How long are you considered a "Newbie"

[craig94yj]

Good Ladies and Gentlemen,

This is a question that includes many variables. This forum alone is the equivalent of an institute for higher learning compared to trial and error. I started DE shaving around the second week in July and I have executed approximately 100 shaves. It should be also noted that I am a head shaver and did not continue to shave my head with carts until I was comfortable. I am an all or nothing type of person; which is why I shave my head in the first place. After being a noob for three weeks I purchased a Muhle R101/R41 and it has been my daily shaver ever since. As many can attest, poor technique with this razor is punished immediately! I rarely see a weeper or irritation and my skin looks and feels great. I have converted six friends over to DE shaving and my sister in-law still shaves her legs with carts (for the sake of speed she shaves with two razors at a time), but lathers now with a badger brush and C&E Sandalwood soap. So my question to everyone is; "How long are you considered a DE shaving Newbie here on the B&B?" Thank you in advance for your respected opinions.

 

[redrako]

Craig, nice question.

I would imagine at 100 shaves, that you're no longer a newb.

For me the answer was when I slowly realized that I was at the point when I could offer real advise based on my experience to other members. For those of us who like to dabble (or more ) in different shave products, perhaps we can share experiences and opinions on those products and some technique adaptations for those products.

Congratulations on preaching the good word about traditional shaving.

 

[Searlands]

Craig, nice question.

I would imagine at 100 shaves, that you're no longer a newb.

For me the answer was when I slowly realized that I was at the point when I could offer real advise based on my experience to other members. For those of us who like to dabble (or more ) in different shave products, perhaps we can share experiences and opinions on those products and some technique adaptations for those products.

Congratulations on preaching the good word about traditional shaving.

A fantastic reply Robert.

 

[dcobranchi]

"How long are you considered a DE shaving Newbie here on the B&B?"

I think it's more a question of considering yourself a n00b. I've never seen anyone in B&B derided for being a recent "convert." In fact, I think the only place around here that it makes any difference at all is in the B/S/T.

 

[TallyShave]

I have been at this about a year and a half and still consider myself somewhat of a newbie. I certainly know a lot more now than when I started, but I am still learning all the time. Things I was sure of after 6 months I now know to be completely wrong. I saw a post from a long time shaver saying something to the effect that "you don't really know anything until you have filled your first blade bank". I think there is some wisdom to that.

 

[riooso]

When you come to the conclusion that you will always be a newbie......makes you no longer a newbie.



Take Care,
Richard

 

[blzrfn]

Regardless of how new you are just realize that there is always something to learn and the best advice is sometimes given by somebody learning something for the first time. Many new shavers may post about something that old timers may have long forgot or take for granted. Don't view the term newbie as derogatory.

Dave
fellow newb

 

[Celester]

I saw a post from a long time shaver saying something to the effect that "you don't really know anything until you have filled your first blade bank". I think there is some wisdom to that.

I think I'm set to be a newbie for a long time...

 

[Dozer]

I sometimes still feel like a newbie. You know I was getting near BBS shaves everyday for a while and got lazy. Now I've been revisiting everything, and (un)fortunately my AD kicked back in. oh well, now that I'm out of school and have a steady income, I don't feel so bad when I order new creams/soaps/AS. So I guess my point is that you constantly learn, you constantly try new things. I don't think there is a line for anyone that says, oh hey, now you aren't a newbie anymore. It's gradual. Also nothing wrong with being a newbie. We all were at one point or another. I was just thinking to myself that I couldn't believe I've been DE shaving for over a year and a half. It's just part of my life now. I'm not as vocal about it as I once was. My brother was surprised when I mentioned I was still doing it. I would say when you consistently get a DFS you aren't a newbie. But once again, it's all relative.

 

[SteveWY]

These are all really insightful responses (what we expect here at B&B). I'm glad that we didn't answer something like "You are a noob for X months or until you have had XXX shaves". The best answer is you are probably a noob as long as you are still getting proficient and comfortable with your shaves. It's different for all of us. I think for me I was still trying to figure out lathering and my shaves were inconsistent for 5-6 months. Things really started clicking after 6-8 months in. Now I can pretty much get a great shave with about any razor, blade and soap combinatation if I stay true to my own prep and shave techniques. I don't think I will ever consider myself an expert but I am settled in and enjoy my shaves every day.

On another note, I think this community is great for new wetshavers and much of what I learned and experienced is because of the contributions and generosity of the members here!

 

[TallyShave]

I think I'm set to be a newbie for a long time...

LOL...yes I thought about that and hoped he was referring to the "standard" $1.00 white blade bank that many of the vendors sell. I still haven't filled my first one of those yet (although it is getting close).

 

[ouch]

"How long are you considered a DE shaving Newbie here on the B&B?"

The promotion committee convenes four times a year on the third Tuesday of the third, sixth, ninth, and twelfth month of the year, with the honorable luvmysuper presiding. Since you missed the last meeting on Sept 18, you're SOL until a week before Xmas. A notarized application should be forwarded to our offices no less than fourteen days in advance of the next scheduled promotion committee meeting for preliminary approval of your request for consideration. Specific details will then be provided regarding the exact time and place of the meeting (we have to frequently change venues, as we are often not welcomed back a second time), as well as any equipment you may need to bring. This will include, but is not limited to, your current favorite shave setup, a piece of paper, a lighter, a small pocket knive, some gauze bandage, and a blindfold.

Decisions of the committee are final, but you may feel free to reapply every three months.

 

[Celester]

LOL...yes I thought about that and hoped he was referring to the "standard" $1.00 white blade bank that many of the vendors sell. I still haven't filled my first one of those yet (although it is getting close).

I'm thinking it will rust before I fill it...

 

[Haggises]

9 months or so in, still learning, making mistakes and getting better at times.
Know almost enough to be dangerous, nowhere near enough to be expert.

But I no longer look in the mirror and say "Hey Noob, beer me"

 

[brother cavefish]

I would not worry to much about it ----just shave and BE

 

[mattymatt]

I considered my self a newbie untill I got consitant good results without having to think about it too much.

 

[jburghy]

It's all relative, man! Depends on your POV. Just continue to strive for improvement in your skills, and pass them along. Seems like you are already doing some of that, so good for you!

 

[celestino]

When everything becomes second-nature and you are getting great results, i assume.

 

[Agravic]

I will always be a 'seasoned newbie' no matter how much time lapses - proficient in some ways, always learning something new.

 

[sychodelix]

When you stop learning more, you are either dead or NEED MOAR STUFF!!