Ok,4th shave

I am going slow, yet still managing to get nicks. So now I have an obstacle course. I am starting to be wise on wtg/atg shaving. Still getting re-familiar with holding the razor for different parts of m


Charlie
Reno, NV

Hey, CG.

Knowing nothing about the edge on the razor you use, beard prep, angle, ability to maintain an absence of pressure makes it hard to give input, other than to encourage you to stick with it.

Getting nicks - have you had shaves where you've had none? Do they tend to occur in the same areas? (by ear, chin, jaw muscle)

When I nick, I take note of its location, and sometimes remove the lather from that spot before the next shave. That way I don't reopen the nick. Continuing to shave over a nick will make it stay unhealed for an annoying amount of time. Lynn once mentioned a dab of neosporin on the nick seemed to speed healing. I do that now also, and it seems to speed it up a bit. If you get to where you can't shave w/out hitting a prior nick - give it a rest until they heal, or your shaves will get really frustrating.
You'll get there. 6 months from now, you'll laugh at posts like this one - 'cause you KNOW what it feels like. We all get our turn taking our lumps while learning. (can you guess why my screen name is 'pinklather'?)

I am going with as the light amount of pressure I can and still cut hair. And yes I have irritated previous nicks so I have started clearing the cream away from nicks so I am not going through the mine field blind. That has worked out for me. I think I am going to stick with shaving every other day until I get my technique down. I always love a challenge so I will stick with it. My stopping is going great and my edge seems like it is where it needs to be. I also bought bought a magnified mirror that extends out up close and personal so I have a great view on what's Amy blade is doing. I have seen post about using pre-shave oils. Do you recommend any certain type.


Charlie
Reno, NV

If it were me I would hold off on another shave until the nicks fully heal. But then I do not mind a face full of stubble, and perhaps you do or need to stay clean shaven.

When you say you are going slow, what do you mean? There is a certain level of deftness, IMO, needed when shaving with a straight. If you are too tentative with your stroke you can increase the chance of a nick or cut. Similarly if you are too blase'.

But like Pinklather said, practice makes perfect and we all have or had incidents when starting out - perhaps these are just yours and they will reduce in number as your technique develops.

James.

I think you are right on the money about going too slow. On the easy area I let that throttle out. It's when I get to the harder area I back down and around the chin and such. Rome was not built in a day, so as long as I have definitive progress I am happy. Feel free to lend all the advice. I want it and appreciate it very much!!!


Charlie
Reno, NV

I have one of those mirrors...it really makes a difference for me. I've used the preshave oils from "art of shaving". It seemed to make a difference at first...but then just didn't seem to. I think proper stropping of the blade makes the most difference. I got my hands on a sample of "Jack Black Beard Lube Conditioning Shave with Jojoba & Eucalyptus". It's a thinner shave cream, can see right thru it, which is great for being careful around moles, and previous nicks. It's got a "little goes a long way" quality to it. Claims it's an all in one, preshave, shave, skin conditioner. I really like it, and will probably buy a full size of it.

Hello Charlie,
Jimbo and Pinklather give sound advice. There's a saying in the straight razor world that it takes about 100 shaves to see impressive progress. Take your time and you'll get there.

Yes, I use a pre-shave and like it, especially with my heavy beard. I have tried scores of pre-shave products, but the one I prefer is by Castle Forbes. It's a touch pricy, but well worth it, I think.

Thanks guys for the advice on shaving and pre-shave oils. I shaved last night and no blood! There has to be something wrong with that....progress.


Charlie
Reno, NV