Getting better...almost BBS!

So...when I was using my DE and SE razors, in order to get a BBS head shave, I needed to basically buff the entire third ATG pass, and still J-hook a few spots to clean them up. It wasn't difficult, and never caused irritation, once I learned how to do it properly, and it was just a part of the shaving process.

When I started using straights exclusively, these techniques scared the crap out of me. For obvious reasons, considering I was nicking myself with short, straight strokes, I just couldn't imagine the damage I would have caused if I tried to J-hook on the back of my head where I have trouble spots, or, worse yet, buffing ATG on the sides where I was already nicking myself regularly with the straight.

Last night, I found myself buffing my third pass, and J-hooking my trouble spots without even realizing it. It just sort of happened. Yes, I did get 2 little nicks, one on each side where I was buffing, where the edge of my blade touched the skin a little too steeply. But these were tiny little nicks that stopped bleeding almost immediately on their own, and did not even offer any sting from my alcohol splash at the end.

When I finished my third pass, which was almost completely buffed, the same as with my DE razors, I was shocked at how close the shave was. A couple of careful J-hooks on the back of the head where I have trouble spots, and those cleaned up very nicely as well. I'm definitely HOOKED!!

This was the closest I've come yet to getting BBS with a straight. Much of my scalp was truly BBS, and the rest was easily DFS.

I am still avoiding a touch-up pass. Mostly because it was always on the touchups that I got nicked using the DEs, and at this point, technique developement and comfort is more important than perfectly BBS. But I am getting close. I am really starting to get the feel for this, and loving every minute of it!

Congrats Chris! I'm enjoying using the straight for the few shaves I got out of it. I'm nervous enough as it is doing my face I couldn't fathom using a straight razor to shave my head. Kudos to you!

Thanks, Jerry!

I'm not going to lie, I use the 2 mirror method for the back of my head. I never did with a DE or an SE, but I do with the straights, for the time being...just makes it easier to see where I am and what my angle is. It does make it difficult, actually impossible, to stretch though with the razor in one hand and a mirror in the other. Eventually, I will get familiar enough with the angles and muscle activity back there to ditch the second mirror, but for the time being, it's easier.

Good luck on your straight adventures!

Chris, your stories are close to giving me the stones to pick up a straight. Keep up the great work- seems you've come a long way in a really short period of time!

Chris, your stories are close to giving me the stones to pick up a straight. Keep up the great work- seems you've come a long way in a really short period of time!

"Stones" are what it took. I was scared to death the first time I held one next to my scalp, but it really does get easier with every stroke you make. I started off slow with only small parts of my head, then only the first pass, then touchups with a DE...before long it gets comfortable and familiar, at least as far as I have experienced.

The biggest piece of advice I could give is this: the moment you feel comfortable with a razor in your hand...pay closer attention. That was when I got my reminder in the form of a BIG slice in the top of my head. It would have taken a stitch, had I gone to the hospital, but I put some styptic on it and some super glue, and it healed up just fine. In fact, last night's shave was the first time I was able to shave over it without any snags or risks of re-opening. Comfort is when you will make your mistakes, get a reminder, and force yourself to be humble again...

I will say, however, that head shaves seem to be easier than face shaving. I don;t shave my face, but there are a LOT more complex angles and growth patterns to deal with on the face and neck than there is on the scalp.

So don't let my experiences fool you into a sense of complacency. I picked up a DE for the first time in November 2015, and it only took a week to get acceptable shaves without blood. Clearly this is faster than the average newbie takes to get their face done cleanly with no blood, so bear that in mind. The head just seems easier to get control of...

You're a brave man lol. One of these days I'll develop the stones necessary to pick up and use a kamisori straight, but not anytime soon :p. I'm too afraid of damaging my mug. If I do, who will be left to scowl at the neighborhood kids?

I would love to get my hands on a kamisori. One of these days... Im not sure I want one of the traditional asymmetrical grinds though. I think Id rather have a midernized, symmetrical version...maybe...

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Are you still using the Torrey? Is it holding an edge for you?

Are you still using the Torrey? Is it holding an edge for you?

Absolutely! I love the Torrey. My favorite straight, at the moment, out of the 5 that I have. Reliably smooth and comfortable, and holding a very decent edge. I have a balsa strop with chromium oxide on one side and iron oxide on the other for touchups when necessary, but so far it has been great with regular stropping.

Hows that 37c working for you?

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