Thread: TIME

Hey fellas, I've been using a straight since June, and realized this week that I'm finally comfortable with my technique. Up until this point, I've been shaving about every other day-- taking my time, and striving for that BBS shave every time. These have usually taken me anywhere from 30-45 mins, and have been very satisfying. I've decided that I want to try to develop a daily 10-15 min weekday shave routine, and focus more on those luxurious shaves on the weekends and special occasions. I've already decided to forgo the XTG pass to save some time. So, do any of you guys have any time saving tricks?

Only one: Practice, Practice, Practice, and you will get faster, but it will take time to get it in.

Originally Posted by chay2K

Hey fellas, I've been using a straight since June, and realized this week that I'm finally comfortable with my technique. Up until this point, I've been shaving about every other day-- taking my time, and striving for that BBS shave every time. These have usually taken me anywhere from 30-45 mins, and have been very satisfying. I've decided that I want to try to develop a daily 10-15 min weekday shave routine, and focus more on those luxurious shaves on the weekends and special occasions. I've already decided to forgo the XTG pass to save some time. So, do any of you guys have any time saving tricks?

Sadly, if I want a presentable shave, it takes me about 30 minutes. I say sadly simply because of the topic in this thread. I enjoy every minute of it.

The only trick for me would be to avoid shaving my neck. I can get my entire face perfectly smooth with one pass, but my neck never ever ever gets as smooth as my face, even with three passes. It is my bane!!!!

As it has already been said, I'm not sure there are any shortcuts with straight shaving. You could always do one pass then a touchup with a DE??

2 passes north south then south north. and did I mention lots of practice.
It will come. The only other I can think of is to use all of the blade (where you can)to cover as much area as possible in one go.

If a BBS shave was my goal, I'd still be using my Merkur HD "Barber-pole" with Feathers in it. (Matter of fact I still do, occasionally.) That's a killer combination for BBS shaves.

I shave with a straight because I can. Because, however you define it, it's just plain cool.

I dig it. Period. Wasting 20 additional minutes focusing on trying for some BBS result that may be weeks or months away from my current ability deprives me of the pure joy I get out of the experience.

For me, it's all about the experience. Every shave is a great shave.

I can do 2 passes in about 15 minutes. The key to a non bleeding event is never rush. Speed comes with experience.

Two passes only and shave faster!


Mick

Practice and you'll get there, just don't rush it on purpose.

edit: as others have said

For me, I spend the most time (and get the most nicks) shaving my chin and moustache area. When I do not have time for a quality shave, I use my mach 3 for the Goatee area, and straight the rest. I find it allows me the time to enjoy my shave with the stropping, lathering, and straight action, but cuts about 10 minutes off of the overall shave time. I just started straight shaving in July, so I am far from an expert on this subject. It just works for me.

taking out the hot water and using cold water only shaved (ahem) around ten minutes off of my shave time. Also, study every step of your routine and make sure that you have none where you are "waiting". For example instead of just waiting for the A/S to dry before I apply balm I will be cleaning up or brush my teeth. You can strop the night before to save some time to.

Dont forget to analyze your entire morning routine. For example, I now put my clothes in the bathroom with me so I don't have to make an addtional trip to the closet.....make the coffee the night before. I found that I could take some time out of other parts of my routine that allowed me more time on the shave piece.

This is a great thread as that is exactly what my goal is too. It would be great if we were all retired and could leisurely start our days by spending as much time as we like on shaving but when current reality bumps up against this....it's best not to ignore current reality.

there are also some members that shave the night before. I can't do that as I will look too muffy but you might try it. If you are only shaving every other day now you might consider shaving every day but making fewer passes.