Learning curve

[kosmin]

I started wet shaving not long ago, and have been constantly improving my shaves. A month ago got myself a EJ 89L and some Derby blades and got even better. First shaves = BBS with almost no effort. However the last two shaves I managed to get razor burn, and serious razor burn. For the last couple of days, while recovering, I have been thinking. The best shaves I got were when I paid attention and respected the razor, so no pressure on the blade whatsoever. But using the combo for a while and voila, the dude got confident. And along with confidence comes burn. Didn't change anything, same soap, same routine, only i believe I got sloppy. Next attempt I will definitely be more careful. Probably part of the game, whenever one thinks has improved much, a short reality check settles things.

How is your learning curve, only improving or you did experience setbacks?

 

[sychodelix]

Did exactly the same thing. Slowly improved, then once I got good enough with technique and started getting super shaves, I got cocky and tore myself up being sloppy. Just step back, do what worked before, and keep at it.

 

[RobAtSGH]

Most definitely many, myself included, have these setbacks. I've come to tell people who want to try a classic razor that it's the fifth shave that's the one you have to look out for. At that point, you're growing comfortable with the equipment, but you still haven't got the technique down. So, you try to go faster, shave more aggressively against the grain to get that elusive BBS skin, etc.

There's also those times when you don't leave yourself sufficient time to get things right, and your new skills let you down. My worst razor-burn experiences were fairly early on when I would attempt to shave with poor lather. The thought of just stopping and starting over again just didn't occur to me. Poor lather still happens sometimes, but now I know what it feels like and know enough to realize I need to fix that before I put blade to skin.

 

[PugslyCat]

Yea, you think you're getting good at this and then it turns around and bites you! Isn't that the story with a lot of things that add interest to our lives, though?

 

[Retiredgene]

I started wet shaving not long ago, and have been constantly improving my shaves. A month ago got myself a EJ 89L and some Derby blades and got even better. First shaves = BBS with almost no effort. However the last two shaves I managed to get razor burn, and serious razor burn. For the last couple of days, while recovering, I have been thinking. The best shaves I got were when I paid attention and respected the razor, so no pressure on the blade whatsoever. But using the combo for a while and voila, the dude got confident. And along with confidence comes burn. Didn't change anything, same soap, same routine, only i believe I got sloppy. Next attempt I will definitely be more careful. Probably part of the game, whenever one thinks has improved much, a short reality check settles things.

How is your learning curve, only improving or you did experience setbacks?

+1

Welcome and I agree with your assessment. I took a few weeks to get on top of it back in December 2011 / January 2012, (also w/EJde89l) then I got "too confident", relaxed way too much and had to actually go back and learn how to lather all over as I hit a total mental / road block!

I started shaving in the 1950s (you do the math!) and was way too cocky starting out but have learnt sooooo much from this site especially patience. I finally just went back to basics, mapped my beard growth, shaved slower, especially around my trouble spots and the great shaves came around big time. You are on the right track and will learn 1st hand to do your own shave and the meaning of > YMMV

Now with my technique seemingly fine, I just go with the shave and will do a week w / same brush BUT change blades each shave, different brushes each shave but with same soap and so on. I love to set up a theme (specific blade, country, soft vs hard soap vs cream, brush etc ) and play with that for awhile. Right now I'm revisiting several blades & soaps that I thought were either awful or terrific to see if my opinion has changed.

Good luck.......Gene

 

[kosmin]

You're right, and that means I'm also right. Today I got a great shave, no razor burn whatsoever, just a good, comfort feeling. But what I did was pay attention, go slower and apply zero pressure. And it's indeed rewarding. There is a lot to learn, and I take the opportunity to thank you all guys for sharing the experiences, results and reviews

 

[sparco]

I have been shaving with my Feather AC DX - non-folding since mid june, and in that periode my shaving has improved quite a lot, I have experience everything from heavy razor burns to BBS and everything in-between. Some evenings (I shave at the evening) I am tired and get sloppy. Then I experience some setbacks, in form of razor burns. But usually the shaving routine is something that I look forward to, so I am fully focused, but relaxed. And get rewarded with some magnificent shaves.

