Thread: Finally getting the shaves I've desired

Uh-oh, here I go again.

OK, about 12 days ago I was having issues with my edge not staying sharp. Randydance offered some help on a chat session and after a PM, I've been getting excellent shaves (thanks, Randy). Since that time, this is what I've been doing.

1. 15x on linen and 30x on leather
2. First pass with the grain using a cutting angle with tip leading (caution - be extremely careful doing this on protrusions)
3. Second pass across the grain (cutting angle used)
4. Third pass against the grain
5. Finishing touches with dry face, dry hands and wet razor (helps me feel remaining whiskers and keep hold of the skin to stretch it). These are only spots, not entire strokes and usually just on the jaw line (one or two spots on each side).
6. 30x on leather before closing the blade (done after thoroughly drying razor)

Since following Randy's instructions, then following this pattern, I have been getting the shaves I have always wanted from a straight. Smooth as silk, close and enjoyable. This has been the result for the last 10 days (5 shaves) and there is no indication that I will be needing to return to my hone anytime soon (I used to feel as if I needed to every 2-3 shaves). After the 4th shave, I felt as if the blade might be a little less keen so tonight before shaving, I did 20x on the linen and 60x on the leather and the edge just sliced through my beard like a knife through melted butter.

One of the other things I did is stop ALL testing (HHT, thumbnail, etc) except for a quick thumbpad test right after stropping to see if the edge is sticky. I don't spend much time on it at all.

The only thing I wish didn't happen was the razor burn on my chin. It's the only place I get it and I'm pretty certain it has to do with the amount of pressure I use on the ATG pass there. I tend to be pretty heavy handed if I'm not purposefully trying to keep a light touch. I also think the angle of the blade to my skin is a little to steep and needs to be flattened out more. It's just the way my hand seems to position the razor on my chin when going ATG.

This little irritation aside, everything is dramatically better than even just 2 weeks ago and I am finally getting to enjoy each shave and the results I am acheiving. I truly understand what smooooth feels like now.

Steve mate - good for you! Those are some good tips too. I'll have to try the tip leading approach.

James.

PS Glad you're back - I know you've been back for a bit now, but this is the first chance I've had to say it.

I sometimes finish with hot water only but never thought of trying dry face/wet razor.

I bought one of my first good razors from Randy and he had nothing but good advice for me at that time too.

Dave

Good to hear from ya Steve ---has the Lord Steve officially returned?


Justin

Good to hear from you again, Steve. Your enthusiasm is infectious. it sounds like it's starting to come into focus for you. I know I had a lot on my mind when I got started and it can sometimes be hard to see the forest for the trees, but if you keep staring at it, the wonder of it all starts to come into magnificent focus. I'm glad it has for you. I was a little worried for you last month. you seemed to be heading off in sven different directions at the same time and I thought it might be too much for you all at once, but I guess that was just part of your individuality working itself out.

Chins can be challenging evn in te long run. If I can suggest ...
Don't worry about the results of the shave there for a few days. Just go through the motions trying to be sure you're not using excess pressure and see how it ends up. I'm just hoping that you'll find out how much is really needed for a good shave there.
Just a thought.

X

Originally Posted by xman

Good to hear from you again, Steve. Your enthusiasm is infectious. it sounds like it's starting to come into focus for you. I know I had a lot on my mind when I got started and it can sometimes be hard to see the forest for the trees, but if you keep staring at it, the wonder of it all starts to come into magnificent focus. I'm glad it has for you. I was a little worried for you last month. you seemed to be heading off in sven different directions at the same time and I thought it might be too much for you all at once, but I guess that was just part of your individuality working itself out.

Chins can be challenging evn in te long run. If I can suggest ...
Don't worry about the results of the shave there for a few days. Just go through the motions trying to be sure you're not using excess pressure and see how it ends up. I'm just hoping that you'll find out how much is really needed for a good shave there.
Just a thought.

X

You're right X, when I get involved in something I tend to dive in face first and go full immersion. I just needed to work a few things out and settle down. I feel I 've done that now for the most part and have a much better grasp on things. At any rate, I've found one direction to go in and I'm staying on that path as it seems to be working.

As always, thank you for the suggestion. I agree the pressure is the thing to work on. I had already planned on doing just as you suggested for the next couple of shaves so I can train myself to lighten up on the touch.

To everyone:

Thanks for the welcome back. It was good to get away for a couple of weeks and clear the cobwebs out. It's even better to join in again.

Originally Posted by jaegerhund

Good to hear from ya Steve ---has the Lord Steve officially returned?


Justin

Ever see Godfather 3?

"Every time I think I'm out....they pull me back in"

Originally Posted by Jimbo

Steve mate - good for you! Those are some good tips too. I'll have to try the tip leading approach.

James.

PS Glad you're back - I know you've been back for a bit now, but this is the first chance I've had to say it.

Thank James.

The tip leading is something the barber manuals instruct and I can see why. Combine it with short strokes and the results are great, in my experience at least.

Thanks for sharing Steve. Good tips there.

Jordan

Originally Posted by steve

Ever see Godfather 3?

"Every time I think I'm out....they pull me back in"

I was about to send Jimbo and Lou to "check" on you. We were all worried "little bit". We heard you were starting to talk like a canary --maybe a little persuasion was in order ---but we love ya like a brother --you're part of the family --just don't let it happen again

Justin