Thread: Something not working, help!

I've very little to add, except to reiterate what bharner just said--a properly sharp razor should take off your beard with no more force than it takes for it to take off the lather. Take Zib up on his offer to check out your edge.

Also, try shaving with cold water--as cold as you can run it from the tap. Many folks get less irritation that way. Many (myself included) also believe it's a closer shave than with hot water.

I shave at bedtime in the summer, so my skin can get over the general insult before I take it out into the hot sweaty world for the day.

Originally Posted by roughkype

I shave at bedtime in the summer, so my skin can get over the general insult before I take it out into the hot sweaty world for the day.

+1 there for the summer! It's currently 103F here...

My rules for a good shave in order of importance:

1. Preparing the beard.
2. Stretching the skin while shaving.
3. Good post shave.
4. Correct angles.
5. Sharp razor.

Originally Posted by carazor

My rules for a good shave in order of importance:

1. Preparing the beard.
2. Stretching the skin while shaving.
3. Good post shave.
4. Correct angles.
5. Sharp razor.

Great post, I hope you don't mind my adding:
6. Short and slow strokes.
7. Do not rush your shave.

Originally Posted by pmburk

Great post, I hope you don't mind my adding:
6. Short and slow strokes.
7. Do not rush your shave.

Ah, great points as well!!

A single misaligned shave will cause razor burn and dull the edge permanently. I suggest lots of stropping and if things do not get better send it back, ask for forgiveness and a touch up.

Originally Posted by roughkype

I've very little to add, except to reiterate what bharner just said--a properly sharp razor should take off your beard with no more force than it takes for it to take off the lather. Take Zib up on his offer to check out your edge.

Also, try shaving with cold water--as cold as you can run it from the tap. Many folks get less irritation that way. Many (myself included) also believe it's a closer shave than with hot water.

I shave at bedtime in the summer, so my skin can get over the general insult before I take it out into the hot sweaty world for the day.

This is a good point. I have a friend who's father was a barber way back when and he tell me that his Dad only used cold water when giving a wet shave. Why? Because the cold water makes the steel contract, thus giving a keener, tighter edge to the blade. Hot water will make the steel expand, thickening the edge and dulling the blade. True or not, it works for me!!