 

[KingGordon]

My worst shaves have been when I was in a hurry. I've learned that i need to be extra careful of technique when time is a concern. I also had to learn not to try new products when I am in a hurry.

 

[retturn2blades]

Every razor, blade and software has a learning curve...so we are never experts. That's part of the challenge...and fun.

 

[blzrfn]

All of my less than stellar shaves have been the direct result of not taking my time. Especially with the pre-shave routine, if I don't really work the lather in I find that I get irritation on the neck every shave.

 

[Slipitysmooth]

Definitely had similar issues along the way..seem like I have got it down so I tend to rush then get bitten..just step back and focus on the basics. You'll have great shaves again quickly

 

[PMT]

Yeah, all went swimmingly for 2 weeks in the beginning til I got my first real nick that required styptic, we all get cocky

 

[john shea]

Factors to consider:
Dull blade,
Too much pressure,
Passing over a spot too many times,
Loss of focus (too tired, over confident).

 

[CGW409]

Kosmin
Have you tried other blades or are the Derbys your first blades?
If the Derbys are your first go then you might want to try a sampler pack and find a blade (or two) that suit you better.
As in all things shaving YMMV but of all the blades I sampled even when they weren't a "great" blade they were good enough to use up or PIF the only pack of blades I used only 2 and tossed were Derby.
I got a very rough shave and serious razor burn off the first 3 pass shave and dumped it after only that first 3 pass,I later went back to try blade #2 on the theory that the first go may have been bad noob technique and got a just as bad if not worse shave that time.
There are those that swear by Derby but I've heard far more warnings to stay well away.

 

[celestino]

i think we all get a bit complacent and we quickly remember the technique. Focus, focus, always. Good luck.

 

[chris.hale]

I've had that too, although for me it was my lather rather than razor technique that suffered. I really started to struggle with soaps and got so disheartened I went back to my creams for a while. One day I had another go at the soap but took more care and boom, good lather.

 

[kosmin]

Kosmin
Have you tried other blades or are the Derbys your first blades?
If the Derbys are your first go then you might want to try a sampler pack and find a blade (or two) that suit you better.
As in all things shaving YMMV but of all the blades I sampled even when they weren't a "great" blade they were good enough to use up or PIF the only pack of blades I used only 2 and tossed were Derby.
I got a very rough shave and serious razor burn off the first 3 pass shave and dumped it after only that first 3 pass,I later went back to try blade #2 on the theory that the first go may have been bad noob technique and got a just as bad if not worse shave that time.
There are those that swear by Derby but I've heard far more warnings to stay well away.

I tried wilkinson, gillette - blue and red package - made in skt petersburg I believe, merkur, supermax. I'm waiting for some astras sp's and feathers as well. I got good shaves before with the same setup, and afterwards again. I will try every blade I can lay my hands on while doing my best in improving the technique. It's a rather enjoyable process, shaving, and really want my results to be on par with the whole experience. Thanks for the feedback all of you!

 

[CGW409]

Give the Gillette Yellows a go as well and Shark Super Chrome (not Stainless).
The Shark and Feather are my "go to" blades but I will also tell you to not obsess on the getting the BBS shave,more often then not my true BBS shaves find me when I just focus on the DFS.

 

[Lion and the Fox]

Every razor, blade and software has a learning curve...so we are never experts. That's part of the challenge...and fun.

Exactly, which is why we chose to abandon the droll ways of the cartridge system and canned goop to learn the art of real shaving. Combining both the fun and excitement of a hobby with the necessity of a required daily activity, classic wet shaving is now my addiction. Sad, but true!

 

[lungho]

I started with a Merkur 38c and Feather blades. This was a rather bloody affair seeing how I had zero experience under my belt. At this point in my life, I wasn't even a member of B&B but I'd constantly browse the threads for helpful hints, tips, and advice. Eventually I conquered the learning curve and found what worked best for me. I have no doubt you'll do the same.