Thread: *Finally* Mantic's Straight Razor Video Primer

Thank you Peter.

geofatboy does show various alternate methods of holding the razor.
I have yet to try them but will in the next day or two and report back.

Mickey

Originally Posted by mickeyobe

I am 80 years old and have just discovered the pleasure of shaving with a brush and a single edge razor. I am happily using an old Rolls Razor that I reconditioned.

I would now like to try a straight razor, yes, a cutthroat.
I have viewed your video numerous times as I have with so many of your other excellent tutorials.

As I am about to start I run into an obstacle that I do not know how to overcome.
Lathered up. Razor positioned properly in my hand. I put it on my face.
I lose sight of where it contacts my face!!!
Scraping a cutthroat blindly over my face intimidates me.

What am I doing wrong?

Please help if there is help.

Mickey Oberman

You do need some confidence in your strokes, but it if you keep them short, light and a low degree angle that will get you started without killing yourself - even if it's a little more difficult to see completely due to your angle in the mirror or cream. It's been awhile since your post. How is it going now?

RADisorder,

Thank you for your reply.

I do indeed lack confidence in my strokes - those that I cannot see.
Eventually I may build up the courage to try again - perhaps.
I am really trying.

I have gone back to my Rolls in which I have complete confidence and a sort of love affair.
I have devised ways of resuscitating broken and cracked hones and ugly petrified strops.
The Rolls is one of those creations that was near perfection when it was first introduced and a few minor subsequent
improvements have created the Stradivarius of shaving instruments.

When and if I make a successful return to the cutthroat I will let you know.

Many thanks,

Mickey

Originally Posted by mickeyobe

RADisorder,

Thank you for your reply.

I do indeed lack confidence in my strokes - those that I cannot see.
Eventually I may build up the courage to try again - perhaps.
I am really trying.

I have gone back to my Rolls in which I have complete confidence and a sort of love affair.
I have devised ways of resuscitating broken and cracked hones and ugly petrified strops.
The Rolls is one of those creations that was near perfection when it was first introduced and a few minor subsequent
improvements have created the Stradivarius of shaving instruments.

When and if I make a successful return to the cutthroat I will let you know.

Many thanks,

Mickey

Mickey,

I think I may know a little bit about how you feel. I'm only 7 straight shaves in myself. I believe it's going ok considering I'm new to this. But, I'll finish a shave thinking it wasn't so bad and then break out my Muhle R89 I've been using a few months and it puts the straight to shame, for now. Although my shaves are decent with the vintage straight, I do have doubts that the edge is as good as it could be and I have a brand new one on the way.

If and when you try again you may want to try another edge just to be sure, as I'm doing. I don't know much about the Rolls, but it sounds like a great razor. Enjoy, no matter what you decide to do. Sounds like you have a pretty great shave already and the straight is a neat experiment.

-Derek