Tools or technique?

[bombaysaph]

As a recent recruit but 'experienced' DE er I was pointed towards all the good things to be found in the WET SHAVING INSTRUCTIONS AND TUTORIALS. The difference was instant, each shave with the same tools was getting better and better so I experimented. I dug out from the bathroom cabinet a single blade Bic disposable that my partner buys for whatever she need them for and an old bar of bath soap which had to be years old. I followed Kyles prep but used the bath soap and no brush. Shaved with four passes as per advice rinsed with cold water and dried. Result was a nearDFS and miles and miles better than I was getting with my Merkur and Proraso just a couple of weeks ago. So the point of all this is the lesson I have learned is that the tools/toys are just icing, what really matters is what you do with what you've got. Thank you B&B .

Doubt it's gonna stop me buying stuff though:wink2:

[Atrin]

If I can go BBS with nothing but a piece of string.

It's definitely all about your technique and how you adapt and utilize your tool. Don't let anyone else tell you different.

[Dennard]

I agree that technique is more important. A cabinet full of options is nice, though.

[Atrin]

Variety is the spice of life.

[maxman]

Technique is key, but AD's are just plain fun.:001_tt2:

[dcrosso]

Like most things in life, there has to be a balance for anything to work well. There are always tradeoffs. No such thing as a free lunch! You will need to balance your shaves with good tools, soaps/creams and technique. Once you get the tools and the soaps/creams right, you need to practice to become proficient. It all works together. On top of everything else you will have to contend with different faces/beards, water and the focus of your own mind. Human beings always make mistakes. Like the famous philospher said, "Don't be stupid. Good luck, I hope you have agood life."

The famous philospher was my father.

[shmeegs]

Your technique will change based on your tools but technique will keep you safe more than your tools were.

[Legion]

75% technique, 25% tools. A good razor, blade, soap combination definitely make a difference.

[BroJohn]

To really simplify this whole wetshaving process, I break it down to two broad categories:

1) What you use, (razor, brush, cream, blade, alum, aftershaves, etc,. eg, 'stuff'),

and

2) What you do, (location, direction, order, and length of razor strokes, pressure or lack of pressure on razor, buffing if any, blade angle, etc,.) eg, 'technique'.

You can use rather humble, modest cost products and get a very fine, comfortable shave using good technique. You can also use the very finest products, sharpest blades, high-end razor, and with poor technique suffer weepers, cuts, nicks, scuffs, razor burn and be frustrated.

I say that 'Technique' is more important than 'stuff'.

In summary, you should be attentive and seek a comfortable shave, and not go for closeness initially. The Baby Butt Smooth shaves are a natural by-product of good technique. Wet shaving is easily learned and well worth the effort.

-- John Gehman

[baba]

To really simplify this whole wetshaving process, I break it down to two broad categories:

1) What you use, (razor, brush, cream, blade, alum, aftershaves, etc,. eg, 'stuff'),

and

2) What you do, (location, direction, order, and length of razor strokes, pressure or lack of pressure on razor, buffing if any, blade angle, etc,.) eg, 'technique'.

You can use rather humble, modest cost products and get a very fine, comfortable shave using good technique. You can also use the very finest products, sharpest blades, high-end razor, and with poor technique suffer weepers, cuts, nicks, scuffs, razor burn and be frustrated.

I say that 'Technique' is more important than 'stuff'.

In summary, you should be attentive and seek a comfortable shave, and not go for closeness initially. The Baby Butt Smooth shaves are a natural by-product of good technique. Wet shaving is easily learned and well worth the effort.

-- John Gehman


Never thought about it like that, "what you use and what you do"...genius!!

What a great way to simplify and clearly explain what can be a very complex issue to people that are new to traditional wet shaving.

I think that "What you use and what you do" should be explained to every new member of B&B.

Simply brilliant.

Thanks John !!!

[Drubbing]

Technique is the knowledge and skill, but tools get the job done.

Some tools work better than others, and can get the job done quicker, and with less fuss.

The newbs task with DE shaving is learning the skill, and finding the right tools for them.

[Pioneer]

So the point of all this is the lesson I have learned is that the tools/toys are just icing, what really matters is what you do with what you've got:

Like I learned in golf a long time ago - show me a golfer who can play the course well in a Goodwill set of clubs and I'll show you a true talent. Fancy oversized clubs, expensive shiny razors . . . same deal. So, in other words, yes I agree.

[BlackBard]

To really simplify this whole wetshaving process, I break it down to two broad categories:

1) What you use, (razor, brush, cream, blade, alum, aftershaves, etc,. eg, 'stuff'),

and

2) What you do, (location, direction, order, and length of razor strokes, pressure or lack of pressure on razor, buffing if any, blade angle, etc,.) eg, 'technique'.

You can use rather humble, modest cost products and get a very fine, comfortable shave using good technique. You can also use the very finest products, sharpest blades, high-end razor, and with poor technique suffer weepers, cuts, nicks, scuffs, razor burn and be frustrated.

I say that 'Technique' is more important than 'stuff'.

In summary, you should be attentive and seek a comfortable shave, and not go for closeness initially. The Baby Butt Smooth shaves are a natural by-product of good technique. Wet shaving is easily learned and well worth the effort.

-- John Gehman

Well said.

[rosborne]

Poor technique + Great Razor = Crappy Shave
Poor Razor + Great Technique = CCS
(Great Technique + Great Razor) * Great Lather = BBS

Who says I didn't pay attention in Math class...

I sure like my STUFF though!!!!!

[Pumpkin]

Poor technique + Great Razor = Crappy Shave
Poor Razor + Great Technique = CCS
(Great Technique + Great Razor) * Great Lather = BBS

Who says I didn't pay attention in Math class...

I sure like my STUFF though!!!!!

Amen to that! :biggrin1:

I have no intention of going back to (any) cartridge, but I'd guess that I'd get a much better, less irritating shave than I used to.

I realised, a little while ago, that the only "shave-training" I had before B&B was Danny Glover telling his "son" in Lethal Weapon to shave "with the grain" :lol: ...and that's in over 25 years of shaving :ohmy: