Thread: Inconsistent shaving

I was wondering if anyone had a tip to help me or tell me that I am not the only one. I have been straight shaving solely for 6 months. I have about the best razors you can buy and have them sharpened by honemeisters. I do touch them up just a little every now and then with good results on my Escher or Coticule. To the point, as you would expect I got better as I practiced, just a few weepers every now and then. For three weeks straight I went BBS no weepers, perfect shaves. I figured I got it down! Then again I nicked my self. More nicks the next night. Then of course when you have nicks you re-open the nicks each time, in addition I nicked myself more places and my face looks scraped more than shaved. I rotate seven razors. I am thinking of pulling out my spares and sending the rest off again to the meisters. WHat do uou think? Give my face a little break and try again or just get them sharpened? I don't feel any real tugging or pulling, just seems like I am using bad technique, but surely I am not going backward? You advice please.

It may be your lather with the change in weather and humidity. Your skin changes with the weather. Try doing more pre-shave prep with a very hot towel to soften the whiskers. Also wash your face well with the slickest soap you have, preferably one with glycerin. The change may be causing the razor to drag more on your skin. No idea if this is even close to the issue, but I know I see a difference here in Texas.

It's your shaving technique.

Yes, if you can, let your face heal a few days.

I doubt your razor(s) need sharpening (ie - honing). If you are nicking yourself, they're pretty sharp already. Now whether or not they are trully keen enough is another thing altogether, and is totally dependent on your stropping.



Scott

All sound advice so far. Also, pay attention to your expectations. I sometimes find that what was a great shave six months ago, is now not so great. Perceptions change as you gain skill. And of course, let your face heal if you have cuts.

Jordan

Yes many possibilities. Hopefully your shavers are being honed by a real honemeister and hopefully when you hone them you are not dulling them. Also as we gain experience sometimes we take it for granted and stop watching our angles and pressure in shaving. All things to think about.

Originally Posted by Brad

It may be your lather with the change in weather and humidity. Your skin changes with the weather. Try doing more pre-shave prep with a very hot towel to soften the whiskers. Also wash your face well with the slickest soap you have, preferably one with glycerin. The change may be causing the razor to drag more on your skin. No idea if this is even close to the issue, but I know I see a difference here in Texas.

+1 on that. I too noticed springtime doing odd things with my face. I guess it's easier shaving a dry winter face than a rejuvenating spring face.
I think it's as much the changing weather as it is a hormonal thing. Yeah, Yeah, let's just admit it: not only women have them.

Anyway. Don't despair. With many things, a temporary fall-back often announces a break-through. I consider myself living proof of that.

Bart.

It happens to me everytime I deviate from the basics, either too fast, to much pressure, wrong blade angle, it boils down to lack of concentration.

Thats ma $0.05

Lay down the str8's for a few days. Let it all rest. You can even shave with a DE in the meantime if needed. Pick up the str8 again after a few days. You'll notice your back to your best shaves and getting even better from there on.

Originally Posted by Bart

+1 on that. I too noticed springtime doing odd things with my face. I guess it's easier shaving a dry winter face than a rejuvenating spring face.
I think it's as much the changing weather as it is a hormonal thing. Yeah, Yeah, let's just admit it: not only women have them.

Anyway. Don't despair. With many things, a temporary fall-back often announces a break-through. I consider myself living proof of that.

Bart.

It just goes to show you that we are different. I find that I can not get a good shave when my face is dry and on the hard side. I find that when I hydrate my face and it feels very supple I get my best shaves.


Take Care,
Richard

I have found that using a pre-shave oil seems to eliminate a lot of variables. I do agree with paying attention to the fundamentals is will help towards getting consistency.