Thread: feeling the burn

i just got my first "real" soap the other day and since then i've been having problems with razor burn. its momma bears british leather. a glycerin soap. i think i'm just having a problem with lather but i can't figure it out. i get the lather to look almost exactly like all the examples i see and it stays in my bowl and on my face pretty well, it feels good but everytime i end up with razor burn. i did however get the closest shave i've had so far i think mainly due to really exaggerated prep work, but i ended up with some wicked burn on my neck. I realize its probably just the lather but maybe there is something i missed or maybe you guys have some tips that i haven't been able to find on my own

Thanks!

JMO, but usually the number one culprit of razor burn is too much pressure. There is a definite difference between the canned goop and shave soap, so you might possibly be using more pressure than needed with the soap.

You should not be applying any pressure with your blade. The weight of the blade itself is enough, you're just guiding it. As for your soap, what sorts of problems have you had?

Hello!
Maybe lather the face several times? I was like - at first shaving take long lather dried.
Check how sharp your razor.
Sincerely,
Alexander

You did not say anything about your shaving routine. How many passes are you doing, and which? If you get razor burn, perhaps try omitting the XTG pass. I know I used to get a little focused on BBS sometimes and would shave WTG, ATG and XTG, and then do quite a lot of cleaning up afterwards, when in reality it was a lack of technique that was the problem. So, try limiting your passes, WTG and ATG should produce an acceptable shave when done well.

Usually, when you say razor burn people will think pressure, but it sounds like you are aware of this issue? Also, your prep work sounds fine, and your lather sounds fine - in fact, your lather sounds great. A couple drops of baby oil/shave oil before you add the lather may help. Also, be aware that the neck area usually is the hardest to master for just about everyone. Hang in there, you'll figure it out.

Best of luck.

Edit: Oh BTW, check out the other ongoing post about this matter here. There might be additional tips in there

Preparation is important, but you have to realize that you're scraping a razor across your face. If you experience any burn, you have done it with too much pressure. That's really all there is to it. Creams and balms will help, but you'll still have razor burn caused by the removal of skin by using too much pressure.

Excellent points have been made so far. There is a definitive correlation between razor burn and pressure. If I may, I'd like to offer that there is also a direct correlation between burn and angle.

When I began, my razor pressure was just as it is now, but my angle was way too steep. This caused the razor to literally scrape across my skin, especially my neck, as seeing it under my chin and such was difficult.

Without knowing your exact situation, I would recommend two things. 1. Take the variable of prep out of the way by ensuring that you "over prep" for the time being. You can use hot towels, a facial massage in the shower, or a double lather (lather once, leave it for a couple minutes while you strop, and then wipe off and brush again with newly made lather.

2. Check your blade angle, making sure that when the razor is resting on your cheek before a pass, that your razor spine is approximately 1.5 spines away from your skin. And of course, use a very light touch.

I hope this helps a little. No one likes razor burn.

Keep us posted with your results!

thanks for all the tips. i'll definitely try everything recommended!

@ lasoxfan - well with the soap at first i had problems with it drying up to quick but now i've got that down. i guess i'm just not sure if i'm doing it right i feel like i can watch all the videos i want and read all the advice and still get it wrong. i had a puck of cheap walgreens soap before and i was able to get a good lather out of it, but i'm not sure i that means anything. i think as far as the soap goes i need to sit down and actually do some practicing away from just my normal shave routine.

@str8fencer- i'll definitely just do WTG and ATG till i figure it out thanks. sometimes you do definitely get caught up in the search for BBS

I think your problems are much more likely technique-related than lather-related. Lather will help avoid razor burn, but I've been able to get a good burn going with great lather and lousy technique. Watching videos is a great way to pick up ideas and improve your technique, but remember how difficult and complicated a straight shave is, how many factors are involved in getting it right.

I play golf. I watch lots of golf videos. They are helpful, but I never expect to just go out after watching them and swing like a pro. It takes practice, work on emulating what you see in the videos, and, of course, time. It will come, but it won't come quickly. Let the progress come to you by staying with it patiently.

It's easy to get the impression that you'll be getting awesome shaves in ten shaves or so. It didn't work that way for me. It took me about 20 shaves before I felt I had any idea what I was doing.