A great shave. starting to get the hang of it!

[bemiller]

I have gotten into a good rhythm which is resulting in zero irritation and a DFS! It took me a while to get a hold of the proper techniques and work out all the nuances of shaving perfection but I finally feel as if I am getting very comfortable with the whole process. It really is a game of trial and error which is very difficult when there are so many variables that could impact your overall shave.

Prep: Hot shower w/ Raw Shea Butter soap rubbed into whiskers for about 2 minutes. I have been using Grapeseed oil as a preshave and it's excellent. Lightweight, doesn't clog pores, and softens whiskers very well. I used Kell's Bay Rum super aloe soap which is a bit on the strong side in regards to smell. I haven't really used this one before. When I applied it I noticed that my face was beginning to burn a little, and I was wondering if it was a negative reaction to the soap. It never got terrible but it wasn't very comfortable.

I used my one and only Simpson's Commodore X3 and a Merkur Slant with a Personna Med Prep blade which I'm finding to be fantastic. The shave went great! WTG pass was no problem at all. I did an XTG pass on the face and neck with short strokes, which again was effortless and smooth, very good audible feedback from the razor but no tugging or resistance. I then did an ATG pass on my cheeks which I am always a little uncomfortable doing. I find that I do get some "resistance" but I have not determined if it is within the realm of appropriate. It's not a scraping or a pulling it's just obvious that I'm up against tough hairs. On the neck I have stayed away from ATG for the most part so I did a secondary XTG pass and J-Hook touch ups.

I achieved BBS on my cheeks per usual with minimal stinging from the alum and a DFS on the neck with zero stinging from the alum.

I followed up with Thayers Alcohol Free Witch Hazel and Aqua Velva Musk which I just purchased today. What a beautiful scent!!! I'm so happy I can get this at Walmart. It's so masculine and subtly sweet but not cloyingly sweet and stays with you for a while. I'm hooked.

Overall, given that I have had a frustrating month of irritation and razor bumps, I am very happy that I was able to have such an excellent irritation-free shave.

 

[strop]

Don't you just love it when it all starts to come together!

I'll wager that in 6 months, you'll consider this a just average shave. It really does get better and better.

 

[fezo]

That's great! I have been experiencing the same thing. The more I think about it the more I attribute this to finally getting the hang of things on technique. I just started both a new razor (Merkur Futur) and blaeds (Gillette Silver Blues) and was attributing it to that, but I have tried a couple of different blades since and the results are still there. I also started making better lather lately - whether using Proraso or TOBS.

I guess whoever said practice practice practice had it right.

 

[redrako]

Congratulations on yor great shave.

That's what it's all about.

 

[Vlad]

I just love these stories! A little bit of joy to start the day.

 

[Niles]

Congrats, Ben.

 

[Jimbob]

Nice! I, too, am starting to "find my groove" with the DE razor. I'm going to pick up some Thayer's, I'm not really a scent guy.

 

[bemiller]

Don't you just love it when it all starts to come together!

I'll wager that in 6 months, you'll consider this a just average shave. It really does get better and better.

Yeah it is nice, it's really just an endurance thing... if you can withstand a period of discomfort and razor burn you will eventually prevail!

That's great! I have been experiencing the same thing. The more I think about it the more I attribute this to finally getting the hang of things on technique. I just started both a new razor (Merkur Futur) and blaeds (Gillette Silver Blues) and was attributing it to that, but I have tried a couple of different blades since and the results are still there. I also started making better lather lately - whether using Proraso or TOBS.

I guess whoever said practice practice practice had it right.

I think it becomes overwhelming initially because of all the new products and it's very difficult to find your groove. It seems that holistically everything just improves (lather building, technique, etc.)

Congratulations on yor great shave.

That's what it's all about.

Thanks!

I just love these stories! A little bit of joy to start the day.

Glad your day was improved

Congrats, Ben.

Thanks!

Nice! I, too, am starting to "find my groove" with the DE razor. I'm going to pick up some Thayer's, I'm not really a scent guy.

I've found Thayers to be very nice, it has pretty much no smell and what little smell that exists (which is just the natural by-product smell of witch hazel) dissipates quickly. It is not nearly as strong as witch hazel 14% alcohol.

 

[Graybeard57]

Nothing beats patience and practice. Enjoy!