Thread: The one-pass shave

I normally do a single pass before work in the morning, but since this week is vacation, I've been taking more time in the morning. I have inadvertently become quite good at a one-pass shave.

I noticed when I went to lather up for the second pass I always had a slight burning sensation. Since a good artist doesn't blame his tools, I made sure to check the sharpness of the razor, check my stropping, check my prep, try some new skin stretches, and reduce the pressure. Today it all came together, or so I thought. feathery touch with my 4/8 quarter-hollow, nice long hot soak, great stretching. The shave felt great in every way. Re-lathered to do it again, and I felt the same burning. There was no way I had scraped myself too aggressively, so I was confused. Then I realized that the burn was consistent over the entire shaved area, which also didn't fit in with razor burn, as I tend to irritate some areas and not others.

I think I must have a slight sensitivity to the soap I'm using (Classic Shaving sandalwood). It isn't enough that I notice it the first time I lather, but putting it on freshly shaved skin does irritate.

The good news, however, is that I've become very adept at a one-pass shave. I'm excited for when this puck is gone and I can start on the other cake of MamaBear's that I have, and see what I can do when I can start doing two passes again.

I get this irritation sometimes, and i noticed that in fact, it irritated the areas that have less dense hair growth.
Strange? I'm not sure why, I will shave, and then lather up again and just the patches that are not so dense will burn. I have since stopped using soaps that i am sensitive to, and have not noticed it.
Nick

How did the alcohol test go? Using 70% IPA or an aftershave with equivalent percentages is a great indicator of whether your skin is just sensitive to the soap or you're having blade/technique issues.

The alcohol isn't so much of an issue for me, just seems to be some ingredients that i have developed a sensitivity to
Nick

I have the same issue with just about all soaps with any kind of scent in them. FO or EO, doesn't really seem to matter. When I lather up for the second time, I get a slight tingly/ burning sensation. Just like you, it is very minor and so it really doesn't bug me much at all, and I still really enjoy my shaves. It is probably just a bit of soap sensitivity, as I am sensitive to most soaps and lotions.

Matt

Originally Posted by FiReSTaRT

How did the alcohol test go? Using 70% IPA or an aftershave with equivalent percentages is a great indicator of whether your skin is just sensitive to the soap or you're having blade/technique issues.

No idea; I've never tried after-shave. And IPA is for drinking, not splashing on yourself :-)

If it's 70%, chances are it's been denatured (unless it was distilled by my uncle Vidoye ) A high alcohol content aftershave is a great indicator of the damage you've done to your skin.

I guess I'm not sure what you mean by IPA - the only IPA I know is India Pale Ale.

IPA = Iso-Propyl Alcohol or rubbing alcohol

Ah, right! Thanks.