Gus's Shave diary

[global_dev]

nice concise write-up.. what an achievement... you remember much more than I do and I am at, at most, half of the straight shaves you have accomplished to this point...

1) Shaving with a straight is a lot of fun

while fun isn't the exact word i would use, i can't exactly find the correct word in English.. to me, the process is more like the Japanese concept of Wabi-sabi, but even that misses some of the elements of "fun"

3) Shaves build on each other

without a doubt.. but i don't know if 100% dedication is an absolute in learning. It was nice to take a couple of breaks.

4) Stretch your skin:

IMO, sometimes what seems like the most obvious way to stretch thr skin isn't. Like on the neck. You'd think stretch down, but sometimes that is not where the elasticity is. play around, find the most responsive area,

5) Stropping:..get a nice broad one, the X-pattern on a thin strop is something I never really got the hang of.

i don't know if i like my broad one... i guess honing has given me some perspective on the x-stroke. it's refreshing to ave choice.

6) Prep and lather:

I agree you have to find the right balance of slickness and cushioning, but the whole stick to one soap and brush doesn't appeal to me.. I figure it's just as easy for me to spot the issue with a cream or a soap and work with it... react on the fly.. I appreciate some need more stability, but I really haven't found a shave cream or soap that I haven't enjoyed, except Col Conk lime and I am glad t was inexpensive.

7) Tuning/honing: get your first razors honed by a pro,

I agree a couple of straights honed correctly will let you understand what the motions should be, not wonder if a blade is sharp enough. To tell you the truth, time and money could be better spent than on some hones, but it is an substantial feeling to not only shave with a straight, but maintain the straight yourself..

8) Take it easy: it is not a race, do not try to go ATG or even XTG before you have learned the basics.

Honestly, i think i have ideal balance of close & comfort, by sticking to the basics. My skin has never felt so nice and looks so well as it has when straight shaved.

Finally I would like to thank all those who have posted helpful videos, tutorials and diaries and those who have supported me during this project especially Luc who took it on himself to consistently comment my posts and also Ru4scuba, sanfransiscan, honed and many others.

Needless to say, I am quite sure straight razor shaving will be a significant part of my hopefully long life.

Yes, I wholeheartedly agree. The support and watching others on these boards gives the inspiration to give a straight a chance and keep it going... it is a bond, no matter how distant and shallow, that you know at least someone else is encouraging/supporting you to master a distinguished skill ...

I can't wait until i get to a hundred. If I shave every weekday and twice a day on weekends, it will still at least be a month. However even a hundred sometimes sounds insignificant on it's own... but at least we know what it took us to get there.

great job!