I am 5 months into my journey. I don't feel like a beginner but certainly believe I have lots more to learn. Thank you to the sage advice members of B&B have to give. My daily desire to be clean shaven has turned into a hobby. So far I've resisted "acquisition" disorder. I only have 2 razors, 2 brushes, a couple of creams, and 1 soap. OK maybe I have a little of the disorder.
Based on size advice here, I've focussed my attention on technique. I have been exclusively using my Karve (brass) SB with a B plate, Astra SP blades, Simpson Trafalgar T3 brush, and mostly TOBS cream. I have decades of "muscle memory" with cartridges and canned goo to unlearned. My goal is for a close comfortable shave with no irritation. I am getting close shaves and as I learn a softer touch, I get less and less irritation. Last week I tried a Zingari soap and moved the comfort level up a notch with the irritation down a notch. The shave balm after left my dry skin feeling good for many hours through the day. Woo hoo - making progress! Yesterday I nailed it. Same equipment and a new blade. I even tried 3 passes on my cheeks leaving them BBS. Today with only 1 shave on the blade I crashed and burned. The first few strokes felt incredibly aggressive with a couple small nicks. Was my technique that far off? It turns out - no. Yesterday while cleaning up I loosened the razor top to rinse it out more thoroughly. I forgot to properly snug it up. After tightening I resumed with normal comfort level.
Won't do that again!
It is remarkable how what used to be a daily chore has become a hobby. I understand how one could even become obsessed with it especially if you get into collecting. This collection of members/enablers here are so supportive. I really appreciate it.
Cheers to all!
Based on size advice here, I've focussed my attention on technique. I have been exclusively using my Karve (brass) SB with a B plate, Astra SP blades, Simpson Trafalgar T3 brush, and mostly TOBS cream. I have decades of "muscle memory" with cartridges and canned goo to unlearned. My goal is for a close comfortable shave with no irritation. I am getting close shaves and as I learn a softer touch, I get less and less irritation. Last week I tried a Zingari soap and moved the comfort level up a notch with the irritation down a notch. The shave balm after left my dry skin feeling good for many hours through the day. Woo hoo - making progress! Yesterday I nailed it. Same equipment and a new blade. I even tried 3 passes on my cheeks leaving them BBS. Today with only 1 shave on the blade I crashed and burned. The first few strokes felt incredibly aggressive with a couple small nicks. Was my technique that far off? It turns out - no. Yesterday while cleaning up I loosened the razor top to rinse it out more thoroughly. I forgot to properly snug it up. After tightening I resumed with normal comfort level.
Won't do that again!
It is remarkable how what used to be a daily chore has become a hobby. I understand how one could even become obsessed with it especially if you get into collecting. This collection of members/enablers here are so supportive. I really appreciate it.
Cheers to all!
