So I just returned from a week away, and long story short, my travel kit included a travel size can of Barbasol, my trusty old Gillette Sensor Excel, and Nivea Aftershave Balm. Talk about quick shaves! Start to finish in under five minutes! My straight razor routine is a half hour. But still I looked forward to getting home and resuming my straight shaves. My skin definitely felt tighter and dryer, the quality of the shave was less than I remembered, and the stubble was back by mid day. But boy, was it convenient!
My first shave at home was just awful, and I found myself asking why I just don't go back to my carts, but use my brushes and soaps instead of the canned goo. Then I decided that the blade needed tuning. So I made my first real attempt at honing. I had purchased a 5 inch coticule a while back in anticipation of needing it at some point (before I started reading all the threads about lapping film). Anyway, I taped the spine and carefully honed based on watching videos and reading threads. When I shaved the next morning, it was the smoothest shave I've had so far! No pulling or tugging. The blade seemed to glide so smoothly over my skin. It still took me many passes due to my struggle to find the right technique and hand positions for my beard type and direction...but great shave nonetheless!
Now I remember why I gave up the carts!
My first shave at home was just awful, and I found myself asking why I just don't go back to my carts, but use my brushes and soaps instead of the canned goo. Then I decided that the blade needed tuning. So I made my first real attempt at honing. I had purchased a 5 inch coticule a while back in anticipation of needing it at some point (before I started reading all the threads about lapping film). Anyway, I taped the spine and carefully honed based on watching videos and reading threads. When I shaved the next morning, it was the smoothest shave I've had so far! No pulling or tugging. The blade seemed to glide so smoothly over my skin. It still took me many passes due to my struggle to find the right technique and hand positions for my beard type and direction...but great shave nonetheless!
Now I remember why I gave up the carts!
