Thread: Jumping in with both feet first, from Edmonton AB, Canada.

Hi everybody,

Some small backstory. I have a type of Alopecia Areata (patches of hair that randomly and temporarily go bald), and it seems to hover around the face area, the beard specifically. So my hopes of ever having a full beard are pretty much out the window, not that I'm lamenting the fact, I prefer clean shaven anyway. Genetics, right? But on the other side of the genetics coin, I am naturally an extremely tactile person, and it's made me very deft of hand. So the conclusion only seemed obvious, I suppose.

I got myself the whole set-up, and just immediately began shaving only with my straight razor, it takes a bit of practice, but success! I have pretty sensitive skin, so I typically stick to a one-pass with-the-grain shave. I've already fallen in love with it. It's a nice daily break from the "all things must promote the speed of greatest production" mentality and culture of Alberta.

One thing I noticed, with sensitive skin, that I hadn't seen mentioned when I researched. The first couple shaves went smooth (well... I've had a couple nicks in the first few weeks), but I noticed that after I applied the after-shave balm, there were a couple of spots that turned red. It's almost like your face is telling you where and when you were too rough or too insistent with the blade. Really cool.

Anyway, I'm dragging on, as I often tend to. Great to be a part of the community!

Welcome aboard mate
Great progress, I also love the half an hour or reduced pace and self time when shaving with a straight.
The skin will definitely tell you where your technique is off,
I find the TOBS Jermyn street shave cream & aftershave lotion great on sensitive skin with no burn regardless of the amount of skin removed,
I also converted to cold water shaves it made a huge difference for me.

But it is all practice as you are aware and only time and persistence will get you past the heavy handedness or incorrect blade angles

Welcome to the party! if you have any questions, there are many well nicked individuals to help. By the whole set-up, how do you mean? We are a big fan of pictures too! You seem like you have researched significantly before jumping, so I'll spare you the beginners tips I usually give.

Your mention of red spots does have me slightly concerned. Does the alopecia coincide with sensitivity to scents/soaps/creams/aftershaves/chemicals and would that be the cause? Just spit balling here, unless you're 100% positive you were heavy-handed in those red spots...

Thanks for the welcome, guys!
As far as the Alopecia goes, there isn't really any tangible force that bothers it. It mainly seems triggered by stress. Mainly dependant on the work load I take on in the office.

The red spots, I probably could have elaborated on. It's just the odd patch of flushed/irritated skin. It feels basically the same as razor burn. When I'm paying close attention, and really taking my time, they don't tend to happen. I suppose my skin isn't terribly sensitive either. I definitely have to moisturize, but it's mainly any sort of abrasion that bothers it. It's a constant battle with regular cartridge razors.

I'll try and get some pictures up here in a day or two as well! At the moment, I have pre-shave oil, shaving cream, after-shave balm, a bowl, brush, strop & linen, and a decent Dovo razor.

Hi and welcome. Seems you are already a ways down the path so read up and enjoy. Sure you will find plenty here to help get better shaves. Any questions feel free to ask

Welcome to the forum. There are quite a few Canadians here and several Albertans. In fact I think the Alberta meet this year will be in Beaumont. No dates have been announced yet. There is also decent wet shaving supplies in Edmonton and well as a few people that hone, and another guy in Calgary. Good luck on the learning and if you need any information we are all here.

Welcome from Edmonton! Don't hesitate to PM if you need help with anything

Hello, and welcome aboard!!

Ah, I get it now. Speed will come with time, if you want it to. I like my shaves slow and methodical.

As far as moisturizing, I can get away without moisturizing in a strong rainstorm in May. Other than that, have to lube up like I'm going to go down a playground slide headfirst.

Yeah.... my fingers thawed enough to type a welcome!

Always nice to see another Canadian join the forum.


Regards

Christian