So, while I've been impressed with my DE shaves, as a noob, I felt that they could be still closer yet. Of course, with a solid week of wet shaving under my belt, the only thing that could possibly remain as an obstacle between me and the perfect shave was my razor because I was using Astra SP blades (really like them), and I was doing the shaving so the technique was of course beyond reproach.
Armed with my desire to achieve a BBS, I took to the internets in search of the perfect implement of destruction; the tool that would bring my stubble to its knees. Finally, this beauty arrived
a gorgeous Pearl open comb that was surely to be my salvation. I eagerly lathered my face up (wisely deciding not to attempt to use my new tool on my head without giving it a trial run first) and loaded it with one of my trusty Astras.
I began shaving, emboldened by this tool, taking angles that were impossible with my Merkur 180, destroying any stubble encountered. I finished my first pass, and smugly began lathering for a second. That's when I saw it. Blood everywhere! Bright specks of red were popping up everywhere! My new tool had forsaken me!!! Open combs ARE dangerous!!! Luckily, I had managed to get a pretty good shave with that first pass.
I decided to forgo incurring any additional damage & went straight into post shave triage (finally, a chance to use that styptic pencil!!). I got the blood flow stemmed, and went to work on my head w/ my Merkur. While shaving my head I cursed myself for being seduced by the beautiful world of the open comb, thinking how I should have listened to the warnings.
It was then that I came upon a shocking revelation; maybe, just maybe, the problem was...me!! Perhaps my technique wasn't all that I thought it was! Maybe the tool wasn't the problem after all!
I've now resolved to put the open comb aside (although I am looking forward to the day when I trust myself to try it again, that thing is amazing!!), and rededicate myself to perfecting my technique. I will become a master with my Merkur. Only when I have achieved a comfortable B.B.S. shave with my first razor, will I allow myself to once again dip my toe into the alluring pool of the open comb, perhaps the slant, and who knows what else from there.
Moral of the story:
Thanks for taking the time to read this; luckily I have a wealth of information available on this site to help me in my journey.
Armed with my desire to achieve a BBS, I took to the internets in search of the perfect implement of destruction; the tool that would bring my stubble to its knees. Finally, this beauty arrived
a gorgeous Pearl open comb that was surely to be my salvation. I eagerly lathered my face up (wisely deciding not to attempt to use my new tool on my head without giving it a trial run first) and loaded it with one of my trusty Astras.
I began shaving, emboldened by this tool, taking angles that were impossible with my Merkur 180, destroying any stubble encountered. I finished my first pass, and smugly began lathering for a second. That's when I saw it. Blood everywhere! Bright specks of red were popping up everywhere! My new tool had forsaken me!!! Open combs ARE dangerous!!! Luckily, I had managed to get a pretty good shave with that first pass.
I decided to forgo incurring any additional damage & went straight into post shave triage (finally, a chance to use that styptic pencil!!). I got the blood flow stemmed, and went to work on my head w/ my Merkur. While shaving my head I cursed myself for being seduced by the beautiful world of the open comb, thinking how I should have listened to the warnings.
It was then that I came upon a shocking revelation; maybe, just maybe, the problem was...me!! Perhaps my technique wasn't all that I thought it was! Maybe the tool wasn't the problem after all!
I've now resolved to put the open comb aside (although I am looking forward to the day when I trust myself to try it again, that thing is amazing!!), and rededicate myself to perfecting my technique. I will become a master with my Merkur. Only when I have achieved a comfortable B.B.S. shave with my first razor, will I allow myself to once again dip my toe into the alluring pool of the open comb, perhaps the slant, and who knows what else from there.
Moral of the story:
A perfect tool in the hands of a novice will yield imperfect results.
Thanks for taking the time to read this; luckily I have a wealth of information available on this site to help me in my journey.
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