Thread: Several Questions After Several Shaves

I've done several SR shaves now (though have yet to do a full shave. I still do my chin, front of my neck, and mustache with my disposable). Now I have a few questions...

1) How much shaving oil should I use? I feel like I am using a lot in order to get coverage everywhere - several squirts out of the bottle - and even then, parts of my face don't get covered.

2) Is it normal to need to re-lather a few times? I admit, I do not use actual shaving soap. I use soap that I had, but that lathers up well. I can do WTG and XTG on both cheeks and down the side of my neck with that coat. But when I am ready to go ATG, I need to lather up again. And the lather on the front of my neck (which is the last place I shave, since that is being done with the disposable) dries before I even get there.

3) About how many shaves can I expect to get (as a beginner) before the razor needs to be honed?

To your first question I can't answer as I do not use any shave oil.

Yea, I think it is normal to have relather when you are just starting out as you tend to shave slower. The problem could also be compounded by not using a proper shave soap and/or not getting the soap to water ratio right resulting in too dry a lather.

There is no set number of shaves before a razor needs honing. In the beginning it will be more frequent as shaving and stropping techniques are not optimal. That said, when a razors starts tugging instead of cutting it is likely time for a touch up on either a finishing stone or a Crox pasted strop.

Bob

Never used any shave oil besides olive oil and argan oil. Maybe shave oil are different, however, for both oils I use it is enough 4-5 drops in wet hands. And they work miracles, olive oil in particular.

1- I don't really like shave oil, I used it once or twice then gave it away, I use glycerin as pre shave I have a litre bottle and use about a pump per lathering.
2- I relather for each pass or if it has dried out a bit.
3- I have used my razor for about 4 weeks worth of shaves, or about 25ish shaves.I have a natural slate hone, that I have given the edge a touch up too, and whilst it shaved fine I sent it back to the original honer to check out for me and touch up too. Hopefully I sill get some good feedback.

1) I tried shaving oil in the past, but don't use it anymore. I remember that the recommended amount was specified on the package. The manufacturer recommended wetting the face, applying a few (2-3) drops on your hand, then rubbing the oil on your face. But, I always found that I needed about 6 drops just to get a good coverage.

2) Your lathering technique may vary. I lather once and that gives me enough to reapply through my WTG, ATG, and XTG shaves. I typically lather for 2 - 3 minutes until I see the lather reach about 3/4 of the way up the brush bristles. That's good enough for me.

3) The due date for honing varies on your shaving prep and technique. Some would say that it also varies based on the grind or type of razor you have. If the razor pulls or tugs when you shave, then its time to re-hone it. But, I like to get it re-honed before that it reaches that stage; its the equivalent of the car dummy light coming on. When I was a beginner, I sent out my razor for its first honing after about 3 - 4 months of shaving, with an average of 3 shaves a week.

1.) I don't use oil. Never found a need to I do however use a light application of a pre shave cream.
2.) Re apply lather between every pass. If your neck is dry when you get there just retouch but it could be because your lather is too thin & wet when applied at the beginning. I find thicker lather stays moist on my face much longer than thin & wet lather.
3.) Depends on your beard, stropping skills etc but should last a good 4 to 6 months with proper care.