Best shave yet!

[babafats]

What the title says, heh. This is shave #8. Two teensy weensy weepers, on the corner of the chin and right at the top of the philtrum. None whatsoever on the neck! Total DFS on the face; the neck is just a bit rougher rubbing against the grain. There's a tiny bit of barely visible stubble right underneath my chin, but on the past couple of shaves it's been visible in the mirror, and not just underneath. And once the whole process is complete, I feel a nice "shaver's high" from the whole experience. (Well that, and it's a beautiful day outside, and I came immediately out on my deck to enjoy a beer and a smoke.)

One question: my post-shave process is this: hot rinse to get the lather off, paint face with alum block, let sit while I clean brush and mug, witch hazel, cold rinse, then aftershave. I'm using TOBS Sandalwood splash, but today when I applied it I felt quite a burn, especially on my neck. It's faded by now, but is this something others experience? Is it an indication of anything bad? I don't have any noticeable redness or anything.

I'm in love with this whole process, guys. It's true, what I've seen elsewhere here: shaving can truly be a joy. (I sort of miss my van Dyke, but
I really want to master shaving my whole face before I consider letting it grow back.) And I really love this sandalwood scent. :thumbup1:

[Sledgehammer39]

One question: my post-shave process is this: hot rinse to get the lather off, paint face with alum block, let sit while I clean brush and mug, witch hazel, cold rinse, then aftershave. I'm using TOBS Sandalwood splash, but today when I applied it I felt quite a burn, especially on my neck. It's faded by now, but is this something others experience? Is it an indication of anything bad? I don't have any noticeable redness or anything.

:

Congrats on getting yourself an awesome shave.. I would use cold water after your shave to wash out the lather from your face and neck. Pores will close up quicker, and I betcha ya the alum won't sting as much. By the way what's your razor and blade combo?

[babafats]

By the way what's your razor and blade combo?

I'm using a Merkur 33c and Feathers. The Feathers are as sharp as they say, but I feel like I'm getting really good feedback from them. If I make one mistake, they let me know what it was.

[The Don]

+1 on the cold water suggestion. I also used TOBS sandalwood, which gave me quite a burn. I found that it was just too much along with the alum block, so I steered clear of it for a while and used a balm instead. I do believe my technique has gotten better, so perhaps it's time to give the TOBS another go (if the little/no sting from the alum block is an indicator).

Congrats on the great shave!!

[Eric V]

I don't use any aftershave with alcohol ... I always get a slight burn. Sensitive skin, I guess. A cold water rinse and balm do wonders for my face!

[ackvil]

My routine:


1. I wash off my face with a wash cloth dipped in warm water to get rid of all of the remaining lather.

2.Next, I soak a wash cloth in cold water and put in on my face for about 30 seconds.

2. Next I apply a splash of WH. I use Thayer’s Rose Petal or Lavender WH which are alcohol free and do not sting.

3. I then use a skin moisturizer or after shave balm to provide relief. There are a number of good moisturizers out there such as Nivea, Neutrogena, T&H, GFT, and others.

The result is no burn. :001_smile