Thread: A most horrible shave

Good advice here. I only get BBS if I haven't shaved for about 3 or 4 days. That next shave is then great. If I shave every day, the quality dips. Still good shaves but not BBS.

After shaving for two years I was still nicking myself on one side of the jaw every now and then. I figured that the angle was wrong on that stroke and it was just happening because I was over confident and moving too fast. After a while it becomes second nature and you figure I know what I am doing and do not need to think about it any more. Babow, wrong.....

Take a really hard look at your stropping. May have dulled or rolled the edge some, which you try to compensate for by applying pressure when you shave, like many of us did. Doesn't work !

Good advice here on stropping, angle and taking your time.

I agree with Haroldg48, avoid using too much pressure. Let the blade do the work.

A rolled edge will eventually break off and then you have a hacksaw.

Most probably once you roll an edge the next stroke breaks it off.

Even if you do not roll the edge, improper stropping can easily chip the edge, and yes chips will cut you.

Micro-chips cut you microscopically and cause an uncomfortable shave or irritation.

Here is a little follow up.
I checked the edge of my razor and there are no chips. I shaved again a few days ago being very careful, but I still managed to cut myself.
This morning I tried a cold shave like I've been reading about in this forum. I got a perfect shave with the cold water method. Whether it was the cold water or my concentration that made it perfect I don't know, but I will do cold shaves the next couple of times for sure.

Cold wAter shaves work really well for a lot of us. Glad it's Going well

The thing I love (and sometimes hate) is the process of dialing in all the variables. There is a distinct sense of satisfaction when all goes well but frustration when it doesn't. That's what makes the journey interesting and hopefully satisfying.

For those nicks. I use a little neosponin or triple antibiotic ointment (what ever they call it where you live) on a nick after my other post shave treatments. Seems to speed the healing and limit the scarring. Ofcourse YMMV.

Peterlh,

I have been wet-shaving with straights and safety razors for about six (6) years.

I shaved yesterday with my Muhle R106 with a Super Iridium blade - this 'always' gives me a BBS, comfortable shave.

Well it didn't this time - my face was the colour of beetroot and was so hot it could be spotted from Space

These things just happen now and again ! I wouldn't worry about them - just let your chops get better, and go for it again

Have fun

Best regards

Russ