Thread: Problems with burn

Hello,

I have been lurking around for a while and I am waiting for my first straight razor to come back from being honed, but I have some questions before that happens.

I used to, until recently, use an electric shaver because of the problems I have with the sensitive skin on my neck. I started shaving with an Mach 3 I still had sitting in the back of the bathroom cabinet after I learned some from various posts on here. My shaving experience has improved, but my neck is still giving me problems after about the third straight day. If I give my face a break and shave with the electric for a day I can usually pickup and shave again the next day. I have stopped using the canned goop and started using Cella, I use an Alum block after my shave, then cold rinse and pat dry (some what), then on to Witch Hazel, and after that drys some Nivea Sensitive balm. I do have some rather course hair and even with trying to stretch my skin any WTG or XTG strokes leave alot behind. When I go ATG the razor catches and jumps (I know this is the major cause of my issues). I have been using the razor again now for about a month with this routine and while it takes longer for the razor burn to become uncomfortable enough to not shave it still does. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Ray

It takes a while for your skin to adjust to a straight razor. May sound silly, but it's the truth. Try only two WTG passes on the neck area for the next 3 or more shaves and see how it improves. Watch the pressure and keep it light as well as your angle...which should be about the width of the spine on your razor. Try shorter strokes. Take your time...it takes most somewhere around 30 shaves to become proficient & get everything to come "together".

+1

I completely agree about sticking to WTG passes for a while. I still have areas of my neck that simply do not respond well to ATG or XTG. It's not a matter of BBS, it's a matter of comfort. There is no point in being super smooth if the day after you break out in a skin rash. Take your time and let your skin tell you whats what.

It seems from your post that you're not actually shaving with a straight razor yet, but the above is all good advice when you do start.

Gentlemen,

Thank you for the advice and recommendations, I will keep them in mind. As Ace noticed, I have not yet started shaving with a straight (my first razor is off being honed at the moment). It may be that like straight shaving, my face needs some more time to adjust to using an actual razor (cartridge) again instead of the electric shaver I have been using for so long. I had forgotten how good my face can fell and how close an actual shave can be (when I don't have a major case of razor burn). When using the electric I would look like I needed a shave again by 15:00 if I had shaved at 5:00. I an both nervous and excited to start shaving with the straight once it returns.

For the time being I will try to avoid any ATG strokes and instead see what I can accomplish with some skin pulling/moving and sticking with the WTG strokes.

I do have to say that in anticipation of enjoying a good shave (I know it will take time and practice) that I am developing a case of RAD.

Thanks again,

Ray

You have been well advised. Don't rush it and work within your comfort zone. I started straight shaving in late 2008 and did it without using SRP. SRP taught me to be a much smarter shaver and I haven't looked back. The fellows are here to support you.

Cheers,

Pabster

I agree with Charles. A master barber at trumpers told me never to shave ATG as it wrecks your skin, so I very rarely try it!

I do try every now and again just to see if I can do it and very occasionally I can.

In terms of post shave care, don't use alcohol. All that'll do is sting like crazy and make your face glow in the dark!

Get something like trumpers skin food and apply that after the shave, or some other sort of balm.

Alcohol based products should just be applied to the neck for the scent.

Some guys can slap on the bay rum, but I ain't one of them! So I use a balm on the areas I shaved and apply cologne to my neck just for scent.

Originally Posted by Stubear

I agree with Charles. A master barber at trumpers told me never to shave ATG as it wrecks your skin, so I very rarely try it!

I do try every now and again just to see if I can do it and very occasionally I can.

In terms of post shave care, don't use alcohol. All that'll do is sting like crazy and make your face glow in the dark!

Get something like trumpers skin food and apply that after the shave, or some other sort of balm.

Alcohol based products should just be applied to the neck for the scent.

Some guys can slap on the bay rum, but I ain't one of them! So I use a balm on the areas I shaved and apply cologne to my neck just for scent.

It's different for everyone really.
I, like Stubear, cannot go straight for the alcohol based product, but use a balm of your choice. Others can use alcohol based products directly after the shave with looking like they have severe sunburn!

I shave ATG for my cheeks, sideburns, jaw, chin and 'tash, but am unable to do so on my neck. This is partly comfort (with any kind of wet shave), and partly due to not being able to get a good angle now I'm using the straight exclusively.

It does annoy me slightly that I can never get my neck as smooth as the rest, but it's better than looking like I've got a red scarf on!
Your skin will 'toughen' however, so keep experimenting to find what works best for you

Cheers
P

Thanks for the great advise guys. I have been going back and forth about getting some of Proraso Pro/Post cream and the Trumpers Skin Food. I guess I will have to pick one and just shoot. Once I get my str8 back (hopefully next week), I will post with my experience.

-Ray

therev,
You've received great advice from the respondents. One thing I did pick up on was your mention of "skipping and jumping". Now I know you said you just got the razor back from honing but the conditions you describe are classic of a razor with a poor edge. With a dull razor the reaction is to use more pressure and that is the general cause of razor burn (well that and angle). As stated elsewhere, if the blade is in truly shave ready condition all it should feel like it wiping the lather off with it accompanied by the sound of toast being buttered. There could be a possibilty that your stropping could be punishing the edge somewhat.
This is just my $1.47 worth but it's one more thing to consider.