Post shave balm

Good evening Gents, I just purchased myself my first Dovo 5:8 hollow. I've been using a razette for a year prior, but after my first shave I've found my face is pretty rare and only after 2 passes. I know my technique is most likely the cause as my checks are smooth but my jaw line and chin (where I'm feeling the burn the most) still have a little stubble, but my question is while I'm learning what are some suggestions on a post shave balm to reduce the burn and is there a pre shave balm that may help with my sensitive skin or do I just need to harden up and wait it out. Thanks guys

Can't really help with the pre or post shave balm as I generally don't use them. I will say that Nivea AS balm seems pretty good the few times I have used it.

Yes, technique could be some of the cause and usually that is a wrong angle and too much pressure on the blade. Between one and two spine widths gap between face and spine should be about right and virtually no pressure on the blade. Another thing is that the blade is not sharp enough. This could be true if you are using a factory edge. Also poor stropping technique could also dull an edge. Just mentioned this as a few things to consider towards an irritation free shave.

Bob

Thanks Bob I know I've still got a fair bit to learn but will definitely focus more on angle and pressure when I shave next in regards to stropping technique I tried to keep pressure on the the strop never lifted the spine off the strop and didn't put much pressure on the blade at all basically just the weight of the blade

Meissner & Tremonia makes the best A/S balm I have tried. Rub a small amount onto your dry face.

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Originally Posted by Damog83

Thanks Bob I know I've still got a fair bit to learn but will definitely focus more on angle and pressure when I shave next in regards to stropping technique I tried to keep pressure on the the strop never lifted the spine off the strop and didn't put much pressure on the blade at all basically just the weight of the blade

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Sounds like you are on the right path just need to do some tuning. Never used a shavette but from what I have read here it does take some adjusting to go from them to a SR. I'm sure once you get past that initial adjustment stage you be fine and have less need of the AS balm. Good luck.

Bob

I used Nivea after shaving until I started using Noxema before shaving.

For me, the Noxema before yielded better results than Nivea after. YMMV

I have never used a shavette but from what I've read they take more of an angle than a straight. With a little practice I'm sure you'll dial in your angle and pressure and the burn will be gone. I use Nivea Regular and like that better than the Sensitive which some people say stings. I just like the feel of Nivea on my face after the shave.

As already mentioned the Nivea AS balm is pretty good stuff for the money. I use it regularly. But may have to try the noxema before the shave when I run out of Nivea. Good luck damog. Give it a few shaves an it will get better.

Damog,

I have used Castle Forbes pre-shave cream and post-shave balm for years. The pre-shave is a water soluble cream, so there is nothing greasy about it. The post shave is also delightful and packed with nutrients for your skin. They are costly, but I think worth the money.

I use Wm Neumann preshave oil. I didn't find that preshave balms helped much, whereas the oil helps nicely with glide. Aftershave balm (not splash) will also help soothe the burn until you get your technique straight.

Pressure can be a real problem; shave the lather, not your hair.

To add to all of the Nivea comments, I will add:

Proraso White ASL and RazoRock AS Wax... especially the signature scent. Good stuff, both, if you find yourself with continuing razor burn.

If your face is burning after the shave it is possible that it is the shaving soap/cream you are using?

I started out with Nivea ASB as well but I really like Simpsons ASB a lot more now. Ingredients list seems better and it is fragrance free which is never a bad thing for sensitive skin.

I used Poraso preshave cream (applied before each pass, and then lather). It helped with irritation. Lately, I've been using Noxema with a few drops of glycerine. Less expensive and works well - just doesn't smell a good.

Also, I shave after showering. In the shower, I use soap to clean my beard, and then apply conditioner and let it sit, until I get out of the shower. Then, I apply the preshave lotion, put a hot washcloth on for 30 secs two times, and then put on preshave and lather.

I too read that with a SR you need less pressure and lower (closer to face) angle, especially When going ATG. Someone mentioned that it should be so light that it feels like shaving off the lather versus shaving the hairs.

You can also focus on WTG only passes initially, and then later add XTG, and then ATG, once things are going without (or with little) irritation.

I made sure my new razors were pro honed, so that it removed two additional variables (the blade is know good, and no stropping technique issues). The. It was down to prep, lather, and technique.

HTHs,

Welcome to the journey. I am another noob and on my 9th SR shave. I had the same probems a you and can't add much more than the previous gents.

I believe that technique and lather were my major problems. Pressue/angle are both critical. At first I tried to just scrap off the lather, but the stubble was still there. It took me a while to figure out pressure/angle. Don't get discouraged; it will come sooner than you think.

I wash my face with Shea Butter soap and use Proraso between each pass. I use either a glycerine soap (such as Col. Conk or Mama Bear's Glycerine) or a very slick traditional soap like Tabac or MWF. Apparently SR lather needs to be a little thinner than with DE shaving and the lather should be shiny. This seemed to help me quite a bit.

I use a hot towel x 2 prior to initial lather. Since I am a noob and slow as a snail, I lather in sections. Afterward, I don't use alum unless I am bleeding. I used to rub it on my entire face and most of the time it burned; from a little to a lot. Now, I have zero razor burn.

I use Thayers Rose Witch Hazel initially for AS. Once the WH dries, I use a balm of some sort. However, this summer I am liking Lucky Tiger AS Tonic.

Not sure whether this will help. The main thing is don't get discouraged; if you pay close attention, you technique will improve very soon.

I use the Nivea AS balm, especially in the summer when I am sun- or wind-burned, which is common here on the Outer Banks