Thread: An experiment

My first straight razor shave was just a little over four weeks ago.

I've been experiencing some frustration because I can't seem to get a good smooth shave on my neck. Two passes on the cheeks leave them baby-butt smooth but two passes on the neck leaves some stubble. A third pass either doesn't get the stubble or worse, it leaves me with razor burn.

So this morning, just to remind myself how far I've come, this is what I did: I dug around in the cabinet under the sink and found a never-used disposable razor and an old can of Colgate shave cream. After my shower, I used them to shave -- the same one-pass, one-minute, no-thought shave that I took for granted for so many years.

The result: the stubble on my cheeks is about like the stubble on my neck after a straight-shave. The stubble on my neck is worse.

So the bottom line is that after four weeks of practice, my straight-shave is far closer than my old ways, and it continues to improve. I've reached the point now where I can shave in a reasonable amount of time, without nicking myself or getting razor burn, and I get a better shave than I used to.

Now, this might have been obvious if I had gone directly from foam-in-a-can and disposable razor to using a straight, but that's not how it went. Before I purchased my first straight, and while I was waiting for it to come in the mail, I was improving my prep. I changed to using mug soap and a brush, and I quit using disposables and started using a Mach 3 with replaceable cartridges. I started stretching my skin while shaving with the Mach 3. I started putting conditioner on my face while showering. Before the straight arrived, I reached the point where proper prep and three passes with the Mach 3 resulted in a BBS face and neck.

I have no doubt that as my technique continues to improve, I'll attain that same state with the straight. For now, I'm getting shaves that are quite good, and I'm not spending money on replacement cartridges or disposable razors!

Way to go Sam! Interesting, I'll have to try this with my Trac II one of these days. I've been at this for almost a year and I'm still learning and experimenting with technique. Its an on-going process for me. I'm enjoying it.

Jordan

Good stuff this is what I like to hear.

I've thought about doing the same experiment myself. The problem is that I can't stomach the thought of using my Mach III . . . even for the sake of science.

The only place I have trouble in is the neck, just under the chin and to the sides. I never had trouble there with a cartrige but I'm still looking for that special stroke with the straight that clears the stubble away. I'm still trying to remember the pulling up at the chin mentioned on another thread not long ago.

Originally Posted by SailorSam

So this morning, just to remind myself how far I've come, this is what I did: I dug around in the cabinet under the sink and found a never-used disposable razor and an old can of Colgate shave cream. After my shower, I used them to shave

Well, looks like Lou is a bit slow on this one, so hope no-one minds if I step in....










BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM!



what-evah

I was thinking about it but I don't have any moch3 blades lying around and I certainly wasn't about to waste any money to find out.

Way to go though. Makes you see how far you have come doesn't it.

And if you did it commando no ban will be considered..

Originally Posted by majurey

Well, looks like Lou is a bit slow on this one, so hope no-one minds if I step in....










BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM! BAN HIM!



what-evah

...couldn't have said it better, myself! WELL DONE, Mark!

-carry on

-whatever

-Lou

(.....could it be???....am I no longer NEEDED here???...is it time for me to move on and find some other screwed up forum full of naieve innocents just begging for my guiding hand???....is that to be my destiny?????)
















(I DON'T THINK SO-O-O-O!!!)

Originally Posted by SteveS

I've thought about doing the same experiment myself. The problem is that I can't stomach the thought of using my Mach III . . . even for the sake of science.

I agree!!! The Mach 3's are the curse of the devil and I would never go back even for an experiment.

Steve

Originally Posted by DwarvenChef

The only place I have trouble in is the neck, just under the chin and to the sides. I never had trouble there with a cartrige but I'm still looking for that special stroke with the straight that clears the stubble away. I'm still trying to remember the pulling up at the chin mentioned on another thread not long ago.

I have the same problem , the stubble grows diagonaly from left to right under my chin, as I am right handed it means I have to to hold the razor edge up with the handle over the back of my hand and pass from low right to high left under my chin to shave against the grain.