Some thoughts on Straight Shave Videos

Gentlemen,

I have viewed scores of straight razor shaving videos throughout the years. Some have impressed me in their overall merit, regardless of technical refinement, while others have only filled space and time.

Of little merit have been the videos in which the demonstrator spends more time talking to the camera than actually shaving. I have found them of no value to me. One of the great Beethoven's favorite proverbs was this: "Speech is silver, but silence, silence at the right time, is pure gold."

Videos in which the demonstrator tries to reinforce his shaving prowess by chugging booze leave me baffled, if not embarrassed. With all due respect, gentlemen, please . . .

The short shaving video Lynn has made for the SRP site is impressive by making an educational impact in a clear and simple way. It is unpretentious and natural. That's good work.

The other video that has impressed me is the latest opus by Jockys. Here, too, there are no gimmicks or attempts at being cutsie. The video is conversational and direct. It is an excellent educational tool for shavers.

I am sure other videos of merit exist that I have not seen, as well as some that are just loud. I look forward to seeing more quality videos by gentlemen shavers who share their knowledge of the straight razor world by mostly letting the process speak for itself.

Thank you.

Regards,

Obie

I enjoyed the "chugging booze" video! :D It was only meant as a bit of fun, & he's is pretty skilled with a blade. Each to his own & i do know what you mean.

Watching someone who know's what they're doing actually doing can be more effective for me too than them just telling me about it.

Yeah, I do not mind the talking videos either, as long as somewhere along the line it gets down to actual shaving.

As for the drinking, that was more like a private joke IMO. Taken in isolation, it could be construed as a bit OTT or even gauche, but anyone who has interacted, even marginally, with the person in question would have gotten a knowing laugh out of it I am sure. Not that we condone drinking and straight shaving here at SRP of course. :)

I agree with you on Lynn's videos - they have been a source of enormous benefit to many new and old users over the years, and I am sure will continue to be so for may years to come.

James.

I appreciate all videos. They give me a lot to think about and evaluate. Even the poorest form. I particularly admired the guys who are really having trouble and post a vid saying "How am I doing?".

Reminds me of my posts from 6-7 years ago that get dug up asking "How do you hone?"

I think its also important to remember two things. Not every video is meant to teach, some are just for entertainment, and two, I've never heard of anyone asking for input. But, I promise if anyone jumps up and asks for my opinion about a video, I'll keep the drinking thing in mind. In the meantime I'll just remember that no one asked me.

I do some day want to make a video with me honing a razor because I've never seen anyone use a stroke similar to mine in a video. Not even a close proximity. I've always found that intriguing.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I do some day want to make a video with me honing a razor because I've never seen anyone use a stroke similar to mine in a video. Not even a close proximity. I've always found that intriguing.

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Now that's an intriguing statement on it's own...:hmmm:

I sure hope not to miss out on that future video.

Kind regards,
Bart.

I thought the same thing when i first viewed bladewielders vid, that he was showing off or something. But after reading his comments i believe he said he did it to mess with his mom, which i can appreciate. So yeah, i believe it was more of an inside joke than anything.

That video is great to watch due to the sheer growth he had on his face at that time. Most videos people are just shaving a few days worth, he had the full on beard and it just swept off his face. Blade must have been very sharp.