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Got a question.
I had a beard for a long time and just started really shaving. I've been doing so for about two or three months now. It seems that if I go more than one or two days without shaving, shaving can be a nasty time. Is this true or am I doing something wrong?
David.
Hey so I've been shaving a lot recently, now that it's becoming enjoyable again. It may be just something as simple as that your face isn't used to being shaved. My face has become used to an electric and now I'm back to using blade and my face is getting use to the blade again. Or it could be something else...you may want to try a pre-shave and a good post shave. What are u using to shave? Including your soap/cream, brush, blade, strope, etc??? The more experience dudes will ask for more info to help you better. Hope this helps!?!?!?
What are you shaving with and what soap/cram are you using?
Bob
Told ya!!!!!☝☝☝☝☝������ lol!!!!
Straight Razors (Dovo, Geneva), Phoenix Artisan Acc., SRD and Colonel Conk soaps.
I strop, then shower.
I only have this problem when I have waited several days. Maybe it is because when you go in the wrong direction at that point it is really bad?
Matbe it's just me, but I don't notice too much of a difference. Really work the lather in with your brush. My beard can be so thick, it holds the lather off my face.
It could be a combination of factors... I still think a good pre-shave is important. Also it could be your choice of soaps. Some folks swear by creams vs soaps. I think it is personal preference. But your face is telling ya something isn't quite right. The good news is that we have quite a few SME on all aspects of the SR experience. I will be checking back, these threads are quite informative.
Starting to think it could be I was rushing and had a bad prep.
Actually, David, I find the opposite to be true for me. I find shaving a few days' growth to be more enjoyable than shaving that of just one day. The resistance, or lack of it, is the same regardless of the number of days' growth but for some reason the shave is more pleasant. I suspect that part of it is the visual feedback of seeing the removal of a lot more whiskers. Primarily, though, I believe that it is because after a longer rest the skin more fully has recovered from minor abrasion damage than it does after a single day.
So not to hijack his thread, but how long does your shave last???
Usually do atleast 2 passes, maybe three depending. If I'm using a safety, then not long, but if I'm using a straight I tend to take my time. Was kinda rushed this morning though.
Do you mean by going in the wrong direction you trying to go ATG on the first pass?Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveStauffer
Bob
I cant see how the length of the stubble makes any difference to shave quality. The blade is cutting hair - regardless of its length.
A couple of thoughts;
- Your beard lays flat to your skin and with poor blade angle (30deg is just a suggestion) you are getting a scrape rather than a cut. Try lowering the spine & using a brush with good backbone to lift the whiskers
- Your skin is oily. The extra build up of oils means more dirt and less effective slice from the razor. Try a good pre-shave soap to remove oils/dirt which softens stubble and allows the blade to glide/cut better
So, I would recommend on those days with extra growth to use a good pre shave and really run/massage with your fingers ATG. Face lather using a good stiff brush. Do three passes WTG XTG ATG. Experiment with angles remembering to lower the spine each pass.
I am no veteran, but I hope that helps.
Answer to Bob's question, possibility of going ATG at times. Not doing so on purpose, just when it gets longer it seems to lay differently.
Sxot, I like your comment about the stiffer brush. I am shaving right out of the shower though, it's pretty clean and moisturized.
Thanks to both of you, and everyone else so far.
It is a puzzle to me why a few days growth would be harder to shave than one days growth as per Sxot reasoning. The other suggestions have been good like really working the lather into your stubble and that is where face lathering works well. Make sure your lather has the right soap to water ratio. Lather on the dry side tends to make the blade skip and catch. Take your time with a straight razor and if pressed for time go with a DE.
Bob
It may lay differently but it will only exit the skin one way. Map your beard properly then figure out your strokes. Don't modify because it lays differently. Try to be consistent and only change that which is causing a problemQuote:
Originally Posted by DaveStauffer
A lot depend on your beard, but I suspect your razor is not as keen as it could be.
How was it honed?
Probably a combination of keenness, prep and technique.
The razor is in good shape, recently honed. It was a prep issue I believe. I was in a rush that day.
I tend to agree. A few days beard is softer and easier to shave (mostly). As suggested here - try face lathering. Also, try to shower FIRST, it really softens the whiskers, or alternatively - use a hot towel.Quote:
Originally Posted by DaveStauffer
Did it happen only once?
Another thing to keep in mind is the fact that something changed. If you're used to shaving short whiskers, and then shave long whiskers, it's a change that takes you off-balance. Wet shaving, especially SR shaving, is a VERY delicate activity, and extremely sensitive to changes.
Be mindful, try to realize how it's more difficult for you.
And keep us updated :]
I'm still new to this. Been with it about two months.
One thing I noticed the last time (two days ago) and paid very close attention to this time is how fast I am moving the blade. Too slow, well too slow. At the right speed, I can sense the hair being cut. Too fast and it is more like it is being ripped out.
I think there were many aspects to the time I first discussed. Speed, prep, etc.
Something else I have been doing is using a wetter lather. That seems to have improved things considerably.
Thanks to everyone for their help on this.
First things first. Start with your prep. After you lather up use your fingers to really work the lather in. Next strop your blade. This will give lather more time to really soak into those whiskers. Relather after stropping and then proceed with your shave. There are all kinds of different methods for preparing your beard. Check out the wiki for shave prep. Hang in there & try different methods or pick and choose. That's where the fun is at and the enjoyment when you finally get it right
I like the sequence MD. Shaving like many other things in life is a ritual. Each step is a timed event in the sequence there for a reason. Letting the lather sit while I strop is a very good idea.
Mantic59 recently posted some ideas on how to improve your neck shave. He suggested lathering the neck first and shaving last to let it soak in more. Your idea give everything more time.