Thread: New guy keeping a shave log - too geeky?

The shortest pencil is better than the longest memory, keeping a log will help you to sort out what works, what doesn't and why.

As someone who used to shave with conventional straights and now uses a "shavette" exclusively ( I cant strop and hone anymore due to a medical nerve condition in my hands and arms) I really use the quote from Jimmy's profile "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." A disposable blade straight is very unforgiving and will cut you very easy if you force it even a minute amount. I have found a very light touch and some very thick lather will eliminate most if not all of your nicks and cuts. Good Luck.

I didn't write down or post my first shave or any of the experiences I had When I started them. I remember of course, but as for the date of my first straight shave, or how long it took me to get the right angle, the first perfect strop, even how I learned to whip up a decent lather, it's lost to history. If it works for you, write on!

Thanks for all the comments and encouragement...

I have purchased a DE to touch up in addition to the straight and never knew one could feel so good compared to the Schick Quattro and Gillette Fusion.

I can't believe how amazing I feel "not to cut myself" - insane about how little things can make your day:-)

Here are more additions from my log and I welcome any comments...
Thanks, Joe.

----Shave log --- (cont'd)

Day 7 - 8 JUN 2010
Went back to VDH and Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream.
Shaved Cheeks only, no nicks, no cuts.
Rest of face shaved with Quattro

Day 8 - 9 JUN 2010
First day using Shea Moisture Brush everyone is raving about... felt great! Used VDH alone and got a great lather with the new brush.
Shaved Cheeks only, no nicks, no cuts.
Rest of face shaved with Quattro

Day 9 - 10 JUN 2010
Used VDH alone today.
Have officially switched to the Shea Moisture brush, retiring the Marvy from Sally Beauty Supply.
Shaved the cheeks and neck, except under chin area, no nicks, no cuts!
Finished up with Quattro

Day X - 11 JUN 2010 - No shave today

Day 10 - 12 JUN 2010
Used Shea Moisture Shea and African Black Soap shaving cream mixed with VDH
Shaved entire face WTG with no nicks or cuts excepts for a cut under the nose. Didn't get very close under lower lip (some trepidation) and the under nose was also my first time and I cut myself, but didn't do too bad on the uncut side.
Also did a second cut WTG on the neck, still no cuts:-)

Day 11 - 13 June 2010
This morning was my first DE shave using a Weishi Safety Razor and a Dorco ST-301 blade.
I used my Shea Moisture Badger brush with the VDH Deluxe and Shea Moisture mix for Superlather:-)
First shave went great including both WTG and ATG, but from what I understand this is not a very aggressive razor which is one of the reasons I bought it.
No nicks, no cuts, shave feels smooth.
I plan to use the DE to also to clean up after my slow learning curve with a straight (still primarily only going WTG)

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