Beginner With Sensitive Skin Seeking Straight Razor Advice
Hey everybody,
I'm new to the forums so here is a little background. I'm 21 and have been using electric shavers since I started shaving (about 7 years ago). I have gone through 2 Norelcos and when I started looking for the next one I started to do some thinking and research.
My problem is this: I have extremely sensitive skin. No matter how lightly or gently I shave, I get horrible shaver burn (redness, swelling, razor bumps, ingrown hairs, and blood scabs). I know it may sound like I am butchering my face deliberately, but I am not. I have done everything I can to minimize irritation. I use a light touch; I use small gentle circular motions; I prep my face properly - nothing has ever helped. It is so bad that people ask if I have a dermatological condition. In short, I have had it with electric shavers. I also am appalled at the prices of new electric shavers that are labeled as perfect for sensitive skin (Braun comes to mind). Therefore, I started looking at other options and liked what I read about straight razors.
Can a guy with sensitive skin like mine achieve a close shave with no (or at least very little) irritation with a straight razor? If so, could you guys recommend to me which razors, brushes, creams, soaps, and aftershave lotions I should get?
Up to now, I've been looking at the Dovo and Thiers-Issard razors. Also, what type of Badger brush (pure, silvertip, etc.)? I've sort of limited myself to badger brushes since I figure that the boar or synthetic brushes might be too rough? Lastly, and maybe this is the most important part, what creams, soaps, and aftershaves should I consider? Are creams more gentle than soaps in general? I was looking at the Taylor of Old Bond Street Sensitive Skin Shaving Cream. Is there anything better out there? Also, how long would a tub (5.3 oz) of that last, on average (figuring shaving every other day)?
In terms of razor maintenance, how difficult is it to properly maintain a straight razor and what strops, hones, compounds are needed?
I know that this is a massive list of questions but you are reading the post of an aggravated (and irritated) guy who no longer wants to suffer (and also, believe it or not, to lose any more dates because of shaver burn). I'm looking for a better option and I hope you guys can show me the way.
All the best,
Michael