Timing Your Shaves

As of yet, I have not made my straight razor shaves a daily ritual, for fear of irritating my skin. I've been waiting two or three days in between shaves, and when I do take up the blade, it's in the late evening. I estimate I've done about eight or nine straight razor shaves now, and each has been better than the one that preceded it.

The first couple of shaves took me about an hour or more, and even when I finished, I wasn't overly pleased with the result. But at around the fifth shave I got myself a brush and some shaving soap (I had been using regular "canned-cream") and everything seemed to fall into place. It was as though I wasn't "faking it" any longer, and the razor felt more natural in my hand. I was steady and confident and I got a great shave.

Now I'm pretty proficient at it. I shaved minutes ago and made a point of timing myself. The majority of the shave was done in under fifteen minutes and after a second and third pass (lathering each time) my face was super smooth and it was all accomplished in less than half an hour. So I've "shaved off" over fifty-percent of my shave time recently. Yeah! I plan to go even more quickly before long.

So I ask you: how long does it take you to complete your shaves now? And how long did it take when you were first starting out?

Blade,

Like yourself, I am new to straight razors, although I have logged a few months using double edge razors. With a double edge and three passes, I spend about 10 minutes. With a straight, I am at about 15 minutes.

Randy

Hi Blade Wielder and Randy,

For me, shaving with a straight is pleasure to be extended not shortened. It has become a sort of ritual, the sole purpose of which is to deliberately slow down in order to be more mindful of what I'm doing. Nothing wakes me up in the morning more than the fear of messing up my face. Out of sheer necessity, I slow down.

Straight razor shaving involves much more than the shave itself. There are the preparations: choosing the bowl, soap, brush and razor; whipping up a nice lather; enjoying its wonderful aroma and fresh feeling on your face; stropping the blade and testing it for keeness; the slow exacting moves of the shave itself. When done with full attention, this straight razor ritual will elevate you beyond the automatism of routine. Instead of dull mechanistic habit, you will experience a cornucopia a sensations exploding within the immediacy of the moment. Having discovered this, you'll want to spend more time each day enjoying the pleasures of this lost art.

Hal

It takes me at least 30 mins for a half decent shave. I am quite new in the shaving straight bit as well. Then again, with a safety it even takes me 10-15 minutes to get a decent shave.

I think times cannot be compared between eachother. As Hal said, some like the whole ritual. In my case, with a scar here and there, the hairs go so many ways that even after the following I stay have a stubble here or there.

All preps and shower
oil, lather, shave
relather, shave
rewater, shave
wash face and do a "dry" pass

Yes stil a stubble, but always the same spots (with any razor).
The faster I go, the more disappointed I am with the result.

But still, who is going to set the 1st record for the Guinness Book of Records?

Hoekie

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Originally Posted by HoekmanX

But still, who is going to set the 1st record for the Guinness Book of Records?Hoekie

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Well now that you mentioned the Guiness Book of Records, have you seen this? Don't try this at home....

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/.../100074_bb.ram

Hal

normal daily shave ~ 15 min or so. First few times were 45 min to an hour, but that goes down quickly. I get most of my passes done in 5-7 minutes, but the touch-ups are where I spend most of my time. Especially with a "date" shave, then trying to get my chin perfect can make the total shave run 20-30 minutes.

20-30 minutes, but I cheat, have a goat and a stashe.

My full shave, from the time I first wet the brush, to when everything is dry and put away is about 12 minutes... 2 passes (so an actual 2-pass shave may be about 10 minutes, sans the clean-up and what-not). At first, It took me about 45 minutes to get a crappy, chock-full-o-nicks shave. But actually, after about my 3rd attempt with a str8, things started falling into place. I don't hurry through my shaves, 12 minutes is all I need. However, I have refined my technique a little bit over time. It's quite a bit of fun. I've been at this for a little over a year.

Keep at it... the next milestone is when you can hone your own razors. I remember the first butter knife I bought off of ebay that I honed into very good shaving shape. That may be a better feeling than actually getting your first really good shave. At that point, you know you'll be able to do this the rest of your life, and not have to count on someone else.

Drew

It takes me about 15min or so now. I shave every day, and have been doing so for nine months. When I first started it probably took me 45min. And another 10 minutes to clean up the blood :)

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

As of yet, I have not made my straight razor shaves a daily ritual, for fear of irritating my skin. I've been waiting two or three days in between shaves, and when I do take up the blade, it's in the late evening. I estimate I've done about eight or nine straight razor shaves now, and each has been better than the one that preceded it.

