Thread: Randy Taylor's the man!!

When I joined the forums (a couple weeks ago), all I had was a mach 3 and a sensor. Randy sent me an Gillette DE (along with TONS of advice), so I could get some practice with a real razor before I eventually graduate to a straight. I love it! I wish I had known better years ago.

Thanks, Randy!

Originally Posted by USNA92

When I joined the forums (a couple weeks ago), all I had was a mach 3 and a sensor. Randy sent me an Gillette DE (along with TONS of advice), so I could get some practice with a real razor before I eventually graduate to a straight. I love it! I wish I had known better years ago.

Thanks, Randy!

Rick,

Thank you for the kind words, but all I did was continue a tradition known as "pay it forward". When I first got started, a few kind gents gifted me a few items that were most helpful, and I'm just keeping the ball rolling. At some point, you have the opportunity to do the same. Glad you are liking the razor and enjoying the shaves. They will only get better!

RT

Originally Posted by rtaylor61

Glad you are liking the razor and enjoying the shaves. They will only get better!

Today I tried my first cross-grain pass. It was, to say the least, difficult. The with-grain shaves have been nothing but smooth, but this time I had considerable irritation and some blood spots (no nicks though) on my neck just under the chin. I attribute it to bad technique (I'm pretty sure I was pressing to hard). But live and learn. Tomorrow I'll pay more attention in that area.

You did tell me that my face would let me know when I'm ready to proceed further. I do like getting the experience, though.

Hey USNA92

I joined up a few weeks ago as well. It is good to hear new stories.

I think Randy has helped me out too on an evening chat with advice (stop info and a dvd I should watch)! As did the senior members with advice.

I tried a DE (old one in I found in the house)--and had some irritation (and blood) when I tried some modified passes. They gae me some advice that worked (take it easy on the face..and get a new blade). It worked. I found that techique is tied with blade sharpness as being key to the good shave. I moved on a straight edge (1 week from using a DE--I know--I am too eager). It is NOT AS DIFFICULT as I initially thought (meaning -- I did not cut myself as much as originally planned) BUT it is not as easy -- more technique is required. My only problem is -- I have to wait till the next day to practice some more!

I hope your experiances here continue to be positive. I am finding that the reviews of all the products are PRICELESS. We will one day hopefully give back as they have given to us.

Hey quick question -- does anyone know the site again to get that straight edge DVD? I lost it.

Cheers!

John

John,

Was the DVD the Badger & Blade DVD?

RT

That is it Randy! Thanks!

When in the chat I forgot to save the site -- when I tried to look for it I said "Oh McGoo -- You've Done It AGAIN"!!

I am going to order it now.

This hobby may turn into an obsession! (Like the Panerai Watch Wearers--but a lot less espensive!!).

Originally Posted by diablonyc2

I moved on a straight edge (1 week from using a DE--I know--I am too eager). It is NOT AS DIFFICULT as I initially thought (meaning -- I did not cut myself as much as originally planned) BUT it is not as easy -- more technique is required.

John,
I hear you about it not being as difficult as you thought. I felt the same way about the DE (probably because I worked myself up about it), but this morning's lesson taught me that I still have a ways to go. No worries, though, I'm still eager to keep going.

Randy,
Is that DVD from badger and blade for straight users or DE users? Or was John talking about John West's video?

Hey USNA92 -- I believe (and Randy can correct me) that the DVD is for Straight edge...but may have some useful info on it for you (until u make the leap).

http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=922

This pic shows there are product reviews, Shaving Soap chapeter, and hot Pot instructions (as well as Method Shaving). So i think this can come into play for you.

So we both got the basics down (lather up and cut the hair) -- now for the technique! What will I become first? A Master Shaver or a Master Cut Man!

Rick, if I understand correctly, you're still using the DE. Before going cross grain, try getting down to a lighter beard. You can do this by doing two light with-the-grain passes instead of one big one.

Don't assume that NS is with the grain on your face. For most men the grain reverses below the jaw. Check your face. Also, go to my gallery and have a look at the PDF file on neck irritation.

Originally Posted by Joe Lerch

Rick, if I understand correctly, you're still using the DE. Before going cross grain, try getting down to a lighter beard. You can do this by doing two light with-the-grain passes instead of one big one.

Don't assume that NS is with the grain on your face. For most men the grain reverses below the jaw. Check your face. Also, go to my gallery and have a look at the PDF file on neck irritation.

Joe,
Thanks for the advice. I just took another look at your PDF file; I had seen it before. I think my beard goes NS on the cheeks, then turns 90deg on the neck (from throat to ear). I could be wrong, but that's worked pretty well on the with-grain passes so far. Randy pm'd me yesterday and I think he was right, in that I probably didn't have the proper angle on the razor. (I probably didn't do several things right!). I will take your advice and do two very light with-grain passes. I'll let you know tomorrow how that goes. Today, I took Randy's advice and only went with-grain once.