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Thread: Time for a break from the SR?

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    Default Time for a break from the SR?

    I just started on all of this, SR shaving, as well as wet shaving in general. I have a Dovo BQ 6/8 that I got from SRD, and a safety razor - a Merkur 38c.

    Today was maybe my 4th or 5th SR shave. I have been having problems with lather, and also feel like my technique may not be there yet. I'm still on just single pass with the SR, and still saving the more troublesome areas of my chin for the DE only - not even attempting that with the SR until I get everything else sorted out.

    I took a break from shaving yesterday to calm down some irritation. Today, my cheeks are on fire.
    Ok, wait that didn't sound right, I mean my face - particularly everything I'm doing with the SR. I'm thinking of laying off the SR until I'm 100% sure my lather is good, I'm still not building lather like I've seen on youtube. Once I get that figured out, I can go back to the SR.

    To answer maybe some obvious things, I'm stropping before each shave, sometimes the day before so it's just "ready" - about 50 strokes/side. I'm taking my time but possibly not that great at it yet. Basically doing my best to emulate Lynn's technique from youtube on the stropping. My prep is a hot shower, washing face with Dr. Bronner's peppermint & washcloth.

    Post shave is cold water, alum block, drip dry followed by "Every Man Jack" after shave lotion and/or Pinaud Clubman depending on how my face feels, or sometimes Thayer's alcohol free WH. Any feedback and/or pointers truly welcomed.

  2. #2
    Pasted Man Castel33's Avatar
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    Default Time for a break from the SR?

    Is the Dr Bronner's an exfoliating soap?

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    Senior Member Chalito's Avatar
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    I could be your technique. I was experiencing this as well and I realized that it was because I was putting too much pressure with my straight. I would encourage you to keep trying just make sure you're using a light touch and continue to try and improve your technique. You may also be using a product (aftershave?)that can be irritating your skin, or maybe it just don't work well with you. I hope you continue to work on it!! Have a great new year!
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    There is always a solution, whether it's already present or if you have to make it.

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    lobeless earcutter's Avatar
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    For me, razor burn comes from one of two things - applying too much pressure, or applying to many strokes!

    I have heard that some guys think it's that their faces need to get "used to a straight," but I really think it's a function of the two aforementioned reasons; otherwise a visit to the barber would see many more guys upset and red lol.

    Don't get too hung up with your lather - practice making it without shaving if need-be - just make sure it's wet and that it's got moisture. Feel your face as you go allong and make sure it hasn't dried and is still "slippery" lol .

    Ultimately shaving every other day when starting off will help if it means you'll focus more, but mastering the blade via use is the only way it'll get better too lol!! It takes some practice! It's not an overnight thing.

    Good luck!! Welcome to SRP, and Happy New Year !
    David

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    Senior Member Mephisto's Avatar
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    When I first started my face was irritated all the time due to poor technique and a dulled blade. But you have to ask yourself, is the dull blade the cause of the poor technique? With a sharp blade you do not have to apply pressure which makes for a smooth and comfortable shave. Anyway, let you skin heal up and try it again. It will take some time but you can get there.
    From their stillness came their non-action...Doing-nothing was accompanied by the feeling of satisfaction, anxieties and troubles find no place

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    thanks for the encouragement and tips guys. re: Dr. Bronner's it isn't exfoliating it is a castile soap can be a bit drying but not usually a problem in FL.

    I think I will skip tomorrow and try to make sure I'm gentle with it next time. I may have been rushed a bit.
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    Senior Member eod7's Avatar
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    Make sure your razor is nice and sharp. I only get irritation when I'm scraping my face with a dull razor.
    One time, in band camp, I shaved with a Gold Dollar razor.

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    One thing I would say is to not push yourself. 4-5 shaves is just beginning and you have all the time in the world to learn how to use the straight razor. Step back and enjoy the process taking it a little at a time and don't obsess over immediate perfection. The guys are giving you great advice here.

    Happy New Year and Have fun.

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    Yes, if your face feels like it's on fire improper technique and/or a dull razor will usually be the culprits. But what soap or cream are you using to make your lather? It is possible that your skin is reacting to the lather as opposed to the razor. Have you used your soap/cream in the past with success?
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    If your razor is sharp, then you are using too much pressure. If your razor isn't sharp, then you have to use pressure to achieve anything at all, and that is a mistake. As for lather, I've shaved using hand soap I lathered and applied with my hands. It worked fine. You have to remember that you are new at this, and it just takes time to get proficient. Give it twenty no pressure shaves and then look back.
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