Technique Change = Best Shave

[Chrisp]

Got a really close shave this morning. It has been the best shave in 2 years of full-on wet-shaving.

This is how it went after showering:

1. FACE LATHERED (EJBBB & C&E Sandalwood Soap)
A new technique for me, and the resulting lather was better than my usual bowl lathering. I took my time - put the brush to my face for about 3-4 minutes, wetting the brush with hot water as I went. I then waited for a minute.

2. DIALED THE SLIM TO 9 (Derby used 3x)
I've had the Slim for a few weeks set at 4, but on the spur of the moment, curiosity got the better of me & I went all the way to 9, and it was a good decision.

I was prepared for the usual 2-3 passes. I shaved slowly & carefully, respecting the new blade exposure. I noticed that I had to change the angle slightly. While I was rinsing in preparation for the next pass, I noticed there was no more left to be shaved. The hair grows in all directions, especially along the jawline & neck, and there were simply no rough spots. I then applied the alum block - with less sting than before, followed by Baxter ASB.

8 hours down the track & my face feels like it does just after I go with my usual routine. Very impressed.

So, in conclusion: [for me], face lathering is king, and more blade exposure (aggressiveness) coupled with care & focus = a BBS, irritation-free shave.

 

[warlandsboy]

Thanks for the tips! I'll be sure to keep these in mind when I start practicing.

 

[JPM]

Congrats! Sounds like a great shave.

 

[HDPaul]

Boy, I'll dial up #9 on the next shave then!

 

[Ender7584]

Boy, I'll dial up #9 on the next shave then!

Just be careful....I dialed 9 with a fresh feather blade, and the SLIGHTEST mistake led to a nice chunk outta my face.

At least there was no pulling as that sharp feather blade took out a piece of me Man those things are sharp.

 

[Chrisp]

Be VERY careful using a Feather & Slim set at 9 - I used a Derby & I could really "feel" the blade edge on my skin, so no alcohol or drugs before shaving on 9. Not a good idea for 1st-timers either unless you like living on the edge.

 

[HDPaul]

Just be careful....I dialed 9 with a fresh feather blade, and the SLIGHTEST mistake led to a nice chunk outta my face.

At least there was no pulling as that sharp feather blade took out a piece of me Man those things are sharp.

OK, let's make that a 6 instead, haha

 

[dmnall]

Be VERY careful using a Feather & Slim set at 9 - I used a Derby & I could really "feel" the blade edge on my skin, so no alcohol or drugs before shaving on 9. Not a good idea for 1st-timers either unless you like living on the edge.

Actually it is not that bad, when I shave with my slim 9 + Feather = BBS bloodless shave!

Cheers,

 

[Mpugh77]

I really want a slim

 

[thunderball]

Good on ya mate!

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

Got a really close shave this morning. It has been the best shave in 2 years of full-on wet-shaving.

This is how it went after showering:

1. FACE LATHERED (EJBBB & C&E Sandalwood Soap)
A new technique for me, and the resulting lather was better than my usual bowl lathering. I took my time - put the brush to my face for about 3-4 minutes, wetting the brush with hot water as I went. I then waited for a minute.

2. DIALED THE SLIM TO 9 (Derby used 3x)
I've had the Slim for a few weeks set at 4, but on the spur of the moment, curiosity got the better of me & I went all the way to 9, and it was a good decision.

I was prepared for the usual 2-3 passes. I shaved slowly & carefully, respecting the new blade exposure. I noticed that I had to change the angle slightly. While I was rinsing in preparation for the next pass, I noticed there was no more left to be shaved. The hair grows in all directions, especially along the jawline & neck, and there were simply no rough spots. I then applied the alum block - with less sting than before, followed by Baxter ASB.

8 hours down the track & my face feels like it does just after I go with my usual routine. Very impressed.

So, in conclusion: [for me], face lathering is king, and more blade exposure (aggressiveness) coupled with care & focus = a BBS, irritation-free shave.

I'm happy to hear that the Slim is treating you well. Congratulations on your shave. There's plenty more where that came from!

 

[Kenno]

Good on ya mate!

yeah,,stick it up em son.

face lathering and taking your time building that lather while adding water sparingly is the way to go..don't forget to soak that brush n soap before hand for 5 min,, just add a teaspoon or so to the soap. squeze that brush n shake it then load up that soap and start building.

 

[HDPaul]

Well I did it and I must say it was somewhat challenging.

Got my Rooney 2 super and hit the Conk soap.
Dialed the slim to 9, Crystal blade.

Shave was okay, it kinda felt like I was using a straight.

No cuts or nicks. Not BBS though, maybe just a B+ shave, not an A. I could not touch up the hard spots cuz I felt the beginnings of razor burn, haha.

Once finished, I returned the Slim back to trusty #4 for the next shave.


FWIW, I dont really like crystals and maybe I should have used a soap that works better for me too, haha.

 

[kingfisher]

Another option would be to go at 9 for the first pass, then do touch-ups at 4 or 3, or whatever you like. It's an ADJUSTABLE, right? May as well adjust it!

 

[Chrisp]

This morning I used a fresh Feather, prompted by Charlie's comment, along with Taylor's Lavender SC. I use Feathers occasionally, and they might not be for everyone, but for me they generally work well.

Maybe it has a lot to do with technique - prep, angle, pace etc. and again the end-result was pretty much on par with yesterday's, *BUT* the only difference - the ride was not as smooth, possibly due to the blade choice and/or the use of shaving cream vs. soap. I'm leaning towards soaps yielding a slicker glide than creams (YMMV), although I ironically have more creams than soaps. Also, the Feather will get tamer over the next few days so I'll see what happens.

We all have our favorite combos - for me it's the Slim@9, soap, face lathering, a few blade possibilities & a single pass, so try a few variations to figure out what works best for you. That's the beauty of an adjustable.

Prep well, slow it down & apply no pressure (try the Balance Point Method: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/User:Dpm802)

 

[saltypete]

Great post and some excellent advice. Thanks.

Pete

 

[Nic Bledsoe]

This morning I used a fresh Feather, prompted by Charlie's comment, along with Taylor's Lavender SC. I use Feathers occasionally, and they might not be for everyone, but for me they generally work well.

Maybe it has a lot to do with technique - prep, angle, pace etc. and again the end-result was pretty much on par with yesterday's, *BUT* the only difference - the ride was not as smooth, possibly due to the blade choice and/or the use of shaving cream vs. soap. I'm leaning towards soaps yielding a slicker glide than creams (YMMV), although I ironically have more creams than soaps. Also, the Feather will get tamer over the next few days so I'll see what happens.

We all have our favorite combos - for me it's the Slim@9, soap, face lathering, a few blade possibilities & a single pass, so try a few variations to figure out what works best for you. That's the beauty of an adjustable.

Prep well, slow it down & apply no pressure (try the Balance Point Method: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/User:Dpm802)

what is your skin and beard 'type'?

 

[DJSneak]

Great post, thanks for sharing.

 

[Chrisp]

what is your skin and beard 'type'?

I'd say I have a medium or average beard with a normal-combination skin. Although it's not overly dense, it tends to be heavier & coarser around the muzzle & along the jawline. I have a few tricky spots below the earlobes & neck where the hair grows this way & that, so I take it easy & slow around there. I also think the fact that it grows in different directions, I inadvertently 'double-up' where these patches overlap resulting in a smoother shave. So in essence I guess I end up doing in one pass what I would normally do in multiple passes at a lower setting if this makes sense.

 

[eddie13231]

I love my feather's but to each their own. Some blades came close but were never as good!