Probably my best shave ever today

I've had a straight razor for a good 5 years. I've never used it consistently, but pull it out on weekends. In addition to my Portland Razor Co., Thiers Issard, and a no-name vintage, I also have a Feather SS. For some reason, I've historically gotten a closer and more comfortable shave with the Feather. But today, I got the closest shave I've ever gotten with a straight or the Feather. I've been thinking about what was different, and I think it's down to 4 things:

1. I was more careful about following my beard map. My neck hairs grow in multiple directions, so I get lazy with a DE. Today I made sure to go WTG for the first pass everywhere.
2. I focused a lot on skin stretching.
3. I found a comfortable way to hold the razor to go ATG in a couple of problem areas.
4. I've used my straight (or Feather) every day this week. For whatever reason, I had the time in the mornings and took advantage of it. I think all the repetition was really helpful.

Anyway, I'm really happy about it. It's 4:00 and my skin is still really smooth and there was no irritation at all.

Excellent. I find that skin stretching and holding gets mentioned a lot and for very good reason. All three of your points are important ones. The lighter my hold the lighter the pressure.

Good to hear of your success :)

I agree that stretching the skin helps a lot and of course ....practice, practice, practice! :)

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Originally Posted by randydance062449

Good to hear of your success :)

I agree that stretching the skin helps a lot and of course ....practice, practice, practice! :)

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Oh that comes so nice!

Think about how your shaves are going today and three months from now recall those thoughts and compare them to how your shaves are going presently.
Then you will know how much you have learned.