Thread: First wet shave.

Originally Posted by clam61

Second thing is the question of how close a shave is. Perhaps it is because I have black hair and fair skin, but even when my shave feels smooth, I can still see tiny little dots. Is this normal? I'm guessing it is because we aren't shaving sub-dermis...but I just want to ask and make sure.

It's normal if you have a heavy, dark beard.

Hi Clam, I've never been able to shave directly against the grain, but can get very close shaves by going across the grain. Try making your first pass with the grain, then re-lather and go across the grain. At some point you may want to switch to a DE razor or straight. The single blades made all the difference for me. And, be patient. You're learning to shave again and it takes a little time.

Jordan

thanks guys. im in the process of getting a straight. seems like you have to buy a lot of stuff. besides the razor you need a strop, then cream for the strop, then pumice to clean the strop, a honing stone...what else?

im thinkin about this one

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190280.htm

stainless steel or high carbon? ive read things on the net that say stainless steel holds and edge better and ive read things that say it holds an edge worse.

what are your two cents?

Take your time and enjoy the shave. You need to develop a feel for all the different aspects of a good wet shave. Prep. Nice hot towel and a clean face.
Use the brush. Make nice creamy wet lather. Start with no pressure on the blade at all, after a few shaves, you'll get the feel of the razor. Look in the mirror. I'm not being a wiseguy but you would be supprized if you actually watch yourself shave instead of just shaving in front of a mirror. You'll see the angle of the razor and how it's cutting. Pay attention to how your beard grows, this way you can tell which way to go with the razor to clean it up.

Remember, it takes time. after a little time, your beard won't grow fast enough for you to shave again.

Originally Posted by clam61

thanks guys. im in the process of getting a straight. seems like you have to buy a lot of stuff. besides the razor you need a strop, then cream for the strop, then pumice to clean the strop, a honing stone...what else?

im thinkin about this one

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalo...940/190280.htm

stainless steel or high carbon? ive read things on the net that say stainless steel holds and edge better and ive read things that say it holds an edge worse.

what are your two cents?

I think Tony Miller's strops come with the dressing. I've found a pasted paddle strop to be useful for touching up my razors while I learn to hone on a stone with junkie blades.

If you're like 99.9% of us, you're going to end up with a bunch of different razors anyway. So I don't know that it really matters which you start with. Just make sure its been honed and is shave-ready (if you get one from Classic Shaving be sure to select the honing service from Lynn). I'll let more experienced members address this more thouroughly. Good luck and enjoy.

EDIT: You might want to keep your first razor in the 5/8-6/8 size range. They're easier to manuver than the meat choppers - in my experience anyway.

Jordan

i have a theory..maybe its not new. i think its this lift and cut BS with the mach3

i have really coarse black hair (its like .5 pencil lead) so when i go against the grain i get a closer shave, but i feel it tugging and i cut myself EVERYWHERE.

im thinking that since my hair is thick and it tugs, the first blade pulls the hair and with it the skin higher and then the second and third blades cut the skin.

does this sound plausible?

Originally Posted by clam61

I will try stretching the skin more.

That's your answer...

Nenad

Originally Posted by superfly

That's your answer...

Nenad

well i did stretch the skin the last time, but i guess next time ill pull it even more