Thread: Frustrated Newbie Seeking Advice

couple of things already mentioned, first BBS shaves are for the guys who are just starting out, it seems to be a cool thing to say. CCS is what you want, going over the same area with a razor is no good, unless your really good. and with that razor you must be careful. second for a while get you different blades for the Dx, i think its called Pro-Guard, it is a feather blade with some built in protection, Trust Me On This!. third, is been said your using too steep an angle and pressing to hard. i use a Feather all the time while traveling you need to be almost flat on angle with it.

oh you can listen or dont, but any time you have yourself convinced you know it all , you dont, it takes 100 shaves to get proficient. the tugging shows this, your angle and pressure has dulled your blade.

now advice number 4, there are a few guys in your area, look them up and get soem face time, you will be miles ahead

Well-Done, Tc!

Remember that even if you get a BBS shave, that feeling will only last a few hours unless your beard grows very slowly. For me a BBS shave lasts about two hours. Thus, as TC says, focus on getting a CCS. Perhaps if it is your wedding day you might need a BBS, but otherwise, probably not. As has been indicated by others, females do not get excited over a BBS face.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

...unless your really good. and with that razor you must be careful. second for a while get you different blades for the Dx, i think its called Pro-Guard, it is a feather blade with some built in protection, Trust Me On This!.

YES! This has been a game changer for me; thanks for pointing this out. I know my posts are super long... I apologize about that. I'm a writer by trade, so my fingers and brain tend to be a bit more greased than they should be. But buried in one of my posts I mentioned that I switched to Feather Pro Softguard blades and, wow, what a difference! It's been a huge help!

Also, I totally listen to all of you guys. This is why I came here and have not given up trying to learn how to use an SR.

Originally Posted by tcrideshd

now advice number 4, there are a few guys in your area, look them up and get soem face time, you will be miles ahead

Excellent suggestion... How do I see who is in my area?

As an update, this weekend I felt comfortable enough to try doing a first and second pass with the SR, rather than do the second pass with the DE razor. It worked great! Fantastic shave! So happy!!!

Regarding the BBS, I'm into it simply because I absolutely love how it feels! The best shaves I've even had were at my local barber, before I lost all my hair. LOL! An amazing BBS shave using an SR. When I get that for my self, with the bay rum balm, man... the smell is great, and I'll often sit at the computer while working and when I'm just reading, I'll feel my cheeks and chin. Maybe I'm weird that way, but I just love it!

I'm happy to say, with yesterday's SR shave, doing both passes, I was able to get that BBS shave even with the Feather Softguard blade. Following the advice here, it took 40 minutes (YOW!), but I did it. Slow and steady... no rush. I need to learn and entirely new style of shaving. Great shave! As I get better at it, that time will decrease. It'll just takes time.

We call it faceturbating. !!

Also remember to use an alum block after your shave. It will make your face feel extra smooth. I have been using a straight for a few years, but just recently got into using the block. Trust me on this one, you will like the way it feels.

Originally Posted by MrZ

Also remember to use an alum block after your shave. It will make your face feel extra smooth. I have been using a straight for a few years, but just recently got into using the block. Trust me on this one, you will like the way it feels.

Oh, I'm so glad you wrote this, because I forgot to ask. What's the proper method of using the block? I bought one and have been using it. I think I read you use cold water to wash it off after using it? Am I supposed to let my face dry, then put the balm on?

The first time I used it, I didn't wash it off and let my face dry, but it made my face feel real tight. Not comfortable. So the next time, I washed it off, but then the few nicks started to bleed again. I also read to make sure the block dries, and don't store it damp or it won't work any longer.

Curious to read how others use their block.

For alum I wet my face and rub on the alum. I let it sit a couple of minutes before washing it off with water and then dry my face. Apply AF or balm after that. I wipe the alum dry with toilet paper before storing it.

Bob

My experience with alum is that it certainly lets you know if your shave has been the tiniest bit rough - you will feel it right away. I use it now only after shave testing a newly honed razor to get a measure of the smoothness of the edge. I run cold water over the alum and then rub the block on my face, let it sit for a minute or so and wipe it off with a damp facecloth.

For everyday shaving, my preference is to use Thater witch hazel rather than my Osma alum stick. Much less sting and a much better post-shave face feel. For a real after shave indulgence, I sometimes follow up with organic shea butter.

I use both. Start with alum for evaluating the shave. If it burns I know I screwed up, be it the edge wasn't good or I made a mistake in the angle etc. After that I use some Thater and then AS or balm.