What is your beard type?

I noticed that we all share experience and advice on how we hone the blades and how we prep for a shave but hardly anyone mentions their beard type: soft, normal, brillo; nor skin type: sensitive, normal, cow hide.

It strikes me that these are crucial pieces of information.

I have a tough beard and sensitive skin. Tough enough that if I get a really, really close shave, like one by going against the grain, the next day my hair burrows right through the skin. The skin is not strong enough to guide the brillo like hair through the pore.

Hence, I cannot go against the grain. Others, with softer beards and/or tougher skins swear by it. The missing factor is beard type and skin type.

I suspect that beard type differences lie in the variation in honing techniques. Some go all the way to .25 micron polishing, others stop much sooner. A tough beard would probably break a really fine edge, while a coarse edge would not shave a fine beard.

When I read someone's experience/advice it would help to know his (or hers, to be politically correct) beard and skin type. That way I can focus more on experience of people who have a beard to similar mine because it will probably be more representative of my situation.

I wonder if it would be possible to add beard type and skin type to the profile settings in the "Additional Information" section.

Do you think this information would be useful?

I'd say my wiskers are average toughness, and my skin is not quite cow hide, but it's not vary sensitive. I only shave the area under my chin against the grain, as it's the only area that doesn't get smooth going with the grain. So all in all I'd say I'm average (if I said I was normal I'd be lieing.lol).

I can't believe some of the things I've learned about from guys with different beard types. Doesn't always help me directly, but sure makes me think.

X

Whiskers are average toughness but my skin is really sensitive. That's why I'd given up on shaving for about 10 years in the first place! The can of cream and the disposable just weren't doing it for me.

I would have to say that I have no freaking idea...

I know I have sensitive skin, and prone to ingrown hair and razor rash with even the sharpest and slickest of razors (even the triple blades and fancy Braun electrics).
I haven’t felt many men up haha... so I cant really compare my beard to others to say if its a soft, hard, coarse, or frail beard... I can say that I’m blond and cant actually grow a beard so I dare say I’m on the thin/fine end of the spectrum. However, my stubble will reap havoc on a blade so it makes me feel like its a tad on the coarse side too...
So my question is; how do you KNOW where your beard compares to others? Do you shave with a partner or feel other faces and make a comparison?

Good thread Vladimir!

I have a very coarse, tough beard and normal skin.

Put me down as one who has a brillo beard and leather skin. I can get away with doing things with my str8 that others report as hazardous. On the downside: I have to strop religously.


Wayne

I have sensitive skin and would rate my beard as "average". I can grow a good beard, but it doesn't jump out as quickly as on some of my friends. My problem area is my neck. To really get a clean shave, I need a pass against the grain, but this almost always gives me nicks. No problems going both ways on my cheeks. I wear a Van Dyke beard so I don't know about my chin. My wife just gave me a new 6/8 Dovo Bismarck (red handle) from Ray and after honing it hair popping sharp it gives great shaves, but I do have to be careful with it. I use either Ray's soap or Williams with the Proraso pre-shave cream.

Well, I am in the minority here! Beard type is not really important to me. I'm here to learn about honing, stropping, and proper use of a straight, plus the "company" of others who use straights. My skin is a bit sensitive, but my beard is not heavy. I wear a goatee, so I don't have to focus on my chin. I would rate my beard as average at best. Again, I am here to learn, and if possible, share information of my own personal experiences that might help others!

RT

Most assuredly yes. There is a world of difference between each beard and facial type and every little piece of info helps.

Coarse, thick, and dark - I have a typical Mediterranean beard and skin. It's not sensitive but razor bumps still occur, however infrequently. I shave north/south then oblique (diagonally) and then with wet fingers by feeling the missed stubble. I envy those who can just shave south and get a close shave. The Mach III would irritate my skin 3X as much because of the 3 blades and still not get a close shave.

-Rob