Question about aggresivness and beard type

[swinchen]

Good evening all,

I have a terribly thick, stiff, wavy dark red beard that seems to grow out of every direction. I have been trying (without much success) to get to the point where the razor glides across the skin without feeling it. I have tried showering before, Kyle's prep. method, pre-shave oil, etc. and nothing really seems to soften the whiskers.. they always as stiff as a scrub brush.

Is it possible that if a razor is not aggressive enough it actually makes shaving harder? I have been using my vision on the lowest possible setting (mostly out of fear) and am wondering if it might be wise to open it up half way perhaps? I am relatively new (~3 weeks) to wet shaving and am trying to keep from removing a chunk of my face. If having it more aggressive won't help make the shave easier I will probably leave it dialed down.

Thanks!

 

[SUMMERSRL]

Open it up and give it a shot. Your face will always heal should you falter.

I have a very full, thick beard. However, I prefer a milder razor. I do a three pass shave. By the third pass the hair is gone even with a mild razor.

Good luck in finding what works best for you.

 

[xriley]

The key is how much pressure you use. Turn it up and don't use any pressure. Let the razor do the work.

 

[mblakele]

Small steps are wise, but you won't know until you try.

Which blades are you using?

 

[swinchen]

Small steps are wise, but you won't know until you try.

Which blades are you using?

Right now I am using Iridium Supers, but I have these:
http://westcoastshaving.com/index.php?main_page=product_info&cPath=2&products_id=295

I have also been cork stropping the blades. It doesn't seem to hurt, not sure if it helps either though.

Sam