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September 23, 2023
- Brush: Wald Stratos Goldvein 29mm A1 Fan
- Razor: Filarmonica 14 Doble Temple Gen 1 (Straight Shave 335)
- Lather: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Soap (58)
- Post Shave: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Aftershave
- Post Shave: Thayers - Lemon - Toner
- Fragrance: Saponificio Varesino - 70th Anniversary - Eau de Parfum
2 passes. Face lather. Excellent shave.
As you can see by my straight shave count (since mid-July 2022), I'm not particularly experienced as a straight shaver. But, I very rarely nick myself, and my patterns easily give me comfortable BBS shaves. I've noticed a number of people on the sub starting to straight shave or, perhaps, returning to it as I did last year. Today's shave was another great straight shave for me, and after I was done, I got to thinking about why straight shavers seem to always prefer a straight shave over a shave with another razor type. My theory is that because a straight can do significant harm if you are careless, developing patterns that are mindful and careful of the edge but are easy and natural to do with muscle memory makes us appreciate the whole experience more. Probably BS, but that's my thought for today.
So if you're just starting to straight shave, or are returning to it, stick with it for a while! This is a skill that takes time to develop, but it is well worth it!
Enjoy your weekend!
My theory is that because a straight can do significant harm if you are careless, developing patterns that are mindful and careful of the edge but are easy and natural to do with muscle memory makes us appreciate the whole experience more. Probably BS, but that's my thought for today.
I guess you are right with this one. The fact that I cannot (rather: learned the hard way that I absolutely must not) shave with a straight when in a hurry or when tired, and that safety precautions have to be enforced makes it that a minimum level of concentration or mindfulness is required, rather than nice-to-have.
Also, what I found interesting (or challenging) with straights is that you can not only harm yourself, but also your razor if you're not careful.
but also your razor if you’re not careful.
Yes, definitely! I have only dropped one straight razor and, thankfully, that was a Gold Dollar purchased many years ago for ~$15. A big part of straight razor shaving that we don't talk much about is the actual handling of the razor while shaving (rinsing, wiping, switching hands, etc.). This is a skill in itself.
I'm rinsing with clear water, and then I wipe with a microfiber cloth. I've set a precise disposition for my shaving implements when using a straight, and if the razor is not being used, I keep it closed at all times. Better safe than sorry!
I believe I could optimize my hand changing routine: I switch 2 or 3 times for each pass - if I only did it once, it would be much faster. But this is also constrained by wiping, especially for the XTG pass.
I switch 2 or 3 times for each pass
I use lather build-up as a signal for rinsing and switching hands.