Have you taught anyone how to shave with a DE/Straight?

[Augusto87]

Hey guys,

I know many of you have introduced people to wetshaving but I was wondering if any of you have actually taught family members or friends how to shave with a DE or a straight.

My little brother, who is 15 years old, is always asking me about my new soaps, creams and other shaving goods when I realised that he might have to start shaving within 3 or so years. I was thinking of teaching him how to shave with my Merkur classic without a blade of course. That way he'll become accustomed to the weight and how to orientate the razor around his big mug.

Do any of you have similar experiences?

 

[TheHatter]

Sort...don't think my 6 year old is going to be shaving in the next 3 years or anything, but he does like lathering himself up with my brush and pretending he's shaving with my DE (blade removed of course). Start 'em young I guess.

 

[grouse79]

Gave my 61 year old dad a brief lesson when he borrowed my DE razor last year to tidy up his beard during a holiday. I found it ironic considering he was of an age to shave when DEs were still common but I don't think he was fussed about shaving and used an electric then Bics for beard tidying. Fortunately he found the DE to be far better than anything he remembers using and I got him one for Christmas.

Aren't 15 year olds usually shaving a bit, even if it's just the upper lip once a week?

 

[Augusto87]

Aren't 15 year olds usually shaving a bit, even if it's just the upper lip once a week?

He's got a bit of that upper lip fluff but he hasn't started shaving. I guess it's my job to teach him my father never taught me. Thank heavens for that since my father looks like he shaves with a 800 grit waterstone.

 

[Leche]

I've given a few people detailed pointers. I fully intent to teach my son how to straight shave and hone when he is old enough. He's three right now.

 

[RichGem]

Nope, not yet. When brining up the subject I mostly get that polite, but glazed look that indicates someone thinks I've just gone insane but is too polite to say so.

Now, I just recommend that folks shave with as few blades as possible if they're having problems. That seems to get a better reception and open a door or two by the merest crack.

 

[mdunn]

Ive shown my brother a couple of times. I dont think he'll ever take it up, but he enjoys the shaves.

(actually, I just finished a shave, me with a straight, him with a gem)

 

[Skygod]

I had the opportunity to show an ex-squeezes 16yo how to remove the bum fluff off his top lip. No idea if he persevered or not though.

 

[Mr Peat]

I taught my brother how to do it the proper way with a DE razor. His is a Gillette from probably the 1970's or 1980's. He found it in the furnace while cleaning it one time. Amazing the DE wasn't damaged at all.

He enjoyed the process and how he felt afterwords, but didn't like that it took upto 30 minutes to do a proper shave.

Edited to add the following:

A friend showed me the extra steps like with making the shaving cream and Witch hazel. I used a DE for many years so I was accustomed to multiple passes. I still have my original DE some where in one of my boxes. I need to find it and pull it out.

 

[Emmett]

I've "taught" my gf, insofar as she's watched me, decided to try it, was given a couple pointers, and took off with it. Leg shaving is much more straight forward than the face. Lower hair density and fewer angles.

 

[humber burns]

There are also a lack of cowlicks on ones legs.

 

[humber burns]

Aren't 15 year olds usually shaving a bit, even if it's just the upper lip once a week?

It's really an individual thing (even within families.) For instance at age 15 I had a thicker beard than some grown men I know, but my brother didn't really start shaving till he was 16 or 17.

I do however highly recomend that if your brother is starting to get the upper lip fluff, that you get him shaving pronto... nothing looks worse than a dirty teen stache! Actually I take that back, I went to school with a guy who had peache fuzz mutton chops... Impressive but absolutely rediculous!

As to the original question I'm probably going to be giving one of my friends a DE shaving lesson in the very near future, and I'll give my brother on if he asks.

Good luck!

 

[The Knize]

Taught my 21 yo son to shave with a straight.

He wants to be a surgeon. To my complete surprise, he was excellent immediately. Much better than I was. But he was very patient and very precise.

Otherwise, I do not think I have been very helpful to anyone on-line. I do not think anyone I have encouraged to give shaving with a straight a try has stuck with it.

 

[grouse79]

It's really an individual thing (even within families.) For instance at age 15 I had a thicker beard than some grown men I know, but my brother didn't really start shaving till he was 16 or 17.

I do however highly recomend that if your brother is starting to get the upper lip fluff, that you get him shaving pronto... nothing looks worse than a dirty teen stache! Actually I take that back, I went to school with a guy who had peache fuzz mutton chops... Impressive but absolutely rediculous!

As to the original question I'm probably going to be giving one of my friends a DE shaving lesson in the very near future, and I'll give my brother on if he asks.

Good luck!

I can remember when I was about 12 or 13 one or two of the pupils in their last year of school (17-18) had quite heavy beards. They must have had some impressive early growth. I made an attempt to grow one at about 15 and didn't shave for 3 weeks or so - it was only a twice a week thing anyway - but eventually I was told I looked fuzzy and unkempt and directed towards the bathroom.

 

[OpusX]

I taught my brother how to do it the proper way with a DE razor. His is a Gillette from probably the 1970's or 1980's. He found it in the furnace while cleaning it one time. Amazing the DE wasn't damaged at all.

He enjoyed the process and how he felt afterwords, but didn't like that it took upto 30 minutes to do a proper shave.

Edited to add the following:

A friend showed me the extra steps like with making the shaving cream and Witch hazel. I used a DE for many years so I was accustomed to multiple passes. I still have my original DE some where in one of my boxes. I need to find it and pull it out.

You're welcome my friend

Edit to add:
Besides showing MrPeat the extra steps, I've also taught a cop friend of mine how to shave with the DE. I helped him pick out some razors, blades, soaps, creams and aftershaves and then just pointed him in the direction of mantic's videos. A week or two later he, MrPeat and I had a little shaving school in my bathroom and the rest is history.