Am I slow, stupid or just a combination of both?

[gone down south]

I'm not known for being particularly quick on the pickup, but this must be a record even for me! I've been having quality issues with my shaves for a few months now, and it was driving me nuts.

I've been scientific with every possible variable, making sure that every shave was completely identical down to the last possible detail, and still I'd only get a couple good shaves in before it would go south again. My wife even started to comment on the irritation I was experiencing - and she's generally completely unconcerned about my 'little shaving obsession'.

I'm sure everyone single one of you has already figured it out based on what is now completely obvious to me. Bic blades are good for 2 shaves, I was using them for 3. My every 3rd shave was bad. As soon as my slow brain processed that fact and began tossing the blade after the second shave, it was like a brand new day dawned over my face I had somehow got myself convinced that 3 shaves was right for those blades and never gave it another thought recently. My shave cost has gone up from about a dime to about 14 cents, but I think I can live with that!

 

[LinuxMintyFresh]

These kind of things happen to the best of us, so if my only two choices are "slow" and "stupid," I guess I'll go with slow Look at it this way, though, your months of agony can help better serve newbs like me that didn't know the Bics are only worth two shaves. Kudos!

 

[JoshSD]

I'd say you're ahead of the masses in general.... So highfive

 

[ozzy_scl]

It is a learning curve, but you said you're wetshaving for a couple of months. So something isn't working propletly.

You mentioned Bic blades.... I haven't tried them, but I haven't read very good reviews. Sharpness of the blade is one of the key parts of a succesful shave. I suggest usinf Red Personnas, or Feathers, even Derbys work fine depending on how tough your beard is.

You didn't mention what kind of razor are you using; Open Comb or Safety bar?? It does make a big difference.

Also how's your prep?? how long are you taking into your prep?

I suggest (this is what I'm doing and it works great for me)

-Boling water into the sink, mixed with cold, to cool it just so you can stand it with your hand.

- working your beard for about 4 minutes, taking care of your neck

- apply a bit of leather over your warm wet beard and leave it there for another 3 or 4 minutes, while you work on a nice lather.

- massage your beard with the lather that you applied before, rinse and check with the back of your hand (it should feel soft, if not, work it a bit more)

- Re lather start shaving I do 2 WTG 1 XTG and 1 ATG and this gives me no irritation using pretty much any blade/razor I own.

I have really though beard If I don't shave everyday, then I have to wait for the 3rd day, just because in the 2nd my beard is so though that no matter what I do It won't soften, and I would rip my skin in some places (specially mustache and chin areas), which doesn't help with my sensitive skin. But this technique works really good for me, and I totally recommend it.


I hope this has been of some help for you mate.

Pablo.

 

[dpmtherrien]

It is a learning curve, but it goes rather quick. Just find the blade that works best for you. Some are great and more really suck. Its trial and error, but if a blade sucks for 2 shaves then that's not the blade for you. Get one of the large sample packs of blades and work your way through them. You'll find the best ones for you and then you can get 3 or more shaves per blade.

Work on your technique, go slow, and be sure to use NO PRESSURE. Try using just the weight of the razor, and as your face adjusts to the razor, just go for a comfortable shave. The DFS and the BBS will come along soon. Keep in mind that a comfortable shave for you looks just fine to someone else. Don't be in a hurry, as your technique improves so will the shaves. Good luck.

 

[ProphetNoir]

You are neither Slow nor Stupid. You are here on B&B and every learning experience benefits the collective. I love Bic Metal Guard disposables and I toss them after just one shave when I use them which is almost exclusively when I travel. They are really sharp and give excellent 3-pass shaves, but I use a DE at home so the 60 BMGs that I got from Amazon for something like $20.00 over a year ago have not run out yet. When they do, I may just get another 60.
As for Bic DE blades, I tried them and they weren't for me, but then I didn't get along with Derbys either. It could be a combination of pushing the blades past its tolerence and it just plain not being your blade.

 

[texbilly]

Good luck with your quest to see if it was only the blade. I've tried two Bics and got at least three shaves with each without irritation and I have a fairly dense beard. But I'm glad I saw your thread as I was thinking about buying more - perhaps a sampler makes more sense for now.

