Thread: New guy trying to learn the ropes

As I'm sure some of you have noticed, I am somewhat lost here.I am sure that I am asking questions that I could find answers to if I kept looking.So instead of answering my questions(much aooreciated BTW),I wouldn't consider it rude if someone could just point me to the correct thread!LOL.

One question is concerning my strop.I have no idea who made it as it doesnt say anywhere on it and I got it off ebay...I am certain it is of superb quality.lol.One side of it looks to be,what I would call,plain tough leather.The other side is extremely smooth leather,almost suede smooth.What should I use each side for?The smooth side I understand is for finishing up,but what about the "rough" side?What do I do with that side,and how do I know when I am done?

My second question is about lingo.I know very little of the correct lingo.Spine,toe and heel I got.Don't know what styptic means...but I know it is magic!I shaved quite a few times before needing it(somehow)but found that it works quite well!I think "styptic" translates to "burns like a sumbitch!" in English.Could be wrong.But what about scales?Is that just another name for the handle?My razor was advertised as having black scales and I was expecting some kind of "grips" engraved into it.I was disappoitned that my Dovo was as plain as could be when it arrived.Oh well.So,scales just means handle,right?

All you need to know is in the WIKI, my friend.
Have a read there (I did - for hours), and all will be revealed.
There are also the stickies at the top of each sub-forum as well, that will give you a lot of useful information.
If there is a particular thing that you need to find, try using the search box at the top of each page.
I hope this helps.

You'll be better off learning the ropes by reading in the Wiki.
That's where the knowledge is and without it things can be tricky.

You are removing whiskers by moving a sharp blade repeatedly across your face.
And you've found a source of knowledge and great support: Straight Razor Place.

So head over to the Wiki, read all you can and prepare yourself to Straight Shave.
The Wiki will give you everything that you need to make that Straight Razor behave.

I re-read the wiki toady and I believe I may have found my problem.Too much pressure while stropping.Stropped myself silly with very light pressure today and got the best shave so far.Not sure if I got a lil razor burn or if its wind burn from riding the motorcycle today.LOL.I guess I'll know in a day or so

You need to ask specific questions (apart from the Wiki), most guys here will answer questions, regardless of if the answer is in the Wiki.

Yeah, scales are handles, but don't disregard them, they're important. They can add a lot of balance to your razor, they can be too large or too small, they can aid stropping or hinder it.

Do 30 laps (up and back) on the course leather and 70 on the smooth. Keep the strop taught and make sure you don't 'roll the edge' of the razor, that is, make sure the actual edge of the razor doesn't come in contact with the strop, don't lift the spine (thick edge opposite the cutting edge) up off the razor while the cutting edge is still in contact.

Take this whole life changing experience slowly, it deserves it. Ask questions. Share your thoughts, and never, NEVER go back to that plastic thing you used before....

Thank you for your time and reply.You answered in one post what it took me two days on the wiki to figure out!My biggest problem/regret right now is that i bought a razor that was not shave ready.I wanted to learn it all from top to bottom.While I dont regret wanting to learn,i just wish I hadn't started myself out behind the 8 ball,so to speak.Im working on my honing(i know, new guys shouldnt do this)and stropping,and every night it improves.Im far from what i see on here as BBS,but still way better than i ever got with my Mach lll.Also,the ingrown hair on my neck which i have been fighting since i started shaving 17 years ago have practically disappeared overnight since using a straight.My usual painful every other day shave had turned into a daily delight.It can only get better from here!

You've read the Wiki? Well then, you've just qualified yourself to ask all the darn questions you want. If I can't answer them, I'll make something up.

Apparently it is recommended here, and for good reason, that Newbies should not start honing too early. I must have missed this advice and was honing my razors before I started shaving with them. It is not recommended, but it can be done.

Welcome to the Forum, and ask away!

Our site is chock full of resource material and if folks are willing to spend some time wading through it they will find the answers to most of their questions and for someone starting out this is really the best way.

The problem is rookies will ask a question which to them is very simple, straight forward and easy to answer however to the veterans here we know the answer is complicated and can fill up pages of posts. It's kind of like going into a car dealership and the salesman asks can I help you and you say I want a car and he says what kind and you say I don't know tell me everything about every car you have and the competition too.

The folks here love to answer questions and help folks along trying to master straight and wet shaving in general. It works best once you have learned a little so you realize which way is up and then you can ask specific questions which are best answered in this kind of format.

Great to have another on board my friend!! Like they said above me, feel free to ask questions. The forums are broken up in such a way that specific questions might belong in a specific forum, but no question is disallowed here or anywhere else. I asked every dumb question there was once upon a time, and I learned one thing: The only dumb question is the one not asked!!

Welcome along on this ride brother! It's a long and windy road, a lot of fun on the way, and great things at the destination. hehehe.

Smooth shaving!

Mike

Originally Posted by shinyribs

As I'm sure some of you have noticed, I am somewhat lost here.I am sure that I am asking questions that I could find answers to if I kept looking.So instead of answering my questions(much aooreciated BTW),I wouldn't consider it rude if someone could just point me to the correct thread!LOL.

My second question is about lingo.I know very little of the correct lingo.Spine,toe and heel I got.Don't know what styptic means...but I know it is magic!I shaved quite a few times before needing it(somehow)but found that it works quite well!I think "styptic" translates to "burns like a sumbitch!" in English.Could be wrong.But what about scales?Is that just another name for the handle?My razor was advertised as having black scales and I was expecting some kind of "grips" engraved into it.I was disappoitned that my Dovo was as plain as could be when it arrived.Oh well.So,scales just means handle,right?

Welcome! You have come to the Friendliest, Helpful and Knowledgeable Site on the Web!Try this for a little info on lingo! Oh! Don't worry about a 'Plain Jane'! I have several and wouldn't part with one of them, including the 6/8 (3/4") Brand New Revisor I recently purchased! Again, Welcome!

Acronyms and Abbreviations - Straight Razor Place Wiki