Howard the Duck Takes a Walk in the Park - Shave Four

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05-28-2010, 10:29 AM
LegalBeagle

Howard the Duck Takes a Walk in the Park - Shave Four

This morning was a good day. I woke up and did my usual preshower ritual of getting the shave accouterments organized. While I heated up sink water I rubbed down my filly strop (I ordered a Kanayama yesterday, but will continue practicing on the filly for now) with the palm of my hand to condition it and warm up the leather as I've learned to do from watching videos. I gave the Duck fifty passes on the leather, then off to do a nice hot shower/condition the beard. Now I was ready for battle! :mace:

Today I altered things just a bit. I substituted some Trumper's Violet for the Proraso. The lather was not nearly as thick, but it was still some nice luxurious stuff. I lathered the face and decided to give Howard a few more laps on the leather; another 25 passes to let the lather settle on the face. With my first WTG pass, I kept in mind the lesson I learned at the end of the shave yesterday--light pressure and that only I can prevent facial cuts! By the end of the first pass, everything felt great. There was no blood and I felt no burn! I was in control for a change! :matrix:

I rinsed and relathered my neck to go for another pass. This time I decided I would do ATG (although I did more of a diagonal direction in truth). Then I got the face slicked up and went for ATG there. Quick rinse and noticed again no blood! And my skin still felt good.

Another quick lather to do a final WTG with some XTG in places as touch up. By the time all was said and done, it wasn't my closest shave to date, but I knew I'd done a good enough job to look nice in my suit for court today and I was cut free!

Next came the real test--the alum block. My first three shaves left me with some definite "feedback" when the alum hit the skin. Today, I felt a slight burn on the various nicks from the prior shaves, but otherwise I felt nothing different than when I use my DE--more of a nice fresh tingle than a burn.

I don't know if I've turned a corner or if Howard and I found a temporary detente, but I must admit that I'm pleased with the progress so far!
05-28-2010, 10:43 AM
MrDavid

Nice commentary - thanks for sharing your experience!

Quote:

Originally Posted by LegalBeagle

With my first WTG pass, I kept in mind the lesson I learned at the end of the shave yesterday--light pressure and that only I can prevent facial cuts!

There may have been other factors in your shave-four success, but this one was the key. Keep the pressure light and let the razor do the work; it will just get better and better! Cheers to you. :tu
05-28-2010, 10:45 AM
Stubear

Nice job! It sounds like you're starting to get the results you want, which is great after only four shaves! :)

Dont worry about the closeness of the shave yet, as the temptation is to add more pressure which you dont need to do. Concentrate on getting a very light touch with the razor and hitting the angle just right so it wipes away the hairs like they werent there.

If the angle is wrong, you wont get as close a shave, but what you shouldnt do is add more pressure, as I say. You are correct when you say that the key to it is a light pressure with the right technique, not more pressure and bad technique.

It just gets better from here!
05-28-2010, 01:35 PM
basil

I won't lie I really enjoy reading the adventures of Howard and you. You write some good stuff here. Can't wait to read all about your next one!
05-28-2010, 03:22 PM
thebigspendur

Looks like you are doing very well.

Now you are approaching the critical phase. That's when you think you have this stuff down and you begin to get ****y and let your guard down and then you know what happens.
05-28-2010, 06:23 PM
jojingo

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Looks like you are doing very well.

Now you are approaching the critical phase. That's when you think you have this stuff down and you begin to get ****y and let your guard down and then you know what happens.

blood will begin squirting?
:)
05-28-2010, 07:58 PM
LegalBeagle

Quote:

Originally Posted by thebigspendur

Looks like you are doing very well.

Now you are approaching the critical phase. That's when you think you have this stuff down and you begin to get ****y and let your guard down and then you know what happens.

That's why I treat the straight the same way I treated an airplane as I was taking lessons for my license - it's something I enjoy doing, but if I don't remain focused it can hurt me badly!
05-28-2010, 10:48 PM
thebigspendur

Quote:

Originally Posted by LegalBeagle

That's why I treat the straight the same way I treated an airplane as I was taking lessons for my license - it's something I enjoy doing, but if I don't remain focused it can hurt me badly!

Yes, good analogy-focused and attentive and humble at all times.