So, this is long overdue. You guys, the B&B community, have absolutely spoiled me. Under your tutelage I have not only upgraded my DE ways but I have fallen in love with the art of straight shaving. It's not an art for me yet 
Or maybe it is, in the reductionist-modernist sense. That's being generous. There's nothing pretty about it yet except for the beautiful gear I've acquired! But the shaves, they are good! At least the sideburns which I've done thus far.
So with that, thanks to alabamalawyer for some great Omega boar brush/soap/AS additions. Much, much thanks to Ambrose for his beautiful http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96355&highlight=bruchand sharp-as-a-lightsaber T.Hessen Bruch german straight, circa late 1800's I believe? It's a beautiful razor, and barring any RAD, it'll be my one and only daily shaver! Also, stripec30 hooked me up with a Toni Miller Latigo/Fabric Artisan beauty of a strop for a great deal on BST! So yeah. Badger & Blade's BST and membership has been enormously helpful throughout the whole process.
I've been taking the time when I can to really take the time and learn. At this stage, I can pretty easily/quickly eliminate my sideburns/cheeks. The easy stuff. I haven't even gone for the chin/moustache/jawline/neck, more out of a desire to take my time than genuine fear. Yet at the same time, I kind of want to stay afraid so I respect the blade if you know what I mean.
So, my questions/concerns/observations.
1) I'm TERRIBLE with my left hand. I didn't feel safe/confident at all even holding the razor and making very small, deliberate passes on my cheek. Maybe it's bad form, but I felt very confident and smooth just taking over and doing everything with my right hand. Is this sacrilege? Is it stubborn/obstinate/silly to pursue the art of one-handed-ness?
2) For the chin area. With my DE, usually I suck my lip in kinda and puff out my chin if that makes sense. It pulls the skin taut and creates a nice "table" starting about a cm below my lip. Will this be sufficient for my straight as well? Does it just take practice to negotiate the natural angle changes around the chin?
3) Turning the razor around for ATG/neck. Are there any fundamentals about where to put the scales? i.e. in line with the blade, or maintaining the "L"? Is this dependent on my grip and also whether I'm learning to use my off-hand?
Wish me luck; I plan on going for gold in the next few days!
Or maybe it is, in the reductionist-modernist sense. That's being generous. There's nothing pretty about it yet except for the beautiful gear I've acquired! But the shaves, they are good! At least the sideburns which I've done thus far.
So with that, thanks to alabamalawyer for some great Omega boar brush/soap/AS additions. Much, much thanks to Ambrose for his beautiful http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=96355&highlight=bruchand sharp-as-a-lightsaber T.Hessen Bruch german straight, circa late 1800's I believe? It's a beautiful razor, and barring any RAD, it'll be my one and only daily shaver! Also, stripec30 hooked me up with a Toni Miller Latigo/Fabric Artisan beauty of a strop for a great deal on BST! So yeah. Badger & Blade's BST and membership has been enormously helpful throughout the whole process.
I've been taking the time when I can to really take the time and learn. At this stage, I can pretty easily/quickly eliminate my sideburns/cheeks. The easy stuff. I haven't even gone for the chin/moustache/jawline/neck, more out of a desire to take my time than genuine fear. Yet at the same time, I kind of want to stay afraid so I respect the blade if you know what I mean.
So, my questions/concerns/observations.
1) I'm TERRIBLE with my left hand. I didn't feel safe/confident at all even holding the razor and making very small, deliberate passes on my cheek. Maybe it's bad form, but I felt very confident and smooth just taking over and doing everything with my right hand. Is this sacrilege? Is it stubborn/obstinate/silly to pursue the art of one-handed-ness?
2) For the chin area. With my DE, usually I suck my lip in kinda and puff out my chin if that makes sense. It pulls the skin taut and creates a nice "table" starting about a cm below my lip. Will this be sufficient for my straight as well? Does it just take practice to negotiate the natural angle changes around the chin?
3) Turning the razor around for ATG/neck. Are there any fundamentals about where to put the scales? i.e. in line with the blade, or maintaining the "L"? Is this dependent on my grip and also whether I'm learning to use my off-hand?
Wish me luck; I plan on going for gold in the next few days!
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