It was maybe six months ago that Mantic popped up looking to find some gear in the hopes of making some straight shaving videos. Haven't seen him since....anybody hear from him? Did he give up the straight?
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It was maybe six months ago that Mantic popped up looking to find some gear in the hopes of making some straight shaving videos. Haven't seen him since....anybody hear from him? Did he give up the straight?
Isn't he dyed in the wool a DE guy?Quote:
Originally Posted by red96ta
That's funny red, I had that exact same thought a couple days ago and was going to post about it myself. I do think it's safe to assume that he did not take to straight razor shaving in any kind of significant way.
No, I haven't given up. :) I have had some serious delays though: I haven't been able to devote nearly as much time to learning the subtleties of straight technique as I had hoped. I'm basically limited to weekends when I have the time. I'm not giving up though--there's still quite a bit of interest from my "viewers" (I often suggest SRP to those who ask me questions about straight razor shaving).
--Mark
i've noticed comments in his videos of people asking him about his straight usage.. i think the general consensus is that he is waiting to become more than proficient before posting any videos on the subject.
Great to see you back, Mark. I was hoping that you didn't give up on SR shaving. I suppose I should never assume.....:)Quote:
Originally Posted by mantic
That's awesome to see Mark here! I was literally just watching one of your videos.
--Shoki
Hi Mantic/Mark, Shangas here.
I do hope you make some videos on straight shaving like you do with DE shaving, they're very very helpful.
Hey Mantic! Whereabouts do you live? Odds are that someone would gladly volunteer to give you added assistance in person.
Yes, several people have volunteered. Its a matter of scheduling. :(Quote:
Originally Posted by Utopian
Thanks for making the best videos on DE & wet shaving out there. I started DE shaving about three months ago and am working my way into straights. Your advice has helped to make my shaving a real joy. Keep up the good work.
I'm glad you haven't given up Mantic, I hope your Straight shaving vids will be as good as your DE vids.
All the best:)
This is so crackin' me up.
Let the poor guy learn how to shave with a straight razor first before he puts out an instructional video.........:)
Have fun,
Lynn
You're right Lynn.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
The problem is his DE vids are so good.
So no pressure:)
It's a bootiful ting!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Evin
:)
Oh yeah!!Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
I understand his learning curve because I'm on it myself, been shaving with a shavette just got back my Joseph Rodgers from Neil Miller and now know they are 2 different beasts. But I still have a Fritz Bratch Dovo and a R H & Sons to try also restored by Neil as well so its gonna take a week or so to get a clear idea about whats what.
I've seen your vids too Lynn you're a calm Guy. thats a useful trait to have when you put a very sharp piece of metal to your face:)
you're a good salt:)
Well, I'm in the deep kimchee now. :rofl2:
My father-in-law just gave me a nice Dovo straight for Christmas:
http://lh5.ggpht.com/_UME67yLANIY/TR...0/CIMG0503.JPG
So it looks like 2011 will be the year-of-really-getting-serious-about-straights. :tu
--Mark
Thats a perfect starter razor. I'm sure with all your experience and insights with DE's, straight shaving will come quick to you.
I've been hacking away with a Shavette now for eleven days/eleven shaves. I've gotten to the point where I can get half decent shaves with it, and rarely nick myself anymore. My original intention had been to get good with the Shavette before making the transition to real straights, but I'm starting to bog down a bit, for several reasons. First, there is just no "magic" to shaving with a Shavette, nothing interesting about it. I have the sense that, as others here have said, it is less forgiving than a proper straight, and that my using it will improve my technique for when I eventually make the transition.Quote:
Originally Posted by Evin
I really don't like shaving with the Shavette. It's not a particularly interesting piece of kit. I have some proper straights, shave ready as well, but I don't want to move over to them until I have the technique down. I've been concerned that my initial experience with a straight would be lousy and I'd give up. Still, I wonder whether continuing to use the Shavette will become so negative an experience that I'll go back to my HD and Fat Boy, both of which I love to shave with and produce FAR superior results.
I've gotten to the point where I can get a good shave with the Shavette, certainly not BBS but a fine shave for looking presentable. I have no problem with ATG passes at all, except on the upper lip, and it's really unnecessary there. I know my technique will improve with time, and I already have the preparation and other issues in hand. I'm just wondering what the transition to regular straights will be like. I know it will be far more interesting to use one than the Shavette, but how much more of this "dues paying" should I endure? Will a regular straight be easier to use, offer better shaves, and be more forgiving than the Shavette. It would be nice to hear from others who have taken this route and find out what their experiences were. I don't mind putting in the time with the Shavette, but I'm feeling like I've learned all I can with it. What I'm learning with it is I don't like shaving with the damn thing. I'm a bit concerned that continuing with it will send me back to the DEs instead of on to straights (my original goal). Any and all replies will be appreciated. Thanks in advance.
ace, if you really have a shave ready straight you should put the shavette away and step up to your regular straight.
I actually do have two shave ready straights and one that I need to hone, maybe, and at least strop before using it. I have the SRD Modular Paddle and Naniwa stones as well. So what am I fooling around with the Shavette for? Good question!Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill S
I started with the Shavette to "earn" my way into straights. I didn't want to try a real straight, have an unfortunate experience with it, and just quit. The Shavette is perhaps less forgiving than a proper straight, but when I look at that large, totally exposed blade, well, I wonder if the transition will be intimidating. So, I guess I'm asking whether eleven shaves and some success with the Shavette is preparation enough to move on to real straights or is there something totally different about them that I am yet unprepared for?