The first couple of shaves took me about an hour or more, and even when I finished, I wasn't overly pleased with the result. But at around the fifth shave I got myself a brush and some shaving soap (I had been using regular "canned-cream") and everything seemed to fall into place. It was as though I wasn't "faking it" any longer, and the razor felt more natural in my hand. I was steady and confident and I got a great shave.

Now I'm pretty proficient at it. I shaved minutes ago and made a point of timing myself. The majority of the shave was done in under fifteen minutes and after a second and third pass (lathering each time) my face was super smooth and it was all accomplished in less than half an hour. So I've "shaved off" over fifty-percent of my shave time recently. Yeah! I plan to go even more quickly before long.

So I ask you: how long does it take you to complete your shaves now? And how long did it take when you were first starting out?

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English and straights and victims .... hmmmmm

Then again, you can't cut yourself at least ... :-D

I'm weighing in with Hal on this as well. My shave is hovering around 20-30 minutes and I like it there. I'd rather get the details the way I want them and let the time fall where it may. I love my shave too much not to give it all the attention it deserves. :D

X

I guess I'm what Hoekie called a "Functional Shaver" in another thread... I just find it difficult to spend a lot of time with this stuff. It's 20 to 30-min for the 3-s's (s***, shower, shave)... always has and probably always will be for me. Why the variance... depends on whether the coffee was ready when I get up ;)

:thinking: How do I do it you ask... well,

1. no wasted time choosing the razor... I generally only have one of my razors shave ready at any given time
2. no wasted time choosing shaving soap... I only have one in a mug
3. no wasted time choosing pre-shave stuff... the shower does it all
4. no wasted time heating water for hot lather... the micro does it while I'm showering
5. no wasted time with multiple passes - I do pass one and then touchup as needed... nobody but me cares whether my face is smooth as a baby's a**, anyway
6. no wasted time choosing aftershave treatment... slap a little bay rum and I'm done!

I have to agree with hal in that using a straight is an experience to be enjoyed. I usually take about 20 minutes total but then again I'm retired and am not in any hurry anymore in the morning. When I first started it probably took me 45 minutes to get a garbage shave but over time that improved.

My whole routine takes about fifteen minutes, including clean-up. That's three passes, but I cheat. I'm only shaving cheeks and neck. My DE shaves probably run about half.





Wayne

Hi,

I am still a (luckily-most-of-the-times-not-so) bloody beginner who just starts to get really decent shaves out of his Str8. I use it everyday now, the time for a complete shave is roughly 15mins, whereas the DE shave is about half of this time.

I am happy with this, as I relish "my" time in the morning for my shaving.

Best wishes,
-Axel-

I agree that the straight razor shave is something that cannot be rushed if you're trying to appreciate the subtle, relaxing qualities of the ritual; but if you're using it as your daily razor in the morning, there probably won't be enough time for a "Sunday-calibre" shave. So while I do enjoy taking my time with it, there is something to be said for a good, speedy job.

After all, before safety razors came along, do you suppose men looked at their razors with delight in the morning? I'm betting they didn't.

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

I agree that the straight razor shave is something that cannot be rushed if you're trying to appreciate the subtle, relaxing qualities of the ritual; but if you're using it as your daily razor in the morning, there probably won't be enough time for a "Sunday-calibre" shave. So while I do enjoy taking my time with it, there is something to be said for a good, speedy job.

After all, before safety razors came along, do you suppose men looked at their razors with delight in the morning? I'm betting they didn't.

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In 1567 England, by orders of the local Duke, a serf had the tip of his tounge removed with his dullish razor for this blasphemy. Thank gawd we're not in 16th century England, right?!

Wtf?

The message you have entered is too short. Please lengthen your message to at least 10 characters.

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

I agree that the straight razor shave is something that cannot be rushed if you're trying to appreciate the subtle, relaxing qualities of the ritual; but if you're using it as your daily razor in the morning, there probably won't be enough time for a "Sunday-calibre" shave. So while I do enjoy taking my time with it, there is something to be said for a good, speedy job.

After all, before safety razors came along, do you suppose men looked at their razors with delight in the morning? I'm betting they didn't.

