Thread: Sensitive face, tough beard

Guys I have an unusual predicament. I have a sensitive face but my beard is extremely thick and tough. What soap or cream would ya'll recommend.

Prometheus,

I have had superb results with:

Soaps:

1) Cella (soft soap)
2) P160 (soft soap - now sadly dis-continued)
3) Tabac (hard soap)
4) Castle Forbes (soft soap)

Creams

1) Musgo Real
2) Taylors Avocado

There are many fine soaps and creams out there; as with quite a few things shaving, you really have to try the product(s) for yourself

If for any reason my neck is quite beat-up from shaving, I will add a dollop of Aloe Vera Gel and KY-Jelly to the lather; they really help

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Many of us have the same issues. The best recommendation I can give is to make sure your blade is properly honed and stropped. If you have a tough beard and try to use a so-so blade it will pull and make the shave uncomfortable.

Also, your pre-shave treatment is important. I only shave after a hot shower. The hot shower really softens up the whiskers and opens the hair follicles so the razor can get closer to the root.

As far as creams there are many really good ones. I really like the Castle Forbes and Art of Shaving creams. I also use others but there are my favorites. I only use soaps when mixed into a cream.

Enjoy the day!!

Mitchells Wool Fat Soap.....I've heard nothing but good about it.Lots of good Lanolin and it apparently makes a good thick lather.It's spensive though !

Originally Posted by Mvcrash

Many of us have the same issues. The best recommendation I can give is to make sure your blade is properly honed and stropped. If you have a tough beard and try to use a so-so blade it will pull and make the shave uncomfortable.

I am still new to the straight blade and have practiced stropping but even when I bought the blade it was shave ready from kenrup. I got a decent shave from it but it still pulled a little and was uncomfortable. I can glide it over the hair on my arm and it will give it a nice flat top cut without having to touch my skin with the blade, I assumed this was sharp enough but my beard says otherwise. Any ideas?

I too have sensitive skin and a beard of iron. I have found great results with AoS (Art of Shaving) pre-shave oil after a hot shower or towel. Followed by AoS shaving cream (i prefer the sandalwood). After the shave I throw on some AoS balm.

I know some members dislike the AoS pre-shave oil because it is quite thick and "gooey". That is precisely why I like it. Great glide and moisturizing effects. I find that after I apply the oil, a quick wash of the hands with some soap gets the residue off and leaves my hands dry enough to handle the razor with precision.

In addition, I agree with the above posts concerning razor sharpness. Nothing replaces a well-honed edge.

Try and experiment with different creams and soaps. As a shaver who started with Col. Conk and is now using AoS products....I can testify that an increase in product price DOES bring an increase in product quality. Good luck.

Originally Posted by Prometheus

I am still new to the straight blade and have practiced stropping but even when I bought the blade it was shave ready from kenrup. I got a decent shave from it but it still pulled a little and was uncomfortable. I can glide it over the hair on my arm and it will give it a nice flat top cut without having to touch my skin with the blade, I assumed this was sharp enough but my beard says otherwise. Any ideas?

It will take some time to get your beard prep, razor and your shaving technique to the point where you get a perfectly comfortable shave. It takes some time.
Make sure your beard prep is good and you soften those whiskers. Hot shower and rubbing lather into the beard works well. I also use warm oil. Some say oil does not help. I use it and it will be a decision you make for yourself.

Originally Posted by Prometheus

I am still new to the straight blade and have practiced stropping but even when I bought the blade it was shave ready from kenrup. I got a decent shave from it but it still pulled a little and was uncomfortable. I can glide it over the hair on my arm and it will give it a nice flat top cut without having to touch my skin with the blade, I assumed this was sharp enough but my beard says otherwise. Any ideas?

I have the exact same problem. I assume it will come with practice as I've found a few baby smooth spots, but for the most part it is like a 12 hour old shave, just marginally better than when I started. I'm not cutting the snot out of myself though.

I'm betting it has to do with getting the angle and pressure just so.

I have yet to see someone new on here who doesn't think that they have a really tough beard and sensitive skin.

It all gets better with practice.

Originally Posted by BKratchmer

I have yet to see someone new on here who doesn't think that they have a really tough beard and sensitive skin.

It all gets better with practice.

Seriously, I'm so fury I could be used as proof of evolution by the scientific community.