Thread: Teaching a child

My little cousin will be reaching the shaving age in around a year. I'm still pretty new to shaving with a straight, but I think in that time I should become proficient enough to teach him. And that's where my question lies. Do you think it's a good idea to try and teach a 13 year old to use a straight, or let him get acquainted with regular shaving first? My girlfriend's mother brought up the issue of acne and other hormone laden skin changes. So if anyone has any insight I would greatly appreciate it.

I think it depends on what his parents have to say about the matter. If they're fine, then I say go for it and see if he's even got an interest. 100 years ago, this wasn't even an option...kids HAD to learn on a straight razor and unlike us, by the time his hair got nice and tough, he was already an expert on getting rid of it.

The additional face care associated with str8 shaving may help reduce his acne issues.

Very much depends on what the boy's parents have to say. I don't see why not. Straights are not dangerous provided that they are used for their intended purpose. I had pocket knives at that age.

Problem is if he starts straight shaving at a very young age, he'll likely develop HAD quite young also and resort to stealing to fuel the habit as his pocket money will never support Cotis and Jnats, not to mention Eschers. So you'd be turning him into a criminal indirectly.

Either that or he'll discover ebay and continue to inflate the prices of just about everything that is related to straights.

Definitely not a good idea. Tell him that beards are in. And so are electric razors.

funny..I thought about teaching my nephew how to use a str8 razor..but he doesnt have nuff facial whiskers..plus his mom (my sister)..would go bonkers..lol..you never know til you try!..but my nephew opt'd for an electric machine

pcdad

So far you're saying exactly what I wanted to hear. His parents should be ok with it, except his father has had a beard for 30 years so he may be biased. If anyone has had any actual experience with a similar situation, maybe with a son or nephew etc. that would be great too. Thanks for the quick answers.

Haha you posted as I typed, I'm glad I'm not in the boat alone though.

We started JrJoed out with his grandfather's Gillette Superspeed DE when he was 13 and within 6 months he had switched over to a straight. He never had much of an acne problem though so I can't help you out there. He's now 15 and loving every minute of it and it's been a great bonding experience with him and his dad

Have you asked the kid about it?

Asides from parents opinion a lot depend on the boy. Is he mature, reasonable and dexterous or is he childish, slapdash and clumsy. Most important is he interested?

My son is 10 and I suspect that I will start him off with one of my mild DE's but if he is interested in str8's I would be happy to let him learn, his mother may have other ideas though.