What I Have Learned in Four Months!

As a four-month Newbie with straights after using a DE for 50 years, I am learning a lot about some facts of shaving with straight razors.

AS I SEE IT (YMMV):
Fact 1:
It is critical to start with a razor that has been professionally honed to eliminate the razor as a problem. All the evaluations of shaving depend on having a well-honed razor.

Fact 2:
Learn how to strop early on. You can make or break your shaving experience by your stropping technique. You can also make or break the sharpness of the razor's edge by your stropping technique.

Fact 3:
Until you have shaved at least a 100 shaves, the technique is the problem. I just finished my 101st shave. Until your technique is consistent, you should always assume it is probably "you" that is the problem. I am still inconsistent but, hopefully, improving every day.

Fact 4:
Pre-Shave preparation is a lot more important than you think it is. If the razor is sharp and your technique is good but the shave is not great, check your preparation.

Fact 5:
Listen to the professionals. If the razor is shave-ready and the preparation is good, then apply the lightest possible pressure and keep the razor at 30 degrees or less. Learn the growth pattern of your beard.

Fact 6:
If the razor is free of defects, made of good steel, and has been properly honed, it should give a good shave.

Fact 7:
For beginners, ATG is highly over-rated. Stay with WTG and XTG until you are really competent and feel comfortable using a straight razor.

I have begun developing a collection of razors that represent differing grinds, sizes, and countries (USA, France, Sweden, England, and Germany). While I am beginning to have preferences for certain razors based on smoothness, size, weight, nimbleness, the way they feel in my hand, or the way they feel on my face, I am finding that all of them are capable of providing a great shave. Yes, there are differences between the razors but each can show me a good time. I love each and every one of the razors and especially enjoy exploring the variety of sizes, grinds, and styles in the collection. As a matter of principle, I only buy razors that I actually intend to use.

Straight razor shaving has turned out to be a great and rewarding experience. Rather than a hobby, straight shaving has become a satisfying way of life.

Well, we're in the same boat as regards number of shaves, and while I was getting acceptable shaves at around the 20 shave mark, it hasn't been until I got past 90 shaves that I was getting shaves that I was really happy with. Lately, although I love the results that ATG passes give, I'm going to switch to WTG and XTG passes only and see if I can live with the results. I just don't need BBS every time.

A very good post! Thank you!
Pretty much sums up my experience starting out with straights.
Loads of wisdom for everyone new to this:)

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Originally Posted by DLB

I have begun developing a collection of razors that represent differing grinds, sizes, and countries (USA, France, Sweden, England, and Germany). While I am beginning to have preferences for certain razors based on smoothness, size, weight, nimbleness, the way they feel in my hand, or the way they feel on my face, I am finding that all of them are capable of providing a great shave. Yes, there are differences between the razors but each can show me a good time. I love each and every one of the razors and especially enjoy exploring the variety of sizes, grinds, and styles in the collection. As a matter of principle, I only buy razors that I actually intend to use.

Straight razor shaving has turned out to be a great and rewarding experience. Rather than a hobby, straight shaving has become a satisfying way of life.

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Ah Ha!! You're the one bidding against me in eBay!! LOL.. just joking with ya!

One other thing. I shaved today at about my 12th shave. I've gotten very good at both honing, stropping and the shaving. I've sharpened knives since I was in high school back in the late 1960s and stropping is not entirely new to me either. But what was new as addressing a sharp blade to my face, other than the safety razors and such over the years. What I did (and it WORKED for me, you may be different) was I bought a cheap Pakistani razor, dulled it down completely, and carry it with me all the time. I take time out during the day and different intervals and practice holding, and imagining the shave. I even used to put on lather, and take it off just with the "practice" razor before I shaved. What that did was give me a way to try angles, techniques. I saw feedback when the razor tip would hit into, example, my lower lip trying a technique and realize that it would have been a nick in real life. Correct the action.... experiment..."feel" like you are actually putting a very sharp razor to your face.

