After 3 weeks, finally go the famed BBS shave

First let me preface this by saying I was marginal at using a DE, and I made the leap head-first into the Straight Edge area. On my study abroad, all I brought with me to shave was my straight razor (a cheap Parker SS replaceable blade + 120 disposable blades) -- I was all-in.

I finally just got a BBS shave with 2 passes (WTG and XTG). I have a thick and coarse beard, and I think that actually helps me out when trying to get a smooth shave with less passes because the hair is more likely to get cut by the blade than simply fold under it. Anyway, I'm getting distracted... let me continue.

NEW GUYS: stick with it. I know you see that a lot on this forum, but it literally took me about 30 shaves to NOT nick myself 3-4 times (my chin was the worst). I searched this site, watched videos and read the wiki, then set out to start shaving, and never really looked at the wiki again, which turned out to be my biggest mistake. After weeks of marginal success with my straight shaves, I revisited the wiki, specifically on lather prep -- BEST DECISION EVER. I altered my lathering technique, and the next shave was amazing. There's nothing quite like getting your first GREAT lather, and your first GREAT shave at the same time. RAD has set in, and I have a FW Engel "Leader" on the way, in addition to the straight that my grandpa is sending me (from his dad's collection).


Lather article I revisited: Category:Lather - Straight Razor Place Wiki

BSoD,

Congratulations on two milestones in one shave! I've never used a disposable blade straight, but from what I've read from others it's an adventure. Since you've accomplished a no nick, no cut shave with a disposable, you'll love a real straight when it arrives. Just be sure to get it professionally honed before trying it. Look in member services in the classifieds for a member providing honing. Keep having fun!!

Regards,

Howard

Good work, BSoD!

I am trying by best to keep my RAD at bay, but I think it's about to come full circle.

What were you doing wrong with the lather, I would like to know. I have had some problems myself but I think I have it down now. Iv been gitting some good shaves myself but still some necks here and there.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by breakofdawn

What were you doing wrong with the lather, I would like to know. I have had some problems myself but I think I have it down now. Iv been gitting some good shaves myself but still some necks here and there.

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I wasn't wringing out enough water from the brush after letting is soak in hot water pre-shave. This time I didn't even add any water to my bowl until I got a nice lather already going. It was definitely apparent that I was putting waaaay to much water in cream, and by adding tiny bits of water to the bowl at a time, it allows me to control the water-to-cream ratio. Also, I used a hot towel, but only for 1 minute right before applying the lather to my face, and I found that it worked wonders as well.

Face prep is a big deal. Obviously the blade will cut the hair, but how easily it cuts the hair has a lot to do with comfort. One side of this is having a sharp razor, of course. The other is softening the beard in whatever way works best for you. This is, of course, an over-simplification, but you get the point.