Results 1 to 9 of 9
Like Tree14Likes
  • 12 Post By gssixgun
  • 1 Post By Birnando
  • 1 Post By roughkype

Thread: Beginners Tips: July 2012

  1. #1
    At this point in time... gssixgun's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2007
    Location
    North Idaho Redoubt
    Posts
    26,948
    Thanked: 13221
    Blog Entries
    1

    Cool Beginners Tips: July 2012

    Name:  IMG_3423.jpg
Views: 322
Size:  41.3 KB

    This past month one thing has really jumped out at me, as I read though the posts on SRP

    Why are there so many differing opinions with using Straight Razors ????

    As a beginner to this Hobby it can be pretty overwhelming to get a simple answer to a simple question sometimes, and I am going to try and explain why.


    The guy in the Mirror
    His opinion is really the most important one, and the first question you have to ask yourself to honestly answer is why do you want to use a Straight Razor..

    There are actually many factors here on SRP that influence that simple question so let's break it down a bit. Are you here because you are after the most comfortable shave possible, or perhaps the nostalgia of the process.. Perhaps you are here for the fact that unless you get hooked on collecting, this is method of shaving is much cheaper and environmentally friendly then disposables.
    Perhaps you are here because of the allure of the edge itself, and love sharp things, or you have skin problems and have heard that a SR can help eliminate them..
    They are a myriad of reasons that brought over 40,000 of us worldwide to this site, to discuss a simple chore that men have been doing for hundreds of years ..

    Lets look at one of the first questions that a Newb guy asks and break it down a bit to explain why so many different answers will be given..

    What razor should I buy??? simple enough right ???

    Not really..

    The guys that are here to save money, will point you toward the cheapest thing with an edge that can shave your face, usually with the line "Don't spend any more until you decide you like it".. Now to them this seems very logical.

    The guy that is here to get a great shave, might point you toward a Vendor who sells a new SR that comes with free honing and perhaps an extra free honing later down the road because he sees the advantage of this..

    The guy that loves the nostalgia and the hobby might point you toward e-bay, an SRP Vendor, or the SRP classifieds, for a vintage SR that has a history to it that he finds as the most appealing aspect...

    All these guys are not wrong, they are just telling you their opinion, if it matches yours so much the better, but if not then your first experience with a SR very well could be your last...

    This same theory applies to everything throughout our hobby

    What strop should I get
    What hone should I buy
    I need a brush, which one works best
    What soap/cream should I buy

    Take any of these questions and run it through the "Why are you here" filter and you end up with a mass confusion of different opinions and answers..

    When you are a beginner, try not to only read the recommendations, but also the reason that each person is giving for the recommendation, to see if it matches your reasons for getting into the hobby.. Although it can be a bit confusing you can navigate the minefield of opinions here on the site..
    One of the best ways to do that is find a person who's opinion and reasons for being here seem to match yours and just follow their advice, you might even try sending that person a PM and ask their specific opinion.. Most all of the members here, are more then willing to help a new guy get started down the right path for them..


    I hope that clarifies somewhat why there are so many different answers to the same questions, as always with these tips I encourage the Senior Members to add their thoughts and opinions to this thread...
    Last edited by gssixgun; 07-15-2012 at 04:26 PM.

  2. The Following 7 Users Say Thank You to gssixgun For This Useful Post:

    brenno (07-21-2012), Crzylizard (07-23-2012), Foxhill (07-15-2012), JackofDiamonds (07-15-2012), Johnus (07-22-2012), mapleleafalumnus (07-15-2012), roughkype (07-21-2012)

  3. #2
    < Banned User >
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Frozen Wasteland, eh
    Posts
    2,806
    Thanked: 334

    Default

    Thanks, Glen. You've given me something important to consider.

  4. #3
    Customized Birnando's Avatar
    Join Date
    Feb 2010
    Location
    Oslo, Norway
    Posts
    5,079
    Thanked: 1694

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gssixgun View Post

    Snip..

    One of the best ways to do that is find a person who's opinion and reasons for being here seem to match yours and just follow their advice, you might even try sending that person a PM and ask their specific opinion.. Most all of the members here, are more then willing to help a new guy get started down the right path for them..
    A very good set of points Glen!

    As you pointed out, finding someone like that, and getting the right advice would make a world of difference.
    Should you be able to find someone close to you, that you could meet up with, then even better.
    A face to face really is a great way to get past all the questions, and starting to enjoy your shaves

    I know that in this community there are tons of guys willing to help out!
    Bjoernar
    Um, all of them, any of them that have been in front of me over all these years....


