Thread: Itching and Burning

Originally Posted by pmburk

That's interesting because I was experiencing the same thing since I started SR shaving. Now I know what to do and how to get relief. Thank you to all who responded to the other gentleman's question.

Yep this is a common topic. You need a blade sharp enough
to snip whiskers without effort but smooth enough to not slice skin.
In part this is why people have their personal favorite finishing hones
and a good honemaster is held in such regard.

Same for skin and whisker preparation. You want to soften your whiskers
but leave the skin in good condition so it is not abused or insulted by the process.

If you over soak the skin it changes texture like soaking too long
in the bath. If you under soak whiskers they fight the razor.
This why there are so many shave soaps, shave creams,
pre-shave and post shave balms on the market.

Some shower then shave others shave then shower.

Understanding this give and take balancing act that pampers
the skin yet slices whiskers is key to tuning your personal
shave experience.

Originally Posted by niftyshaving

Yep this is a common topic. You need a blade sharp enough
to snip whiskers without effort but smooth enough to not slice skin.
In part this is why people have their personal favorite finishing hones
and a good honemaster is held in such regard.

Same for skin and whisker preparation. You want to soften your whiskers
but leave the skin in good condition so it is not abused or insulted by the process.

If you over soak the skin it changes texture like soaking too long
in the bath. If you under soak whiskers they fight the razor.
This why there are so many shave soaps, shave creams,
pre-shave and post shave balms on the market.

Some shower then shave others shave then shower.

Understanding this give and take balancing act that pampers
the skin yet slices whiskers is key to tuning your personal
shave experience.

Spoken like a true connoisseur.

So...
...a little update for what it's worth. After doing some reading and investigating, and spending some time with my beloved Gold Seal on my Swaty I shaved yesterday morning with my straight and followed it up with a little Nivea ASB. I'd been using the DE so much b/c my straights were out of commission that I'd forgotten just how much better the straight really is. Usually the Nivea will give a little sting, even as a "soothing balm" after the DE. The Genco was so good to my skin there was no sting at all.

So, up for the day's events: Take a brother down to Omaha for an eye surgery he couldn't get a ride anywhere else for, and on the way home it's 101F out...and my alternator goes out. We get pulled off to a gas station before the battery drains, and by the grace of God things work out so that we can get a new alternator on the rig and make it home the same evening, but there were several hours spent outside in the heat. No itching. No irritation.

Now, I did put on some Nivea ASB that morning. I knew it was going to be hot, though I was NOT planning on spending a bunch of time outside. Still, I was out for about as long as the family was at the zoo a little over a week ago, and in much hotter weather with no irritation. Maybe I should have given Alan MORE credit!

Peace,