Just looking for perfection and speed. I'm only going to give this another couple of years and then I'm going to move on.... :lol: It's been about the same time as your experience.

Oh I hate it when I post before I log-in....