Thread: Started DE shaving....must be doing it wrong.

Originally Posted by tedh75

I do 4 and could probably skip the 2nd pass. But I like an excuse to lather up and shave again. I'll bet I'm not the only one.

Based on the other wet shaving forum: I know you're not the only to go more than 3 passes.

My comment was more based on the thought: if 5 passes doesn't shave what you want it to... My own experience would point to angle around the neck/base of the jaw. Although stretching the skin to try to create a flatter area could also help get a flatter contact with the blade.

Right, I think we all get it; 5 does seem like a lot but some very experienced shavers do it. Chimensch for one (check out his video guys if you haven't already). Realistically, I get a shave that is every bit as good as my old cartridge shaves from one pass. But some of us, I dare say a lot are trying for the BBS. Maybe you can get in one or two passes and if so, great! I know that I can't. Not without irritation anyway. For a time I couldn't do more than two without irritation. My technique has improved enough that 4 passes usually isn't an issue. Now if I could do it a little faster my wife would be a lot happier. And maybe when i have figured out the way my hair grows better I'll be able to get that BBS with less passes.
Doing four passes is also getting him more practice and experience with his tools which can only help I think. Furthermore, I think many just enjoy the ritual and luxury of it. That being said I don't think you will catch me doing six or seven passed anytime soon.

Guys, thanks for all the great comments here, seriously. It is appreciated.

Not sure why, but my shave this morn was closer and with less irritation as all previous days.....maybe I'm getting better. Maybe just lucky. I did watch the video posted here again. I had seen it before, but now that I have a two weeks in, it helped to see it again. I could have stopped 4 passes today but did 5. I am really enjoying this.

Proraso green smell as good as the TOBS sandalwood? I ended up buying the balm and cologne. I swear, if it was socially acceptable, I would throw it in the yard and roll in it.

I find that some days are better than others. My wife says that under my jaw bones is the place that she feels stubble after I shave, but you cant really see it. I also find that in shaving my neck, wtg is horizontal from my windpipe back. I find that my NS pass has to be done last and the key is very slowly, compared to the rest of my shave or I will get irritation. Many of my neck hairs are laying flat and do not come to be cut. I have never done any preshave. I think that maybe that may be another thing I need to do here.

dpete, Dallas Tx
Merkur SX-05, astra blades, TOBS Sandalwood
started DE 3/25/14

I find it so crazy to hear 5 passes. I started about 2-3 weeks ago with my DE razor and started using The Art of Shaving pre oil and then the cream. About a week ago I stopped using the pre oil and today I went ATG on the first pass. I touched up some spots on my neck that need a second pass but It was the best shave I have had so far on a blade that has been used 4 times. Does anyone else go ATG on the first pass?

I'm pretty sure I've heard it mentioned at least once. If I did that I would have severe irritation. Everyone's skin/hair is different or as they say here YMMV. I do think you should at least try a preshave. That's the only way to know if it will make a difference. Try conditioner on your beard if you shower before your shave. At the very least hold a hot wet/damp washcloth to your face a couple of times before you start. Have you watched any of geofatboy's videos?

Originally Posted by dpete

Proraso green smell as good as the TOBS sandalwood? I ended up buying the balm and cologne. I swear, if it was socially acceptable, I would throw it in the yard and roll in it.

I can't comment on TOBS Sandalwood but Proraso Green is Menthol. I really like the Proraso menthol soap scent: I've been mixing it with Arko for some awesome scented Arko lather.

My local store doesn't have Proraso Red (the sandalwood scented Proraso range) so I can't comment.

Anyone use the Merkur SV-05X?

THis is the one I purchased.

Amazon.com: Merkur Long Handled Safety Razor: Health & Personal Care

Originally Posted by dpete

I find that some days are better than others. My wife says that under my jaw bones is the place that she feels stubble after I shave, but you cant really see it. I also find that in shaving my neck, wtg is horizontal from my windpipe back.

It sounds like you're moving along nicely. Well done. I had a heck of a time on one spot of my neck, close to where you're struggling, when I started SR shaving. I have an abrupt shift in the direction of hair in that area that makes for some hand acrobatics. I've progressed to the point where I can tackle that area (after many months), but until then I reminded myself that shaving is an art particular to each face, so the idea of a Platonic, ideal shave seems pointless as a tool for judging. In time and with practice, you'll probably find the special technique to get through that area, but maybe you'll always have a small patch that isn't quite as smooth as the rest? Some call that an issue--I call it unique. If it really bothers you, yet you can shave it smooth with a cartridge razor, hit that spot with the cartridge.

I'm looking to join the DE ranks now that I have a full beard and find it extremely difficult to trim my cheeks with the SR without cutting into the beard line--unless I cut my razor in half. I look forward to the DE learning process, and this thread, amongst others, is an invaluable source as I mentally prepare.

I seem to have fallen back into my pre-DE shaving habits. I run the electric razor over my face for 5min, esp my neck. Then I lather up for the DE. It seems to shave the neck better. I have lots of engrown hairs on the neck area, for some reason. the seem to be deeper than my skin contours and will NOT stand up to be cut. electric seems to do that. then the DE shave smooths them out. I feel I have 'sold out'.

not sure if i will do back to DE-only or not. I HATE that I did this, but I just couldnt take the rash, etc anymore and I love the wet shave.

I was doing 5 passes. I cant imagine why this would be a learning curve beyond what I am doing. Up, down, back, forth, criss/cross, etc. there are no other angles existing. My shave seems the same, regardless. really upsetting.....