Off and on but mostly on. - page 1 -

• Off and on but mostly on. by erikwillke on 20 Jun, 2012 16:05
• I was encouraged by Frontierguy to say hey so...  Hey!
  
  I've been sly off and on since I was 19 and in the Navy.  At that time the professional opinion of my officers was that a shaved head was a fad, and thusly subject to corrective action, if it was not kept for at least two years, at which point it was a lifestyle choice.  So a new lifestyle choice it was.  Let me tell you, I learned the hard way what not to do.  I started with a Bic and a bar of soap. It was almost worth the Non-Judicial Punishment but I persevered.  I didn't have forums like SBG so I tried a little of this and a little of that.  It finally all came together.
  
  I met my first, second and third wives while bald.  I lost them when I had hair.  Was that a coincidence?  Who knows, maybe I just don't know women.  But I do know I love the way I look slick.  I used to work outside so having a tan was not a problem.  I'm glad I work inside now since I'm 38 and no longer invincible.  Cancer is a real concern. though I have no reason to think I abused my scalp that badly.
  
  My current set up is shaving in the shower.  It's simply more convenient though I hate using that much water.  I don't wash my scalp first.  I used to wash it in fear that dirt and oil would get into my open pours but I find that the natural skin oils aid in shaving, almost like a pre-shave oil.   I also wish I was able use my sink simply because I have an awesome shave paste that I would love to try.  When I'm not slick and I shave my face I use a Badger hair brush and a tub of shave cream that works into a great lather.  The only trouble is that I use both hands to shave my head, one to hold the sword and one to go behind to make sure I didn't skip any offenders.  If I could rig a foot pedal I would be in heaven.
  
  I use a Gillette Fusion but I hate having to buy them.  I dry it off after each shower and store it in a vented place but the blade still dulls fast.  I've tried to reverse hone it with an old denim pant leg but the construction of the Fusion is not suited for that.  I'll probably go back to the Mach III but using the Fusion is like cutting through butter.
  
  I also currently use HeadSlick.  Great product.  Not too keen on the headblade though.  Damn near scalped myself one time.  I use an alcohol free aftershave.  I'm not sure who makes it off hand but it's in a white, square bottle.  When that soaks in I use Vaseline Men's lotion.  All in all I'm very happy when I'm done.  If I were to give one piece of advice when it comes to shaving the dome and not getting razor burn it would be to make sure you keep your working area very slick.  If the shave cream or gel is getting dry you will burn your scalp.  Wet your hand a little and rub it back in.  If you keep it well lubed the blade will glide right over the skin.
  
  Cheers,
  
  Erik
• #1 by Frontier Guy on 20 Jun, 2012 18:44
• Great intro, with a terrific sense of humor.
  
  You look so confident slick/sly - that's a sensational example for any of the guys who are undecided.
  
  Glad you're here. Stick around and share in the storytelling. There's some crazy conversations that go on here!
• #2 by warhawk on 20 Jun, 2012 22:41
• Hey Erik:  Welcome 2 the sly fraternity.  Glad that FrontierGuy... encouraged ya 2 join us.  U look like a natural with the chrome dome.  Take care and enjoy the sly forum.
  
  WARHAWK
• #3 by Beardman on 21 Jun, 2012 01:42
• Welcome to SBG mate!
  
  
• #4 by Slyfive on 21 Jun, 2012 03:19
• glad you persevered, it's a great look! nice sunnies by the way.
• #5 by Sir Harry on 21 Jun, 2012 07:15
• Welcome, Erik! Always a pleasure to have veterans on board!
• #6 by mopar400 on 21 Jun, 2012 08:04
• Welcome SLy GUY
• #7 by Natedawg on 21 Jun, 2012 08:08
• Quote from: erikwillke on 20 Jun, 2012 16:05

  I started with a Bic and a bar of soap.
  

  
  No one can tell you you don't have cojones. I cringe thinking about that.
  
  Anyway, great intro! Thanks for sharing your story. I've been using Mach 3 since I started shaving my head clean 5 years ago. No issues, except like the Fusion, I wish they would last longer.
  
  
• #8 by Papa Don on 21 Jun, 2012 14:43
• Welcome aboard Eric!  Hope to hear from you often!!
• #9 by kalbo on 21 Jun, 2012 21:03
• Welcome to the bald brotherhood Eric. Thanks for sharing your story. Keep rocking the bald dome.
• #10 by Baldstu on 21 Jun, 2012 23:31
• Nice post Eric enjoyed readingitthis morning , currently bitthat way myself , but 3rd day sly again after a break to do some acting,
  I will stick at it
• #11 by erikwillke on 22 Jun, 2012 08:26
• Thank you all for your comments.  I came to this forum looking for advice on depilatories but I joined because of the great sense of community.
  
  I'm glad I can help keep this place Shiny!
  
  Erik
• #12 by Sir Harry on 22 Jun, 2012 09:57
• Once again, glad to have you....As for advice on depilatories...leave them alone. They stink and if you don't get the job done you have to wait 48 hours or so to try again....There are plenty of ways to shave without fooling with that stuff...my 0.02
• #13 by erikwillke on 22 Jun, 2012 10:53
• Thanks.  I was hoping there was a magic pill, so to speak.  I didn't want to have to shave every day to be this sexy.  Oh well, I guess it's worth the extra work.  It's just that when I wake up late or am out working all night I have to endure the 80 grit all day.
• #14 by IllinoisBaldy on 22 Jun, 2012 17:43
• Welcome Erik.