Thread: Perspective and Sharing: Not doing half as well as i thought

Originally Posted by tekbow

Having read a few other threads on razor burn i thought i would add a little and repeat something previously stated.

PERSPECTIVE: Newbs need it

When i started doing this i was getting significantly less razor burn than i got when using a cartridge razor. This does not mean the razor burn was not significant. Going to the barber and adopting some new techniques showed me that. Last night i had only the vaguest of tingle, and no sting when i used my alum block. That, If I'm being truly honest with myself, no matter how good i thought i was getting, is a first. I think a big thing i forgot to mention on the original post was razor angle. I was way too steep before. I guess it was because the steeper the angle the more i could feel the razor working so i probably had it in my head i was at the right angle and getting a good shave. i was not right. Again i had to make a concious effort here.

cheers

Simon

This is so true! I think as a newb I've got a great deal of subconscious shaving behavior built through prior cartridge shaving (also just general life experience). Generally, the more pressure you apply cutting something the quicker it yields. We see this all day every day and it is true of cartridge shaving. i guess on some level my hand wants to steepen the angle and increase pressure all on it's own because it cant get used to the idea that it isn't really necessary. Making a conscious effort has been key to success here. The mind can never wonder or else I'm left with a bunch of razor burn. Thanks for posting this thread it's a great reminder...also it makes me want to find an old school barber to go to from time to time just to remind myself what it should all feel like. [end rambling...]

Originally Posted by ace

Well, the ATG shave went pretty well, getting a pretty decent shave (PDS?) in under 7 minutes. The ATG pass went a bit stiffer than it would have after some prior beard reduction, but my face survived unscathed and the shave went quickly. I think we unknowingly dissuade some fellows from trying straight shaving because of all the time involved with preparation, etc. and all the talk of 45 minute shaves. Lots of those guys are getting perfectly acceptable shaves with their cartridges in two minutes and can't see trading that for 45 minutes of slashing up their faces.

I don't think those guys understand it's more than just a necessary thing to do though. It's better for your skin. It's a skill. It's more environmentally friendly. In terms of economies of scale it's cheaper. And i never trusted badgers anyway..

As i put it once to try to describe to a girl i was talking to:

"It's like a woman having a bath with candles and oil and lotions etc. But for a guy. And not gay"

Originally Posted by porridgeorange

It's not poor technique...it's extreme exfoliation!