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How did Covid affect your shaving and grooming?

I know that I'm late to the party.

My wetshaving started at the start of 2021, so I have really only known wetshaving during the pandemic, however during the Sydney lockdown (July - Sept 2021), I really became apathetic to shaving regularly. Previously, had been shaving a consistent 3-4 times a week (1-2 x head, 2 x face), but during the lockdown, was lucky if I did it weekly, but even got as bad as fortnightly.

Since coming out of lockdown, I've even struggled to get back into some form of rhythm with wetshaving. I'm generally going with a single head & face shave per week, but would like to get back to some level of where I was pre-lockdown.

I enjoy the shaving process, but starting the process is my struggle at the moment.
 
Mistertaz said:
I often prefer shaving at night once everything is done for the day and I can actually relax.
Click to expand...
giphy.gif
 
Well, in my case lockdown was a joy, from this point of view. Actually, I didn't mind the whole of it a bit, I got to spend 5 weeks, 24/7 with my wife and daughter and I loved every minute of it, but I digress.

During lockdown I discovered shaving daily was possible for me, with a Red Tip. Before that, I used to need at least one day off.

But, most importantly, I started messing around with scale making, I made my first pair of scales from scratch and that really made my interest in SR restoration bloom. I started acquiring many pieces, I learned to restore them (still learning with every razor), developed many techniques, and because I was acquiring so many, I also began paying much more attention to honing.

I've been shaving exclusively with a SR for more than a year. I still own a few very nice DE's that I don't want to part with, but I just enjoy too much SR's.
 
Mastropiero said:
Well, in my case lockdown was a joy, from this point of view. Actually, I didn't mind the whole of it a bit, I got to spend 5 weeks, 24/7 with my wife and daughter and I loved every minute of it, but I digress.

During lockdown I discovered shaving daily was possible for me, with a Red Tip. Before that, I used to need at least one day off.

But, most importantly, I started messing around with scale making, I made my first pair of scales from scratch and that really made my interest in SR restoration bloom. I started acquiring many pieces, I learned to restore them (still learning with every razor), developed many techniques, and because I was acquiring so many, I also began paying much more attention to honing.

I've been shaving exclusively with a SR for more than a year. I still own a few very nice DE's that I don't want to part with, but I just enjoy too much SR's.
Click to expand...
It’s awesome that you used your time so productively with your family *and* your hobby! Can you post a picture of your favourite restored SR?
 
Mistertaz said:
Can you post a picture of your favourite restored SR?
Click to expand...

Well, there's quite a few to choose from but, to keep it simple, I'll go for the one I made my second set of scales for. The blade itself was in good condition, only needed a touch of polish, but the scales must have been crap, I can't even remember them. Since I am a fan of running in high stilettos before even learning to crawl, I decided that for my second set I should step up and try my hand at beveled scales.

Problem was I had no idea how to proceed. I started giving that grey, mushy thing in between my ears, a hard time, until I made a contraption that allowed me to sand away the material I wanted to remove, while keeping the same angle at all tines. Mind you, I am talking hand-made, no machines were harmed during the making of these scales.

I prevailed, and this is the result.

ECMr49V.jpeg


PeUpoPD.jpeg


UpEEYlD.jpeg


ue283x3.jpeg


3cbMNwM.jpeg


XdNzIYR.jpeg


H1iKLXm.jpeg


Black, translucent Perspex, the spacer is cow bone and, steel pins with brass washers.

Hope you like it.
 
Mastropiero said:
Well, there's quite a few to choose from but, to keep it simple, I'll go for the one I made my second set of scales for. The blade itself was in good condition, only needed a touch of polish, but the scales must have been crap, I can't even remember them. Since I am a fan of running in high stilettos before even learning to crawl, I decided that for my second set I should step up and try my hand at beveled scales.

Problem was I had no idea how to proceed. I started giving that grey, mushy thing in between my ears, a hard time, until I made a contraption that allowed me to sand away the material I wanted to remove, while keeping the same angle at all tines. Mind you, I am talking hand-made, no machines were harmed during the making of these scales.

I prevailed, and this is the result.

ECMr49V.jpeg


PeUpoPD.jpeg


UpEEYlD.jpeg


ue283x3.jpeg


3cbMNwM.jpeg


XdNzIYR.jpeg


H1iKLXm.jpeg


Black, translucent Perspex, the spacer is cow bone and, steel pins with brass washers.

Hope you like it.
Click to expand...

Lovely!
 
Mastropiero said:
Well, there's quite a few to choose from but, to keep it simple, I'll go for the one I made my second set of scales for. The blade itself was in good condition, only needed a touch of polish, but the scales must have been crap, I can't even remember them. Since I am a fan of running in high stilettos before even learning to crawl, I decided that for my second set I should step up and try my hand at beveled scales.

