Totally new to wet shaving, haven't tried it yet

[sifu]

Greetings,

I am fascinated by wet shaving and have been doing research for a couple of weeks. My research brought me to this site. The community seems amazing and I decided to join.

The crazy thing is I am terrified of razor blades. I mean at an unnatural phobia level. I didn't start shaving until I had to in basic training and I only shave as needed now (to the chagrin of my wife). I know my fear is illogical and foolish and I am hoping using the single blade razor helps me grow out of it.

Are there any others that had this fear prior to "manning up"? If so, any advise aside from the typical visualization exercises and taking it slow?

[Eric V]

Welcome to b n b! If you have ever overcome any other phobias, or reduced to fear to something more manageable, how did you do it? The same method will work for blades. Having a reality check about the blade itself as a good tool is important. Be aware that your phobia may diminish and gradually be overtaken by the positive thoughts of how a razor blade is a great tool.

You can also walk through your phobia, take it to the extreme. What is the worst thing that could happen if you get near a razor blade? Let your imagination run wild, then do a reality check, or write a book!

Let us know if any of these suggestions are of value to you. Good luck!

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B.

[Greyfox]

Welcome to B&B.

[wimbouman]

Welcome!

[Obiwan]

Welcome. Start slow, make sure you apply no pressure at all and just let the angle and weight of the razor do the work. My thought/hope would be, after learning the benefits of good prep and getting to a point where you don't get cuts or razor burn, the fear may reduce. You may never get to the point of dreaming about razors the way most of us do, but at least the fear won't be there. Heck, you may get to a point where you enjoy your shaves.

Good luck and please keep us posted on how you progress. Sometimes starting an online thread with your learning journal will help keep you honest and about your struggles, fears and successes. If you have questions, please post them here. There are thousands of helpful members that were all new at some point.

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B!

[coyotewhisper]

Welcome to B&B.

[JackRapture]

I would become familiar with razor blades. Carefully examine one in your hand. Observe that it is sharp and should be handled with caution. But in the capacity of the safety razor, it is nothing but a tool. A tool that cannot do more harm to you than a simple pen. It might leave you with nicks or weepers but you'll be fine. Just take your time and read tips from the many tutorials here on the forum. You'll start to love shaving and having a well groomed face.

Welcome to B&B. Feel free to keep us updated on any experiences or questions you have.

[Shave and More]

Welcome to B&B!

Read the tips & tricks in this forum and start bit by bit.

[mandoman]

Welcome to B&B

[Banjoman]

Welcome to B&B! Take it slow, spend more time with your blades and maybe some fear will subside

[echotron]

Welcome to B&B.

A little apprehension can be a good thing ... too much can be a very bad thing.

"I only shave as needed now (to the chagrin of my wife)..."

First, if you have not done so, let's make Your Wife happy by going to Walmart with $60 & buying the following:

Electric Shaver-$35
Bottle of "Lectric Shave"-$5
Van Der Hagen (VDH) Shave Set-$15
Clubman Styptic Pencil-$1

Now start shaving with this electric, this will make your wife happy with the reduced stubble. Happy wife = Benefits!

In the mean time, order a LORD LP1822L (aka LORD L6) DE razor online; it comes with one blade. This is a forgiving razor, almost friendly! LORD razor cost about $12 delivered.

Read all the newbie info here and watch the videos on YouTube.

Practice making shaving cream with the VDH set, until your LORD razor comes in ... its not waste- its practice.

(But do NOT use this foam with the electric shaver, even if the electric is a Wet/Dry unit- long story, just NO)

Once the LORD comes in, take it apart, clean every piece in mild dish detergent & water, rinse and dry then lay it unassembled on a paper towel over night.

Next morning carefully remove the razor blade from its paper wrapper and place it in the razor and reassemble the razor snugly.

With your shaving cream practice, your new razor and newly acquired knowledge, you are almost ready to go.

Mix up some shaving cream and put some on the part of the middle of your cheek on just one side ... now pick up razor and ...

Try To Remove Just The Shaving Cream off your cheek completely Without touching your face any more than necessary!

NO PRESSURE on your skin at all!

Make slow to medium speed short strokes ... once the cream is mostly gone from your cheek, then rinse razor and your face and check your cheek!

If the hairs are gone .... you HAVE SHAVED!

If not, you are so close to shaving with a DE, next time it will happen! Everybody gets better the more they wet shave.

Use the electric when you are in a hurry! At this point Never rush a wet shave- enjoy it!

... you can donate the electric to Goodwill shortly after wet shaving becomes the norm for you.

Hope this is sorta what you were looking for ... or I just ran off at the mouth.

(B&B Members please don't flame me too bad for suggesting the electric .... I know where each of you live! )

[zano2]

Welcome to B&B!

[hotreds]

GO FOR IT! The real scary part is using a straight razor, DEs and SEs are a piece of cake!

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!!

[kf4tqj]

Look around online and buy yourself a nice set consisting of a razor, brush and stand. Once you get it in your hands the cool factor will overcome your natural tendency for fear and like the rest of us you'll want to go play with your new toys. Never fails
All The Best,

[anbu]

Have you ever once pretend to be shaving, when you where a kid? You know looking at your dad or watching commercial about shaving and you imitate it when your in the bathroom. I know I have. Fast forward to now and relive those moments. Anyways, maybe a nice safety razor and a brush would encourage you more. Then try those nice smelling creams/soaps. Then finish it off with a nice aftershave. Shave with the grain first and then across the grain and you should be alright.

I'm not terrified with razor blades though but I hate shaving. I use to let my beard grow a couple of weeks and shave. Tried electric shaver but I hate the pulling and tugging.

It's not as terrifying as it looks. It's actually pretty relaxing and fun for me. I am more scared to use a multi blade now after switching to safety razor. Just remember they added the word Safety to safety razor for a reason. I hope this helps. But let me repeat my self, a new really nice safety razor and brush really helps. lol. Just tell your wife you got it cheap otherwise. lol. jk.

[rm71]

Hello and welcome.