I chronicled my first attempt made a few days ago with an Aristocrat and a Feather. A major disaster with and copious blood loss. I'm not talking weepers and nicks. I'm talking about a couple of major lacerations and removal of skin. I have been keeping the wounds covered with fresh squeezed aloe vera from our garden and the healing has been remarkably quick, though not complete yet.
Anyway.... I've gone unshaven for almost five days now. For me, that leaves a pretty noticeable, sandpaper-y beard. I was about to pull out my old electric but decided I had the time so...why not?
I put a Chrystal from my starter set into my Adjustable Slim,set it on "One," and lathered up. Taking my time and great care I eased into short downstrokes WTG. I paid a lot of attention to the angle of attack, keeping my wrist locked, and not applying pressure, just letting the razor do it's thing.
I am very happy to report a very successful shave! My biggest wound from my first attempt is dead center, right on the fatty part of my chin about an inch or so below my lower lip. I was very careful to keep away from this wound and will touch it up with the electric later. But using gentle, short strokes, first WTG, then both directions XTG I got a wonderful, close shave with just a little bit of buffing. My neck hair grows in virtually all directions so was tricky but I did a slow, four pass shave including ATG. Then I decided to do an ATG on my cheeks and sideburn area. I could have gotten by without it but I'm about to leave town again and tonight is farewell date night so, you know...
I had one tiny nick above the upper lip. That's it! A touch of styptic took care of that immediately. When I rinsed off I was so pleased. I splashed on some Aramis AS. There was a bit of sting in the lower neck area. No blood showing. Just a touch of razor burn, I guess.
I used my cartridge razor to trip the sideburns. I see that I could have gotten a little closer right smack under the nose and nostrils. Not sure what to do about that other than touch it up with a cartridge, also.
I would easily classify this as a DFS+ (not feeling the least bit of stubble anywhere but wouldn't dare claim BBS in my rookie season) and was rather surprised by that because the setting was only on "One" and I was working on a five day brillo pad beard. I'm not sure if a higher setting would have done much better but, with results like this, why push it? The Chrystal Platinum did a great job. Just as a side note: I have always shaved in the shower. I won't be doing that with the DE but will usually shave right out of the shower when my face should be well hydrated and the beard softened. However... this morning was impromptu and just splashed warm water on my face a few times and went for it.
I'm feeling better about this whole DE thing now. Thank all of you for your input and encouragement after the "Bloodbath."
Cheers!
Ken
Anyway.... I've gone unshaven for almost five days now. For me, that leaves a pretty noticeable, sandpaper-y beard. I was about to pull out my old electric but decided I had the time so...why not?
I put a Chrystal from my starter set into my Adjustable Slim,set it on "One," and lathered up. Taking my time and great care I eased into short downstrokes WTG. I paid a lot of attention to the angle of attack, keeping my wrist locked, and not applying pressure, just letting the razor do it's thing.
I am very happy to report a very successful shave! My biggest wound from my first attempt is dead center, right on the fatty part of my chin about an inch or so below my lower lip. I was very careful to keep away from this wound and will touch it up with the electric later. But using gentle, short strokes, first WTG, then both directions XTG I got a wonderful, close shave with just a little bit of buffing. My neck hair grows in virtually all directions so was tricky but I did a slow, four pass shave including ATG. Then I decided to do an ATG on my cheeks and sideburn area. I could have gotten by without it but I'm about to leave town again and tonight is farewell date night so, you know...
I had one tiny nick above the upper lip. That's it! A touch of styptic took care of that immediately. When I rinsed off I was so pleased. I splashed on some Aramis AS. There was a bit of sting in the lower neck area. No blood showing. Just a touch of razor burn, I guess.
I used my cartridge razor to trip the sideburns. I see that I could have gotten a little closer right smack under the nose and nostrils. Not sure what to do about that other than touch it up with a cartridge, also.
I would easily classify this as a DFS+ (not feeling the least bit of stubble anywhere but wouldn't dare claim BBS in my rookie season) and was rather surprised by that because the setting was only on "One" and I was working on a five day brillo pad beard. I'm not sure if a higher setting would have done much better but, with results like this, why push it? The Chrystal Platinum did a great job. Just as a side note: I have always shaved in the shower. I won't be doing that with the DE but will usually shave right out of the shower when my face should be well hydrated and the beard softened. However... this morning was impromptu and just splashed warm water on my face a few times and went for it.
I'm feeling better about this whole DE thing now. Thank all of you for your input and encouragement after the "Bloodbath."
Cheers!
Ken
