My fathers current way of shaving

[Voomie]

I was talking to my father and I asked him if he knew of any products to treat razor burn. I told him about getting into wet shaving and using a DE. He told me about his current setup and gave me a fusion power razor that vibrates, some edge shave gel for sensitive skin and neutrogena razor defense balm. So I thought I would try it for a week and report on my journey.

DAY 1

I apologized to my DE as I put it away so it wouldnt have to witness me being unfaithful. Trying to mimic the way my father did it, I followed his routine. The only prep was just washing the face with water. Then I lathered with the gel. Now it was time to activate the scientifically engineered shave properties of the razor. As I pressed the button it came alive with such much gusto that it was jumping to get at my whiskers. I then took the plunge and started my shave. The gel to my surprise was very slick and was unlike any gel I used before. The razor on the other hand was very rough and some what uncomfortable to use. I looked at the cabinet longing for my love but I persevered. I did one pass wtg and touch ups and washed my face. In the shower I was washing my face when I noticed the face wash stuff I used stung my face which it never did before. After my shower I used the razor defense balm to sooth my face which it did sooth. Later that day I was checking my face to see how it was. My one problem area was pretty close but I had other areas that werent close enough. The balm left my face smooth without making it oily which balms tend to do for me. I would rate this shave a 4/10 because of how uncomfortable it was.

 

[Voomie]

DAY 2

Well I did the same prep and started off. Today the razor wasn't as uncomfortable as before and the gel is still slick. I did a wtg and atg pass along with touch ups. I did nick myself though and my face wash stuff still burns in the shower. The razor defense balm still soothes which I am glad for. Checking my shave, I couldn't get a close as before and I had more rough patches. My balm is still doing a great job. I would rate today as a 5/10 because it wasn't as uncomfortable and the balm is still preforming like a champ. I might put the balm in my rotation. Tomorrow I might use a brush and soap to see if I can improve the experience but I'll think on it.

 

[ateace]

I admire your dedication to this experiment. Keep going and keep us posted.

 

[Optometrist]

Your DE must be screaming at you by now

David

 

[BlackBard]

Just like when you were learning to use a DE, learning the proper way to shave with a Fusion may take some time. The same rules apply, however.

No pressure - You do not need to press down with this razor. Just keep it against your skin, like you do with a DE.

Watch your angle - Keep the shaving head (blades) flat on your face. The pivoting action of the razor will allow the blades to track over the contours of your face. The handle of the razor should be mid way between straight (as it naturally is with the shaving head attached) and right angle to the shaving head. The built-in spring in the handle provides exactly the correct amount of pressure for optimal results.

Take your time - Shave in a comfortable, deliberate way. Be mindful of your technique.

While I think there are some OK to Good canned shaving creams, NOTHING is as good as a proper lather that you make, yourself. You might want to re-consider the Edge gel.

Good luck and keep us posted.

 

[Voomie]

Just like when you were learning to use a DE, learning the proper way to shave with a Fusion may take some time. The same rules apply, however.

No pressure - You do not need to press down with this razor. Just keep it against your skin, like you do with a DE.

Watch your angle - Keep the shaving head (blades) flat on your face. The pivoting action of the razor will allow the blades to track over the contours of your face. The handle of the razor should be mid way between straight (as it naturally is with the shaving head attached) and right angle to the shaving head. The built-in spring in the handle provides exactly the correct amount of pressure for optimal results.

Take your time - Shave in a comfortable, deliberate way. Be mindful of your technique.

While I think there are some OK to Good canned shaving creams, NOTHING is as good as a proper lather that you make, yourself. You might want to re-consider the Edge gel.

Good luck and keep us posted.

I did all this stuff before I bought my DE and am still doing it for this experiment. The only thing I have changed is the prep and tools used. My dad swears he can get BBS shaves using this method so I thought I would give this a try.

 

[Judge Kemp]

I've found the carts provide a rougher shave on the face, but will give good results in the DFS range. I used an Atra on a trip recently. Good results, rough shave!

 

[Voomie]

DAY 3

Well I decided not to use the brush and soap and stay diligent to method my father uses. I think I am starting to hear my DE cry in the cabinet while I am shaving. Today the razor started to be not so rough at least wtg. ATG was another story. The my face wash still burns in the shower but I am getting less rough patches. The irritation was so bad today that when I used the razor defense balm that the balm burned. I also noticed that I had at least 4 ingrown hairs. I would rate today about 4.5/10 because even though the razor went smoother, the irritation and ingrowns are a big problem for me. I dont know if it will be up hill or down hill for me from this point.

 

[Gustav]

You are a brave sole if you continue with this experiment. If I were you I would quite before creating any lasting damage. Or else you might end up with a facial variant of the stomach pains from the brave man who made the "Supersize me" film.

And to think that some people shave with this crap every day thinking it is the best you can get.

 

[Voomie]

Day 4

Today the razor was the smoothest it has ever been and even going ATG was too bad. My face wash stuff didnt burn too bad either. I am still in love with the razor defense balm. I think I will use it for the winter when my skin gets dry or when I have serious razor rash. I think the shave is approaching DFS territory. I would rate today 6/10 because the I still have irritation and I hate the stupid ingrown hairs.

 

[Fletch]

Just out of curiosity are you doing this because you get the same (irritation and ingrown hairs with your DE)? If you weren't getting the ingrown hairs with the DE then you are a brave soul to subject yourself to that for the sake of an experiment.

 

[Voomie]

Just out of curiosity are you doing this because you get the same (irritation and ingrown hairs with your DE)? If you weren't getting the ingrown hairs with the DE then you are a brave soul to subject yourself to that for the sake of an experiment.

