Gillette ABC Empire Update

[petredesign]

I've been shaving with the razor for about a solid week now. I'm experimenting with different prep and technique.

Best shave so far...
Hot shower, Followed by Hot towel, Williams Mug Soap, Boar Brush, 'Walgreens' Blades (Stainless Steel - No 'coating'), Old Spice A/S

Here are the results:

3 pass BBS above the jaw line.
2 pass DFS on the neck, but still burns!

Questions:

On the neck area, do you think it is my technique? The blade catches quite a bit on the ATG passes both above and below the jaw line.

What would you suggest first: Prep, Technique, Soap, Blade?

 

[Oldguy]

I say technique first. However the blades you're using aren't helping matters.

Len

 

[bythbook]

PM me your address: I'll PIF you some other blades to try.

I use an ABC regularly - first few times I had some redness around the neck - my technique! After my DE epiphany (a few months in) I'm no more likely to take a bad shave from an ABC than from my later models. In fact, I usually get a better shave from the old type.

Seriously - I'll be happy to send you some blades - you'll be amazed at the difference.

 

[petredesign]

I say technique first. However the blades you're using aren't helping matters.

Len

snip...
I use an ABC regularly - first few times I had some redness around the neck - my technique! After my DE epiphany (a few months in) I'm no more likely to take a bad shave from an ABC than from my later models. In fact, I usually get a better shave from the old type.

... snip

Jon, would you care to elaborate on your "epiphany"?

Len, in your estimation, what would my technique suffer from more, angle or pressure? The blade grabs and doesn't slide well on the underside of my neck.

Thanks guys.

 

[Oldguy]

Jon, would you care to elaborate on your "epiphany"?

Len, in your estimation, what would my technique suffer from more, angle or pressure? The blade grabs and doesn't slide well on the underside of my neck.

Thanks guys.

You want to start with no pressure with very short strokes. As for angle start with the cap flat against your cheek and then start rotating the angle until you start hearing the hairs getting cut. That's the right angle. The grabbing can be caused by the blade. For starters get a sample kit from West Coast. Make sure it has a red Personna. That's a very smooth blade.
Len

 

[gaseousclay]

for starters get a sample kit from west coast. Make sure it has a red personna. That's a very smooth blade.
Len

+1

 

[bythbook]

I got the PM & will have a "little sampler" on its way, soonest. (Red Pack Personnas, Crystal IP, and some Derbys.)

The epiphany... was very quiet. I have a lot of razors & brushes & soaps & creams. But I had trouble with some razors - old types especially, and a Fat Boy (of all things).... Irritation on the neck was my big problem.

And one day - it all worked. Great shaves every day. I began to get close-to-BBS even in my trouble spots.

And - no irritation, even using my old types. I got out the Fat Boy, set it on '7' - great shaves!

Now: I haven't dared to unleash my slant; and I haven't shaved with an SE lately.

But, what I think happened was this: I started paying closer attention to angle and pressure and how I apply both to various spots. Maybe different angle on my neck, different pressure, maybe XTG and no ATG.

I paid attention - but I didn't obsess (or press down). I opened a can of Zen all over my shaving.

It just all came together.

So here's what works for me: I don't try to get too many shaves from a blade (they're cheap, I use fresh ones!); I pay attention to angle & pressure. I use short strokes (except where I use long ones).... And I don't worry about how many passes I make - one or two on my cheeks, maybe - and 20 little ones on my chin.

Lather up & cut 'em off. Keep at it till they're all gone.

It was the damnedest epiphany.