In an effort to become proficient I've committed to shaving only with my straight razor for at least 100 shaves. In the past I've started and stopped, picked it up again, etc. so now I'm really trying to see it through. I'm to about 55 now, and here's my status. It still takes around 40-45 minutes to get what I consider a relatively perfect BBS shave that I can compare to what I get with the DE. If I'm not as picky I can do it in around 30. How long does it take you experts to shave on average?
My trouble spot is still my chin. It seems that in order to get all the hairs off I basically have to sit there and buff my entire chin in tiny little repeated strokes. I always have these fine tiny little hairs that seem stick straight out yet manage to escape under the blade without catching unless I literally sit there and buff only a few mm at a time while really pulling and stretching the skin. Once I'm done shaving there are almost always at least one or two weepers as a result. When I watch these videos on how to shave with a straight razor they just make it look so easy, a few strokes down the chin and its a clean smooth sweep. I haven't been able to come close to that. I don't know if its just my technique or if I have superhuman course chin hair or something. I humbly ask for your guidance and suggestions on this front. It also seems like the more time I spend on these areas the faster my razor dulls.
I shall keep at it, and I am enjoying it, but wanted to check in here at my midway point for tips and guidance.
Thanks!
Matt