Thread: What is an experienced good shave to meh shave to bad shave ratio?

After almost 2 months I would also estimate my good:fair:bad ratio 50:40:10.

Although I do link most of my better shaves to certain razors and routines. I'm quite stubborn though, so I keep trying to improve the methods that in the past have proven to give lesser shaves!

Same as you I hardly ever draw blood anymore, mostly papercut slices and slight razor burn define a fair/bad shave for me. The worst mistake I keep making, especially everytime I get a new blade with a size/shape I haven't had before is cutting my earlobe! Which I usually count as quite a bad shave

The more you shave the better you get. I have been shaving with a straight for just over a year now. I didn't start getting quality shaves until after I joined the forum, put down my razor and let my face heal completely and then started over with the new information I was getting from the other members here. I shave every 2 days. consistently getting good shaves. I would say my good:fairoor ratio is 85:10:5 if asked 6-8 months ago would have been completely different.

I don't think about it I guess. The way I see it, even a bad shave with a straight beats a "good shave" with a cartridge anyday. Besides, even at the end of shave, good, bad, so-so, you still have shaved with a straight razor. What could be cooler than that?

I think you have to accept that, even further down the road, not every shave will get you an award by the International Society of BBS (or the ISBBS ). There are days when I feel my face after shaving and think that I could have done better, but I know better than to court irritation by repeatedly shaving the same spots trying to reach perfection every time. Like Reardon said, still beats a cartridge shave hands down, and the enjoyment factor is hard to beat.

I had a ratio of bad through brilliant shaves when I first started too. At this point in the game for me, I get award winner shaves every time. Because of experience, I know just what to do to achieve those shaves. From prep, tools, technique, through post treatment, it's how I shave. My standard. Sure, some shaves are better than others, but in time you'll learn what clicks for you to get great shaves every time. My advice- beard prep is paramount, and I feel it's under mentioned.