First shave, a couple of observations.
Well I finally dun it up. I used a newly honed (by Max, thanks a million) Red Imp #132 (which surely means its superior to razors with no number at all? ;) ) and I have a few observations.
First, I have a rather narrow face and I found it EXTREMELY difficult to shave around my mustache nose area because, its just too difficult of an angle and the spike point did a nice job of cutting my nose as a result. Anyone's advice on this is extremely valuable. I watched a few good youtube videos but those gents have rather, erm, wider faces.
Second, the brush I bought (Calvin Klein kit, 5 USD at TJMaxx) is too difficult to hold, its a stainless steel cylinder with no curves and very painful to hold and use as well as slippery.
Third, I used van der hagen soap and it made a very pitiful amount of lather and I'm not sure why.
I soaked the brush in hot water, rubbed the cake rigorously and then scrubbed in a mug and at first it was too wet then it appeared to be a good consistency but it wouldnt make very much...Maybe I didnt soak the cake long enough.
Fourth, none of the videos I've watched address any "tugging" and it would seem that a well honed razor wouldnt tug. As this is newly honed, I blame my technique and ineexperience instead of the raor, which looks marvelous by the way, and perhaps I will more thoroughly wash my face next time.
Observations? It doesnt appear that I will worry about missing spots, just taking too much. Worst razor burn I've felt in my life, how should I avoid this? Again, I assume that a badger brush and a quality lather would lubricate more and burn less. I've never been in the habit of using aftershave but I think I'll need some super face mosterizing aloe vera stuff, the cologne spray may has well been acid.
I cant wait for the beard to grow in so I can try again and make it better.
Also, those with prominent adam's apples, how do you not cut yourself?
Thanks,
-alex.
p.s. as far as technique, it was WTG all the way, I hope to do XTG soon though. Neck techniques need a thorough explanation.