Thread: Conditioning the skin?

Please forgive me if this subject has already been posted. Ive been SR shaving for a couple of months now. My razors are very sharp ( honed by gssixgun ). I have no problems with burn, or ingrown hairs, except for my chin area. I dread shaving that area, as I draw blood everytime I shave it. Is it possible to use a DE/safety razor to condition this area fo single edge shaving? It doesnt matter how light of pressure I use. Many times I just keep a goatee just because I hate shaving it, or just use a Norelco beard trimmer to get it as close as possible. i would use my wife's Fusion, but now that Ive been using straits, I feel like I'm using training wheels if I pick up a modern razor lol.

Get a DE and use it for your chin, over time you should get better at it and manage that area with the straight, if not, keep using the DE there.

What you are describing is a very common problem for a lot of guys when starting out.
Work on your technique, both prep and shaving, and you will get there eventually.
In the meantime, a DE will help you get clean shaven!
I'm sure you feel you are using the lightest of pressure, and have a decent angle on your razor, but I'm pretty sure you will feel different about that in a few months time.
I know I sure did

Because whiskers tend to be tougher/denser on the chin there is the possibility that you're opening up the angle and shaving too steeply. You may not even realize that you're doing it. Try to keep the razor angle consistent. As well, make sure your lather is good and slick, otherwise the razor will stick and be more likely to cut.

As for "skin conditioning", after shaving with a straight for a couple months your face will be fully acclimatized to the exfoliary action of a SR. Your skin will not "toughen up" or become calloused or anything like that. It's now down to technique and practice.

You know, it's like that old story of the guy on the bus and another guy comes up to him and says "how do I get to Carnegie hall?" The first guy says practice, man, practice. As you gain facility with the blade over time the hard areas become easy.

You've already been given some very sound advice. All I will say is you will gradually learn to stretch your skin around the chin as well as the rest of your face and it too is a factor that will help.