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In 1567 England, by orders of the local Duke, a serf had the tip of his tounge removed with his dullish razor for this blasphemy. Thank gawd we're not in 16th century England, right?!

(I haven't had the too short complaint in .... well, never mind)
__________________

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Originally Posted by uthed

In 1567 England, by orders of the local Duke, a serf had the tip of his tounge removed with his dullish razor for this blasphemy. Thank gawd we're not in 16th century England, right?!

(I haven't had the too short complaint in .... well, never mind)
__________________

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What I'm saying is that before straight razors became nostalgic instruments, your everyday shaver likely wouldn't have taken as much pride in the chore as we enthusiasts do today.

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

What I'm saying is that before straight razors became nostalgic instruments, your everyday shaver likely wouldn't have taken as much pride in the chore as we enthusiasts do today.

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You're so right. Without the marketing genius of King Gillette, we'd have nothing to compare a straight razor shave to.

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Originally Posted by uthed

In 1567 England, by orders of the local Duke, a serf had the tip of his tounge removed with his dullish razor for this blasphemy. Thank gawd we're not in 16th century England, right?!

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As Mel Brooks said in the wonderful HotW .........

It's good to be the King .....

I'm with Hal; the longer the better. I really enjoy my shaves and don't have to do them first thing in the mornig, which really helps.

I take about 15-20 minutes I guess, though I never timed it. The razor makes a difference for me too. I can shave much quicker with my TI 7/8 than say a 5/8 DD or Dovo. I know why they call them choppers now. Man do I love that razor.

You undersand me, though, right uthed?

Let's say, for instance, that in one hundred years they invent some sort of lazer technology that will shave your entire face in a quarter of a second. Efficient, yes - but all the ritual and potential enjoyment is moot.

To these future people, shaving with the disposable razors we find in drug stores today will be an exotic experience - and who knows, there might even be a DisposablePlace.com website in their era.

Essentially, for something to become fashionable it first has to go out of fashion.

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

I've been waiting two or three days in between shaves.

But at around the fifth shave I got myself a brush and some shaving soap (I had been using regular "canned-cream") and everything seemed to fall into place. It was as though I wasn't "faking it" any longer,

So I ask you: how long does it take you to complete your shaves now? And how long did it take when you were first starting out?

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hope I'm not out of line with my suggestions here, newbie that I am

1) I'd recommend some witch hazel solution from the pharmacy, there's even organic witch hazel if you prefer. after your shave, rinse with cold water several times. then apply the witch hazel, wait a few minutes before applying your smell good juice.

2) My wife still accuses me of faking it fr time to time ;)

3) it took me over 2 1/2 hours for the total shave my first time. cut my lip pretty good and was very careful the next time, but I've got the entire process down to 20 minutes now.

I enjoy the shaving, but I'm usually on a time schedule so morning shaving isn't a time I can spend lots of time with. I'm very careful but I usually do just 2 lathers.

What is this "witch hazel" sorcery of yours, FUD? I believe I've heard of it before.

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Originally Posted by halwilson

Well now that you mentioned the Guiness Book of Records, have you seen this? Don't try this at home....

http://www.guinnessworldrecords.com/.../100074_bb.ram

Hal

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I could never understand that. The guy supposedly did 4.5 shaves a minute, but you see him working at a pace where he couldn't finish two. In fact, seeing all the swipes that are required, it doesn'r seem anybody could.

I'm in Hal's camp. I intentionally moved my shave to the evening so I wouldn't have any time pressure and I don't know how long it takes. I don't care. I can enjoy it and experiment if I want. But because it's the night before it has to be as clean and close as possible to last through my work day. I do a 3 pass shave with a touch up and the touchup takes as long as the rest of the shave. I'm really fussy and I won't leave the mirrior until my entire face is clean to the touch. I use a special razor for touch ups- an injector with a Feather strr8 blade. It's just a good way to get all the stragglers I miss with the str8.

I can get faster shaves if I want. I can do DE shaves with my eyes closed in 10-15 minutes, without using a finishing razor, and they're at least as close as a str8, and it's still enjoyable. I can do a speed shave in under five minutes. I go to a clean face using a gel and two passes of a motorized M3P and a quick clean up with the injector/feather. It's totally clean and fairly close, but no fun. If I have to shave in the morning, it will be with a DE. If I oversleep or something like that I'll do the speed shave in the morning.

