Thread: I think I have the worst beard/skin combo...

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Solutions ...Nothing but trouble until I switch to cold water shaving. And it doesn't have to be totally cold. Works with lukewarm water also.

My suggestion for what it's worth.

+1

Cool water prep and lathering and a couple of cold water rinses instantly took my irritation-prone skin from scars to stars. Hot water in the shower doesn't hurt but a very keen edge, cold prep, cool lather and cold rinse also works for me.

Awesome. Thanks a ton. The 5x mirror sounds like a great idea. I'll try your 3rd suggestion for stretching as well. To answer the previous question, I use Arko, Tabac, KMF, hydrolast, VDH, Cella, and Creamo. I know how to lather! I will add towels and lather to the prep in addition to the hot shower, conditioner, and Prorasso pre/post. The cold water sounds interesting. I wonder if that helps tighten the skin?

Originally Posted by WartHawg75

To answer the previous question, I use Arko, Tabac, KMF, hydrolast, VDH, Cella, and Creamo. I know how to lather!

Yea some good soaps there. I thought I knew how to create a good lather too till I started using straights after 40 odd years of wet shaving. Straights demand a better lather than what will generally work with a DE. At least I found straights to be more finicky.

So many things go into making up a good shave it is hard to figure which ones you are lacking in or haven't figured out yet. Good luck figuring it out. Remember that is no whisker that cannot be cut with a razor, any razor.

Bob

Just finished shaving. I did more hot water prep with towels and incorporated cold water into the lather and between pass rinses. I liked what those did for me for sure. The razor seemed to glide better, which could have been attributed to better prep and I think my stropping is improving as well. I did have a little more irritation during the alum block application, but my face normally gets more sensitive throughout the week and my shaves usually aren't as close either. It's almost as if the hair is thicker and coarser each day. Anyways, I think the biggest improvement came from really paying attention to what part of the blade I was using. I used the heel a lot more and that seemed to improve control and provide a little extra momentum to the blade.

I know you have a lot of experience, but I haven't heard mention of how you lather. I know a lot of African American gentlemen have issues with very stiff whiskers and many seem to get some relief by face lathering with a stiffer brush. This helps to lift the hair from the skin somewhat. Just my 2 cents as I think everyone else has given you some great advice!

I am a face lather, but maybe a stiffer brush is in order. I use a Edwin Jager best badger, and it is pretty soft. Any recommendations?

I have a Vi-Long boar brush I bought off of Amazon.com. Basic cast resin handle, only cost $12 or so. It's a cheap experiment worst case.

I do have a cheap drug store boar brush, but never use it since I preferred the softer badger lather but I will reattack with the boar.

I think the Omega and Semogue 1305 boar brushes are both fantastic low-rent brushes for any soap. I lean on a badger brush for creams but if I had to live with one, I go with the hog.

It's a very personal thing though. Good Luck.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

I think the Omega and Semogue 1305 boar brushes are both fantastic low-rent brushes for any soap. I lean on a badger brush for creams but if I had to live with one, I go with the hog.

It's a very personal thing though. Good Luck.

was going to put the semogue suggestion forward myself