Routine?

[dogchairsky]

I'm definitely new to DE shaving and have been reading all that I can. In my own delusion, I'm convinced there is a perfect way to shave - right blade + right razor + right brush + right cream or soap or stick + right prep + right lathering technique will result in an "effortless" BBS shave every day.

I've found that the best advice given to n00bs like myself is to keep everything the same so I can find out what works and what doesn't and most importantly - why.

My whole point here is to ask what is the longest period of time you have gone using the same soap/cream/stick, razor, blade and lather technique? There is a whole forum devoted to the scent of the day, I propose you post what is the longest you've gone without changing anything.

So, to start, I went about one week with my Krona + Astra + VDH brush + VDH soap + mug lather. For the next week, I changed to Proraso (CO Bigelow) instead of the VDH soap. The next week, I added a little TBS Olive glycerin soap before the Proraso, but I also started using my new SS red tip. Today I just tried a Williams puck all by itself.

All in all, I think the longest I've gone using exactly the same thing is about a week with the VDH soap and Krona.

What's your record?

 

[ImaWestie]

I'm new to this. 10 days?

I do try to change only 1 thing at a time. In reality that is hard, because the blade is automatically different every pass. Unless you change blades every pass?

 

[Drubbing]

Yes, you're delusional. Most of us are. I went about 2-3 weeks without changing much at all when I started. Now I choose on a whim and live dangerously. But I only have 2 razors and 1 preferred blade, so my variable are pretty limited.

I've been at this over a year and I don't get the perfect shave every day. To anyone else, it looks perfect, but my measurements are different. But I take what I get every morning, and am happy with it. The fact I enjoy something that used to be a total drag is a big bonus.

Advice are guidelines, this isn't the armed services. If you find a blade isn't suiting you, then try another. If you have difficulty lathering a soap, try something else.

That said, if you're getting a comfortable shave, ignore actual stubble results and stick with it. It's working. Technique will catch up.

The temptation to go for gold when you think you're doing ok will grab you. And things can go south almost immediately. Everyone has to find their own way.

 

[jansob]

I do have a "safe" setup that usually gives me a DFS with little care or effort. When short on time, I use the Merkur Bakelite, a Feather or Gillette Yellow (although not for long, it seems), and Kiss My Face with a bit of Cremo.

But as good as it shaves, the Bakelite isn't much fun. Too light. I prefer my New or Slim or Fat-handle Tech. Wouldn't want to give up the choice.

 

[Crosbie]

Hi and welcome to the madness!!

Seriously though - the reason most of us stick with a certain combination for a week at least is to give the product combination a chance to work. For instance I live in a hard water area so some soaps need a bit more water than others to get a lather etc.

Really what you need to do is get comfortable with a set routine that you can do with your weyes close, so to speak. Then from this basis you can gradually change things.... usually new saop/cream/blades to see which works best.

Do not change too much while you are refining your technique.

For what its worth my benchmark is as follows;

Silvetip brush; Merkur Progress; Astra Super Platinum; l'occitane cade soap; Ogalla Bay Rum Limes and Peppercorn AS.

hope this helps

 

[Masterkova]

When I started out, I was pretty disciplined and kept the same setup for 2 weeks:

Slim at 3, Walmart Personnas, Proraso pre/cream/asb, silvertip, 2xWTG

I definitely think not switching things around helped me get my technique down in short order.

 

[okey]

i think you are letting to many variables by change. I have only been at this about two months and all i have changed are the blades. I keep exactly the same preperation , same soap , same brush and razor but weekly a different brand of blade ( i have 16 different types ) all in aid of getting technique and finding a blade i am comfortable with. So far i am flying getting great shaves and loving it. I plan on getting through at least one of every blade brand before i tackle my different soaps and creams i have purchased.

 

[$HAVY]

I'm definitely new to DE shaving and have been reading all that I can. In my own delusion, I'm convinced there is a perfect way to shave - right blade + right razor + right brush + right cream or soap or stick + right prep + right lathering technique will result in an "effortless" BBS shave every day.

I've found that the best advice given to n00bs like myself is to keep everything the same so I can find out what works and what doesn't and most importantly - why.

My whole point here is to ask what is the longest period of time you have gone using the same soap/cream/stick, razor, blade and lather technique? There is a whole forum devoted to the scent of the day, I propose you post what is the longest you've gone without changing anything.

So, to start, I went about one week with my Krona + Astra + VDH brush + VDH soap + mug lather. For the next week, I changed to Proraso (CO Bigelow) instead of the VDH soap. The next week, I added a little TBS Olive glycerin soap before the Proraso, but I also started using my new SS red tip. Today I just tried a Williams puck all by itself.

All in all, I think the longest I've gone using exactly the same thing is about a week with the VDH soap and Krona.

What's your record?

My record is using 2 years tabac shaving soap whit tabac aftershave now I am a little bit scent blind (my nose almost doesnt register the tabac scent I think that the ability comes back whit the time)

Today I choose my shave soap/cream and AS so that it fits whit the weather the needs of my skinn or just or just what my nose asks for.

If I have new creams/soaps I use them a 2-3 times to learn how to make a good lather.
Whit new blades I dont use constantly the same cream/soap maybe this would be good to evaluate it but for my it is to boring.

 

[ackvil]

The only time I use the same soaps, creams, or razors is when I travel. Otherwise it is a different combo every day.

 

[Beerman]

Back in my "canned goo" days, I would buy one can at a time and use it until it was gone. That's been 25 years or so ago.

I change my shave cream and soap combination (I superlather) on a regular basis now. I probably only use the same product 2-3 times in a row before making a substantial change to one or more of the variables.


Beerman

 

[D/E Bob]

One of the worst things you can do when starting out is vary ALL your tools every day. If you want to check out different blades, by all means go ahead, BUT use the same razor and soap while going through the different blades until you find the perfect blade FOR THAT razor & soap. Once you are confident that blade is perfect for that razor, you can change razors and repeat the process. That is what worked for me, because when I was starting out I was so exited, I read every post on this forum and changed everything up every day. NO GOOD!! In order to perfect a technique you need consistency, (at least IMHO).

Now I get BBS everyday, no nicks, no burn, and the whole shave from start to finish is 10 - 12 minutes.