Hi all,
By counting the replaceable blades I have left in my stash (I'm using a shavette with Derby blades), I can see that I have something like 30 shaves under my belt with the shavette (the first straight razor I've ever used), and I think I'm starting to home in on a good technique. I'd love to hear your thoughts on what I'm doing.

Preshave

  1. Thoroughly wet face with hot water.
  2. Lather with the brush.
  3. Take a few minutes preparing the razor, etc.
  4. Rinse off the lather with hot water.
  5. Reapply lather for the shave.


Shave
  1. Pass one WTG, then hot water rinse.
  2. Pass two XTG, then hot water rinse.
  3. Pass three ATG, cheeks & neck only.


Aftershave

  1. Hot water rinse.
  2. Cold water rinse.
  3. Alum block on wet skin (ouch!).
  4. After shave moisturiser when everything's dry. Might need a second application.


The biggest lessons I've figured out are:


  1. Always, always, ALWAYS, be thinking about where the edge of the blade is. Always.
  2. Well stretched skin is harder to cut.


Thanks for reading. Any tips or tricks, or comments on my routine would be gratefully received!