  5. The Following User Says Thank You to Birnando For This Useful Post:

    gssixgun (07-20-2012)

  6. #4
    Senior Member jfleming9232's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2010
    Location
    Andalusia, Alabama
    Posts
    577
    Thanked: 125

    Default

    Excellent advice. I think this really captures the reason for most of the confusion a person that is new to this hobby will encounter. One thing to keep in mind, though, is that the reason(s) one is here is subject to change. That is why these varying opinions, although confusing, all have validity.
    Knowledge is power!
    Last night, I shot an elephant in my pajamas..........

  7. The Following User Says Thank You to jfleming9232 For This Useful Post:

    gssixgun (07-20-2012)

  8. #5
    aka shooter74743 ScottGoodman's Avatar
    Join Date
    Sep 2009
    Location
    SE Oklahoma/NE Texas
    Posts
    7,285
    Thanked: 1936
    Blog Entries
    4

    Default

    The advice on finding someone to follow their lead or someone local to mentor them is dead on Glen...Good Show! I know that the newbs ask newbs questions and they are enthusiastic about what they are learning, however some of the advice may not be tried and true when compared with a more experienced shaver or honer's advice.

    My advice for a newb is to listen to more experienced members who have a minimum of a few months into whatever task is at hand.

    Of course face to face mentoring is always the best...
    Southeastern Oklahoma/Northeastern Texas helper. Please don't hesitate to contact me.
    Thank you and God Bless, Scott

  9. The Following User Says Thank You to ScottGoodman For This Useful Post:

    gssixgun (07-20-2012)

  10. #6
    Senior Member blabbermouth
    Join Date
    Mar 2012
    Location
    Thunder Bay, Ontario, Canada
    Posts
    17,250
    Thanked: 3221

    Default

    That is very good advice to run things through that "filter". As with most things in life there is no single best/true way to get to a similar if not same result. There are many different ways and an individual has to find one that fits their personal needs. What works for me may not work for others. Once you get past that the rest is fairly easy.

    Bob

  11. The Following User Says Thank You to BobH For This Useful Post:

    gssixgun (07-20-2012)

  12. #7
    Who's that guy think he is... JoeSomebody's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jun 2011
    Location
    The North Coast, Ohio
    Posts
    2,454
    Thanked: 146

    Default

    Wow, I am truly impressed with how you distill the "facts" down to some answers that are very manageable for all of us.
    Luck is a matter of preparation meeting opportunity. ~Lucius Annaeus Seneca

  13. The Following User Says Thank You to JoeSomebody For This Useful Post:

    gssixgun (07-20-2012)

  14. #8
    'tis but a scratch! roughkype's Avatar
    Join Date
    Oct 2010
    Location
    Durango, Colorado
    Posts
    2,080
    Thanked: 443
    Blog Entries
    2

    Default

    Yes, new or newish shavers, don't hesitate to contact someone local if you're lucky enough to have one nearby. In-person demonstration and coaching is worth weeks or months of trying and erring and reading and watching videos, and I think most of us would be thrilled to share what we've learned.

    If there's a meetup within five hours drive, it's worth your drive time and a night in a motel. (September 30 in Denver, for you folks within that radius!)
    gssixgun likes this.
    "These aren't the droids you're looking for." "These aren't the droids we're looking for." "He can go about his business." "You can go about your business."

  15. The Following User Says Thank You to roughkype For This Useful Post:

    gssixgun (07-21-2012)

  16. #9
    Eagle-eyed Zephyr's Avatar
    Join Date
    Jan 2011
    Location
    Slemmestad, Norway
    Posts
    1,535
    Thanked: 418

    Default

    Quote Originally Posted by gssixgun View Post
    The guys that are here to save money, will point you toward the cheapest thing with an edge that can shave your face, usually with the line "Don't spend any more until you decide you like it".. Now to them this seems very logical.
    I figured out a long time ago this hobby won't save me a dime, rather the opposite, still this is the advice I usually give....

    Great set of advice! Finding someone who you can meet face to face and get advice from is worth a ton, I have learned a lot, specially when it comes to honing by hanging with the other guys up here
    It's not just the part where you learn something concrete, but also that you are able to discuss experiences and theories in a whole different way than when doing it on the forum.

    I've had a couple newbs coming to my place for a tutorial this summer, and even though it is kind of awkward to shave in front of another guy the first time, the feedback aftewards when they try for themselves is worth it, I wish I had someone to show me and help me going in the beginning
    Need help or tutoring? Check out the  .

    Rune

Posting Permissions

  • You may not post new threads
  • You may not post replies
  • You may not post attachments
  • You may not edit your posts
  •