Thread: Shaving on auto-pilot

So, I have been shaving with a double edge for a couple of decades. It became such a routine that I don't even think about it anymore when I am shaving. I just go through the motions and my mind just wanders off somewhere else. And I almost never cut myself anymore. I am pretty sure I could shave with my eyes closed if I wanted to, though I've never tried.

So, the question is, after shaving with straights for many years, do you develop the same kind of muscle memory so you don't have to pay a close attention to the process? Or do you always have to be alert? Obviously, the risks of something going seriously wrong are non-existent with a safety razor, but are very real with a straight.

Thanks.

From personal experiance, I can tell you that muscle memory with a straight can easily lead to a good sized slice across the ear lobe. Then again, who needs their ear lobe?

I am a three-month newbie with straights after 50 years with DE razors.

When I shave with a square/spike point, I have to know where that spike is or I am in serious trouble. The point of a Case Red Imp 132 left me with a three-inch vertical slash in front of both my left and right ears on my very first shave with a straight. I learned really quickly to keep aware of the point.

After a year or two I might be able to really answer your question about muscle memory. Right now my memory is focused on those two first slashes.

Even with experience, when shaving with a 3" scalpel sharp blade you are never fully on auto pilot. To do otherwise is simply tempting fate. After awhile you will get used to the blade to the point that you don't conciously think of blade angles or pressure, but you must always be aware of what's happening.

Even the most experienced among us get nicks and cuts from time to time.

I think Ryan put it pretty darn well there, after almost 30 years some of it has moved to the subconscious like Ryan said, the angle, and pressure, and the stroke that I know has to move where on my face...

But where that edge is, and where that spike is, stays very much in my immediate thoughts..

hahahahahaha

as a beginner I have to laugh at the extremes in where I am.

If you are on auto-pilot... I am landing an airbus in a violent crosswind
with one engine out and a severe eye infection...

Love to be where you are one day...

Baldie

The problem is exactly that when you have been doing this a long time and things seem to be on autopilot you realize there is no such thing as autopilot with a straight. Using autopilot can also be described as losing focus and not paying attention and that razor is just waiting for that very patiently and then zowee it strikes.

Someone on the forums once said shaving with a straight reminds you you're alive. I think that sums up how you're never really on autopilot with a straight razor against your face.

Originally Posted by Disburden

Someone on the forums once said shaving with a straight reminds you you're alive. I think that sums up how you're never really on autopilot with a straight razor against your face.

One of the reasons I want to start shaving with a straight is to put some excitement back into shaving. Otherwise, there is nothing wrong with my DE setup, and DE costs me next to nothing.

I pay as much attention as possible with a straight, simply because sometimes the blade can be unpredictable. This might be due to bumps on your face, or dry skin, or previous scars, but sometimes the blade will catch or jump, and if you're not payin' attention you'll slice off more than just whiskers! Plus, I see it as an exciting art, and I want to experience every part of the shave as much as possible. Of course I haven't got the years of shaving under my belt that some of you have.