Problem was I had no idea how to proceed. I started giving that grey, mushy thing in between my ears, a hard time, until I made a contraption that allowed me to sand away the material I wanted to remove, while keeping the same angle at all tines. Mind you, I am talking hand-made, no machines were harmed during the making of these scales.

I prevailed, and this is the result.

ECMr49V.jpeg


PeUpoPD.jpeg


UpEEYlD.jpeg


ue283x3.jpeg


3cbMNwM.jpeg


XdNzIYR.jpeg


H1iKLXm.jpeg


Black, translucent Perspex, the spacer is cow bone and, steel pins with brass washers.

Hope you like it.
Click to expand...
Wow, beautiful work there. Simple and elegant. :love:
 
Mastropiero said:
Well, there's quite a few to choose from but, to keep it simple, I'll go for the one I made my second set of scales for. The blade itself was in good condition, only needed a touch of polish, but the scales must have been crap, I can't even remember them. Since I am a fan of running in high stilettos before even learning to crawl, I decided that for my second set I should step up and try my hand at beveled scales.

Problem was I had no idea how to proceed. I started giving that grey, mushy thing in between my ears, a hard time, until I made a contraption that allowed me to sand away the material I wanted to remove, while keeping the same angle at all tines. Mind you, I am talking hand-made, no machines were harmed during the making of these scales.

I prevailed, and this is the result.

ECMr49V.jpeg


PeUpoPD.jpeg


UpEEYlD.jpeg


ue283x3.jpeg


3cbMNwM.jpeg


XdNzIYR.jpeg


H1iKLXm.jpeg


Black, translucent Perspex, the spacer is cow bone and, steel pins with brass washers.

Hope you like it.
Click to expand...
Beautiful! Let me know if you want to sell one of your creations!
 
Gargravarr said:
Maybe a way to start is to get up a few minutes earlier and turn the whole process into a ritual, while Mrs Barney is still snoring? :unsure:
Click to expand...
Getting up earlier isn't the issue. I'm just not finding myself in a mental place to enjoy it. It has become routine rather than enjoyable experience. Being forced home again this week isn't helping again.

Mistertaz said:
I often prefer shaving at night once everything is done for the day and I can actually relax.
Click to expand...
This was my preference, especially for a head shave, take my time and do a good job.
 
itsonlybarney said:
I know that I'm late to the party.

My wetshaving started at the start of 2021, so I have really only known wetshaving during the pandemic, however during the Sydney lockdown (July - Sept 2021), I really became apathetic to shaving regularly. Previously, had been shaving a consistent 3-4 times a week (1-2 x head, 2 x face), but during the lockdown, was lucky if I did it weekly, but even got as bad as fortnightly.

Since coming out of lockdown, I've even struggled to get back into some form of rhythm with wetshaving. I'm generally going with a single head & face shave per week, but would like to get back to some level of where I was pre-lockdown.

I enjoy the shaving process, but starting the process is my struggle at the moment.
Click to expand...
It turns out that you do not shave for yourself, but for someone else. I cut my beard short once a week, and I don't care how other people look at it. It's comfortable for me :)
 
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Pokitren said:
It turns out that you do not shave for yourself, but for someone else. I cut my beard short once a week, and I don't care how other people look at it. It's comfortable for me :)
Click to expand...
You are probably correct. We shave for social standards, but before wetshaving, I used to just use clippers, and even they were not used regularly. Hopefully when more people are back in the office will it become regular habit again.
 
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Reactions: Hos
itsonlybarney said:
You are probably correct. We shave for social standards...
Click to expand...
Or not. Here in Tasmania, you can't turn around without being confronted by unkempt, feral beards that look like they belong in a zoo. In fact, I would credit animals with better hygiene. The way I see it is the morning shave is that portion of the day devoted exclusively to self-care, either a time for introspection or just living in the moment. It doesn't necessarily matter whether you approach it with a nice razor or with an axe, it's just time that you devote to yourself only.
 
For me it's been an excercise in mindfulness - just doing something "manual" that requires a little bit of attention to avoid an undesirable outcome... Doesn't hurt as part of getting myself centred before a day at work.

Add that to the fact that I can't do the unshaven thing and look anywhere near presentable - at the age of 52, a day or two without shaving leaves me looking like a hobo.

My only challenge - and it's a first world problem - I work in a hospital, so wearing a variety of masks all day leaves me with a wee bit of irritation by days end.. The best part of the day i getting home and being able to breathe without my specs steaming up!!
 
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