That would be the sensible way to do it and limit the variables to hone technique but some people (myself included!) find it hard not to be tempted by new hardware/software when you see what people post in the SOTDs etc.
Is it good advice for a beginner?
- Thread starter R181
- Start date
The point being that shaving with a cart and goo is definitely not the same as shaving with a safety razor, brush and shave soap. Yes, they are both shaving but not not the same. In fact, many habits learned when shaving with carts will have to be unlearned when using safety razors as well as having to learn new things not encountered using carts.
Another example of that is a beginner to honing a straight razor thinking that because they can sharpen a knife honing a straight razor will be a walk in the park for them. That usually ends in unsatisfactory razor edge because the two are different enough to be considered separate skills involving different skill sets.
Bob
In general I agree with Bob that you don’t want to be changing stuff around when you start out, I don’t recommend adjustable razors for noobs for the same reason. With that said I have found a couple of truly horrid blades so it would suck if they were stuck with one type and didn’t get on with them. I think a limited variety may be the way to go.
dc68
-------------
It is each to their own, but a sampler pack just leads to indecision. I started with a D89 and a Feather, all other blades don't suit me, I have tried them but always return to the Feather. One of the problems with bulk buys is that they are a false economy, they are often wasted and binned.
You can see it on here, a lot of people buy something then put it up for sale ( used once/twice), I don't mean to be critical, but for some ( like my wife and shoes) its the buying and trying that gives more pleasure than the use.
You can see it on here, a lot of people buy something then put it up for sale ( used once/twice), I don't mean to be critical, but for some ( like my wife and shoes) its the buying and trying that gives more pleasure than the use.
Zorro
Forum GOD!
Buy a razor and blades which are both popular for general use, then just shave with them. Stick with the same soap / cream for a while too
if you sometimes get a "bad" shave with cuts or razor burn then it's some part of your process that's not yet correct.
When you get a really good shave, stop and think afterwards about what you might have done differently.
The differences between different razors and different blades is not totally night and day - its subtle differences which are likely to be dwarfed by the things you are learning like good face prep, correct shaving angle, correct skin stretching and correct pressure to use.
Basically, imo, just get some kit that has a good rep for beginners / general shaving and just ...... go slowly, go gently and enjoy it.
if you sometimes get a "bad" shave with cuts or razor burn then it's some part of your process that's not yet correct.
When you get a really good shave, stop and think afterwards about what you might have done differently.
The differences between different razors and different blades is not totally night and day - its subtle differences which are likely to be dwarfed by the things you are learning like good face prep, correct shaving angle, correct skin stretching and correct pressure to use.
Basically, imo, just get some kit that has a good rep for beginners / general shaving and just ...... go slowly, go gently and enjoy it.
Twelvefret
Forum GOD!
I provided my son in it law a ‘56 Gillette “red tip” with a sleeve of Astra SP’s. He’d been using cartridges since his youth. He had no problems adjusting and really valued not spending so much money shaving.
I don’t agree that brushes and expensive soaps are the cats meow. You need something slick and wet. Bath soap in the shower provides a wonderful shave. That said Stirling soaps are the best IMHO.
What I learned from hobby shavers that benefited me most was beard mapping.
Straights, either honed or replaced blades, shave the same. I didn’t find honing difficult, but can be expensive initially.
Since we don’t know each other, making assumptions about others skills and experience can be un useful for those seeking advice. I figure they’ll figure it out. It’s not that hard to shave. If I can do it anyone can.
chazt
shave
Don’t get hoodwinked by a pretty SOTD photoThat would be the sensible way to do it and limit the variables to hone technique but some people (myself included!) find it hard not to be tempted by new hardware/software when you see what people post in the SOTDs etc.
slapo
It's... alive!
My point was related to the definition of a newbie in the context of the thread.I provided my son in it law a ‘56 Gillette “red tip” with a sleeve of Astra SP’s. He’d been using cartridges since his youth. He had no problems adjusting and really valued not spending so much money shaving.
I don’t agree that brushes and expensive soaps are the cats meow. You need something slick and wet. Bath soap in the shower provides a wonderful shave. That said Stirling soaps are the best IMHO.
What I learned from hobby shavers that benefited me most was beard mapping.
Straights, either honed or replaced blades, shave the same. I didn’t find honing difficult, but can be expensive initially.
Since we don’t know each other, making assumptions about others skills and experience can be un useful for those seeking advice. I figure they’ll figure it out. It’s not that hard to shave. If I can do it anyone can.
If all someone's been using were shavers where they wouldn't be changing blades, but cartridges (or parts of an electric shaver), then that would make them newbies to using razors where one changes just the actual blades (DEs/SEs/shavettes).
Hard not to sometimes! Often have the kid in the sweet shop kind of feeling!Don’t get hoodwinked by a pretty SOTD photo
Twelvefret
Forum GOD!
I don’t understand why changing blades or not / using a brush to work up soap lather makes any difference except on a shave forum. Practically, shaving is shaving.
That is yes and no to that one. Yes, it is all shaving from the pov of removing stubble from your visage. No, because it is not changing of blades with a safety razor but the fact that most carts have a pivoting head that follows the contours of your face to maintain the proper angle on the blade/blades while with a safety razor you have to learn to do that yourself after finding the right angle to use and maintain. Add to that the fact that most carts are lighter than a safety razor so you have learn to use less pressure with a safety razor. It also takes time to learn how to create a good lather consistently with a brush and shave soap/cream. Canned goo is use as sprayed out. Deficiencies in any or all of those areas with a safety razor contributes to uncomfortable poor shaves until you get the shaving and lathering techniques sorted out. Some take longer to do that than others.
Anyone can drive an automatic transmission but throw in a manual transmission and watch the fun start until the driver learns the new skill set required to smoothly operate the manual transmission. Some take longer to do that than others. It's all driving but there is a difference.
Bob
TobyC
Patriot
Why are you here?
Boycie83
Space Cadet
I am absolutely guilty of this
@Twelvefret, you’re perfectly entitled to the opinion that shaving with a cartridge is exactly the same as shaving with a DE, but it’s not an opinion shared by many others.
I didn’t find experience with carts to be helpful when I switched.
I didn’t find experience with carts to be helpful when I switched.