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

What is this "witch hazel" sorcery of yours, FUD? I believe I've heard of it before.

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It's hamamelis water, or a tea made from the bark and leaves of the Hamamelis virginnia plant. Basically it's a pretty good cure all. it's one of the few non-chemicalized treatments still utilized in it's (mostly) original herbal method inside of hospitals and medical facilities. Usually today if it doesn't have a patent on it, doctors don't use it, but you can't argue with something that cures bad breath, hemmeroids, and insect bites in one swig ;).

here's a web def for you :p .
Hamamelis virginiana MEDICINAL: Witch Hazel is used externally for insect bites, burns, bleeding wounds, hemorrhoids, and varicose veins. Internally it will stop bleeding from internal organs, treats bronchitis, flu, and coughs as well as promotes healing of stomach ulcers. It is often used as a mouthwash for conditions of the mouth and throat, and for bleeding gums. Native Americans used witch hazel in sunflower oil as a massage oil for sore muscles, and used witch hazel as a natural deodorant

Sounds cool - but how does your typical straight razor user put it to good use? Do you smear it on your face or something?

I have Thayer's "Skin Astringent" which has witchhazel and aloe in it and not only do I use it after a shave, but my gf uses it after a wax. There are many products which are premade with witchhazel at regular phamacies and even more if you go to the healthy herbal stores.

As a side note; when my ex-girlfriend got her nose pirced there was a boil which wouldn't go away for weeks even with a regular witchhazel treatment. Salt water bathing a few times a day got it in three days!

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

Sounds cool - but how does your typical straight razor user put it to good use? Do you smear it on your face or something?

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Well, I'd say after your shave and coldwater rinse, splash on witch hazel and pat it in like aftershave, then give it a few minutes to work before applying the regular aftershave

That's how I use my RV friendly witch hazel. It keeps the sensitivity down and allows me to shave daily. Regular witch hazel has distilled alcohol in it but not in great quantitities so it wouldn't be too much different than an aftershave

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Blade Wielder

You undersand me, though, right uthed?

Let's say, for instance, that in one hundred years they invent some sort of lazer technology that will shave your entire face in a quarter of a second. Efficient, yes - but all the ritual and potential enjoyment is moot.

To these future people, shaving with the disposable razors we find in drug stores today will be an exotic experience - and who knows, there might even be a DisposablePlace.com website in their era.

Essentially, for something to become fashionable it first has to go out of fashion.

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Better yet, gene technology ..... let's say in a hundred years they come up with a genectic modification to eliminate the bother! .... Hey! You're the newbee .... it's your job to come up with these new scientific ideas, guy! (JK ;=)

david

When I shave in the mornings, I always get up about a half hour early.....still. I find that the nice cup of coffee, taking time in the shower and of course enjoying the straight razor shave allows me to start off the day in a much more relaxed disposition. It should never be a race and every time I get in a hurry I notice a couple of spots I could have gotten closer. I used to get up and out of the house in 30 minutes every day and was always in a hurry. Straight razor shaving has been a huge factor in just slowing down and enjoying life. On the weekends, I prolong it even more with the old hot towel treatment. I just really enjoy this sport!! Lynn

I have been able to get a decent shave every morning in about 15-20 min as long as the rest of my family doesn't burst into the bathroom while I am shaving. They have stopped doing that; I'm not sure why either they love me and can't stand the site of blood or they don't want to see me bare assed with a sharp piece of steel in my hand. Actually it might be both. :eek:

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Originally Posted by adjustme69

When I shave in the mornings, I always get up about a half hour early.....still. I find that the nice cup of coffee, taking time in the shower and of course enjoying the straight razor shave allows me to start off the day in a much more relaxed disposition. It should never be a race and every time I get in a hurry I notice a couple of spots I could have gotten closer. I used to get up and out of the house in 30 minutes every day and was always in a hurry. Straight razor shaving has been a huge factor in just slowing down and enjoying life. On the weekends, I prolong it even more with the old hot towel treatment. I just really enjoy this sport!! Lynn

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You've made it a tranquilizer! And nobody would dare come near you with that blade in your hand.

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Originally Posted by RichZ

. . . . see me bare assed with a sharp piece of steel in my hand. . . . :eek:

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I'll be having nightmares now :eek: