Thread: Second shave

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

The cheeks are easiest, then the chin, jawline and neck are the more difficult areas.

I've found that the jawline is very easy. I've also a sharp jawline, so i don't have the advantage of a bigger neck, in that respect. But what i do, is stretch the skin very tought and shave to my jawline, when it's done, i let the skin slip back and then i have a startingpoint on my neck. The jawline is then already shaved!

today i did not shave at all. I just have a fear that this is not meant for my skin because its so sensitive. maybe people with my skin who lived back in the 1800s just didnt shave. it seems to skip even on WTG, like it feels sticky. even when I used the D/E with the lightest stroke, i would always be razorburned. and this is harder because you never know if your edge is good or stropped enough or your technique or angle. im not quitting but im just speculating.

Originally Posted by OLD_SCHOOL

You cannot get a perfect shave with a straight after just 2 attempts. You
Also try just shaving your cheeks for now while you improve technique. The cheeks are easiest, then the chin, jawline and neck are the more difficult areas.

Good luck and don't give up yet.

Personally I've had the most problem with my top lip! I've nicked it both times I've shaved so far. Though I am confident with practice I will get that part down pat soon enough

Originally Posted by OldFashioned

today i did not shave at all. I just have a fear that this is not meant for my skin because its so sensitive. maybe people with my skin who lived back in the 1800s just didnt shave. it seems to skip even on WTG, like it feels sticky. even when I used the D/E with the lightest stroke, i would always be razorburned. and this is harder because you never know if your edge is good or stropped enough or your technique or angle. im not quitting but im just speculating.

I think it might be helpful to you to visit a real good barber. Not the one around the corner that cuts hair and gives an occasional shave when requested to do so, but one of those barbershops specialized in traditional shaves. You could ask the barbers opinion about your shaving problem, and furthermore, if he could succeed in shaving you without irritation, then you know for fact you can get away with it yourself too. I would just be a matter of practice.

I personally believe that some people have incredibly sensitive skin. I also know firsthand that some people have a way more coarse beard than others. If you combine both, eh, qualities, then it would no doubt take an extra level of skill to shave comfortably. I am still convinced though, that if there's any method to pull it off, that would be the straight razor method. Years of razor burn prior to my straight razor conversion, and the fact that I'm not the only one with that experience, have strongly convinced me of that statement.

All the best,

Bart.

May be worth trying another soap/cream? I'm very sensitive to soaps/detergents of all kinds and since switching from sandalwood to lavender, razor burn is a thing of the past. Just an idea. Also, it took me a while (couple of months?) to develop a light touch which also made a big difference.

I found that proraso red cream is the best stuff for my face. I got my routine pat down for using that m3 in the shower but things are vastly different when switching to the straight. i have to practice lathering outside the shower to get it nice and warm without it drying. the steam from the shower changes everything, because it is warm water in the air. outside the shower my lather was dry and cold.

Originally Posted by AlanII

May be worth trying another soap/cream? I'm very sensitive to soaps/detergents of all kinds and since switching from sandalwood to lavender, razor burn is a thing of the past. Just an idea. Also, it took me a while (couple of months?) to develop a light touch which also made a big difference.

+1 what bart said. my barber,an older gent, has been a wealth of information over the years.