Take Two
Ok, I took some advice from some of the sages here and had mixed results – most probably due to operator error – I think the advice was pretty sound.
I have some Baxter of California stuff (Daily Face Wash, Super Close Shave Formula and After Shave Balm). I thought I’d try just using a Bic Sensitive to wean myself off the Mach 3… It was BRUTAL. I looked like an extra from the movie Saw. Used more syptic pencil than shave balm!
However, I concede that I probably didn’t properly prepare my beard, and, I’m sure that my technique with the razor is fairly poor. The first shave, I just lathered the cream on my face with my hands, the second time I tried a brush (second time was with a Bic Comfort 3), lathering in my palm and on my face. Slightly less bloody the second time, but still pretty bad. (both times in the shower)
Normally, I shave every other day – this time I went 2 in a row… I’m also in Flordia visiting my folks and have gotten a bit of sun… so there are many factors at play.
So for now, I’m just going to focus on getting this lather thing together and stick with the 3 blade jobbies temporarily… I probably need a mug, though – none of this palm-lathering, huh?
Also – I had my first straight shave at a barbershop on Wednesday – I figured I’d just see what it was like… Interesting, intriguing, but not mind-blowing… she definitely knew what she was doing, but my beard is a multi-directional nightmare under my chin, and I have a bit of a cleft chin – so she had her work cut out for her (no pun intended!). Also, I’d imagine that a barber needs to get to know a customer’s face in order to really shave it well… but it was fun and got me psyched for my own efforts… I was a little disappointed to see that she finished off with a Mach 3… she actually did quite a bit of it with the Mach 3…
…and, unfortunately, I have gotten a closer shave on my own with a Mach 3… granted there were areas that were really close and beautiful – but overall, NOT worth $35.
My journey continues…