Buy THIS Book Instead

Aaron has told me a little bit more about how unsatisfying his recent purchase of a book on how to shave with a 'cut throat' is and I have to agree that it sounds petty useless. I'm sure that a reasonable improvement can be made and am prepared to take up the torch on this. Considered topics would be;

Razors - a little on brands history, the differences in sizes and shapes, line vs. vintage
Preparation - including water, strops, brushes, soaps, creams, mugs, scuttles
Care - cleaning, sanitising, storage & handling of razors, strops & brushes
Shaving - angles, directions, touch, expectations, finishing
Honing - stones vs. pastes, some on types and brands of either, technique

Not necessarily in that order and certainly the how to and how NOT to in each case.

My questions to you are is these:
1. Have I left anything essential out of the afforementioned list that you think should be included in a book about straight razor shaving.
2. Given that Lynn is (allegedly;)) producing a video/CD ROM on straights, would a book even be useful in the 21st century? Is this a worthwhile enterprise.

X

I think that any resource for straight shaving that covers (at least) all the basics with good detail would be an excellent idea.

Being a relative n00b myself, I had some trouble finding anything really worthwhile. SRP is probably the best resource I've found - overflowing with useful and indespensible knowledge. However, there's not (at least in my eSeaching) one single source that really covers everything all at once and can be easily referenced in one place. The "How to and why" of classicshaving.com is the closest thing I found that meets the aforementioned description, but, putting together another resource that has the benifit of such an experienced community would be quite worthwhile IMO. If compiled such that it helps to assist those getting starting, I think would prove invaluable to those wanting to learn and attract some more attention to the world of str8's.

Considering that both Lynn and Bill are making CDs. I still think it's a good idea, nothing wrong with more resources. If you'd like, I can offer my assistance as well, personally I think a website would be an excellent medium.
Also, the one thing I feel is lacking, is a glossary. I have kind of been taking notes, since when I was totally fresh the forums, there were terms being flung around with meanings I had no idea what could be.

You've got it covered X. If you want to pass on the torch or make it a cooperative effort, you have my contact info. Some info on the manufacturing process would also be a good idea.

I think this is a great idea. Considering we are talking about straight razors, I think it would only be appropriate to have a book on the subject. I would much rather purchase a book over a CD were the choice presented. If you are writing up a book on collecting and care and are looking for a publisher, I would suggest Schiffer Publishing. Just be forewarned that they can be a real nightmare regarding pictures. If you need a contact within the company just let me know.

You'd get my money :) if you need any help let me know.

(make Lynn write the honing bit ;))

Xman

You definately have the talent as a writer to
do an outstanding job.


Terry

I don't want to be the wet blanket here but I think that if you intend on doing this as a charity thing its a great idea but if you intend selling more than a few hundred copies I think you are kidding yourself. I think we here are wrapt up in this thing but out there in the cold cruel world the population couldn't give a rat's posterior about straight razor shaving. Most think we are crazy anyway.

Oh, believe me I don't see this as a get rich quick scheme. I just wonder if it might be a useful and/or beneficial way to introduce more men to our quirky shaving habits.

X

Possibly, if you did it in an entertaining way with alot of tongue in cheek humor or maybe in a novel style it might work outside our fraternity.

A printed version would be great, but it could always be offered in PDF format and "shipped" electronically.

Niche book with a small target audience... sounds like a perfect use for a "Print On Demand" service to me. *NOT* a vanity press, mind you, but a POD press.

Beware though, there's some sharks out there in the POD world just like the rest of the publishing industry. There's some real gems too but you have to be careful.

-- Gary F.

I dunno with the way some of these shaving accessory companies are growing I think the target audience is getting larger. Besides I have seen books on shaving that have lots of pictures at my barbershop as well. It wont be a NY Times best seller, but I think if marketed well it could make a few bucks.

I'll buy it,
And if cartridge blades keep going up the customer base will too. I'm sure that's why a lot of us newbies are going straight

Books are fun. The video gives people the opportunity to actually see in motion much of what we are talking about. Great resource. We have reduced my Video to about 3 hours right now, continue to edit and have one more part to re-shoot. Chris Moss has a nice book out for new guys also. I'm really wondering how many of not only our new guys, but folks here awhile have looked at all the information in the Help files section of SRP?

Lynn

Yep,
And have printed em out and they are in reference binder I keep. With only 5 shaves under my belt I still watch that clip you made almost daily. Still trying to "Learn My Face" Chin is still giving me fits. Thinking about plastic surgery to straighten it out!

A CD or DVD might be a suggestion. YOU can include videos and text that can be printed out. (Someone may have already suggested this) They also cheap to produce.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adjustme69

Chris Moss has a nice book out for new guys also. I'm really wondering how many of not only our new guys, but folks here awhile have looked at all the information in the Help files section of SRP?

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Yes, I found it here.

X

Gents,
X mailed me about the straight razor guide - it is a free download at either:
http://www.shavemyface.com/
or
http://homepage.mac.com/drmoss/FileSharing26.html

If you like it consider visiting the lulu.com link above and spending a tiny amount of cash on a real hard copy (you'd laugh to know how few have done that despite however many thousands of times it has been downloaded! I guess I need a new business plan that says don't give away the goods before asking people to buy. Anyway, spreading the straight word and thanking Lynn and the other SRP guys that taught me all about it is what it's all about, not making money.)

Chris

That's great, Chris! We will update the Help Files and Links accordingly.

Although many will choose to download the pdf for themselves, a hard copy would make an excellent gift for someone a member knows who may be interested in straight razor shaving. Had I known about it before Fathers' Day I certainly would have bought one for my F.I.L May still do so. Your efforts toward advancing our shave artform are greatly appreciated and for that you get a Gold Star!

http://straightrazorpalace.com/image.../Gold_Star.jpg

X

I have recommended Chris' book in my new DVD as well. Had our first viewing tonight. Now I know why I never would have made it as a news man or actor......hahahahaha. I was even calling SilverTip Badger, Pure Badger........geeez.

Lynn

Quote:

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Originally Posted by adjustme69

I have recommended Chris' book in my new DVD as well. Had our first viewing tonight. Now I know why I never would have made it as a news man or actor......hahahahaha. I was even calling SilverTip Badger, Pure Badger........geeez.

Lynn

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Get a bit nervous in front of the camera, eh? Start talking faster until you run out of breath, and then have to inhale at an awkward point in the sentence? Your mind wanders in the middle of your sentence and you start inserting words that really don't fit in with the topic?

All of the above........the camera makes it all different. I have had executive presentation training and training on reading from a teleprompter, but this is way different....even with an outline and script..........hahahaha...........Thing is over 3 hours long and has 8 sections. Lynn

Quote:

---

Originally Posted by adjustme69

All of the above........the camera makes it all different. I have had executive presentation training and training on reading from a teleprompter, but this is way different....even with an outline and script..........hahahaha...........Thing is over 3 hours long and has 8 sections. Lynn

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No matter. I appreciate the effort and can't wait to see it when finished.

jmsbcknr