Thread: Whaddya think?

I have this area, under my lip to the corners of my mouth that doesn't like the closeness so much.

I've tried everything to minimize the red bumps: shorter strokes, a very light touch, blade angle changes, oils, glycerin, yadda, yadda, yadda...

Has anyone had this issue and found a solution?

Thanks,
Randy

Are you shaving those areas ATG, if so, don't. In fact, my advise is to not shave ATG at all since it it totally unecessary if you have a sharp razor and good technique.

No man, I don't go ATG there. I learned my lesson early with that.

My DE causes no problems in this area at all.

I get excellent results everywhere else and I love using my straights and yes they are smooth and sharp.

I suppose if I had to refine my question it would be: Besides not going ATG in their sensitive areas, what does everyone do to avoid irritation?

Unfortunately, pretty much what you're already doing. Because you get no problems with the DE, there must be a way! You've probably already done so, but study what you're doing with the DE & try to replicate stroke direction with the straight. Mosturise well after & maybe exfoliate with a toothbrush between shaves in the problem areas, especially the night after the shave. Sounds wierd, but it should help.

I still use my Merkur twin to touch up places that I just can't do comfortably with my straight. My hands are not steady enough to really do the transition from lip to whiskers on my lower lip. So don't feel that it is absolutely necessary to do some places with your straight.

Originally Posted by fccexpert

Are you shaving those areas ATG, if so, don't. In fact, my advise is to not shave ATG at all since it it totally unecessary if you have a sharp razor and good technique.

I don't think this is true, not for everyone anyway. Even with a DE feather blade I need to shave ATG to get anything near a close shave. With my straights (all honed by honemeisters) it's the same thing. I can get a decent shave without the ATG but no where near touch-my-face smooth.

Some guys, like me, have super thick beards and I think that's where your point is faulted. I've been shaving since I was 13 so 5 O clock shadow hits me at about 1pm.

It doesn't do you any good beyond knowing why not everyone has the same issues but I have never had a shaving bump or the like with whatever I shaved with. It took me awhile to learn the technique to get true bbs (with a sharp straight) but I got there. I guess my beard isn't that coarse compared to some. My skin is sensitive enough that I only do two passes or I get razor burn but no bumps. I hope you find a solution.

Originally Posted by ben.mid

Unfortunately, pretty much what you're already doing. Because you get no problems with the DE, there must be a way! You've probably already done so, but study what you're doing with the DE & try to replicate stroke direction with the straight. Mosturise well after & maybe exfoliate with a toothbrush between shaves in the problem areas, especially the night after the shave. Sounds wierd, but it should help.

Never heard of the toothbrush thing. I'm wondering how the facial scrub will taste over my toothpaste

I do exfoliate before I shave. Thanks anyway.

Still, I like your suggestions. Thanks very much!

Randy

Originally Posted by dward

I still use my Merkur twin to touch up places that I just can't do comfortably with my straight. My hands are not steady enough to really do the transition from lip to whiskers on my lower lip. So don't feel that it is absolutely necessary to do some places with your straight.

I think this idea will work well until I can figure it all out. Thanks!

Thanks to all for the help.

Randy