Thread: Technique, technique, technique

Originally Posted by Del1r1um

A couple of thoughts,



This is something that I've been thinking about for a while now. We do all talk about beard prep, soap choice, brushes, stretching etc. (to be clear, I still think that some of these things are important), but as I become more comfortable with straight shaving I find that I don't need a 30 minute shower, five different pre-shave oils, and 120 degree uberlather to get a great shave. Lately I've been able to get solid shaves with nothing more than a quick brushing of lukewarm lather and immediately getting down to business.

Granted, that's skipping out on the luxury aspect, but as my technique improves I find that I don't need such an intense beard prep regimen.

Now before I get all carried away here, I'm not 100% there yet on technique either... I do the best I can and try to learn from each shave. I'm just echoing the idea that as technique improves, the add ons become less of a performance factor and more of a pure luxury. I still have my trouble spots, but dang it, I work at trying to master those parts. It is all about fun for me anyway. I get a kick out of shaving with a straight, and I love talking with others who do the same.

I will say one more thing though, I believe it is easier to learn the technique when you have a sharp razor... my point to the new guys - treat yourselves to shave ready blades that are honed by the pros, then you'll get the best feedback as you experiment with your technique.

Good luck and have a good one!

Dave

Thanks Dave,
It was your recent thread in the mentor section that spurred me on to make this thread.

I've been thinking about posting something similar and it goes like this:
The last three shaves my prep has been questionable and fast, the lather has been sub par and I've become aware of how some blades are less sharp than others. HOWEVER, the last three shaves have been some of my best. No ingrowns, no irritation, a comfortable face feel for days after the shave.
I can only guess that this has something to do with my glacial improvement of technique. I'm much more aware of hair direction now, using less pressure with better stretching, but also finding the angle that each blade needs to take the hair off smoothly. All my razors are different, and at different levels of sharpness, so each needs a slightly different approach.
So really, it just takes time and experience, then practically anything can deliver a great shave, regardless of crutch. The rest is just luxury, and there's nothing wrong with that, IMO.

Super great post Mark. I had no idea you had been on for 17 years.

Often I write like I have it all figured out/ when I actually have very low standards for success. I am smart enough to agree that what you say is good and right.

I dont know exactly what luck other newbs have. I think most of us innocently overstate; as a little success brings about such enthusiasm.

I've made 1 pass bbs shaves with my usual low prep face lathers. It remains elusive I'm not sure what happens-how i got there or why it left. Looking back at it now they happened shortly after making a new strops.

Do you do anything special to keep yours clean. I carry home lots of bad ass dust and grime in my clothes and hair. Could that explain my plateau?

I have thought of similar stuff before when long experience guys mention long lived edges and simple barber hone maintenance, etc. (And some guys are just naturally more attentive to oiling and storage than I.) Nevertheless I think over time a way of handling/ caring for, using must sorta soak in. Your edge doesn't get ruined like mine-but you may not be able to tell me how to stop doing that. it just takes time and the realization that i should, most likely, not need to touch up or rehone so often.

Like i said I dont know what luck other newbs have- however if i would have relied on pro honed edges when I first started I'dve needed a fresh one at least every week.

Originally Posted by JMS

Let me say here that if one has sufficient experience and ability and a sharp razor he can shave his face comfortably and smoothly with no more prep than washing ones face and keeping it wet. Once one can accomplish this then the soap/cream will be a matter of choice and will no longer be a crutch.

I will not take you to task over your POV on technique. You've obviously been at this for longer than me, so we'll leave it at that.

I do, however, completely disagree with the above statement. Your post was well thought out, but excludes one crucial element: skin type. This is the one area that technique and the sharpest razor in the world can not control completely. Shaving soaps/creams are a lubricant, as opposed to water, and are not a crutch but rather a necessity for many. Unless you are one of those guys whose face is as ruddy as their strop and can get away with shaving with nothing but a bit of water, the use of soaps & creams is a reality. This is the case if you have sensitive skin, as I do. Water alone simply will not cut it (yes, pun intended).

I have no doubt that you are able to get a wonderfully close shave with nothing but water and a scalpel sharp razor as I'm sure a few others here can as well, but that is your skin type. But please don't assume that we're all the same by saying that soaps/creams are a crutch and your technique isn't up to par if you can't accomplish this. That's just not realistic.

Hey Ryan!

I think you are speaking to the exception rather than the rule. You should give it a try someday

I'm gonna do my next shave a'la JMS and post about it. My skin is so sensitive I actually couldn't shave with a Mach3 without getting irritation, and I can't shave ATG without getting irritation.

Then we shall see who is Mr Exception and what is The Rule! (:-))

I tried this today, and although my skill is extremely limited(in both honing and shaving), i was still able to get a darn close shave with only one pass and couple of touch ups on the neck behind the ear and under my jaw/chin.
Only prep i did do was shower. All in all, a great success.

I'm on the same general bandwagon as Mark. I find that I can shave with water only. I find that an initial pass with cream followed by one with water only is superior! Just like in the barber's manuals. Go figure!!

But, another important data point, from my perspective is that shaving with water is far superior in ease and shaving with water only actually permits shaving with less skill.

I find that with water only allows for the razor to have far greater "catchyness". It grabs and cuts the whiskers far easier and at far more diverse angles. There is no slip and no resulting need for extra passes.

One of the great benefits of the advanced soaps and creams over foam cans is that soaps and creams have a greater water content, producing a better shave. You'll find also that water alone has an even greater water content/ratio.

It might be a good idea, even if you've tried shaving with water only, to try shaving with a very wet soap ratio as well. I'm sure the "slickeryness" of a soap or cream is adjustable. It can also increase the potential warmth of the soap/cream mixture.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

I'm on the same general bandwagon as Mark. I find that I can shave with water only. I find that an initial pass with cream followed by one with water only is superior! Just like in the barber's manuals. Go figure!!

But, another important data point, from my perspective is that shaving with water is far superior in ease and shaving with water only actually permits shaving with less skill.

I find that with water only allows for the razor to have far greater "catchyness". It grabs and cuts the whiskers far easier and at far more diverse angles. There is no slip and no resulting need for extra passes.

One of the great benefits of the advanced soaps and creams over foam cans is that soaps and creams have a greater water content, producing a better shave. You'll find also that water alone has an even greater water content/ratio.

It might be a good idea, even if you've tried shaving with water only, to try shaving with a very wet soap ratio as well. I'm sure the "slickeryness" of a soap or cream is adjustable. It can also increase the potential warmth of the soap/cream mixture.

I never considered this before.

If I read you right Allan ( I hope I am spelling your name right ) you are also saying without saying it that because of the "grabbiness" with a water only shave bad technique would be very quickly highlighted by a nick or several. Is that right?