Too many new things...

[TheGiver]

I decided to take a slightly different, and slightly longer, road to full on shaving with a SR. Until recently all I ever did was squirt foam out of a can, rub it in, then use a cartridge to scrape it all off again. I figured that adding a prep, learning to use a brush, learning to lather, learning to strop, AND learning to use the SR was just introducing too many variables for me to have any hope of having any success.

So, after I got my kit (beginners one from SRD) I decided hold off the SR (seeing as how that's the most difficult part) and just do all the other stuff while still using my M3.

The brush and soap? MUCH better shave with the M3 then ever before. Wow, is it really this "easy"? I've used all the different foams and gels on the market, even got some fancy expensive stuff from the Ulta store. The last thing I had been using was a shaving lotion from Lush (never gave me a close shave but certainly my skin felt nice after). They all pale in comparison to the soap and brush. It's not even close! Why isn't EVERYONE using this stuff? Why in the world have the gels and foams taken over? It CAN'T be ease of use because it is just not that hard or time consuming to use a soap and brush? I'm just baffled.

Anyway.

During this time I've tried to get more acquainted with the SR and not fear it. Like a lot of newbies I now have a lot of bare patches on my arms Yes, wife thinks I'm nuts.

So after a full week of procrastinating (cowardice), I tried the SR. Sideburns went too fast so I went on to do the whole side of my face both left and right, switching hands. I got overconfident and tried my neck and the razor just pulled and skipped. Ok, that's enough. Did the rest with the M3.

Day 2 couldn't get here fast enough. WTG on sides and jaw. Neck still pulled but I didn't want to give up so I tackled my chin. Cleft and all. Not pretty (no nicks tho) but still a sense of satisfaction. Cleaned up with M3

Day 3 I decided I would NOT use the M3 on the sides so they got a full 3 passes. Very nice. I also finally got my neck. Not sure what I did different (lather? angle?) but it went ok. No nicks. I also went after the upper lip. PAINFUL my friends. And that was just the WTG pass. I started doubting the sharpness of the razor but after reading on here all the other stories I know it was technique... Cleanup with the M3. I hope I don't get dependent on that.

Day 4 (this morning) I decided I would absolutely NOT use the M3. Sides went great. Jawline went great. Chin did not go so well. Major nick. I would go ahead and call it a cut but after holding the flap of skin down it stopped bleeding and seems fine. Neck went ok (that dang adams apple has ALWAYS been a bear). Upper lip went FANTASTIC. I really took my time and kept the lather applied. I did WTG and XTG and man it feels smooth. Not BBS but very good. All in all very satisfied. The sides of my jaw actually look shiny!

Oh, for post-shave I just use Publix brand Witchhazel.

I find it extremely humorous that up to this point in my adult life shaving has been nothing but a dreaded chore yet now I am actually wishing I had to shave twice a day.

Gentlemen, this is exciting.

Geoffrey