The Learning Curve

matt321 · Post by **matt321** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 10:38 am

With all you need to know, straight razor shaving has taken me a while to get up to speed. The actual shaving process, the stropping, learning to make lather, acquiring a decent brush, honing, learning how to tighten scales, etc.

I've been at it about three years and I've noticed the shaves have been really nice now. I think I still have room to improve though.

So here is a question for you. How long does it take to go from beginner to expert? I'd say about five years; maybe less if you start honing for others to gain more experience.

EL Alamein · Post by **EL Alamein** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 1:21 pm

I've been doing it for about 25 years and I still learn things.

Chris

Post by **drmoss_ca** » Wed Sep 22, 2010 1:42 pm

If it didn't take some skill, it wouldn't be any fun. When I can guarantee perfection without having to make any effort I shall grow a beard!

Chris

jbc · Post by **jbc** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:30 am

The day I stop learning is the day I find a pine box in the ground to go live in.

Blue As A Jewel · Post by **Blue As A Jewel** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 10:51 am

I'm at the beginning of my curve... I figure a couple more weeks and I'm good...

Big Swifty · Post by **Big Swifty** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 6:41 pm

Ravi,
I'm not even at the beginning of my curve.. I just have a peaked interest. I ordered Chris's book from Lulu and I figure I would read that first before I make any decision of what equipment I need. I am probably a ways off before I actually shave with a straight, but I feel it is natural progression of this hobby of ours.

JimDandy · Post by **JimDandy** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 6:51 pm

Big Swifty wrote:I ordered Chris's book from Lulu and I figure I would read that first before I make any decision of what equipment I need. I am probably a ways off before I actually shave with a straight, but I feel it is natural progression of this hobby of ours.

... he said, wandering dangerously close to the top of the slippery slope.

Regards,

Les

Big Swifty · Post by **Big Swifty** » Thu Sep 23, 2010 7:07 pm

Yeah Les, I know... I know.
I see all the goodies involved such as strops, paddle strops, hones, oils, pastes, sprays, razors themselves, and indeed it all seems rather pricey, but curiosity has a firm grip on me and I am rather intrigued.

shavedhead · Post by **shavedhead** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 9:49 am

i believe that once the user understands that it is not the razor but the angle he shaves at and realizes that pressure is not required for close shave then they have learned how to use a straight razor but it takes others longer than others to understand this concept.

Post by **drmoss_ca** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 10:18 am

shavedhead wrote:i believe that once the user understands that it is not the razor but the angle he shaves at and realizes that pressure is not required for close shave then they have learned how to use a straight razor but it takes others longer than others to understand this concept.

Good advice.

Chris

notthesharpest · Post by **notthesharpest** » Fri Sep 24, 2010 11:55 am

shavedhead wrote:i believe that once the user understands that it is not the razor but the angle he shaves at and realizes that pressure is not required for close shave then they have learned how to use a straight razor but it takes others longer than others to understand this concept.

It's possible to understand and still do it wrong. I have proved that.

But essentially you're still right.

Montecristo #2 · Post by **Montecristo #2** » Thu Nov 04, 2010 4:54 am

Some good advice here....