Thread: Technique, technique, technique

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?

Well, I just tried this...

I even tried just dry shaving first. That did not work so well.
So then I used water with no shave prep. WTG was spotty. ATG removed hair nicely on the cheek but was a little uncomforable. Then I went to the neck. I did a small area but it was too uncomfortable to continue.
I then shampooed and conditioned my beard. I have never used conditioner before. As a head shaver I've never had it around. The other day on a whim I got a bottle to see if it would make a difference in my shaves. Anyhow... Post shampoo and conditioner I tried using just water again. The neck was uncomfortable but not nearly as bad as before. Shaving the cheek that I didn't shave before the shampoo and conditioner was great.
I ended up making some lather to finish my neck and to do my head.

I think I could shave with water only if I really had to.
Fortunately I don't really have to.

You know Eric. my beard is on the tough side of middle of the road or one could say on the wimpy side of tough...your choice. Anyways I often dry shave a patch on my cheek when testing for sharpness of a razor. When the blade is sharp enough it will go through the hair with no resistance and no irritation but the rest of my face would throw fits if I tried dry shaving.

Your blade may not be sharp enough. Just a thought.

Originally Posted by AFDavis11

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.

Absolutely! Thank you for expressing that so clearly.

I've been shaving for about 2 months now. I do an extended beard prep and 3 passes to get BBS. I feel I have my basic technique down, but what would you suggest be done to really refine my technique?

Originally Posted by markevens

I've been shaving for about 2 months now... what would you suggest be done to really refine my technique?

Continue shaving for at least 10 years. Seriously, there's no way around it I think. It's like learning an instrument. I learned the basic techniques within the first months of playing upright bass but my touch grows more effortless and my sound will continue to improve throughout my lifetime, and none too soon.
I've resigned myself to counting the plateaus I reach and celebrating each time I move up to the next one.

Originally Posted by bassguy

Continue shaving for at least 10 years.

Something about that is very beautiful. That's going as my signature.