n00b 2 intermedate: an update

[BeeWolf]

I started with a DE razor almost 10 months ago. I didn't get a badger brush until 3 months ago. I've sampled the blade sampler, and I have two varieties of Taylor of Old Bond street shaving cream. How are things going? Glad you asked.

Tonight I had the best shave I've had in months. I've luxuriated in good shaving cream applied by a good brush, and I've learned how to do 3 passes without nicks and irritation. But I also learned to live with some stubble under my jaw-line on both sides.

Today I put in a brand new Derby blade (been using Feathers for a while), and lathered up with Taylor's Eton College (the scent of which I adore), and shaved. I was light on the pressure, but diligent about pulling skin upward with a washcloth on the 3rd pass. The combo of a new sharp blade and a little extra attention really paid off. This is the best shave I've had in months, no doubt. Under my jaw on the right side is baby smooth. (The left still is imperfect, however.)

There are numerous other observations I might make, such as my early experiences with other blades, and the dearth of experience with other shaving creams/soaps, but I'll end with this note of hope for the total n00bz: whatever your early experiences may be, you do get better at this. If I can have this kind of shave, anyone can!

I'm looking forward to learning more and getting better still. Thanks to the more experienced among us. Keep that good advice coming!

[rtaylor61]

Beewolf,

Congratulations. You've obviously learned a lot. One thing most have a hard time with, is the fact that achieving a perfect shave everyday is impossible, or at least, comes with a price. Keep up the good work.

Randy

[galpman]

Beewolf.Congrats:a14: It only gets better from here.

[chop-chop]

Muy bueno, BeeWolf!

Achieving success on both sides of the face... especially in the chin area... is not as easy as we might think. The natural flow, or the kinetics of movement, differs, depending upon which is our dominant hand. Raising the elbow on the opposite side of the face will help.

Because the chin area is a rounded surface, it helps to use a different approach. In CAD programming, it is common to use a spline graph to plot out a curved surface, in order to define the mechanical parameters that will be fed to a metal lathe for machining. It is a series of short straight lines, resulting in a curved surface. In shaving, this is known as "blade buffing"... using short strokes on a curved surface. Try it... you'll like it! :wink:

Tchau,
chop-chop

[Leisureguy]

Good work. Steady attention and practice works wonders. I have a little roughness under my jawline at the end of the shave, which I take out with some blade buffing. Very pleased to read how much you're enjoying it.

[htownmmm]

Way to hang in there. :thumbup1: Patience is the main item we should all carrry in our shaving dopp kit. Improvement comes with time and repetition + knowledge of our face and what works best on it.


Marty