Hello all,
just a few things I’ve learned the hard way that can hopefully help out a fellow newbie. Heck, some insightful replies may also help me out!
I’ve been using the straight razor for just about a year. I’d guess ~100-150 shaves since I can slack off when I work from home. Somewhere around 50 shaves, the terror factor vanished. I am now confident handling the razors. I know it sounds sick, but I kind of miss the terror and magic.
for the newbie: Trying to find the perfect razor? The one razor for life? Don’t stress like I did over finding the perfect razor and don’t spend a fortune on your first one. You don’t want a ton of money invested only to find out it isn’t for you. Just Buy one that you like. Do you want a fancy sparkly imitation mother of pearl handled razor with loads of etching and gold plating? Get one. Want one that is understated in appearance? get it. The one thing I’d recommend is staying away from spike or french point razors when learning. I found they are a great way for me (a novice) to give my self bloody red lines. LOL. Why shouldn’t you stress over finding the perfect razor for your first one? The one razor you will have for life? You’re going to end up with a drawer full of them over time. I sure did. Don’t discount the old stuff from the 1940s and earlier. Lots of hidden gems in there, and not always what everyone raves about and drives prices into the stratosphere for.
Yes, make sure it is properly honed and shave ready. That has been discussed ad nauseum in the threads, so I’m not going to cover it.
Also, beware of all the absolutes out there. “A beginner must start with a 5/8” half to 3/4 hollow razor.” nope. If you find a 6/8” extra hollow singing razor works best for you (like I did) when learning, stick with it. if it’s a 7/8” wedge, stick with it. Use what works for you to get your basic skills down.
THE EPIPHANY FOR ME:
Every now and then I’d get a part of a shave or even a full shave that was just incredibly comfortable and easy. It was like the razor was just wiping noisy shaving cream off my face. Other times it would seem like I was forcing the razor through the whiskers and I could never figure it out. Unfortunately, I changed two things at once so I can’t say of it was one or the other, but every shave since then has been the comfortable easy shave.
1. I picked up a 16k Shapton to finish after my 12k Naniwa.
2. I saw a video that directed me to a 1905 booklet called “Shaving Made Easy”. Chapter 11 “The Soap” states that you should dry your face well before lathering. I have attached the pertinent pages to this message. Now I thoroughly dry and get the lather started a little in a bowl, but really build it on my face giving it time to infiltrate the whiskers.
I Had been trying to figure out why all the videos of straight razor shaving seemed so effortless while I was having to force the blade through the whiskers. By ”force”, I’m talking some level of effort probably measured in ounces, not having to pull with all my might. No the razor was not dull, and no it wasn’t pulling my whiskers and causing pain. It just required force to clip the whiskers. Now it doesn’t. Between these two things, I have consistently gotten the effortless shaves that are smooth and comfortable.
if I had to guess, my money is on the change in how I prep and lather. I don’t think there can be much difference between a shave off a 12k vs a 16k finished blade.
i hope this is helpful to someone.
just a few things I’ve learned the hard way that can hopefully help out a fellow newbie. Heck, some insightful replies may also help me out!
I’ve been using the straight razor for just about a year. I’d guess ~100-150 shaves since I can slack off when I work from home. Somewhere around 50 shaves, the terror factor vanished. I am now confident handling the razors. I know it sounds sick, but I kind of miss the terror and magic.
for the newbie: Trying to find the perfect razor? The one razor for life? Don’t stress like I did over finding the perfect razor and don’t spend a fortune on your first one. You don’t want a ton of money invested only to find out it isn’t for you. Just Buy one that you like. Do you want a fancy sparkly imitation mother of pearl handled razor with loads of etching and gold plating? Get one. Want one that is understated in appearance? get it. The one thing I’d recommend is staying away from spike or french point razors when learning. I found they are a great way for me (a novice) to give my self bloody red lines. LOL. Why shouldn’t you stress over finding the perfect razor for your first one? The one razor you will have for life? You’re going to end up with a drawer full of them over time. I sure did. Don’t discount the old stuff from the 1940s and earlier. Lots of hidden gems in there, and not always what everyone raves about and drives prices into the stratosphere for.
Yes, make sure it is properly honed and shave ready. That has been discussed ad nauseum in the threads, so I’m not going to cover it.
Also, beware of all the absolutes out there. “A beginner must start with a 5/8” half to 3/4 hollow razor.” nope. If you find a 6/8” extra hollow singing razor works best for you (like I did) when learning, stick with it. if it’s a 7/8” wedge, stick with it. Use what works for you to get your basic skills down.
THE EPIPHANY FOR ME:
Every now and then I’d get a part of a shave or even a full shave that was just incredibly comfortable and easy. It was like the razor was just wiping noisy shaving cream off my face. Other times it would seem like I was forcing the razor through the whiskers and I could never figure it out. Unfortunately, I changed two things at once so I can’t say of it was one or the other, but every shave since then has been the comfortable easy shave.
1. I picked up a 16k Shapton to finish after my 12k Naniwa.
2. I saw a video that directed me to a 1905 booklet called “Shaving Made Easy”. Chapter 11 “The Soap” states that you should dry your face well before lathering. I have attached the pertinent pages to this message. Now I thoroughly dry and get the lather started a little in a bowl, but really build it on my face giving it time to infiltrate the whiskers.
I Had been trying to figure out why all the videos of straight razor shaving seemed so effortless while I was having to force the blade through the whiskers. By ”force”, I’m talking some level of effort probably measured in ounces, not having to pull with all my might. No the razor was not dull, and no it wasn’t pulling my whiskers and causing pain. It just required force to clip the whiskers. Now it doesn’t. Between these two things, I have consistently gotten the effortless shaves that are smooth and comfortable.
if I had to guess, my money is on the change in how I prep and lather. I don’t think there can be much difference between a shave off a 12k vs a 16k finished blade.
i hope this is helpful to someone.
Grip and blade angles were problematic to, and something I had to work through.