 

[valmara1971]

Great post Pablo, some great tips in there for all I think. What I can tell you from very recent experiance is not to have SWMBO next to you unblocking hair follicals on your leg whilst shaving the results are not so good

 

[Luc]

[Hand up]

Same thing here, I sometimes try to push the blade a bit more. I will do it with a brand I never tried before while I try the pack and I always end up like that. I want to know how I can push that blade until it's really no good. Maybe I shouldn't...

[Hand down]

 

[gone down south]

Nah, I've been doing this for a year now, I pretty much have everything down prep/lather/technique-wise. That's why I was getting frustrated. The Greek Bics give me a great shave...... twice. Not three times. I have no idea why or when I had decided that 3 shaves was the magic number for those blades, but I'm glad I finally saw the light!

 

[bandit82ta]

It's a real learning curve at times. I feel personally I'm finally getting some consistent results but heck that'll change since I'm gonna experiment with some more razors and blades.

The key is if you get irritation take a couple days off or use a razor/blade/cartridge you know won't irritate until it heals then start gently over again.

Patients grasshopper

 

[Phog Allen]

Hi Chris. I had the same results with the Bic blades. I would suggest the Feather blades. Unless you have already tried them and did not like the results. My beard hairs are murder on DE blades and I have found nothing like the Feathers to hold up to them. I usually get a seven day cycle out of one blade but sometimes it takes two. I have learned to use a lot of hot wash cloth soak time on my beard area or I am in trouble. I think you have it worked out but if you are looking for something a little more durable, look to the Feathers. One caveat though. When a Feather goes, it goes. If it is rough feeling and you know your prep was good, then chuck it and start with a new one.

Regards, Todd

 

[BroJohn]

Chris --

It's really important to use a sharp blade, and shave with a blade that's in its prime. Some newer DE shavers will try to get too many shaves out of a blade.

Bulk purchases of blades make them inexpensive, so feel free to swap out a blade that has become sub-par --even in the middle of a shave.

You will get 2 to 6 shaves per blade, all depending on personal factors to you. Factors are the brand of blade, prep and lubrication, sensitivity of your skin, toughness and density of your beard/whiskers, type of razor, personal technique, and so on.

When you will become aware that shaving takes somewhat more effort; that the blade is leaving additional stubble/uncut whiskers behind after a pass; that there is a little additional 'tugging' or 'pulling' that was not present the day before, then it's time to swap out the blade for fresh.

Glad that you made your discovery, you're on your way. Good show!

-- John Gehman

 

[talibeard]

The Greek Bics give me a great shave...... twice. Not three times. I have no idea why or when I had decided that 3 shaves was the magic number for those blades, but I'm glad I finally saw the light!

Sometimes the obvious is the most difficult to see. But you got there, didn't you ?

 

[brianw]

I get 3 days out of Isreali's, have tried 4 50/50 results. Just chuck now after 3. Bic's and derby's gave me one, so off my list. Have many more to try

 

[Bright (Satin) Futur]

I tried Bic blades for one shave and threw them in the recycle bin. The End.

 

[bisbane]

I don't think "slow" or "stupid" come into play at all. If you were either, you would still be shaving with some new-fangled plastic thing with something like 14 blades scrapping your face! I seem to only get 2 shaves out of my Shark blades, but I shave my head and most (not all) of my face, so "one" shave for me is probably like "two" for someone else...

 

[htownmmm]

Slow would be still confused over what was wrong; stupid would be trying for 3 -4 shaves with the blade that you have learned gives you only 2 good shaves.

You sir are neither!


marty

 

[featherman]

Congratulations with your progress.
As mentioned by others, you really should try out a few other blades.
I did that and Bic's are the dullest of the about 20 brands that I tried.
Feathers are the sharpest, this blade is in a class of its own.


/Alexander

 

[raisindot]

You mentioned Bic blades.... I haven't tried them, but I haven't read very good reviews.

There are plenty of good reviews of the BICs in "Reviews" section of this site.

Jeff in Boston