deadelvis
02-22-2007, 11:31 PM
Hello to all!
All my life I've hated shaving. The time spent (lost) coupled with less than acceptable results frustrated me. I tried everything like most of you here to improve my results but to no avail. The harder I tried the more razor burn I seemed to get. I don't have real sensitive skin but it's not leather either! My problem most often lies in the swirl growth pattern on my neck. Like I said, I just hated it.
I've always loved tradition. I remember trips to the barber shop with my dad as a kid. The smells, the cuts, the shaves the men would get on their face and I too on my neckline. I'm not sure but I guess that along with my barber studies helped me stumble upon wet shaving. So glad I did!
I did my research and quickly ordered a Merkur HD, purchased some Proraso green tube cream and aftershave from Target, and some English Leather aftershave bringing back memories of my father. A Walgreen's boar bristle brush would have to do for now. A really cool black rice bowl found at target would serve as my shaving mug/bowl.
With the Merkur in hand (thanks Em's!), I planned my first shave with much enthusiasm and excitement.
First: Filled the sink with hot water and submerged both brush and bowl.
Second: A nice hot shower, keeping the bathroom door closed for a nice sauna effect.
Third: Left my face wet and went straight to the sink. Drained and refilled the sink with hot water. Emptied the bowl and but in a dab of Proraso. Shook the brush once then created a nice lather.
Fourth: Worked the warm rich lather over my face, the fragrant Proraso very much to my liking. Then "floating" the bowl in the sink to keep the lather warm.
Fifth: With much nervousness I picked up my razor and began. Trying to follow all my research on blade placement and angle. No pressure I told myself. Let it glide under it's own weight. I could here the "tick" of my beard as the razor moved along. I see stubble. Start to go back over the pass but stopped myself. Take it off in layers I remembered reading. I'll be lathering again soon. I'll go over it again then. First pass complete.
Sixth: Lather and repeat. Still going with the grain. Nice results for a second pass I would think. Thought I should stop. Didn't want to push it. Nah one more.
Seventh: lather and touch up areas this time going across the grain in very short strokes. Done.
I rinsed with hot water followed by cold. I applied the Proraso aftershave then cleaned up the sink. Once done I concluded with the English Leather.
Results: My friends this is what it's all about! No more will I dread my shaves! I now look to this area of grooming with new found energy and joy. The shave was as good as any I've ever had and better than 99% of them! This being my first attempt I am beyond pleased! I had NO discomfort or razor burn!
Thanks to all on this board and other information sites for helping me by just sharing your knowledge and experiences!
All my life I've hated shaving. The time spent (lost) coupled with less than acceptable results frustrated me. I tried everything like most of you here to improve my results but to no avail. The harder I tried the more razor burn I seemed to get. I don't have real sensitive skin but it's not leather either! My problem most often lies in the swirl growth pattern on my neck. Like I said, I just hated it.
I've always loved tradition. I remember trips to the barber shop with my dad as a kid. The smells, the cuts, the shaves the men would get on their face and I too on my neckline. I'm not sure but I guess that along with my barber studies helped me stumble upon wet shaving. So glad I did!
I did my research and quickly ordered a Merkur HD, purchased some Proraso green tube cream and aftershave from Target, and some English Leather aftershave bringing back memories of my father. A Walgreen's boar bristle brush would have to do for now. A really cool black rice bowl found at target would serve as my shaving mug/bowl.
With the Merkur in hand (thanks Em's!), I planned my first shave with much enthusiasm and excitement.
First: Filled the sink with hot water and submerged both brush and bowl.
Second: A nice hot shower, keeping the bathroom door closed for a nice sauna effect.
Third: Left my face wet and went straight to the sink. Drained and refilled the sink with hot water. Emptied the bowl and but in a dab of Proraso. Shook the brush once then created a nice lather.
Fourth: Worked the warm rich lather over my face, the fragrant Proraso very much to my liking. Then "floating" the bowl in the sink to keep the lather warm.
Fifth: With much nervousness I picked up my razor and began. Trying to follow all my research on blade placement and angle. No pressure I told myself. Let it glide under it's own weight. I could here the "tick" of my beard as the razor moved along. I see stubble. Start to go back over the pass but stopped myself. Take it off in layers I remembered reading. I'll be lathering again soon. I'll go over it again then. First pass complete.
Sixth: Lather and repeat. Still going with the grain. Nice results for a second pass I would think. Thought I should stop. Didn't want to push it. Nah one more.
Seventh: lather and touch up areas this time going across the grain in very short strokes. Done.
I rinsed with hot water followed by cold. I applied the Proraso aftershave then cleaned up the sink. Once done I concluded with the English Leather.
Results: My friends this is what it's all about! No more will I dread my shaves! I now look to this area of grooming with new found energy and joy. The shave was as good as any I've ever had and better than 99% of them! This being my first attempt I am beyond pleased! I had NO discomfort or razor burn!
Thanks to all on this board and other information sites for helping me by just sharing your knowledge and experiences!