Thread: Mythical Shave Captured

Short Story-

The shave I have been chasing since starting this hobby, an almost mythical shave happened the other day with a razor that was honed on Arkansas stones. This was not the first time or last time (see long stories below) that it has happened but it has always been from honing on Arkansas stones. This particular time it was a Mappin & Webb razor and it was a multi directional one pass shave. From the first stroke to the last there was absolutely no resistance, skipping, or tugging. The only thing that told me hair was being cut was the sound of the blade singing away. When done with one pass I was completely BBS all over my face and neck. I used rubbing alcohol to see how irritation-free the shave actually was and it was like putting WATER on my face and neck. NO BURN AT ALL. I can't even imagine how the edge could get any sharper or smoother than this. Have you experienced this ultimate shave before?

Long Story-

The next day, the same results.

Extremely Long Story-

This morning, the same results!

This is why I love my vintage translucent Pike/Norton. Excellence.

There was no pulling, tugging, resistance, & no irritation , because you were drunk & shaving with the spine.

Or with the toothbrush.

Most of my shaves are very good, but every now and then everything comes together and the shave is over the top. Sometimes it hangs in there for multiple shaves, sometimes it is fleeting. Love them when they come around. There is not a lot of difference in my life from a good shave to a great shave, and sometimes it may just be all in my head, but yowza that's nice.

Indeed, it seems to me that prep and maintenance is the deciding factor. Given a good blade, of course!

When i started this wonderful adventure I chased the BBS shave just like everyone else and I imagine like most folks i ran around with a red face from that well noted razor burn. Now i just shave and most of the time get a decent shave. Maybe not perfect but comfortable. What use to take 30 or more minutes now just takes a few minutes and no burn or blood. I do like that.

After a couple of months. I get no irritation. However the shave is not close. If I rub against the grain I get the sand paper feeling. Not sure how to improve.

Are you shaving against the grain? Low blade angle, skin taught, lather thin, edge keen?

Originally Posted by Rami

After a couple of months. I get no irritation. However the shave is not close. If I rub against the grain I get the sand paper feeling. Not sure how to improve.

I always get a bit of that on the sides of the neck. Even after 2 WTG and 1 ATG. It's OK!
Same as passing a 6-blader or equivalent, too much is counterproductive to me, Exfoliated and irritated to the tissue and ingrown hairs galore is no fun! Shave it in all it's glory.
Again in a day or three. Just Me!