Thread: 2 days of whisters = uncomfortable shave

I didn't shave for two days (skipped one morning) and it seemed like the razor was dull. It didn't want to cut nearly as well. FYI I used a different pre-shave. I used Neutrogena face srub. More of a soap than a pre-shave I think. I have been using Castle Forbes for a pre shave. I think I like the idea of using the Neutrogena and then the Castle Forbes.


The reasons I can think of for this shave being more difficult are 1. extra day of whiskers, or 2. different pre-shave or 3. razor edge needs work or 4. all of the above.

I'm going to shave again to remove remaining stubble. There is quite a bit and definitely needs another pass. Shaving an almost smooth face should shave more like I'm used to. I used warm foam from a scuttle. No towel or anything to increase heat for a couple of minutes.

Does anyone do anything different when they have 2-3 days of beard? Different pre-shave routine or anything? Warm towel? Let lather soak on face longer? Anything like that?

Just soak those whiskers with hot water on a cloth..Start with the minimum and go from there.

I use a hot towel everyday and have never had a problem with any extra growth from skipped days

I'm retired, and shave on an erratic schedule; sometimes daily, but sometimes a week or so between shaves. I haven't appreciated any difference... other than the amount of whiskers going down the drain!

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you are having ANY problems with your warm/hot lather shave, try a cold water shave start to finish and check the differences. Surprise is one reaction, WTF is another, and Nobody Told Me About This is another. And it has nothing to do with how often you shave, daaily or several days apart.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

I've said it before and I'll say it again. If you are having ANY problems with your warm/hot lather shave, try a cold water shave start to finish and check the differences. Surprise is one reaction, WTF is another, and Nobody Told Me About This is another. And it has nothing to do with how often you shave, daaily or several days apart.

There was discussion about cold shaves recently. When face lathering I believe. I did try it several times and was surprised how well it went. I've always heard hot towels, hot lather, etc. So, while I think I prefer warm lather it's nice to know I can cold shave successfully. The bathroom was steamy once day more than normal and a cold shave felt very refreshing.

I'm one year new to straight razor shaving and stropping/honing. So, I'm thinking my razor's edge is not as sharp as it will be when I have more honing/stropping exerience. There is noticable increase in sharpness in the past months based on my shaves but I know I will get the edge sharper or more "shave ready" as time goes on.

If you think about it, no matter how long the whiskers are when you shave you shave off exactly the same number of them. The blade comes down against the skin and the whiskers are cut there. How long they are is irrelevant.

I followed this mans advice and hes correct. the cold water shave is great. Teaches you the meaning of stropping correctly.

Unless something really went south in your prep, I would say you need to touch-up your razor. I usually get better shaves if I miss a few days.

If you have a linen side to your strop, give it 30 laps on that and 70 on leather and see where the edge is at

I usually find a day of rest for my skin makes for a more pleasant shave. I will often reach for a heavy grind (most of mine are heavy), and the only diff. is that there's a little more resistance. I think its mainly from having more solids (stubble-choked lather) bunch up in front of the edge as it shaves.