4 Shaves in...

...and I am getting somewhat variable results at the moment!

I have read through the beginners guides and tips that I have been able to find, and am still learning my face as much as anything else, but obviously I am still looking for any words of wisdom available!

First 2 shaves were the non-complicated areas only (cheeks basically!), and learning the growth directions from jawline down a bit better.

Third shave I really went for it and did a full shave, and apart from one nick, it went really well - no tugging, smooth result, two passes (wtg then atg) and no irritation. I was thrilled - not expecting to have much in the way of a comfortable shave for a while until I had more experience.

Forth shave however was a total disaster :( It was like I suddenly had someone else's face! Even wtg was catching, even on the simple cheek areas. Prep was the same (details in a bit), angles as near the same as possible. Only difference really was that 3rd shave was (roughly) 4days growth as opposed to the 4th which was only the one days worth.

I'm using more skincare products than the mrs at present, much to her amusement I think, and am having a hot shower, washing and conditioning the beard area (thanks to whomever it was I read the conditioner tip from), then using a shave oil, followed by lather (albeit tinned until I've been paid at the end of the month), then re-applying the oil and lather for the second pass.

Should the length of growth make that much difference?

Razor is the strange Wilkinson Sword disposable straight thing I posted in my intro thread, with what look like disposable blades moulded into an interchangeable plastic housing that fits the end of the arm. See pic here: http://straightrazorpalace.com/membe...nthusiasm.html
Should I be stropping these?
I have worked on the principle that as long as I use little to no pressure stropping then I shouldn't do any damage and can only be helping myself!

Any thoughts appreciated!
Cheers
P

I'm not sure that principle applies to what I take it are disposable blades. If they are disposable, it sounds you've reached the limit on that one and it is time to move on. Stropping probably will not work on what I take to be a machined edge. I think what you experienced in your fourth shave was not so much attributable to whisker length but the edge degrading on your blade. There's an easy why to check, just change the blade and shave with a new one.

I find a difference in the amount of shaves I can get with the different brand of blades. I do remember seeing the post of you razor... Just like ace said, try a new blade. I have gotten as few as 4 shaves out of some poor quality blades, but I have insensitive skin. I have also found that the more growth I have, the more damage to my disposable blade.

Thanks guys, advice appreciated!
I wasn't really sure how long these blades would last, and as I am unable to attain any more (due to their unique design) I wanted to make the most of what is a very short supply!
Guess I'll be browsing the classifieds with renewed vigour, as if the blades only last 3/4 shaves then they won't last long.

At an absolute minimum the Razor and blades are 25yrs old, would they have lost their edge in this time - attic stored so cool and dry?

Thanks again
P