Sig's kinda shave journal

[Sig84]

I call this a kinda shave journal because I'll not be posting ever shave and numbering them. Just the ones I consider a milestone of some sort.
So I'm about 8 shaves in and just got my first acceptable shave. Cheeks are BBS, and jawline and neck are nice and close. I even got my chin pretty close this time. I needed about three touch up strokes on my chin with my cartridge which is a huge improvement. I've been having to do an entire pass on my jaw line and neck with the cartridge till now. Btw, the mustache is nice and smooth too.
A lot of things just came together for me on this shave. I discovered that I really like having the razor completely unfolded out straight (at a 180 degree angle) when I go ATG. This technique worked great for me. I also decided to give my razor 15 laps on the strop between my XTG pass and ATG pass.
Very happy as I consider this to be a landmark shave.
Also if any one is interested I used a Dovo Carre, Mama Bears Indian Tobacco, Edwin Jagger Besr Badger, and St. Charles Shave New Spice splash.
Thanks to everybody who has posted such useful info without whom this awsome journey would be much, much more difficult.

 

[global_dev]

Congrats. The chin area will get there eventually!

 

[Doc226]

Chins are tough, big curves under hard bone.

Takes time.

Hang in there

 

[Sig84]

So today was my 11th shave with my straight.

Dovo Carre
Edwin Jagger Best Badger
D.R. Harris Marlborough Cream/Straight Razor Designs Unscented Soap( über lather)
St. Charles Shave New Spice A/S

Really starting to get satisfactory shaves. Today's shave was a little rushed, but still came out good. I'm starting to get into my routine and the process is starting to speed up. A month ago it took an hour to shave; now it's down to about 40 minutes. Anyway, full BBS on my cheeks, and jawline, but still need to hone my skills when it comes to the chin and adam's apple area.
its amazing how as you shave more and more you begin to learn how to modify certain strokes on certain areas of your face t o get the perfect stroke.
I have to admit my lather isn't quite where I want it. It seems to be a little to fluffy and dries out a little more than I would like. It also tends to have bubbles in it. Does this mean I need more or less water?
That being said, this is the best shave I've had.

Thanks

 

[Sig84]

I should also add that I am experiencing some serious sensitivity under my chin and under my jaw line. Not really any visible irritation, but very sensitive. I can't even use my Aqua Velva or Clubman. I guess it will get better with time?

 

[global_dev]

I have to admit my lather isn't quite where I want it. It seems to be a little to fluffy and dries out a little more than I would like. It also tends to have bubbles in it. Does this mean I need more or less water?
That being said, this is the best shave I've had.

Thanks

Your uber lather is drying? I'd say relather when needed. As for bubbles, my thought is too much water too quick. Never tried either of those, but learning straights will see lots of dry lather in my experience.

 

[global_dev]

I should also add that I am experiencing some serious sensitivity under my chin and under my jaw line. Not really any visible irritation, but very sensitive. I can't even use my Aqua Velva or Clubman. I guess it will get better with time?

It should, if it didn't, none of us would still be doing it. Could be edge, pressure, angle... just have to work it out.

 

[Sig84]

So finally, a shave worthy of being called DFS. It took about 21 shaves and it was by no means a perfect shave, but by far my most satisfying. No touch ups needed. A first. I was really starting to get discouraged, and my face has been killing me but it has finally paid off.
Still having some trouble with my lather though. It won't stay moist all the way through a pass and I have to re lather. Anyway, finally a good shave.
For those interested: Dovo Carre, DR Harris Marlborough Cream, Edwin Jagger Best Badger, St. Charles Shave New Spice.