Homing in on my technique

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!

If you're happy with the results that's all that matters. Soon you'll be asking for advice concerning shaving with a Real Straight Razor. The members here will be more than glad to offer advice and help you spend your money.

Many have a tendency to apply more pressure and get the angle wrong after they get going. If you start feeling a raw face then think about what I said. May help reduce some of that burn your experiencing now :<0)

Definitely what 10pups said! The majority of times of had problems ( cuts, weepers, burn ) was because I was applying pressure or my angle was off especially on chin and jawline.

Your procedure sounds like an awesome, solid routine. Enjoy!

Looks like a pretty good routine.
Time to start changing the brand of blade and see if there is another type that you like more. Or maybe changing soaps.

Me, I found that too much hot water increases irritation. Polar Bear club for me. But as has been said, you've got a baseline routine that works for _you_, now you can have fun swapping out variables (like new soaps or brushes!).

I will second the pressure check. Easiest route to burn. If you are always getting burn it is time to change things. Good luck experimenting to find what works for you.

Thanks all.
Now that I've got the basics of a routine, I'll take your advice and start to experiment. When my latest soap runs out, I'll make sure to have something different to try. I'm also looking at a Dovo SR that I like the look of...
:)

I love dovo. You should definitely get one and try it because you will be missing out otherwise. I have 3 dovos.