Thread: 2nd & 3rd shave observation and questions

Originally Posted by BeBerlin

Sorry, but after two years of straight shaving, I can assure you that this assumption is wrong.

I never shave AGT except if i am testing blade. I just want to make sure blade true shave ready and do AGT.
i have been getting great shave every single time since i start to use right technique.
Now i should admit i got this level not after 2 years but after 4 years and learning scything motion shave.
hope this helps

Originally Posted by Peterman

If shaving with only one pass will more pressure be needed for a close shave? My first shave a couple of days ago I used more pressure and it was a very close shave, but there was some irritation a few hours later. I assuming that if only was passed was used, irritation will taper off once my skin becomes accostumed to the razor?
Pete

Never use any pressure. It's probably the most important thing to learn. When I try to focus on using the lightest touch possible, I get the best shaves.

Sharp blade + light touch = great shave

I'm sure someone here will disagree with me, but IMHO, a single pass is shave is unrealistic. Sure, you can do it, but you won't get a nice clean shave and/or you cut or irritate your skin.

I can't recall, are you using a brush and soaps/creams? For me, part of the joy of the shaving experience is using all those wonderful soaps, creams and AS's. Since I'm a beginer myself, I'm still learning how to shave the different parts of my face. This means I'm rather slow. A straight razor shave takes me about 15-20 minutes, maybe longer. I've started taking my showers and shaving in the evenings before bed since I was getting to work late too often because I took too long shaving. Because I was in a hurry to get to work, sometimes I would try to hurry the process which usually resulted in nicks and cuts I shaved last night before bed and it was one of the smoothest shaves I've ever had. I did nick myself once, but I almost didn't realize until I saw that bright red indicator.

Originally Posted by Peterman

I am currently researching my first purchase of a real straight right now. I am eager to judge for myself the difference between the real thing and the shavette. I'm starting to think that the shavette is too light.
Pete

It's pretty common for new straight shavers to migrate towards the heavier, less hollow or wedge, blades. Eventually, most shaver start to gravitate back towards the full hollow lighter blades. Granted this isn't always the case, but it's a definite trend I've seen while reading these forums.

I'm taking the approach that since I'll eventually develop enough skill to appreciate the full hollow, I'm just using them right from the beginning. Hopefully it will help speed up the learning curve a bit. That being said, I do love the way that 1/2 or 1/4 hollow Bengall shaves

Watch the classifieds. There are usually a couple shave ready vintage blades available for ~$30-40. They might not look pretty, but they will get the job done! My Bengall has some tarnish or black spots on it, but it doesn't affect the shave. Someday, I plan to fully restore it, but not until I practice on some other blades and have more razors to put into my rotation.