Thread: Marine needs Senior Shaver advice

Needless to say (but I'll say it anyways), I am very new to the art of the straight.
As a Marine, the need for a shave on a daily basis is imperative. So, with that being said, I seek tips, hints and suggestions for those who have been at this game for a while.
A little bit about what I purchased (and forgive me if I purchased low quality items): Col. Conk's 5/8 perlx blade, 8k wet stone, and Col Conk's "standard" strop. Having with that is a badger brush for application, King Pre-shave oil and shea butter and some glycerine soap.
Please, point me in the right direction, so as I don't slit my throat from frustration!
Thank you in advance.
Dan
USMC

Dan, welcome aboard!!

First, let me thank you for being a Marine and serving our country. I can't tell you how proud I am of all our service men and women.

I can't speak to the stuff you listed but I believe you can get good service with it using good techniques. I would point you to a couple of threads:

1. http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=9841

Go down a few posts and I link to a couple of articles that discuss edge maintenance, stropping/honing technique and a video that demonstrates stropping.

2. http://straightrazorpalace.com/showthread.php?t=6759

I think the title will say it all.

If you can, order Lynn's DVD. It covers all the information about shaving with a straight, honing, stropping, creams, etc. A wonderful resource for a steal of a price.

When you get ready to purchase soaps, give Colleen a try. [email protected]

I wish I could offer you more advice but I'm still new at it myself.

Semper Fi

Although I am still learning as well, I can tell you that Lynn's DVD is really close to indispensable. The $19.95 is money well spent on a venture like this. I learned more in 3 hours than I learned in a month of reading articles on the subject, about the "how" to do things and plenty of the "why" as well. But then again, I am a really visual creature. Also check out the newbie section of the forum, lots of good advice in there for people like myself.

Dan, I'll assume that the morning shave is a rush rush thing in the core, unless you're an officer lol. You can go for the full routine on your off-days, but here's a good time-saving routine:
1) Wash your face and apply some brushless cream (like Lush Ambrosia and Palmolive Brushless)
2) Strop
3) Rinse your face and re-apply
4) Start shaving.
This could probably cut a 2-pass shave down to about 5min.

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

Dan, I'll assume that the morning shave is a rush rush thing in the core, unless you're an officer lol. You can go for the full routine on your off-days, but here's a good time-saving routine:
1) Wash your face and apply some brushless cream (like Lush Ambrosia and Palmolive Brushless)
2) Strop
3) Rinse your face and re-apply
4) Start shaving.
This could probably cut a 2-pass shave down to about 5min.

5 min for a 2 pass shave? Is that possible?

What you could also do is strop in the evening if you have a bit of time. that way your razor is instantly shaveready in the moring. At least, I don't see that it would make a difference.

I have never used pre-shave oil myself, but several people on this forum don't use it anymore because it makes it more difficult to properly stretch the skin during shaving, what with the slipperyness.

It's possible once you get the hang of it. The speed comes naturally. I've found the difference b/w stropping the night before and stropping while lathering drastic. It could be because I have substantial stubble and sensitive skin. In any case, stropping gives you something to do while waiting for the lather to do its work.

Welcome Dan, I would read up here and follow the advice that makes sense to you. It is a good idea to send your good razor to a pro for proper honing so that you have a benchmark for what a truly sharp razor feels like. Pay attention to proper stropping.

At the same time, pick up a cheap razor from ebay and learn to hone (buy Lynn's DVD. It helps immensely).

Go for comfortable shaves first. Closeness will come with practice. Touch up if needed, with a DE or whatever razor you use now.

Most of all, be patient and persistent. Enjoy

Jordan

stropping immediately before the shave should be much better as otherwise the edge has all the time to get out of the realignment the stropping achieves. Sure, if you have elephant leather skin who cares.

I am concerned about your need to rush it - especially when starting. Can you shave the night before you go to bed and take some more time to be careful? Even very experienced users cut themselves occasionally when they have to rush...

Another idea - if you shave the night before going to bed, shaving in the morning *might* be much easier and faster. Joe Lerch (unfortunately not here to expound) was experimenting with this and maintained a smooth shave shaving twice / day. I also think it didn't take him much time - but I am not sure.

Best of luck
Ivo

Thanks for the welcome and swift response times...We are looking for a few good men...
...anyways, for those of you who posted with the qiestion about "shaving the night before": I can. It's convenient, I have no problem with taking my time, and I certainly don't like the morning rush.
Second, I will look into the DVD from "Lynn" in order to improve my "rusty-shave". Doesn't sound like a bad purchase...plus, I need the see-to-learn approach.
I have a few more questions:
How long would you suggest leaving the lather set before shaving?
What are some good pre-shave lotions, oils or balms to use?
A second pass is all that should be needed, with perhaps a few touch ups?? If that's the case, I've done good.

Well, regardless, thanks in advance for your replies!

Dan
USMC

If you lather up first and then do your stropping thats probably all the time the lather needs. If you start on your face and do you neck and chin last that gives additional time for the tougher areas.

I don't use pre shave preps. I've tried the oils and didn't like them. Just use a hot towel on your face after you lather up just before shaving and then reapply the lather and you should be good to go.