Well I am trying this because my father swears by this method and he says he gets bbs shaves. It was only when I started using a DE that the irritation and ingrown hairs went away. I figure a week would give adequate time to see if the method my father uses would work for me since he says DE didnt work for him. Kind of like shaving genetics if there is such a thing. lol

 

[høvel]

If you have a problem with ingrown hairs and so on you shouldn't go ATG in those areas, even with a DE.
I did a normal 3-pass shave going WTG-XTG-ATG when I started DE shaving, because I thought that's what you're supposed to do.
Even doing it this way I had less irritation than with a single WTG pass with a Mach 3, so I was more than happy with the shaves I was getting.

One day I lost track of time and did just WTG-XTG, normally my "low on time 2-pass shave" would be WTG-ATG, but I was expecting to finish a full 3-pass shave that time.
That was the absolute best shave I had ever had, and I have not gone ATG anywhere but me upper lip ever since.
I don't get any irritation on my upper lip (or "mustache area"), so I can do that.

edit: I'm sorry if you have already tried this, and it didn't work for you, I just thought I'd mention it.

 

[Voomie]

DAY 5

Well today I was in a rush so I had to put the razor through it's paces. I went comfortable enough but I only had time for wtg and atg with no touch ups. I did have some irritation and rough patches. With how bad the ingrowns are getting (too many to count), I am going to make tomorrow the last day and use a brush and proper soap with the razor.

 

[The Last Chimney]

I love these posts. They give validation to the whole "wetshaving snob" lifestyle. Bravo, Voomie!

I'd be curious to know how the buzzy Fusion treats you with a proper cream or soap, though.

 

[flight567]

well i feel like a blasphemer guys. i went a week using my friends method of shaving. and i shall now regail you with the short tale of how i learned of his method!
i was shaving, using my gillete tech, a feather blade, omega boar brush and muhle sandalwood soap. he walks in opens the cabinet( we've been freinds since kindergarden and are comfertable in each others houses) takes out my old quattro. and then gives me this look like "what the frick is th brush for, why are you shaving with what i would use to clean my hands and why are you using what looks like a midevil torture weapon?" then, without say a word, without applying even water to his face, proceded to take the blade down his face. and dry shave. completely... next morning comes around. i walk into the bathroom. reach for my trusty tech. then back up. taking a second thought. i hear the word BLASPHEMY! run through my mind. but do it anyway. open the cabinet door and reach for the quattro. i feel my soap crying as i shut the door. and hear my razor begging to be used. then. with a moments hesitation. drag the blade of the quattro. un lubricated down the side of my face. slowly. deliberately. taking time to feel each hair slice and break as the four blades run down. feeling only minimal pull i begin to pick up speed. and run through the WTG pass with progressive speed. then, coming to the ATG pass i feel my heart thud against my rib cage as i put the blade on the bottom of my jaw, (i move from sideburn to mouth then switch to the other side and repeat) and pull up. instinctively. pulling the blade from my face as i usually do with my DE, realizing my mistake, i shove the blade onto my face and heave upwards. only to find............. i have WAY to much hair lodged in the blade!!!!! thinking back to what Justin did, i tap the blade against the bowl of the sink, my heart sinkin with each resounding "tick" and when the blade is finaly cleared. i restart the ATG pass. movin upwards. once again, gently and once again meeting minimal resistance from the enemy. feeling momentum on my side i plunge deeper, behind ememy lines. and wind up with a slightly less than CCS thinking all is well and the battle was won. i reach for the Ivy club. and pour onto my hand. spreading the wealth to the other. and apply my face. i feel lucky that i still have a face to shave with today, using my newly aquired shave stick, my trusty gillet ball end tech and a chroma blade.

 

[Voomie]

I love these posts. They give validation to the whole "wetshaving snob" lifestyle. Bravo, Voomie!

I'd be curious to know how the buzzy Fusion treats you with a proper cream or soap, though.

As far as the snob thing goes, I am just looking for a better way. You can wash your car with a garden hose and it will get clean but will you get the shine you would with some nice car wax? No. Wet shaving is my car wax. I dont do it to be superior, I do it because I get better results.
I am not sure how the the result will be tomorrow because it is not a fresh blade but it is broken in.

 

[Voomie]

Day 6 (Final Day)

Today I decided to treat my face to some uber-lather. This did help the shave experience. The razor did glide a little better and when it came time to do touch ups, there werent as many. The irritation wasnt too bad either. As I was finishing up, I noticed a note that said "I thought you loved me." as my DE took a plunge off the counter toward the cold tile below. I managed to catch it before it hit. We just held each other and cried for a bit.

Now back to the shave. It was the best I have had so far. I would have to say it was DFS quality. I would rate it 7/10. I didnt take the ingrowns into account for this score because there were so many from past shaves.

In conclusion, I have to wonder why my father praises this way of shaving. I guess what works for your father isnt passed down to you or at least in my case. I would only use this if I am in a hurry and needed to be clean shaven. I do like the razor defense stuff and will use it in winter or in cases of razor burn. I cant wait to use my DE tomorrow.

 

[gearchow]

As a Dad, I really admire your wanting to try out your Dad's way of doing things. As a son, I know now my Dad's way of doing things weren't the only way to do them. Between Fathers and Sons, the mileage will vary.

I honor the way my Dad lived his life, but I live my own life my way. If some of it matches his way, good enough.

Just yesterday I told my 8 yo daughter she should think about being in the school's band. She told me and I quote: "Don't tell me how to live my life".

-jim

 

[Voomie]

She told me and I quote: "Don't tell me how to live my life".

-jim

Wait till she is a teen it will only get worse from there. lol