That Perfect Shave

nteeman · Post by **nteeman** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 7:42 am

Ever notice that sometimes when one is really trying to get that perfect shave it just keeps falling short; then, when one is not trying for perfection, just a close comfortable shave you find perfection.

???

Squire · Post by **Squire** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 8:00 am

Yeah, I figure the Shave Gods frown upon us when we try too hard.

drumana · Post by **drumana** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 9:19 am

Trying too hard is a sure way to loose the experience.

"Do or do not... there is no try." - Yoda

marsos52 · Post by **marsos52** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 2:39 pm

that has happened to me too many times

marc

LookingGlass · Post by **LookingGlass** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 5:20 pm

Kind of hard to explain...

Sometimes I find myself rushing through a shave and all of a sudden I say to myself, "Slow down and enjoy." A good, slow shave is something to enjoy and most comforting.

Ed

Greenhouse · Post by **Greenhouse** » Sun Oct 09, 2011 6:47 pm

Yep, it's kind of like a golf swing: my best shots are when I'm not trying too hard -- just relaxing and letting it happen.

Same with shaving.

- Greenhouse.

Quarterstick · Post by **Quarterstick** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:17 am

Oh yes, I was there yesterday. Having a good shave and decided to push it a little farther. Needless to say, I am taking a day or two off.

brothers · Post by **brothers** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 9:19 pm

Sometimes I can catch myself tending to give it just another pass or two, then I force myself to say "this shave is OVER", and put down the razor. Sometimes when I forget to do that, and just keep pushing is when bad things can happen.

churchilllafemme · Post by **churchilllafemme** » Mon Oct 10, 2011 11:08 pm

"Beginner's mind" helps me. When I feel like I'm learning, then I get a great shave.

JayTrek · Post by **JayTrek** » Wed Oct 26, 2011 9:06 pm

I fight this a lot.

Sometimes it is hard to take my time, and yet keep a light touch. When I am trying to get that perfect shave...I always end up applying too much pressure on the razor.

jbc · Post by **jbc** » Thu Oct 27, 2011 5:30 am

Guess I am lucky, very lucky. I learned many moons ago when I started this wet shaving that my skin could care less what I use or if I try hard or not it all comes out perfect. This morning I used my trusty swiss army knife, and it came out perfect (as soon as I learned to keep the blade sharp and level, the bulk of the handle is a real challenge and its the reason why we have dedicated razors to just shaving). I have shaved with everything with a blade on it I can think of and as long as I keep the blade level it makes little difference what I use, str8 or anything else.

TommyDawg · Post by **TommyDawg** » Sun Oct 30, 2011 5:08 pm

Greenhouse wrote:Yep, it's kind of like a golf swing: my best shots are when I'm not trying too hard -- just relaxing and letting it happen.

Same with shaving.

- Greenhouse.

RIGHT ON!

Tom

Jonnieboy61 · Post by **Jonnieboy61** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 8:13 am

As a convert back to DE shaving for the last seven years or so, I feel that getting that consistent close/perfect shave comes with method shaving.

At first I tried all sorts of methods and tools (largely suggested from this site) and it wasn't until I found what worked for me that I now feel happy with my shaves. Method shaving for me is all about the prep, the use of the same tools and materials, but most important the the way the shave unfolds, the way you hold the razor, the way we stretch our face either through muscle control or just the use of your other hand. Basically shaving the same way every day. Changing things now for me would be a disaster I feel.

Captain Pre-Capsize · Post by **Captain Pre-Capsize** » Tue Nov 08, 2011 9:21 pm

Then we really try to make it happen and.... styptic time!

ateace · Post by **ateace** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 8:39 am

Shaves will generally improve over time with repetition, as technique gradually becomes more refined.

Using a steady setup is a plus, at least for starters.

Knowing when to stop is a key element in the process.

Trumperman · Post by **Trumperman** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 1:34 pm

"Don't think, shave............"

Regards,

Bill

nteeman · Post by **nteeman** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 4:26 pm

Trumperman wrote:"Don't think, shave............"

Regards,

Bill

"I can't hit and think at the same time." Yogi Berra, after being counseled to think more about what pitch he was swinging at during an at bat - which led to a strike-out looking.

Bill's quote is so true. As I reflect, part of what makes shaving such a precious experience for me is that during that time my mind is totally absorbed with the task at hand and there is no space for other distracting thoughts.

Obie · Post by **Obie** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 5:48 pm

Gentlemen, for me, the perfect shave is:

When the lather feels like a ride in a Rolls Royce,
When the blade wears silk like an F. Scott Fitzgerald sentence,
When the Truefitt & Hill Spanish Leather intoxicates like Isaac Albeniz,
When the spirit anticipates the next morning's shave.

Dale · Post by **Dale** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 8:20 pm

Obie wrote:Gentlemen, for me, the perfect shave is:

When the lather feels like a ride in a Rolls Royce,
When the blade wears silk like an F. Scott Fitzgerald sentence,
When the Truefitt & Hill Spanish Leather intoxicates like Isaac Albeniz,
When the spirit anticipates the next morning's shave.

Obie, I like your style. :) Glad you are here.

Obie · Post by **Obie** » Tue Nov 22, 2011 8:54 pm

Dale, my dear friend, thank you for the kind words. I am delighted to be here.