Thread: At what point did your shaves improve?

5 months for me, shaving everyday for the first month, then every 2-3 days after that.

After only 5-10 shaves at first, I was getting a decent comfortable WTG shave, and horrible around chin line and under nose, but the last months (im at 6 months now) I can comfortably do WTG, XTG and ATG shaves. Still struggle a bit with the chin/jaw line (to get BBS) but getting better week by week.

I'm about a year in now and I now shave with a SR 5-7 times/week, but it took a while (or I took a while). My first big step was buying a shave ready razor from SRD to be in rotation with the razor I had bought 30 years ago and had never been rehoned. I then sent my original to Lynn, and after I got it back and had 2 in rotation (2 month mark?) I started to have success once in a while, with an occasional (lucky) flash of brilliance. That gave me hope. I was still shaving with a DE 1/2 or more of the time, but really working on my prep and lather processes.

After adding a 3d razor also from SRD and a paddle strop, my stropping became more effective, and things settled down to full face (except the mustache area) 4-5 times/week. Over the last nine months since adding the 3d razor (& 4th and 5th), I've gotten more consistently good and finally damned fine, still with the occasional "dream" shave. Meanwhile I've learned to touch up my straights on a Naniwa 12k and CrOx, upgraded to the modular paddle with English Bridle, and 7 of 7 shaves are now absolutely damn fine (and easier), although I'll admit that I still have some difficult areas.

I'm 66 and still learning and experimenting, so I'm not sure I'll ever be fully satisfied in the time God will give me here.

Good news from you. I am also 66, and my bride says I'm too long of tooth to be using a straight. I think she wants to be the one to slit my throat...I'm still wanting a 6/8 or 7/8 Ralf Aust...

Originally Posted by bcw

Good news from you. I am also 66, and my bride says I'm too long of tooth to be using a straight. I think she wants to be the one to slit my throat...I'm still wanting a 6/8 or 7/8 Ralf Aust...

I have the 6/8 Aust as well as a 5/8. Both are great. In addition, my original from 30 years ago was a Hoffritz 5/8 from a Hoffritz retail store, and I have a Dovo Prima Klang 5/8, and a Boker 6/8 "Silver Steel". All shave well when I'm "on my game".

I think I got good results third month

Originally Posted by bcw

..I'm still wanting a 6/8 or 7/8 Ralf Aust...

Shaved this AM W/the 7/8 Ralf Aust "American Point".....
Life is short...get one as soon as you can.

Smooth Shaving

I noticed a big difference when I stopped being my own worst enemy. I listened to what multiple senior members where saying. Tried to incorporate the correct pressure,prep,and passes. Then wow ah ha moments. Time frame 3 weeks to 3 months, but there are still places on my face that I feel could use improvement. My wife says I am insane an she cant see what I am talking about. But when you feel your face and stroke it from every angle and its BBS then you know , this is why I picked this way of life. Its not one single element but a combination of multiple factors when I see and feel the best I can be today. Always looking for a way to improve and get better. And then You gotta ask yourself are you over analyzing perfection.

Been SR shaving for about 4 months and just last week or so I've been getting much better shaves. Been getting near BBS shaves now for the past few weeks. One thing that has really helped me is starting with the chin and under the nose and then moving on to the rest of the face. I was having to finish with a DE on the chin but now I'm 100% SR. I don't know why this is but for me it's working. I really never had much of a problem with the neck and jawline but finishing with the chin was not working for me.

I did my first shave in a few days today. Had pretty heavy growth an used my shavette. The blade has a few shaves on it so the results were DFS. I have a couple real problem areas under my jawline. The areas kinda dip in an even with a DE were not always the easiest to get. What I am noticing more an more is the size of the blades I prefer are smaller. I don't own anything over 6/8 an it is a fine shaver. But my 4/8 an 5/8 round point seem to work best for me so far. I am with you guys all the way on finding what works for you an sticking with it.

It was about 6 months before my shaves were consistently good.But I only shave every 4-5 days,so it took a while for me.