Gentlemen, just completed my first shave!

[Ulsterman]

Tools: Edwin Jagger DE89L, Semogue 1305, Pol Silver Super Iridium Blade.
Products Pre-Shave: Khiel's Facial Fuel Daily Cleanser and Facial Scrub, John Allan's Slick Water Pre-Shave Gel.
Products during: Taylor of Old Bond Street Avocado Shaving Cream
Products Post Shave: Khiel's Non Alcoholic Herbal Toner followed by Khiel's Facial Fuel SPF 15 Face Cream.

It took about four very gentle passes to get my face smooth, probably due to my being very slow and careful as to not shred my face. All passes with WTG, I didn't want to poke the bear too soon.

My upper neck is still a little stubbly right now, but better than I would get with the fusion.

Observations right off the bat..
1. This is a SKILL, after my first shave i have a serious respect for those who have mastered it. Probably spent a good forty minutes getting through it.
2. Although I had a few small nicks, and some frustration discerning the right angle to hold the blade for maximum efficiency, I can see the light at the end of the tunnel. Once I've got this down it will be seriously enjoyable experience.
3. Just had a better quality shave than I've had in years. Very little irritation, a few small nicks but my styptic pen took care of those in short order.

Looking forward to my next go around!

Will put together my first SOTD photo later today.

 

[Tannhauser]

Awesome! Feel free to take your time when shaving, it should be enjoyed. I shave at night before going to bed, so it's like my own personal Man Spa to relax me after a long day.

 

[Memphis]

Awesome! Feel free to take your time when shaving, it should be enjoyed. I shave at night before going to bed, so it's like my own personal Man Spa to relax me after a long day.

I like to shave the night before as well. I usually shave every other day or very other other day. LOL. But I like to take my time have nice long shower while the brush is soaking. And then take a nice relaxing time shaving and soaking up the smell.

GOD, I feel like a REAL man now that I switched to DE

I also feel more confident, and proud. Weird

 

[cnichol3]

Congrats on the first shave. My first week of shaving took about 40 mins as well. Im now down to about 20. Short and quick strokes help me avoid those nicks and cuts. Good luck!

 

[Sir Lurkalot]

Good job! It won't take as long the more you do it (caution: that statement may apply in one's other affairs as well!). I use the three pass method and sometimes I'll have a DFS and sometimes, a BBS. Keep at it!

+1 on the shorter strokes.

 

[Badgerfat]

Congrats!!! It'll always get better.

 

[celestino]

Congratulations and continued success!

 

[Ulsterman]

My first SOTD photo...

 

[mdw15]

Welcome!

Success is guaranteed because you are payig attention to technique. The shaves will get better and easier at the same time, even as the fun increases. It will take a bit to lock in all the variables you need ti keep in mind as you apply, yes, your skill to the task.

But like any learned skill you will apply it with ease soon enough.

 

[Ulsterman]

Welcome!

Success is guaranteed because you are payig attention to technique. The shaves will get better and easier at the same time, even as the fun increases. It will take a bit to lock in all the variables you need ti keep in mind as you apply, yes, your skill to the task.

But like any learned skill you will apply it with ease soon enough.

I certainly hope so, as the day has worn on I have felt a bit of heat coming from face and neck, I assume from applying too much pressure.

 

[jay67212]

It's a learning experience! Enjoy it and have fun with different scents and sensations.

 

[N2theBreech]

It sounds like you are off to a good start!

You're right, it is a skill, and like any other skill, it takes time to master. On the other hand, it's one of those things that is enjoyable right from the beginning! There was no time when I felt this huge Aha(!) moment, and there were only one or maybe two times when I wondered if it was worth the effort, and I started almost a year and a half ago. Don't ask me why, but it's just enjoyable.

Good luck.

 

[Graybeard57]

Congratulations! After my first DE shave in years, also with the EJ DE89, I was hooked. Keep doing it with care, and you'll enjoy it more and more.

 

[petertschantz]

Congrats! I had my first wet shave today as well. Awesome feeling!

 

[Ulsterman]

Well Sirs, the second shave was not sooo hot, or was it, when i applied my aftershave toner. Burned like a grass fire!

Showered with hot water and prepped as before, lather seemed solid. But I was not able to get a clean track with any of my strokes, requiring me to repeat strokes and take about four passes to get acceptably smooth for work tomorrow.

The only change was using AoS Pre-Shave Oil instead of my preferred gel. AoS Oil is very sticky which I think actually reduced razor glide. Also, my skin just hates the hot water, it gets red and puffy after a hot shower. I wonder if I should try CWS.

 

[Throwaway]

It doesn't have to be icy cold. You can just use lukewarm water.

 

[Ulsterman]

Shave 3: Went back to my pre-shave gel, and used cool water to rinse my razor after a cool rinse in the shower. More razor burn and few nicks. Brand new PolSilver SI blade, starting to get a little annoyed ...

Focused hard not to use any pressure, yet still felt the burn in short order.

 

[Throwaway]

Try not to using any pre-shave gels/oils. Just apply the lather and shave, test how that works out. If you have a blade sampler pack, you could try a new blade brand as well.

 

[WoodNUFC]

Congrats on the successful first shave. Commiseration's on the less-than perfect subsequent shaves. I know the feeling very well. It took me a couple weeks to start shaving without irritation, and probably 2-3 months before I nailed down a routine that gives me consistent DFS/BBS.

I would also agree with the advice to skip the pre-shave gels/oils. I've never used them and haven't had a problem yet, nor do I feel like I'm missing anything. I think it's more about finding a rhythm (or routine) that your face likes and sticking with it.

 

[chilliman64]

welcome newb! it is a lot of fun learning to shave again and unlearning bad shaving habits.