Anyone else get a sting from the post shave products no matter what they do.

[Coler]

...and it doesn't bother them ?

That's me. I do a really thorough pre-shave (shower while brush soaks, pre-shave oil/treatement applied) and I have pretty good equipment in terms of soaps (Tabac, Mitchells, Mikes) or creams (variety of Proraso, TOBS or Trumpers).

I use a 39C Slant loaded with a Feathers. I do a fairly standard 3 pass shave with touchups below the jaw. At the weekends I use a good straight.

Post shave I wipe an alum block around. I invariably apply Trumpers skin food or a moisturiser, and a good balm (proraso or dermalogica). I sometimes splash some witch hazel. I also wear Pinaud Clubman during the week. A TOBS cologne at the weekends or in the evening.

I'm pleased to say that I get a top grade BBS 90% of the time, and if I feel it isn't going to happen I'll back off.

I will always get a sting from the Alum block. I will sometimes even get a lesser sting from the balm. I will always get a little sting from the aftershave or cologne.

It absolutely doesn't bother me at all - which is definitely the main thing - but I see a lot of shavers would regard this as an indication that the shave caused irritation. I don't remember the last time I had irritation, redness or bumps to any relevant degree at all and the sting I get is basically universal and consistent over all areas of my face. I'm happy my technique is sound.

Again - it doesn't bother me - but I'm curious as to whether it is a common experience, and even whether people would take the view that I am doing some damage to my face which I should try and avoid (change my kit, shave less close - really don't want to do that).

 

[Luminose]

Do you mean "sting" or "burn" I know the sting feeling is common using Alum blocks because of how they react with your skin. Aftershaves more often give a burning or hot feeling from the alcohol or witch hazel but it depends a lot on how sensitive your skin is to it and how much irratation you got from your shave.

It's perfectly common and not always a sign of irration, it really depends on the ingredients in the products and I doubt you are doing any damage to your skin. Many people buy aftershaves that specifically "burn" more lol. Most of mine have mild to almost no burn but I have one or two that burn like hell each time but their smell is great and I feel really smooth after using hem.

 

[Graybeard57]

Almost always get a sensation, sometimes negligible, sometimes strong. I am speaking of AS, as I only very rarely use alum.

 

[Liberty_2112]

I savor the burn!

 

[Mick]

Oh yea.... An important part of the shave is the after shave dance at the end

 

[Dave258]

Love the burn!

 

[KKieffer]

A slant with feathers seems like it would be a really aggressive shave to me and could contribute to the burn. Also the alum block plush alcohol based AS will almost always give some burn from my experience as well.

 

[Coler]

Do you mean "sting" or "burn" I know the sting feeling is common using Alum blocks because of how they react with your skin. Aftershaves more often give a burning or hot feeling from the alcohol or witch hazel but it depends a lot on how sensitive your skin is to it and how much irratation you got from your shave.

The alum is definitely stingy. The other stuff...pretty much likewise.

Almost always get a sensation, sometimes negligible, sometimes strong. I am speaking of AS, as I only very rarely use alum.

When it doesn't feel like anything it'll be time to worry

I savor the burn!

Indeed !

Oh yea.... An important part of the shave is the after shave dance at the end View attachment 309401

Hahah ! Nice one.

Love the burn!

I'm still calling mine a sting but yep I'm with you - not saying I would miss it though.

A slant with feathers seems like it would be a really aggressive shave to me and could contribute to the burn. Also the alum block plush alcohol based AS will almost always give some burn from my experience as well.

Definitely an aggressive set-up - but I find it very smooth and satisfying. I havn't found anyother combo (to be fair I have not tried them all (!) but have moved though 1912 with Gem SS, Fatboy, Micromatic with Gem SS and DE89 with a full sample pack and this is the only combo that gets me a good shave in the minimum passes.

Anyway - thanks for all responses - I'm interested to hear that its not unusual and all I need to do now is form the Guild of S&M Shavers

 

[jhamlin38]

I find the burn can be excessive if my technique is not spot on. The more I concentrate on a quality lather, the better off I am. I also find Tabac to provide a consistant, and slick/thick lather, more than my other soaps and creams.