Perspective and Sharing: Not doing half as well as i thought

Perspective, We all need it once in a while, and as newb to other newbs I want to pass on my newly gained perspective on this great hobby

Use the lightest touch you can.

But i hear many people say "We know that, we are". No you're not, not by a long stretch. Even if you think you are, you're not. Don't argue ;)

How did i gain this dazzling piece of insight that every experienced member on here tries to pass on till they're blue in the face?

I went back to the barber i used to go to for hot shaves before i started attempting to flay my face myself. I was bored yesterday around midday, so i thought, maybe i can pick up a few hints.

He gave me a few such as stretching is everything (something else all us newbs think we know and do), and don't shave everyday (this was specific to me as my skin can't take it).

But the biggest hint of all wasn't the one that was said, it was the one that i noticed. After hacking away at my face for 6 weeks now I noticed "i can barely feel the razor as he's shaving me, I really have to reevaluate what i think is a light touch".

I came away BBS in 2 passes with a touch up.

So tonight after leaving it a good 30 odd hours i decided to have another go. Quite simple day and night. I really made a concious effort here and was rewarded with the best shave I've had, especially round the neck. I also adopted his short stroke using the front half of the blade.

So what can a newb do? get yourself to a good barber and compare what he's doing to what you're doing

and

Listen to what your face is telling you, not what your hand says it's doing.

Cheers

Simon

Great post. Sometimes we need to be reminded of the basics. As my confidence has grown, I’ve noticed that my strokes have gotten longer. This past week I made a conscience effort to practice shorter strokes again and I was rewarded with improved shaves. As for ultralight strokes – you are spot on. The lightest of lightest touches seems to work best for me – much lighter than I at first expected. Again, thanks for sharing.

Well said tekbow. Good advice for the newbs and good reminders for the older know-it-all's too. :)


Mick

Hello, Simon:

Fine thoughts. Periodically evaluating one's technique is a good idea. Straight razor shaving is a living art, where style and technique continue to evolve. It is wise, therefore, to stay abreast of every move and, if need be, to adjust it to your advantage. Keep at it. You're a smart shaver.

Regards,

Obie

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tekbow

Listen to what your face is telling you, not what your hand says it's doing.

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Exactly!
A very good post.
And as MickR said, something for all to consider.
Evaluating and continuously searching for improvements in every aspect of the shave is the key.

Even though I've been using a straight around 10 years now, every now and then I do things different. Maybe a different stroke here or there or alter the stretch a tad or use a different hand. You'd be surprised improvements can always be realized if you're open to new approaches.

In the spirit of this thread, I'm going to try a new technique tomorrow. I'm going to start with an ATG pass and see how it goes. By the way, if you guys don't hear from me for a while, I'll be staying at the St. Styptic Memorial Hospital, probably in the ICU.

You'll be right ace. I did that just yesterday. Started Against and did touch ups where the direction altered in small patches like the swirls at the adams apple. Turned out to be a good shave, though I still prefer the two pass.


Mick

Having read a few other threads on razor burn i thought i would add a little and repeat something previously stated.

PERSPECTIVE: Newbs need it

When i started doing this i was getting significantly less razor burn than i got when using a cartridge razor. This does not mean the razor burn was not significant. Going to the barber and adopting some new techniques showed me that. Last night i had only the vaguest of tingle, and no sting when i used my alum block. That, If I'm being truly honest with myself, no matter how good i thought i was getting, is a first. I think a big thing i forgot to mention on the original post was razor angle. I was way too steep before. I guess it was because the steeper the angle the more i could feel the razor working so i probably had it in my head i was at the right angle and getting a good shave. i was not right. Again i had to make a concious effort here.

cheers

Simon

Well, the ATG shave went pretty well, getting a pretty decent shave (PDS?) in under 7 minutes. The ATG pass went a bit stiffer than it would have after some prior beard reduction, but my face survived unscathed and the shave went quickly. I think we unknowingly dissuade some fellows from trying straight shaving because of all the time involved with preparation, etc. and all the talk of 45 minute shaves. Lots of those guys are getting perfectly acceptable shaves with their cartridges in two minutes and can't see trading that for 45 minutes of slashing up their faces.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by tekbow

Having read a few other threads on razor burn i thought i would add a little and repeat something previously stated.

PERSPECTIVE: Newbs need it

When i started doing this i was getting significantly less razor burn than i got when using a cartridge razor. This does not mean the razor burn was not significant. Going to the barber and adopting some new techniques showed me that. Last night i had only the vaguest of tingle, and no sting when i used my alum block. That, If I'm being truly honest with myself, no matter how good i thought i was getting, is a first. I think a big thing i forgot to mention on the original post was razor angle. I was way too steep before. I guess it was because the steeper the angle the more i could feel the razor working so i probably had it in my head i was at the right angle and getting a good shave. i was not right. Again i had to make a concious effort here.

cheers

Simon

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This is so true! I think as a newb I've got a great deal of subconscious shaving behavior built through prior cartridge shaving (also just general life experience). Generally, the more pressure you apply cutting something the quicker it yields. We see this all day every day and it is true of cartridge shaving. i guess on some level my hand wants to steepen the angle and increase pressure all on it's own because it cant get used to the idea that it isn't really necessary. Making a conscious effort has been key to success here. The mind can never wonder or else I'm left with a bunch of razor burn. Thanks for posting this thread it's a great reminder...also it makes me want to find an old school barber to go to from time to time just to remind myself what it should all feel like. [end rambling...]

Quote:

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Originally Posted by ace

Well, the ATG shave went pretty well, getting a pretty decent shave (PDS?) in under 7 minutes. The ATG pass went a bit stiffer than it would have after some prior beard reduction, but my face survived unscathed and the shave went quickly. I think we unknowingly dissuade some fellows from trying straight shaving because of all the time involved with preparation, etc. and all the talk of 45 minute shaves. Lots of those guys are getting perfectly acceptable shaves with their cartridges in two minutes and can't see trading that for 45 minutes of slashing up their faces.

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I don't think those guys understand it's more than just a necessary thing to do though. It's better for your skin. It's a skill. It's more environmentally friendly. In terms of economies of scale it's cheaper. And i never trusted badgers anyway..

As i put it once to try to describe to a girl i was talking to:

"It's like a woman having a bath with candles and oil and lotions etc. But for a guy. And not gay"

Quote:

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Originally Posted by porridgeorange

It's not poor technique...it's extreme exfoliation!

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:rofl2: