Thread: razor burn

No, 0.5 micron paste is more like 30k-60k grit (depending on which rating system you use).

Freebird and Razorbourne,

First Razor...glad to hear of a fellow NJian and devils fan...welcome aboard (although I am a newbie like you).

Ok, I am in the same boat as you guys in that I have never used the straight yet. I have just been gaining knowledge on this board to get some experience by osmosis so when I do go to the straight, I will hopefully have a decent idea of what I am doing. Right now, like you, I am learing the prep and pleasures (aftershave, etc.) and am now 'wet shaving.'

I still am using the Fusion like Razor every single day. I am in the Navy so I have to shave EVERY SINGLE day or I could get in trouble. Sometimes I have to even shave twice a day (in the morning and once at night) because I have to be in so early.

Razor burn is still a problem for me. Mostly under my nose/above my chin. No matter what I do, I seem to get some type of razor burn there. Sometimes it is other places as well, but mostly under the nose.

Things I have noticed:
-The more passes I do on my upper lip area, the more razor burn. Unfortunately, I have to do multiple passes (over passes) because I must be cleanly shaven for work.
-Conditioner on the face works. Especially if it is a decent days of growth.
-Some aftershaves have been especially good for soothing and feeling good the whole day - I like a few so if you have questions, about them, let me know
-Razor burn re-aggrevates after/during working out. Don't know why, but it does (at least for me)
-I use a mix of Williams Mug soap and Proraso tub cream for the best lather I can personally get (haven't tried the upper expensive brands yet)
-Moisturizing skin at night with jojoba oil (if I don't shave then) has really been helping keep the skin nice.
-Toner appears to be working nicely.
-More water on face the better - smoother.

Ok, I think that is it for my limited (about a month or so) of wet shaving. Still using the fusion so I don't know what it will be like when I switch over - just awaiting to get a strop and the dvd from Lynn.

Hope this helps. I know I am not that experienced, but maybe any other questions you have I might be able to help you with as one newbie to another.

Damn that was long...

One more thing...I am trying to get BBS every time. It probably contributes to the razor burn, but it feels OH SO GOOD!

Freebird, one more thing...Axe is a body wash. I use the snake peel and the recovery. I like the recovery a bit better but I would NEVER use it on my face.

If need be use a scrub or facial wash - I have some recommendations for those if you want as well.

I think what your seeing here is that there is no one or even a few things that will cause you to either have or not have razor burn when you shave. In theory you should be able to shave with a straight every day and get no burn at all.

I can tell you from experience that I have very sensitive skin and when I first started with a straight I had massive razor burn but as I progressed it became less and less until it all but went away. Whether you get it or not will depend on factors like; your prep and how well your skin likes your soaps, how sharp your razor is, the number of passes you do, the kind of aftershave and after prep you use and the angle you use the blade at. Last and foremost some razors though they can give you a wicked close shave will irritate your skin very easily and they just don't have it in them to shave super comfortable. I have a couple like that. I have a cattaraguas I recently finished honing and it gives a super close shave but it best not be on your face too long because it will leave razorburn very easily. On the opposite side there are razors you could use on your face all day and they would never burn. Sometimes its a matter of just a few more passes on the hone to change things and sometimes they just won't improve and sometimes they will improve by themselves after a few shaves.

So its all these factors and of course your skill level which will improve with time. So don't be surprised if you get burned the first few times.

Mike,

One thing I thought I'd point out is that doing mutiple passes with a multi-blade razor can cause razor burn.

When I was starting out, I was still using my Mach 3 with a brush and soap. Two passes with the M3 and my face was raw.

The reason is the extra blades. With a straight, one pass equals a blade running over your face once. With a Fusion, that's four (or is it five?) blades running over your skin on each stroke. And the first one scrapes off that protective layer of lather... A three pass shave with a Fusion is kind of like doing 15 passes with a straight.

If you need a cartridge razor as an alternative, the guys at Badger & Blade recommend the Gillette Trac II. It's available at Wal-mart for like $5. It has just two blades, and I think the head is fixed to give you more control over the angles.

Just something to consider...
Josh

Thanks Guys,
I appreciate the insights! I picked up some Nivea after shave extra soothing balm this afternoon, haven't tried it yet though.

I did hear from Fud, and my straights should be on their way in a day or two, so I figure I'll get my first shave around the middle of next week. Will get to start working on my shaving technique now that I'm getting close on my wet shaving. I believe my problem, from everything I've read here is the multiple pass issue, especially with the safety razors I've got at my disposal.

Off topic:
Bear,
Where are you stationed? (or should I ask?) One of my Sister-In-Law's Bro In Law's was in the Navy for years, I've heard stories about the Philippines lol.

Speaking of the Devils, I'm an Islander fan. Have been since I was a kid in the early 70's. Never did get to see a game in person, but did get to watch a couple of their Stanley Cup wins.
Tony

The Islanders? - while I do live on Long Island, that term is like a four-letter word to my ears - almost as horrifying as the term "New York Rangers" I know - I'm from NY but am a NJ fan - it doesn't make sense.


Freebird - I hope the Nivea works well - try it and let us know.

Originally Posted by Razorburne

The Islanders? - while I do live on Long Island, that term is like a four-letter word to my ears - almost as horrifying as the term "New York Rangers" I know - I'm from NY but am a NJ fan - it doesn't make sense.


Freebird - I hope the Nivea works well - try it and let us know.

Sounds like the way I am with the Stars and the Cowboys. We get them crammed down our throats like there are no other teams in the area, have the Avalanche and the Rams but the local coverage is still all Texas.

The Isles have had major problems for the last umpteen years, but I keep hoping. I don't know what the management is thinking, and those gorton fisherman sweaters they had were horrendous.

I'll try the Nivea tomorrow, (been 3 days, time for a shave again), and let you know.