Grooming and Hygiene
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Would recommend. My nostrils aren't even that hairy but I enjoy the whole process of feeling the warm wax solidify, the barber chuckling expecting me to flinch then being disappointed when I no sell it like a fucking champion...
When I worked in Tunisia in 2011, it was always included as part of the package. Had it done quarterly ever since.
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Shaved using a straight razor for the first time. I’ve been hesitant to do it myself, but finally pulled the trigger. Took it very slow and steady by letting the blade do the work.
Initial thoughts are that I love it. After using electric, Gillette multi blade type razors, safety razors, and now a straight razor, I can’t believe I waited this long.
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…and to add. I always loved getting a proper shave by a barber using a straight blade, but the thought of doing it and cutting myself was what held me back.
Got to a point where finding a barber who still uses straight razors is just about impossible and there’s no reason not to learn a new skill.
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what razor did you get @goosehd? you have all the goodies to keep it sharp too?
The thing I think most people forget is that guys were shaving with these things for many many years. It's really not that scary when you boil it all down. Mostly you can't be in a rush and need to take at least minimal time to prepare.Now maybe you'll be like me and complain about movies that have straight razor shaving scenes and complain how actors could have at least tried to use good technique or learn how they actually work.
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Costs more than I should have but I did it for two reasons: 1) I’m a knife guy and have carried a knife since I was 10. 2) I knew if I put money into it that I wouldn’t just let it sit around in a drawer somewhere.
Have the strop and Japanese stones to go with it.
I have quite a variety of stones for knives around the house but not anything to highly polish for shaving.
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@pechelman You’re right about not rushing it and for my first attempt went extremely well. Did all of my pre shave rituals and used the straight vs. Safety razor. Everything went smoothly. One thing I did do was to lock the bathroom door to avoid any sudden surprises.
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Not going to lie and say I didn’t have a close call with those spikes. I felt the edge catch and put pressure on the skin, immediately backed off and readjusted my tactic.
It does not leave room for errors and will only be used with clear mind and no distractions.
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If you ever get tired of the spikes you can always round them off a little but it is a one way door decision as I'm sure you can appreciate.
I'm ashamed to say I haven't looked at my razors in many years and was inspired/terrified to take a look. There was concern about corrosion but everything looks good to me. One had some mineral oil dried on that cleaned up ok. Lesson learned to not long term store with that on there.
Snapped a pic of the ones in my collection that are shaving sharp. I have a handful more somewhere in various stages of restoration and sharpening that I don't recall where they ended up. A few I think were lost causes with warped blades or botched heat treats.
Also a picture of my two Japanese natural stones from mines outside Kyoto. The thinner one is from Narutaki while the huge one is from Nakayama. They both put incredible finishes on edges in minimal passes and provide the most comfortable shave I've gotten. Unfortunately I just don't have the time or space to devote to the hobby like I once did, so now everything sits.
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That’s one helluva a collection @pechelman
I don’t like shaving myself. My farsightedness is too bad I can’t see anything up close out of my left eye. Shaving others is no problem.
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@pechelman A fantastic collection and many that I looked at prior to my purchase. Do you have a favourite or suggestions of blade and companies to look for?
I looked at quite a few Dovo blades as well as the Japanese blades. There were so many to choose from that I really had a hard time deciding and used aesthetics to make my final decision.
I don’t think I’m done looking though…
hilarious. I used to be a phlebotomist. Drawing blood from people. anytime I see a movie scene with needles i’m like…no way you’d go in at that angle!!!
Just in case anyone else is on the fence.