No, it's not totally different. I predict that you'll do fine. One thing, however, if your shave ready blades have been Pro-honed resist the temptation to fool around with them, even if they don't feel sharp enough. There is a learning curve for finding the right blade angle, etc. Most new guys immediately blame the blade, but if your razor has been honed by someone that knows what they're doing it's probably sharp enough to do the job.Quote:
Originally Posted by ace
Try a couple of shaves and let us know how it's going. You have the right gear and you have a whole community of straight razor shavers ready to help you. You'll get it.
Thanks for the input, Bill, and I assume I'll do just fine with a proper straight. At least one of my straights came from SRD, so I have no doubt it'll be fine. Also, I've read plenty of newbie posts here on the topic of initial blade sharpness and all of that, so I won't be blaming the blades for my mistakes. I've also read and watched everything on this and other forums about stropping and honing and know which mistakes to avoid and plan to avoid them. Are there any specific pointers on transitioning from the Shavette to proper straights, anything to avoid, or is it just a matter of using the straight the same way? Maybe I just have cold feet, eh?Quote:
Originally Posted by Bill S
I did a little editing to the above quote but stopped, as you are ambiguous in what you say.Quote:
Originally Posted by ace
My advice is just to use the damn straights and make a decision for yourself.
I have a DE that I rarely use as I prefer my cut-throat razors, doesn't mean I don't like my DE. I just don't like it as much. You might go the other way. It doesn't matter! Every man has his preference or a choice to make. I think the answer is in your own words, and that you have already made a decision.
Mick
You're ready. Just grab that razor from SRD and start shaving with it. As they say in the construction trades, it's time to shoot the Architect and finish the job.:)
Apologies, of course, if you actually ARE an Architect.
I found the hardest part was that first fear of putting that sharp ass razor to my face and neck. When I realized it would have to take a massive massive blunder on my part to injure myself, the fear went away.
In other words, just shave with the straight.
ACE if you can shave with a shavette you can shave with a straight and it will be harder to cut your self with a straight. You will have to adjust how you shave with the straight though because the blades on a straight tend to be a bit thicker but not always.
The shavette takes you part of the way the straight is the final challenge. Spend your time on the straight now and what every you decide to use to shave with you'll be better at it.
Just remember you don't have to rush you have a lifetime to perfect your shaving. I make time to shave with a straight I become calm while I'm shaving with one and it puts me in the right frame o mind for the rest of the day.
If anything is gained by holding off it is experience with "Latherin".Quote:
Originally Posted by Evin
If you are happy with you face prep and lather go for it.
The important and most critical part of a good shave (IMO)
is face prep. Once that is mastered almost any sharp blade
will give you a good shave.
A shavette, DE or even a yellow handled tossable from BiC
will also teach one additional detail. That detail is what a dull
blade feels like. If you dabble some replaceable blades will also
teach you what a harsh edge is.
The progression from out of the box sharp to dull is an interesting
one. Someplace in the progression is your ideal shave.
Your strop, and hone will be the tools that let each day be an
ideal (for you) shave with an open blade.
But first things first, start shaving with your straights.
You can and perhaps should set out your straight and
an alternate blade. Use the "new" straight on the easy places and
if you feel uncomfortable switch to your backup (shavette) or
another edge to finish the shave.
Go for it... it is a new year.
Is there any news?
Did he actually try straight?
I didn’t find any straight razor video from Mantic yet.
One has to learn something before they can teach something.......:beer1:
I'm sure Mark will come up with something great when he feels ready.
Have fun,
Lynn
Agreed. And it also takes time to learn such a skill. I'm sure that Mark doesn't make a full time living making videos and teaching people how to wetshave; he does all that in between his job and his homelife.Quote:
Originally Posted by Lynn
He really is good at what he does, and I'm sure he'll put out some great info when he finally decides to.
Thanks for your continued interest guys. Here's an update. I'm slowly getting better with my technique. As you may know I'm not learning straights full-time so its coming in fits-and-starts as I can fit it in. I've managed to slice myself good a couple times, which has delayed doing videos about other things (the last thing I want to show on a wetshaving vid is a sliced up face :dropjaw: ). I've also managed to degrade the edge on the GD I've been using, so I'm about to send it off to SRD for re-sharpening (along with an inexpensive Dovo Best Quality I received as a Christmas present from my father-in-law).
I've also decided to expand the subject a bit by adding some info about "no sharpen" straights like the Feather AC, Shavette, and Parker. I think it would be useful to compare and contrast "no sharpen" razors with true straights. I've bought some of these items already and will be using them as time permits.
At this point its looking like late Summer/early Fall before I'll feel confident enough to start videotaping. I have already found some cool/funny stock video to use too. :rock:
--Mark
(EDIT: Forgot to mention, I also got Lynn's DVD, which has been very helpful.)
Mantic, I have enjoyed your videos.
Please let me know if there is any other type or size of razor you might like to try. I will gladly loan you a few razors for the furthering of your straight razor experience.
I could probably spare a couple of barber hones as well.