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  1. #1
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    Default Need encouragement

    Tell me it gets better than this. Like the recent thread, I'm in my third week of straight shaving, after using a DB and brush. Now I'm getting up a half hour earlier to shave. I'm going to work with embarassing cuts and nicks. All for a shave that's not as good as I get quicker and more comfortably with my DB. But I'm a hard headed SOB, so I persevere.

    I sometimes take a last pass with my DB just to get the closeness I want.

    I'm not asking for advice. There's plenty of good advice on this forum, and I've watched videos and read lots. Besides, no one can really help with specifics unless you see me strop and shave. Just please tell me that at some point I'll get a close shave without butchering my face.

  2. #2
    Senior Member blabbermouth jnich67's Avatar
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    You can do it! It will take patience and perseverance though. I'm sure you're assessing what might be going wrong and trying to change a variable at a time. Also, as I'm sure you've read - Let your face heal as best you can before proceeding. Do you have Lynn's DVD? It's worth it. You have the rest of your life to work on this, so take your time and you will get there.

    Jordan

  3. #3
    what Dad calls me nun2sharp's Avatar
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    Its just a matter of time before you catch your rythm and its all going to fall in place, it might help if you go slower or stay away from the harder parts for a while , you might even want to drop it for a week, catch your breath and then go at it again.
    It is easier to fool people than to convince them they have been fooled. Twain

  4. #4
    comfortably shaving chee16's Avatar
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    there's nothing wrong with doing a touch up at the end with a DE ( you put DB which i was taking as double blade, same as DE or double edge?). i have had discouraging shaves many times, but soon enough you will have a great shave that will make it all worth it, plus it gives you something to aim towards.

    one thing that has kept me going is i just remember, no matter what shape my face, how crazy the grain of my beard or how sensitive my skin is, there is someone else out there (and chances are on these forums) that has close to the same situation and can get a great shave, so there is no reason i can't get there.0

    Good luck!
    Wes

  5. #5
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimmyHAD's Avatar
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    Sounds like my early days. It took so long I used to have to rinse and re-lather before I got through the first pass. I didn't have a truly shave ready razor when I first started and that made it harder.

    I did use my slant DE to do my chin and mustache for the first two or three weeks as I began to develop the coordination between my eye looking at what I was doing and the razor in my hand. As Lynn says in the thread "Anticipation",getting the feeling of the razor on my face.

    I also had learned the 'Multiple pass gradual stubble removal technique". Once I got past the first few weeks I got a couple of really shave ready razors and that made a great deal of difference. Pretty soon my shaves equaled the slant with a feather DE in closeness, smoothness and in time spent.

    Read my sig line below to avoid nicks and hang tough. It does get better.
    Be careful how you treat people on your way up, you may meet them again on your way back down.

  6. #6
    Senior Member blabbermouth JimR's Avatar
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    Well, I'm right there with you. I can only tell you what I tell myself, that it WILL get better, and only if I keep at it. It's a hump to get over, and I had the same with a DE. Once we're over that initial hump, it's going to feel so good...

  7. #7
    Mostly Harmless mlangstr's Avatar
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    YES it will get better.. just be carefull, dont rush, dont do things you are not comfortable with. Finish off with the DE and dont forget to enjoy your shave.

    YouTube - BC Lions - Vending Machine


    Maarten

  • #8
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    I have one suggestion - shave in the evenings. Then you're not rushed and don't have to worry about showing up with fresh wounds on your face. Stick with it and you'll be pleased and proud as you become more proficient.

  • #9
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    stick with it! you will prevail! And don't hesitate to alternate between DE and Straights for a while if that eases the transition.

  • #10
    Senior Member dward's Avatar
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    Hey, I've been using straights for 6 months and I still touch up with my Merkur twin. There are a few spots that not even my barber would touch when I had him give me a shave with my equipment. I just looked in the straight razor rules book and saw nothing in there forbidding you from backing away from those areas causing you the most problem. Work on those over the weekends, not on work days. That should take some of the stress away. Remember, this should be enjoyable and relaxing. If you have to, go back to basics and do the just the area between the sideburns and jawline, and WTG only. I also saw someone with some sage advice. If there is a question between close and comfortable he always chose comfort first.

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