I've been at this for well over a year now. I have played with every type of blade I could (and let my RAD run free in the process). I've also got to admit that I've always had to finish up with a quick pass with my DE to clean anything left and about 70% of the time I would have a nick or 2 (sometimes more).

Today, I can proudly say that I've had my first full-on successful head shave with a straight! Even that weird swirly pattern on the back of my head was no match for me and my blade. I've got a slight bit of razor burn above the ears but hey, no cuts and no DE so I'm still happy.

Over the past year I've figured out there are a few ways that I need to hold the razor to actually get a good full shave. Some people are blessed with a nice round and even head with mostly uni-directional hair growth... I'm not one of them.

Here are the grips I've been using to shave.
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The first two are pretty standard. Traditional and Kamisori-esque (whatever it's called), I use those both left and right.
The second two, I have no idea what to call it or if anyone holds their razor this way ever. I only use these behind my head in the weird growth patterns and it seems to be working well. If someone's got a name for them I'd be interested to know.


I made 2 WTG passes since I had a lot of growth that needed to be trimmed down. First pass only got it to thick stubble. Second WTG pass got it closer. Third pass was ATG and a final cleanup/touchup round.

My lather was MWF + RS Cream + 2 drops of Grapeseed oil
Brush: Fendrihan's house brand silvertip
Razor: 7/8 Friodur Spanish point with scalloped back. Just got this and I'm super stoked about this blade!
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*Obligatory pic because that's the most important thing*

Lastly i finished up by adding a couple drops of tea tree oil into my lather once I was done and used it as my aftershave. It's been working great for me and a bottle of natural tea-tree oil is quite reasonably priced the drug stores.

Thanks for reading! I had to post it here because I'm pretty sure my girlfriend doesn't care