Thread: Discouraged

Originally Posted by goaT

but I wonder if moments of doubt happen for anyone else?

I think for sure that many cutthroat enthusiasts have more moments of doubt than they would admit to.
I like using cutthroats and have a very small collection of them. For many of us, me included, they present a challenge.
I'm not a 'Born Again' cutthroat user and can get just as good a shave more quickly with a DE or even a Gillette Sensor. You aren't alone.

I love it when everyone agrees with me.

Sure, I think everyone has moments of doubt. The best advice I got when I started was to go slowly and sometimes even finish with a DE if necessary. Also it takes at least 6 - 12 months to get a good speedy, efficient technique (especially the chin). Be patient. I also got some bad and stupid cuts at the beginning (but never made the same mistake twice). Don't take a break from straight shaving for too long. It's like falling off a horse. You have to get straight back on. Now after 1 year all I can say is that it is my moment of quietness and pleasure in the day, and I reckon my shave is just as smooth as a DE with a Feather blade. I would also encourage people to think of DE shaving as an intermediate step up to using straights. If you are tired or in a rush there is no harm in using a DE from time to time. Also use the DE to touch up while perfecting your straight technique - but please no Machs!

When I am pressed for time I use my Merkur 39c Slant DE. If I rush with the straight and cut myself it will just discourage me even further. When I have time I use my straight when I don't I use my DE or skip. I will keep working on speed and technique and someday I only rarely use the DE.

My .02 cents worth...

Riding a bike
Driving a car
Riding a Motorcycle
Smoking a TOBACCO pipe
YOUR VERY FIRST SHAVE
Making it from "home" plate for the "home run"

It all takes time... This is one of the reason that I have take to this "sport"...

I'm tired of rushing... "Stop and smell the rose's"

goaT

Using a str8 razor takes more time than using a DE or disposable razor. You know that. With practice you can get a DFS shave from a str8 in 5 to 10 minutes. If I have the time and want a 24 hr BBS shave, it will take me 25 to 30 min and a proper honed tip top razor. Some guys shave at night.
You need to try and make the next get together here in KC. You’ll learn more in a couple hours than you will in months of reading “how to” and getting electronic advice on line. When you can actually see and put what you learn to practice, that will make all the difference. We’ll keep you informed of our next meeting. It might not be for a few months.

Ps. It’s OK to use a DE if your in a hurry or for a touch up or if you’re traveling. You will not be branded an Outkast. See I’m hip. Sometimes I’ll run a DE over my face after my str8 shave to see just how smooth a shave I got. That’s a good way to see where your weak spots are. I.e. chin area lower neck… stick with us dude and you’ll be moving that str8 around your face like a surgeon.

Mike

when you feel discouraged it's your minds way of telling you to go buy some more shaving stuff.

If it were easy everyone would do it. It's not and only you can tell if it is worth the time, effort and money. Just the fact that you posted tells me you are not one of the cattle and see some sort of value in this.

But to keep it in perspective, it is only a shave. If your enjoyment has gone then move on.

I agree with much of what has been said, but nosewarmers closing statement stood out clearest for me.
Personally I have had those doubts myself and have gone back to the mach 3 on two occassions. What I found was, though the shave was generally on a par with my cutthroat, it felt as if my face was dirty all day and the shave wasn't as long lasting.
If I were in your shoes, I think I would get a DE to use on those down days. I use my Merkur 34 HD for those days I feel pressed for time and anytime I recognise a down day starting. You never know, it just may be all that you are looking for in a shave too. Cutthroats, as has been said, won't suit everyone. The thing is, if you do decide to use another method, is you can hold your head up proudly and say you gave it a go.
Try to hang in there mate, but you gotta go with what's best for you in the end.


Mick

Originally Posted by LinacMan

goaT,

I'm one of those guys you're talking about who says "I used a straight and now I'll never go back". That being said, there have been days where the shaving results didn't go as expected or the shave took longer than expected and I wondered if straight shaving was too much of a time commitment. BUT...it DOES get better. As others have said, shaving with a straight (at least for many of us) is not the most time-efficient process. For me, shaving with a straight razor is more about enjoying the process. It's about "me" time and not so much about BBS or "fast". So what if you occasionally have to finish it off with the safety until your technique improves???

If you feel pressured, try shaving in the evening as a way of "winding down" after a hard day. Put on some of your favorite (calm) music, relax, and enjoy the ritual - BBS or not.

Enjoy the ride...

+1. it does get better...much much better!! There is an initial commitment from you that needs to be there. Not 10% or an occasional 'maybe'...But, you have to be 100% sure you are ready...Good or bad. There will be frustrating days, but once it clicks, the moment of truth comes shining through. Sure you can get BBS with Mach3 in one swoop move, but the point is to have fun and enjoy shaving and "not have to deal with irritation after".

Anyways, you will hear mostly the good from most of us that have passed through the fire and are enjoying the cool feeling of a straight shave. Now, it's your turn (if you wish)...and the most difficult part is making the decision and committing to it. The rest is details

I guess my frustration has been, I have never even come close to getting as close of a shave with a straight as I get with the Mach 3. I still used the straight last night, and enjoyed the time to myself. I started using the straight for that very reason, and to slow myself down and force myself to focus 100% on the task at hand.

Thank you for all the advice!