Thread: Best Shave EVER!

Ben must have put a great edge on my razor, and thankfully, my stropping technique hasn't ruined it yet, because this afternoon, I had the BEST SHAVE EVER! And that includes the ones I've had prior to SR shaving.

Today, was the first time I didn't have to use an M3 to finish up. And I am actually BBS.......in some places. I couldn't do an ATG pass in some areas, because I got ( I think ) a weeper? Not quite clear what a weeper is, but if it's sorta/kinda a nick, but one that doesn't bleed, then I ended up getting one on an XTG pass, in one area. I also have some ingrown inflammations in other areas, so I didn't do more than one pass in those spots, but I am actually BBS in some areas! And aside from the one little chin hair I couldn't get to, because it's right next to a razor bump, this is the best shave I've ever had!! I am so psyched. I know I said I had faith that I would get there, but in all honesty, some of that was bravado/denial, because in the back of my head, I wasn't completely certain. But what do you know? After a half a dozen partial shaves, this is my first complete and all around shave and I am LOVING IT! My skin feels so soft!! I almost feel girly!! LOL.

And for other newbies, who haven't experienced this....seriously, keep at it, because once you get there, or close to there, like I am, it really does feel as soft as a baby's bottom.

Also, I think when it comes to technique, one of the best pieces of advice, is in the signature of another member here (sorry, the member name escapes me at the moment). It's the advice given to him by a barber, about holding the blade very lightly. Light enough to allow the blade to flex should the hair catch. I found holding the razor lightly especially useful around the chin and neck areas, and when doing an ATG pass.

I also have never worried about nicking myself, because A) I know it doesn't hurt that much, and B) I know, because my Mach 3 has been chewing up my face on the regular for years, and so I figure how much more damage can one blade do as opposed to 3 ? So, I take a fearless approach to it; not reckless, just that it doesn't scare me, even around the throat. I actually feel most comfortable shaving the throat area. It's my chin and jawline that are the toughest areas. So, it's not about being nonchalant, as I totally respect the blade. Respect it more than my Mach 3. I take my time, and because I am using a cheap soap that dries rather quickly, and I'm slow, I just lather half my face at a time.

I also seem to be doing okay on the lather front. I have a cheap 5 dollar synthetic brush, and I just dab some shave cream sample on the brush after soaking it in a cup with water I heated in a microwave. And I also put a very thin layer on the face, (after the hot towel) The combo of the cream and the soap seem to produce a good lather. It's quite thick, with tiny bubbles, almost like whipped yogurt would be like? Anyway, it still dries on my face too fast, but that may be because I still really REALLY slow with my shaves. So you don't have to have the best soap and best brush to get a really smooth shave. The shave ready razor and the strop, are the thing. And the prep beforehand is important too. I'm loving this...

Wow! I can't stop touching my face!

Thanks everyone for the help and advice. I can't believe how excited I am about this!

I had my first straight shave today too. Now, I thought about taking it nice and slow and kind of easing into it like you did with partial shaves, but I was having so much fun trying to learn the right way to hold the blade for me that I just kept going until I had shaved my whole face/jaw line/neck.

Then I had to do an XTG and ATG. No nicks, no cuts, and other than a few rather rough patches on my throat where I was afraid to try too hard, it was an incredible experience. I'm glad I decided to throw caution to the wind and jump right in. I've heard that doing touch ups with another razor defeats the purpose because it doesn't force you to learn the right technique.

But I think thats a load, and I can see the attraction of doing it that way. After pass 1 I was definitely tempted to break out the DE, but I stuck with it. Learning the best way to hold the razor is definitely the hardest part in my opinion, its much more awkward than a M3 or DE razor.

Shaving is just plain fun isn't it? Glad you're having a great experience. I know I learn more each time I shave, and incrementally it gets better and better.

Originally Posted by keenedge

Shaving is just plain fun isn't it?

You know, I never thought I would ever say this (particularly after "learning" on a M3), but shaving really is fun.

Originally Posted by DPflaumer

You know, I never thought I would ever say this (particularly after "learning" on a M3), but shaving really is fun.

If you're like me, now you probably wished you would have started with a straight razor a long time ago and not have given so much of your money to Gillette.

If not a straight, than at least a DE. I don't use gillette blades in mine so I would still be denying them the money the masses throw at them

It's a rush, shaving your full beard! When I started, I didn't know about StraightRazorPlace.com, and definitely didn't have a sharp blade. Just bought the razor from a brother-in-law, and went to it. Even with what I know now was a dull blade, I just went slow and then slower until I was done. Didn't do too bad!

Now, I feel almost superior!

By the way, I try not to bore my friends with straight talk. But, mentioned it offhand to a co-worker. He has never had a good non-irritating shave with any type electric or disposable blade. I told him don't even consider trying straights unless you are willing to invest a little time and effort. That didn't faze him. We'll see. Maybe, I've made my first disciple (to be a little sacrilegious.)

I'm glad that you're happy with it & that you've had such a great start! It makes me feel all warm inside!

The sig that you mention belongs to JimmyHAD:

"An old barber told me to hold the razor securely but lightly enough so that is if it pulls the razor will flex in your fingers and be less likely to nick. He also told me to never force it if it does pull. Following that advice I have rarely gotten a nick."

It'll only get better (mostly!).

Originally Posted by keenedge

Shaving is just plain fun isn't it? Glad you're having a great experience. I know I learn more each time I shave, and incrementally it gets better and better.

It sure is fun. Now. Before, with M3s, not so much. In fact, not at all!

Who'd have thunk I'd actually look forward to shaving. Certainly not I.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

I'm glad that you're happy with it & that you've had such a great start! It makes me feel all warm inside!

The sig that you mention belongs to JimmyHAD:

"An old barber told me to hold the razor securely but lightly enough so that is if it pulls the razor will flex in your fingers and be less likely to nick. He also told me to never force it if it does pull. Following that advice I have rarely gotten a nick."

It'll only get better (mostly!).

LOL, well glad to hear you're staying warm!

And also glad to know my memory isn't totally shot, as JimmyHAD was who came to mind with that quote, but I wasn't sure. His avatar, which is a favourite of mine came to mind when I was paraphrasing his sig.