Thread: Thebigspendurs axioms of shaving

Originally Posted by Rajagra

If you must listen to music while using a straight razor, don't choose the 1812 overture.

Or The Symphony No. 94 in G major by Joseph Haydn.

The main thing is take your time, and enjoy the shave. Good prep and a well sharpend razor takes time to do but it's worth it.

"I am a Buddhist and keeping your mind foucsed on the task at hand is a huge concept of Buddhism.
Be in the act of the shave, use your entire focus on your shave and your shave will be more enjoyable, you day will start better and your mind will be clearer."

This is one of the two main reasons I've shaved with a straight razor most of my life, and continue to do so now. It is a form of meditation - it forces you to pay attention, or suffer the consequences. How many things in life - I mean things you have to do every day - force you to be 100% in the now?

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

Or The Symphony No. 94 in G major by Joseph Haydn.

Would that be the one referred to as the "Surprise Symphony," by chance? Great piece of music...not so much for shaving.

Originally Posted by dinosilone

"I am a Buddhist and keeping your mind foucsed on the task at hand is a huge concept of Buddhism.
Be in the act of the shave, use your entire focus on your shave and your shave will be more enjoyable, you day will start better and your mind will be clearer."

This is one of the two main reasons I've shaved with a straight razor most of my life, and continue to do so now. It is a form of meditation - it forces you to pay attention, or suffer the consequences. How many things in life - I mean things you have to do every day - force you to be 100% in the now?

This is so true and especially so in the morning. I find it is an exercise in quieting the mind through focus. There are other things that help you to focus but don't have the consequences of shaving with a straight.

______________________________
Great acts are made of small deeds.
-Lao Tzu

The distracting wife is one thing...but don't forget the lethal impact simply of an incredibly beautiful wife.

I was headed toward the first straight shave where I would NOT look like a candidate for German dueling fraternity. No nicks, no blood, smooth...as I rounded the corner to the third pass ATG, my rather lovely wife just looked over at me shaving and said "You know, that's kinda sexy..."

Whereupon a fine slice appeared on my cheek…

so another tip:

DO NOT SHAVE WITH A HOT WOMAN IN THE BATHROOM WITH YOU

hey big spender did you ever get you thater brush from germany, i think it was grounder for some time/ ashes in the sky...didnt mean to get off topic

I should have honored Axiom #3 more intently as I tried to get a quick shave in while my one year old son was trying to kick down the bathroom door to get at me and my 3 1/2 year old daughter was slamming closed the door to her bedroom that is right next to bathroom while throwing a tantrum at my wife. I was clearly distracted and thought to myself for a second that it probably wasn't the best time to tackle the area above my upper lip but went for it anyway. Couple this with the fact that I had only put a straight razor to my face (3) times prior and I caught a nice little nick under my right nostril. I had to go on the internet to find out how to use a styptic stick before I bled out.

So in closing, I learned my lesson and couldn't agree more... pay attention and find the appropriate time to shave when you won't be disturbed.

By the way, styptic or alum block? Which is better for a small nick? Any suggestions on proper use of both? I'm new to Straight Razor Place and apologize if this info is posted elsewhere.

Best regards everyone and thanks for all the info. This is a great forum.

Originally Posted by DPMaltese

I should have honored Axiom #3 more intently
...snip...
I had to go on the internet to find out how to use a styptic stick before I bled out.

So in closing, I learned my lesson and couldn't agree more... pay attention and find the appropriate time to shave when you won't be disturbed.

By the way, styptic or alum block? Which is better for a small nick? Any suggestions on proper use of both? I'm new to Straight Razor Place and apologize if this info is posted elsewhere.

Best regards everyone and thanks for all the info. This is a great forum.

Check the label but both contain alum.

A styptic pen lets you apply the product
exactly where it is needed. You can also
apply a bit of local pressure.

One alternative trick is to use one of the sterile eye drop products
that "gets the red out". i.e. a vasoconstrictor eye drop can
work in a pinch.

Do invest in a triple antibiotic ointment, a nick is a cut
and once the bleeding has stopped a bit of ointment
can help speed healing.

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

And I think it was Rich who said “don’t shave naked”

Why is this?

Also I used to shave in the shower but I am guessing I am going to need to stand in front of the mirror while learning.

--Shoki