The Shave
Before you start
This tutorial considers that you already consulted the following pages in wiki.
What you will need
There are recommendations across the board on specific models or brands that make it easier to shave with if it's the first time. The focus of this article is not on specific products. Just make sure that you are using something that's in good working order (not broken) and that has reviews on the board. If you are unsure, just ask.
First steps
Make sure you did your prep correctly so you are ready to shave. Good prep includes preparing the skin to shave and soaking your
shaving brush for a few minutes.
You can then move on to make your
lather that you previously practiced before the shave
Shaving
You will be shaving with the grain (WTG) and across the grain (XTG) today. Hold on against the grain (ATG) because it can easily give you irritation, razor bumps, nicks and cuts. Keep in mind, my passes might be different than yours. Meaning, my WTG might be ATG for you, be careful about that and make sure you look at the direction of the beard before shaving.
Once the lather is applied, you are ready do go ahead and shave. NOTE - Apply none to very little pressure on the razor against your face. Do not press the razor into your face. Start with the cheeks and go slowly. We don't repeat this often enough, this is a beard reduction process. Do not try to shave everything in 1 pass.
Under the nose and Jawline
The jaw line is tricky since the angle changes, go extra slow on that spot
You will then re-lather for your next pass (XTG - Across the grain). I would recommend that direction under the nose for both WTG and XTG.
You are done
Troubleshooting
This is when the blade angle is either too high or too low. With an Open comb razor, the mistake shows quickly when it comes to low blade angle (Teeth marks). If you happen to shave like this, it means the blade is not touching your skin so, probably not cutting any whiskers.
Tips
- Keep in mind that this shave won't be perfect, it won't be the close shave that you might be expecting. You cannot be a champion on your first attempt. Take this slowly and you will be very happy with the results.
- You can rinse your razor after each stroke or less often than that. You can use both sides of the razors during the shave or just one if that's how you prefer it.
- No pressure! Let the razor do the work, not you. You might think that you are helping by pressing the blade into your skin but you are in fact either cutting yourself or risking razor bumps.
- Further help is available on the forum through the shave clinic or the Double Edge razors sub-forum.