Thread: Thebigspendurs axioms of shaving

I wish I could take credit for this but unfortunately I can’t. At one time or another these have popped up as warnings to all new shavers so I’m just corralling them together with some commentary. I’ll call them the axioms of shaving and if anyone has others to add we should incorporate them into one post and make it a sticky. So here goes:

Axiom 1-Don’t be afraid of the razor. If you’re afraid of the razor you will never master it, it will master you. No different than learning to shoot a gun. If you’re afraid of it you’ll never shoot straight.

Axiom 2-If you think your going to cut yourself you will. This kind of goes with number one. You have to have confidence in your abilities to use the instrument. If you don’t its bad karma and something bad will happen.

Axiom 3-If you’re in a hurry or can’t concentrate use another means to shave. Straight shaving takes full concentration. If you have a lot on your mind or are in a hurry or have to talk to someone while shaving don’t do it. Personally the only times I’ve really cut myself was when I violated this rule.

Axiom 4-Sharp exposed straight blades never cause harm to anyone. That’s kind of like loaded firearms never harm anyone only unloaded ones cause harm. You have to always know where the blade is and where all parts of your anatomy are in relationship to the blade at all times. And never carry or walk around with an open straight. And I think it was Rich who said “don’t shave naked”

Axiom 5-If a little honing goes a long way a lot of honing must go further. The only thing a lot of honing will do is wear down your blade. The trick is to expose the blade to as little contact with the hone as possible to get the maximum result. Remember, each time the razor slides down the hone your leaving metal behind.

Axiom 6-Spending more money on razors and paraphernalia does not guarantee better shaves. Your shaves only become better as your mastery of the skill increases. Spending more money may increase your satisfaction and may make you feel better but as far as better shaves go...

So I know there are others so lets see what you guys can come up with!