Thread: Success!! I think...

I'v been quite sick the last few days and as a consequence I didn't shave.

So I had a fair amount of growth to get rid of and it was by FAR the easiest it's ever been! I took a shower and lathered up...

I did a WTG pass and it was fairly clean, given that I was dogged by horrible razor burn during my previous shaves I thought I'd quite while I was ahead. It was a fairly comfortable shave given the condition my beard was in so I was quite pleased with that.

How ever I do have a question (there's always a but...):

Currently my shave is about as close as I ever get with a cartridge razor, which means I'll probably never use one again unless I'm in dire straights (no pun intended). How do I control the closeness of the shave using a straight? I'm clearly doing something right as I managed to shave without too much hassle and it's acceptable. The whiskers are not cut down to skin level so I must be doing something wrong still, any suggestions would be awesome. I'd love to actually get a closer shave with the same comfort level...

Thanks to all of those who's given me advice in the past, it's clearly paying off!!!

Well first of all congratulations on your succesful shave. I don't think that you are doing anything wrong.

Shaving with a straight is a process of reduction, using 1 or more passes. To get closer you shave a second or a third time. You can vary the direction of the pass to get closer XTG or ATG.

But of course, be aware that multiple passes increase the risk of Razor burn.

Originally Posted by Eben

I did a WTG pass and it was fairly clean, given that I was dogged by horrible razor burn during my previous shaves I thought I'd quit while I was ahead...

The whiskers are not cut down to skin level so I must be doing something wrong still, any suggestions would be awesome. I'd love to actually get a closer shave with the same comfort level...

Seems to me the next step is to gently add on an XTG.
That will get you closer to skin level...
And remember to S T R E T C H.

Remember that a light touch is paramount with a straight, unlike a cartridge.
Very light XTG would be my next step to a closer shave and, of course, stretching.
That's what worked for me.
Hang on and enjoy the ride.

Another thing to remember is that as you shave more, you will learn in what direction on your face the hair grows. Once this happens, you'll be better equipped to get a closer shave. I can say that as time moves on, your technique with the stropping and shaving will get better. This provides closer shaves. Bottom line, don't rush, you'll get there soon enough.

-Jeff

I have the most trouble under my jaw, where it is difficult to stretch and to go ATG. The other areas, like my cheeks, are shaved smoother than I can get them any other way. Now if I can just figure out some contortion that will allow me to go against the grain there, I'll be in like Flynn.

Originally Posted by episaacs

I have the most trouble under my jaw, where it is difficult to stretch and to go ATG. The other areas, like my cheeks, are shaved smoother than I can get them any other way. Now if I can just figure out some contortion that will allow me to go against the grain there, I'll be in like Flynn.

Pull down on your neck skin and look up as high as you can with still being able to see in the mirror. This always helps me.

Originally Posted by Eben

I'v been quite sick the last few days and as a consequence I didn't shave.

So I had a fair amount of growth to get rid of and it was by FAR the easiest it's ever been! I took a shower and lathered up...

I did a WTG pass and it was fairly clean, given that I was dogged by horrible razor burn during my previous shaves I thought I'd quite while I was ahead. It was a fairly comfortable shave given the condition my beard was in so I was quite pleased with that.

How ever I do have a question (there's always a but...):

Currently my shave is about as close as I ever get with a cartridge razor, which means I'll probably never use one again unless I'm in dire straights (no pun intended). How do I control the closeness of the shave using a straight? I'm clearly doing something right as I managed to shave without too much hassle and it's acceptable. The whiskers are not cut down to skin level so I must be doing something wrong still, any suggestions would be awesome. I'd love to actually get a closer shave with the same comfort level...

My advice is to not worry about a closer shave , and concentrate on comfort . The closer shaves will happen as you gain more experience . Seeing as how you're getting pretty close on the first pass , and not giving yourself razor burn , I think you're doing great .