Really stupid question..but

Hi Guys

This will sound really stupid,but as I have just started SR might as well ask. When using a straight when shaving do you get a "rasping" noise if so is this normal. (sorry if It is REALLY stupid) also find great difficulty getting right under my nose...gets to the point my hand starts shaking...which may lead to severe blood loss. Find also that I tend to bring the blade in a diagonal direction (from ear to mid chin...cant help it.

And finally someone has offered a shaving mug...is it worthwhile having one of these,if so how do I work it?

Apologies for the ridiculous questions,but if you dont ask .....

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Originally Posted by Trinity

Hi Guys

This will sound really stupid,but as I have just started SR might as well ask. When using a straight when shaving do you get a "rasping" noise if so is this normal. (sorry if It is REALLY stupid) also find great difficulty getting right under my nose...gets to the point my hand starts shaking...which may lead to severe blood loss. Find also that I tend to bring the blade in a diagonal direction (from ear to mid chin...cant help it.

And finally someone has offered a shaving mug...is it worthwhile having one of these,if so how do I work it?

Apologies for the ridiculous questions,but if you dont ask .....

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No stupid questions only stupid answers. As for the rasping noise yes I do on two of my razors it sounds funny but they shave well so I just ignore it.
Uder the nose yes I have experienced that too. mostly goes away with experience unless you are hungover from the night before.:D
Diagonal direction - How is the shave? If its good no problem if its not you will have to modify try gripping skin more tightly.
Shaving mugs - soap sits on bottom and you whip up later with your brush. I use a shaving scuttle which was Victorian in nature. Soap on top hot water in bottom with brush in the water. I love it. Especially on Saturdays when I have more time. Keep firing the questions.

Trinity,

Welcome to the forum. :)

In addition to the mug, you may try using a small
bowl instead. You will have more room to work the
brush.

The rasping sound is really cool, just one of the perks
of saving with a straight.


Terry

You might want to invest in a mug, but it's not absolutely necessary. As has been said, you can get by with a bowl. If you do want one, though, Vermont Country Store has one of the old-time apothecary barber's mugs for like $14. I've got one on the way. :D I'm sure somebody here can set you up with a mug. I also have a scuttle for sale in the buy/sell/trade forum, so that's an option, too. As far as the noise...all my hollow ground razors make that noise. The only ones that don't are my heavy 1/4 hollow and wedge razors.

Something that worked for me with regard to shaving under my nose is, leaning in really close to the mirror... It just felt like it was easier to see what was going on so it made me more comfortable. (That's just what worked well for me when I first started, no science to it!!!)

Happy shaving, Gabriel

Trinity, Maybe it is just me but I have no problem with shaving under the nose. It requires "feel" so if you are not confident in your shaving strokes, use the 'ol Mach for a while. Once you are confident in your shaving strokes, go for it! There are many shaving diagrams that show the proper technique, it just takes some practice. Doesnt hurt to have a septic pencil around either..

The rasping noise comes from the grind of the razor. The thinner the blade then the more noise you will hear, thats the general rule.

Check out the barbers manual in the help files for the movement to use under the nose.

You could grow a moustache for a while until your shaving skills improve. I sometimes get a bit lazy and use a DE in the really tough spots. As for mugs if you are using a hard soap like Williams or the likes I really like the Old Spice mugs.

Glen

I put shave cream in palm of my hand brush in other and use my palm like a bowl...if using soap I work up a coat of soap on brush and finish in palm...many old time shavers and barbers used this method as you can feel the density of lather in your hand and better know when its ready to apply to your beard

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Originally Posted by clarman

I put shave cream in palm of my hand brush in other and use my palm like a bowl...if using soap I work up a coat of soap on brush and finish in palm...many old time shavers and barbers used this method as you can feel the density of lather in your hand and better know when its ready to apply to your beard

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That's a good idea, Charlie, but then what use would I have for all the darn mugs and dishes I've invested in? :thinking: :shrug: :D

I have very light mustache growth so I only shave down under the nose. I've tried up once or twice and it didn't have much added effect....