Last 6 or so shaves are completely without cuts or nicks, close shaves, double lathered and shaved... smooth, and easy shaves. I used to do the lips and chin last, now, I start on them first thing. I get the harder areas knocked out pretty fast now and don't have weepers or nicks. I'm careful, but because of the practice razor, it gave me feel and technique and experience many time more than one would normally have with just regular shaving. How many times have I shaved "imaginary"?? dozens and dozens of times. Kind of like dry firing a pistol to get more proficient at target practice. Some may have differing opinions, but I know deep down that it worked well for me to practice a lot with this "practice" razor.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by DLB

As a four-month Newbie with straights after using a DE for 50 years, I am learning a lot about some facts of shaving with straight razors.

AS I SEE IT (YMMV):
Fact 1:
It is critical to start with a razor that has been professionally honed to eliminate the razor as a problem. All the evaluations of shaving depend on having a well-honed razor.

Fact 2:
Learn how to strop early on. You can make or break your shaving experience by your stropping technique. You can also make or break the sharpness of the razor's edge by your stropping technique.

Fact 3:
Until you have shaved at least a 100 shaves, the technique is the problem. I just finished my 101st shave. Until your technique is consistent, you should always assume it is probably "you" that is the problem. I am still inconsistent but, hopefully, improving every day.

Fact 4:
Pre-Shave preparation is a lot more important than you think it is. If the razor is sharp and your technique is good but the shave is not great, check your preparation.

Fact 5:
Listen to the professionals. If the razor is shave-ready and the preparation is good, then apply the lightest possible pressure and keep the razor at 30 degrees or less. Learn the growth pattern of your beard.

Fact 6:
If the razor is free of defects, made of good steel, and has been properly honed, it should give a good shave.

Fact 7:
For beginners, ATG is highly over-rated. Stay with WTG and XTG until you are really competent and feel comfortable using a straight razor.

I have begun developing a collection of razors that represent differing grinds, sizes, and countries (USA, France, Sweden, England, and Germany). While I am beginning to have preferences for certain razors based on smoothness, size, weight, nimbleness, the way they feel in my hand, or the way they feel on my face, I am finding that all of them are capable of providing a great shave. Yes, there are differences between the razors but each can show me a good time. I love each and every one of the razors and especially enjoy exploring the variety of sizes, grinds, and styles in the collection. As a matter of principle, I only buy razors that I actually intend to use.

Straight razor shaving has turned out to be a great and rewarding experience. Rather than a hobby, straight shaving has become a satisfying way of life.

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You forgot fact 8: "I have begun delveloping a collection" that is what we call RAD here at SRP. Your not alone!!! Nice post!

Was the 101st shave with the Henckels? Great post! It just goes to show you that listening and perseverance goes a long way. It sounds like you may have contracted RAD...be careful as HAD is just as infectious.:gl:

Some excellent observations....Well done....

@shooter74743

As a matter of fact, the 101st shave was with a superbly honed Henckels 401.:)

Great post. I was going start one about what I have learned after 8 months but you beat me to it. Pretty much nailed everything I was thinking. I would like to add make sure you are focussed on what you are doing. I had a rough day at work the other day and came home took my shower and started my shave. I had three cuts within thirty seconds because my mind was somewhere else. I stopped, regrouped and finished up without further carnage but I learned my lesson.

Thanks for sharing those thoughts! :)

Thats definately one of those posts that all new guys should read IMO..!

+1 Stubear. A super post!!!

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Originally Posted by Gibbs

Ah Ha!! You're the one bidding against me in eBay!! LOL.. just joking

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We should coordinate our bidding so we don't keep bidding the price up. LOL

I tend to set a maximum bid and then just walk away until it's all over. Some of the prices are insane. I have yet to get a Filarmonica because the prices are more than what I am willing to pay. I want to buy a NIB Filarmonica for about $70. Ha! Ha! Not going to happen. I have actually seen Filarmonicas with half the blade broken off listed as BIN for $100. Spain may not get to be represented in my collection but that's ok, I have gotten USA, Germany, England, France, and Sweden represented.

More and more I am attracted to SRP & B&B for razor buying. Safer and better razors for a novice buyer.

Happy eBay buying.:gl: