Alright, seventh shave today. This actually started out as just an attempt to practice my lathering technique. I've been using William's shaving soap and I had been having a hard time getting a good lather it seemed. After digging up an older forum on William's shaving soap, I decided to have a go at it. I have to say that more water was better. Took a little longer to get it started, but once I did it worked well.
Well, I had all this nice lather and I couldn't bare to not have a go with it. It wasn't warm sadly, because that wasn't what I originally went for, but it was still nice and thick.
Normally I shower before a shave to prep it up, but as I had my lather already going and no time to waste, I decided to just use a hot towel. I also let some of the lather soak in while I stropped and this seem to do the trick.
I must say good lather really does help. Shaving was much smoother. I also reapplied a few times on my right side to play with angles and such. I then moved to the left side. I was very careful around the gouge I put in my cheek. I am happy to say it all turned out very well. I was even daring enough to take a second ATG pass over my neck and chin to get the remnants. Smoothest shave yet.
My skin is definitely getting used to the whole process. I think Colleen's and Mama Bear's soaps will also help. I notice that even before I start to actually shave, the William's burns my face a little. I am hoping that the other soaps will help this.
Still the after shave didn't burn nearly as bad this go around which mean I must be doing something better.
Cut my self once, but this was a graze over an already existing cut under my chin from a prior shave. It stopped bleeding before I could even put cold water on it, so I don't think it should count.
One question though. I notice a little bit of what appears to be stubble on my cheek. Down around the jaw area. The whole area is a little read, and there are some red spots. Is this a normal part of training your skin, or is it maybe something else. Technique or product or what have you.
Matt