Thread: Shaving everyday

I shave (BBS) everyday with a straight generally, of late though I have been trying out a Merkur 34c HD. The DE is easy enough to shave with and much easier to get BBS with from the word go. No real learning curve after straight shaving, but if you haven't done either, the same rule applies to both, 'Light touch and approx 30 degree angle'. I found I had to give myself a break with the DE as part of the difference with the DE is finding the right blade to suit your face. Managed to land a dodgy blade I think as one pass of a Derby and I could feel my face burn. Today was a straight day and I will re-try that blade again tomorrow...Might have been my technique that was faulty. I've had successful shaves with the DE before that though.
Anyway enjoy the learning curve, take it slow and easy, don't aim for BBS straight away and only shave as often as you are able, giving your face a proper break if you need to heal any razor burn.


Mick

Originally Posted by PWillis

Something I may clarify is that I have NOT shaved with a straight yet...

I think part of the problem may be is that I'm a cheap you know what, so I don't change my cartriges often enough. Just get tired of payin $10 for a 4 pack of cartriges that don't last long enough.

When I started out with a straight, I had to skip every third day. If your skin is especially sensitive, you may want to go every other day. The usual advice of starting with just the cheeks at first is worth heeding. Wait until you're more comfortable putting that naked blade on your bare skin before trying the more difficult and sensitive areas such as the chin and neck. I found the balms worked well and others have recommended alum block. As for cartridges, I used to change the blade about once a month. Thank God those days are gone.

PWillis,

You mentioned you haven't shaved with a straight razor yet. I think you will find that once you start shaving with your straight you will discover that shaving everyday is something you can do with minimal or no irritation. Keep in mind that there is a learning curve, so this probably wont happen over night. Also keep in mind what everyone has been saying so far in regards to keeping a light touch, not obsessing over BBS and so on. Lots of good advice.

On a personal note, my neck is absolutely the hardest part to shave. Those little hollows on both sides of my adams apple can really turn into a disaster if I'm not careful. In fact the last time I shaved I messed up and caused some irritation in that area. I skipped shaving yesterday, just to give my skin time to recover (indulged in a clay facemask instead.) so I'll be back at it tonight. Hurray!

Let us know how it goes once you get your razor back. Everyone here will help out as best they can if you have any questions.

Good luck,
Matthew

Wow guys, thanks for all the helpful information.

I am sure you will be hearing back from me once I do recieve my straight back. I sent it to a memeber here on these forums so I have high hopes on how it turns out...

That uberlather, is that where people are adding pure glycerin to it? If so where would I be able to find that at? Drug store?

I have also tried hitting the local antique shops around here for straights and DE's but no luck. All the have are old nasty brushes and mugs for sale. Oh well.

Guy I work with collects straights, but I can't talk him out of ANY of them. I have not seen any of them yet as he keeps promising to bring them to show.

Originally Posted by Alembic

That will come with time. Two things - your skin will break in, which can take 5 - 6 months, and your technique will improve. The skin you can't do anything about. Make sure your prep is good and use a good post shave balm like Nivea Replenishing balm - it will help quite a bit. But the technique is something you need to work at. Correct blade angles and a light touch develop over time.

One day it will just all come together. It has for so many of us. Keep at it.

David

What David said!

I really like Trumpers skin food as an AS balm, that really helps my skin recover.

One thing that has made a big difference for me is using 'Kyle's Prep' as discussed on badgerandblade.com. I think my neck would get really irritated because i wouldn't get it sufficiently wet.

The second thing that I have been focusing on is mastering my with the grain pass. With 2 WTG passes, i get an excellent shave that is better than any shave i could get with a Mach 3 or whatever with no irritation. Personally, i am shooting for no irritation. Closeness will come with time.

Originally Posted by PWillis

That uberlather, is that where people are adding pure glycerin to it? If so where would I be able to find that at? Drug store?.

You can buy glycerin at any store that carries cake decorating supplies such as Michaels. Glycerin is used in making fondant icing for cakes.

Have you bought a strop and hone to go with your pop's hardware or did he have one of each in his collection?

No I have not bought a strop or hone yet for it. I am going to have the guy restoring it go ahead and hone and strop it for me so I know for sure how it is supposed to be.

Got any good suggestions on a strop and hone? I did not plan on buying a hone. Do I NEED one? How long does it last between hones?

Originally Posted by PWillis

No I have not bought a strop or hone yet for it. I am going to have the guy restoring it go ahead and hone and strop it for me so I know for sure how it is supposed to be.

Got any good suggestions on a strop and hone? I did not plan on buying a hone. Do I NEED one? How long does it last between hones?

You need to buy a strop and plan on stropping before each shave. If the person honing tells you they've already stropped it you can skip stropping before your 1st shave. SRD has some great strops - the English bridle is fantastic!

As for honing, you can postpone this until you're more proficient at shaving. There are numerous SRP members who hone for a reasonable fee when your razor needs it. Although some people tackle honing early in their straight-shaving experience it's just one more variable in the equation, and may hinder isolating the source of problems with your early shaves.

Greg