Thread: How long to master the straight?

Well, I've been doing this long enough to have a pretty good idea what it's all about but all I need to do is try a different stroke with the other hand and I'm a rookie all over again.

How long have you got?

The more I learn the more I know I need to learn, GrassHopper........

If I swapped the word 'master' to 'feel comfortable using' I'd say a year.

These days I can say I know what I'm doing, but I'm not a master at all....

It has been going really well for me, a 6 weeks in I can get a nice shave in one pass with only the occasional nick, maybe a little patch or two to touch up. I suspect I am at an advantage as I used to tattoo professionally. I've already got the manual dexterity for it and strong hands.

Seems like the word Master might be a little too loaded, I think I understand the intent.
Here's one back at you: how long to enjoy shaving with a straight? Day one, and keep going.

Well stated my friend. Just try to be comfortable. The journey is a lot of fun.

The best thing I did to help my shaving technique is to stop shaving on weekends only and to start shaving every day with a straight razor. You learn not only technique but razor care much more quickly.

I'll sum it up like this: As long as it takes, everyone learns with different speed.
The basics are easier to get down, the fine details such as getting total BBS everywhere on the face, take longer.

Don't be surprised if it takes you a couple of years to become "highly proficient". There are so many levels and the each of us needs to accomplish are all very different. For instance, is your beard very thin and comprised of very fine hairs? Someone who has one a very dense, thick haired beard is going to have different needs from honing to shaving prep. Honing is a major issue for some people because a properly honed razor tends to make the shave easier and at the same time cuts down on nicks.

Just enjoy the ride.


Later,
R