New guy saying Hello, and progress so far

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11-12-2014, 01:55 PM
twhomebrewer

New guy saying Hello, and progress so far

Hi everybody! I just wanted to say hello, share my beginning experience, and also to say thank you to this community for the resource that is this forum! It has helped me greatly with getting started.

Unfortunately, I found this forum AFTER I had purchased a GD 208 set about 6 weeks ago and had a pretty bad time with it. However, after coming across this forum and in turn, SRD, I bought a Dovo Gentleman about 4 weeks ago. I am about 10 shaves in with the Dovo and I am getting pretty good shaves with it. No nicks, and no burn. My ATG passes were still leaving a little to be desired though.

I was reading through some of the threads here and someone mentioned stropping between the WTG and the ATG passes, so I decided to try it last night. WOW, did that make a difference for me….I have a pretty thick, wiry beard and after the secondary stropping, I was able to do the ATG with ease. My first perfect BBS shave!
11-12-2014, 02:29 PM
RezDog

Welcome. I try to focus more on a close comfortable smooth shave then BBS. I am glad you are making good progress. We all learn at different paces but most things require a bit of repetition to get good at it. I can't say I have ever stropped between passes or felt the need. Perhaps you could try more passes before your shave. Stropping between passes seems like such an interruption of a nice relaxing shave. I guess if it works for you...
11-12-2014, 03:09 PM
rolodave

I agree with Shaun. The BBS is not for everyone and does me no good.

A good, comfortable one pass shave will meet most needs

So, welcome to the forum. You will find plenty of info and a lot of people more than willing to help. There are quite a few members in your area so a mentor should be easy to locate.
11-12-2014, 03:21 PM
Badgister

I shave every day and a one pass shave is good enough for me. I have sensitive skin and ATG is overkill on my skin. I am lucky that my beard grows in the same direction, so If I really want a bbs shave for that special event,two wtg passes will do it.
11-12-2014, 06:27 PM
Whipstitch

Quote:

Originally Posted by Badgister

I shave every day and a one pass shave is good enough for me. I have sensitive skin and ATG is overkill on my skin. I am lucky that my beard grows in the same direction, so If I really want a bbs shave for that special event,two wtg passes will do it.

Interesting. My beard also grows straight and in one direction; I'll have to try two wtg passes next time. (I'm brand new, only 3 shaves in)
11-12-2014, 06:39 PM
twhomebrewer

Thanks for the feedback guys! I can see all of your points and I'm not trying to imply or give the impression to any others that are new to the straight razor that stropping inbetween passes is the golden ticket to a perfect shave or that a BBS shave should be the goal for everybody. CCS just isn't good enough for me, personally....or my wife. I probably will try to eliminate the secondary stropping as my technique improves. I'm sure I am making plenty of mistakes and have a lot to learn.

Truth is, I shaved for years with various Gillette multi-blade razor cartriges and always got excellent shaves with them. In the intrest of running a leaner, greener household, combined with the nostalgia of the straight razor, I ditched the cartriges and couldn't be happier. However, it was my personal goal to get as good of a shave or better with a straight razor.

Thanks again for welcoming me!
11-12-2014, 10:20 PM
MattCB

Welcome to SRP. There are many paths to the same destination. Besides getting a great shave, you may also notice better skin complexion and enjoying the "zen" of shaving as well. Once again welcome aboard and let us know how your shaves progress.
11-12-2014, 10:26 PM
mglindo

Welcome to SRP. BBS is way over rated IMO. Unless you have a hot date scheduled that is. Comfortable and relaxing is good for me. Especially the relaxing part.

Mike
11-12-2014, 10:33 PM
Ludvig

Hello and welcome to the forum :)
Buying a dovo instead was a smart move. I have never stropped between passes and it is not something I need. If it works for you, there is nothing wrong with doing so.
11-12-2014, 10:44 PM
twhomebrewer

Quote:

Originally Posted by mglindo

Welcome to SRP. BBS is way over rated IMO. Unless you have a hot date scheduled that is. Comfortable and relaxing is good for me. Especially the relaxing part.

Mike

I would be of the same school of thinking BBS was over rated if I didn't look like a hobo 12 hours after shaving. I should note that I don't have sensitive skin, so ATG is not uncomfortable for me. I think that makes a BIG difference in the conversation here. Oh, I have a hot date every night man, my wife won't get near my face if it's not up to her standards, haha!
11-12-2014, 10:49 PM
twhomebrewer

Quote:

Originally Posted by Ludvig

Hello and welcome to the forum :)
Buying a dovo instead was a smart move. I have never stropped between passes and it is not something I need. If it works for you, there is nothing wrong with doing so.

I am really happy with the Dovo, it's a great shaver. I am a little concerned about the lack of finish on the Yew wood scales, it doesn't seem like there is much of a seal coat on it. I don't know how well they will stand up to time and moisture exposure (I don't get them wet, but some exposure is inevitable). I was thinking of adding a coat of sealant to them.
11-13-2014, 12:20 AM
rolodave

Grain direction

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whipstitch

Interesting. My beard also grows straight and in one direction; I'll have to try two wtg passes next time. (I'm brand new, only 3 shaves in)

You guys are sooooooo lucky.:chapeau

I have at least 7 grain directions. Makes for interesting shaving.
11-13-2014, 02:36 PM
Whipstitch

Quote:

Originally Posted by rolodave

You guys are sooooooo lucky.:chapeau

I have at least 7 grain directions. Makes for interesting shaving.

Yowza; that must have been interesting when you were a beginner
11-13-2014, 02:55 PM
eddy79

Hi and welcome. Congrats on the shave success and any questions feel free to ask
11-21-2014, 04:39 AM
opusx11

I'm also a homebrewer, also bought a GD 208 set, also had a rough start and am now looking to replace it!
11-21-2014, 05:16 AM
criswilson10

When I started I would strop between passes and I think it helped. After a while I was able to get the close shave without stropping between passes.

@twohomebrewer - about your sealant idea, just rub it down with some renwax and that will seal it fine.
11-21-2014, 05:31 AM
Geezer

Quote:

Quote Originally Posted by rolodave View Post
You guys are sooooooo lucky.
I have at least 7 grain directions. Makes for interesting shaving.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whipstitch

Yowza; that must have been interesting when you were a beginner

I am rowing in the same boat... Took a long time to get a DFS consistently.
If I gotta be close for 24hrs, I will final buff on an aftershave, usually a balm type.
~Richard
11-21-2014, 11:10 PM
rolodave

Quote:

Originally Posted by Whipstitch

Yowza; that must have been interesting when you were a beginner

It took a period of time to get a good DFS in one pass. But. the need to lather twice is rare.
11-21-2014, 11:17 PM
rolodave

Quote:

Originally Posted by MattCB

Welcome to SRP. There are many paths to the same destination. Besides getting a great shave, you may also notice better skin complexion and enjoying the "zen" of shaving as well. Once again welcome aboard and let us know how your shaves progress.

There is the personal satisfaction that comes with the ritual(s) of wet shaving. As you master the art of a single blade (DE or SR) you wear that satisfaction on your face.