Thread: I signed up for a class with Shorty in NYC

The link below includes the reaction of some of the members to the article at the time. It is funny, I think gugi posted the article. Perhaps you can tell us about how the classes really are ;-). I would be interested, definitely.

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...ow-not-do.html

Al raz.

he-he, yeah i saw that article and thought the author had a serious problem - his attitude seemed dooming him to failure.
i think it's excellent idea to see how this is done in person before you jump in, but most of us with no access to hands on demo had managed without one.
looking forward to your experience, i'm sure that the class is better than the nyt article made it look.

your 'new' razor looks good, you'll probably have to decide whether you prefer a shinier blade or the etching, but it looks like a quick once over with rennaisance wax and it'll be ready for honing the chip out.

Ok,
Since many of you asked for more information on Shorty's class, I will go into a little more detail. The class is held the first Sunday of every month at 10:30 am, at the FSC barber shop in the West Village, 5 Horatio Street. Shorty mentioned that he has been giving the class for three years.

Here is a link to some pictures of the place.

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There were about six people in the class, with a lot of young guys, at least from what I could tell. You are asked to not shave for two days before the class. For those guys who had shaved more recently than that, I think they got the smoothest shaves, not surprising.

Shorty provides a couple of handouts for the class. There is one on the history of barbering and another one with pictures of how to shave yourself with a straight. I forget the author of the second handout but it is well known in the community.

You get a bag of goodies, some shaving supply samples, a pack of Derby blades, and a student straight razor that lets you insert half of a double edged razor in the shank and shave with it like a straight. Now, I am sure this is not as good as shaving with a real full bladed straight but I guess it has to do for purposes of the class. Shorty mentioned something about health regulations requiring that a barber swap out blades after every shave. I don't know if this is the reason we were using student razors or because of the risk and expense of giving students real straights to use.

Anyway, the class started with a shave the balloon lesson. Nobody popped a balloon in our class. It is amazing how much pressure you can put on a balloon and not pop it. If you get it right, you can take some of the color off of the balloon.

After the balloon drill, we were led through a pre-shave drill with oil, some initial shaving cream like lotion, and then shaving cream from their cool little hot shaving cream dispensers. After that, you go to work on yourself. Shorty demonstrates all the grips and helps you get the hang of tightening your skin and moving the blade slowly, with small strokes, using your wrist. Some guys were better than others and some of us got cut a little, but nobody was seriously hurt.

Somebody mentioned that the Times reporter did quite a number on himself, I think he turned his head while holding the straight against his face. Evidently, the guy was very interested in getting the pictures of the blood. As far as I know, none of the bloody pictures made it into the paper.

After we shaved our cheeks, we worked on our throats, learning how to hold the skin taut, and then we moved on to the chin and the moustache area. After that, we went through an after shave routine, using cold towels that we whipped around outside. We put on some alcohol free aftershave and used some barbers paper towels to blot our faces.

I came out with a pretty bad shave, but I didn't expect much from my first experiment with a straight. I think it was a good learning experience. It helps to be in a room full of guys who are trying to learn the same skill. It also helps to have an experienced straight razor user give you tips on how to handle the razor. I think it would be unrealistic for anybody to think they would become proficient after one class. It is a start. Everybody has to start somewhere.

By the way, the class cost $75. They have various products for sale as well, by Sharps and Baxter, etc. Let me know if you have any more questions.

I think you did good and I applaud Shorty for teaching what has got to be a pretty unique class.

Once you get a real straight razor, one pre honed by a pro, you will see a world of difference. Night and day really.

Agreed, you'll love the feel of a real straight that has been sharpened by one of the honemeisters.

Thank you very much for the write up on the class. Sounds like a good introduction. With the importance of prep and stretching, it looks like it gives a good idea of the basics!

Thanks for the report. I'm tempted to take the class just to check it out. That looks like a nice razor you got there. I'd send it out to be restored by a pro. Enjoy!

Jordan

Oh, and that chip looks like it could be pretty easily fixed by one of our expert restorers (check the classifieds). They could make that rzor look good as new! (or better if you want!)

Thanks everybody! Yes, I will be sending the razor out to get it honed and have the chip taken out of it. I'm glad to hear that it is not too serious.

Regards,

Larry

Yeah that chip is really nothing special, and can be fixed without a problem. Find one of our honemeisters near you and contact him to ask for a price and shipping info.