Greetings from Mexico, a few questions from a noob...

[Fierros]

Hi, Im Fierros from Mexico, new to the DE and wetshaving and all that stuff lol!

After spending a few years fighting against the irritation and ingrown hairs and bumps caused by the razor, I decided to make a change, spend a lot of time viewing reviews on the web, and come across the wetshaving... I must admit that just reading about the whole preparation and the process of wetshaving blew my mind! So I bought some equipment to try the wetshave, bought a DE razor (Merkur 34C i think...), an E&J brush, one Taylor sandalwood cream, like 100 blades (razor sample pack)...

My stuff arrived 3 weeks ago, and started using those as soon as they arived... Since then I bought one more cream (body shop), 2 soaps (Loccitane and Crabtree&Eveelyn), and more stuff I can find here (Here in Mexico is hard to find stuff to shave like this!!! so everytime I see one store that have things I tend to bought them to try em)...

My first shave was awfull!! LOL, I was bleeding, but I did noticed that I had waaaaaaay less irritated skin compared when I shave with my old razor (gillet match 3)....

Sorry for the boring precuel to my questions, LOL, but since im not use to shave like this, well I have some doubts:

1.- How often should I shave? This last 3 weeks ive been shaving daily, because Im so happy that this dont irritate my skin, that I have to do it!! but im not sure if that is ok... I do have some bumps, and I do have some irritation (when i use a new blade, change those every week)....

2.- I have an oily face, so if some of you could help me giving me reviews on good aftershaves would be aprecieted (the stores I have here are: kiehls, crabtree&evelyn, loccitane, lerbolaire, bodyshop)... If not I would have to buy the stuff from amazon, and wait for about 2 months to get them here (since most of the stuff is not send here, i need to wait to someone with a US adress get here)

3.- I have some spots that even I try to clear them, looks like the hair sticks there! (Right in the curve of my chin) any tips how to clear that?

Since im starting ive been doing a 3 pass shave, only in the direction of the grain...

Thanks!! and just wanted to say, that this is an awsome page!!!

[kf4tqj]

Hi Fierros, welcome to the group. I'll try to answer a few of your questions. I'd say most of us shave every day. I know I do, but as it gets old for you just shave when you either need to or want to. I'd advise against making a practice of shaving more than once a day, but, once a week I go to church on Wednesday evening and I like a clean face. After having shaved normally in the morning I may make a single pass in the evening before going out. If I do that though I find that I only need 2 passes the next morning rather than 3 so it works out. Some folks always get by with just 2 passes.
About an after shave, a lot of us use Aqua Velve. Some use Witchazel. I use either Afta or a cream by Gillette
Hope that helps some. I'm headed out the doar to head to church,
All The Best,
Woody

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard Fierros glad you joined us. I would suggest that you watch mantic59 videos on youtube. He has great tutorials on the whole DE shave routine.

[Fierros]

Thanks Woody and sledgehammer for the advice!!

Will watch those youtube videos, and try to find the Aqua here in Mex.

[Eric V]

Welcome to the B!

1- I think a daily shave is fine. As your prep and technic improve, you will get closer shaves and much less irritation. A three pass shave is enough for now, and for maybe a few months. Next step is to substitute an XTG pass for the third pass.

2- I'm not familiar with the products at those shops, but witch hazel is a good product, and might be available in a grocery store or pharmacy. An after shave balm may not work for you because of oily skin, but it is worth a try, if you can get a sample at one of the businesses you mentioned.

3- Stretch your skin a bit so the hollow area becomes flat or convex. If you keep working from different angles, you will finally get to where this is easy for you.

Good Luck and Have Fun!

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to the B. :thumbup1:

[fireengineer2004]

Welcome Aboard Fierros glad you joined us. I would suggest that you watch mantic59 videos on youtube. He has great tutorials on the whole DE shave routine.

+1 :thumbup1: Great suggestion! :thumbup:

[Edward 1689er]

Welcome!

[rm71]

Welcome mate!

[Fierros]

Thanks for the welcome!! :thumbup:

[stevodevo]

Welcome! Being a newbie myself I wont' offer any advice but will say that I tried shaving 2 days in a row but ended up being too confident and aggressive my 2nd shave. My face normally only needs shaving every other day. The temptation was too great at first but now I'm settling for every other day with the DE again.

I'd say if your face can handle it, shave every day! I would! It gives you more opportunities to practice on your technique.

I don't have an oily face so I can't comment there but I use EJ Aloe aftershave balm and Aramis aftershave when the balm has dried a bit... So far it's left my face feeling fresh and fairly moisturized. I really like the soothing of the EJ Aloe (and the scent even without the AS).

Good luck and happy shaving!

[Slash McCoy]

I only shave once a day, and sometimes when I am not working and have no appointments to keep, I skip a day or even two days. I usually use a straight, but occasionally I use a DE. Either way, I only do one careful pass with the grain, except for special occasions when I want a better, longer lasting shave, and then I go three passes: WTG, XTG, and ATG. My skin is not so oily so I mix it up as the mood strikes me. Sometimes I use Nivea aftershave balm, which is moisturizing, but more often I just splash on some Old SPice, which is an alcohol based aftershave. For an oily face I suggest a fairly stiff and scrubby brush, and shaving soap rather than cream, and face-lathering. The action of the brush on the skin will help to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Then after shaving try an astringent type aftershave, either witch hazel based or alcohol based.

For your problem areas, I suggest a cleanup pass XTG (across the grain) or ATG (against the grain). You should use very light pressure and very low blade angle to avoid cuts and scrapes. If your work a regular 5 day week, you might want to do all of your experimenting on Friday evening or Saturday morning so you are recovered from any redness or cuts before going back to work or school. Experimenting on your own is important. Only you can figure out exactly what works best for you, and that takes time and willingness to try new things.

One thing that you should pay attention to is your blade angle. Ideally, the blade should be as flat to your face as possible. Of course, the head of the DE razor prevents a very small angle, but try the smallest angle at which the blade still shaves. You should get far less irritation, if your problem is too great of an angle. This is a common beginner mistake. Another mistake is using too much pressure. The blade should do the work, not your wrist. Let the weight of the razor make the pressure. Lightly press with just one finger if that doesn't seem to be enough. Since you bought a sampler pack, I am sure you have tried several different blades already and found the one you like best. If not, then that is something else you should do. Different shavers like different blades. Different razors work better with different blades. Usually, your best shave will be right after you change it, or maybe the second shave, with some blades. Most men will change their DE blade after 4 or 5 shaves. A week might be a little too long if your beard is medium or heavy. Another idea is to try an adjustable razor like a vintage Gillette Adjustable Slim or a FatBoy. Ebay is a good place to find them. Or you could try a new Merkur adjustable, but I prefer a vintage Gillette.

[Fierros]

I only shave once a day, and sometimes when I am not working and have no appointments to keep, I skip a day or even two days. I usually use a straight, but occasionally I use a DE. Either way, I only do one careful pass with the grain, except for special occasions when I want a better, longer lasting shave, and then I go three passes: WTG, XTG, and ATG. My skin is not so oily so I mix it up as the mood strikes me. Sometimes I use Nivea aftershave balm, which is moisturizing, but more often I just splash on some Old SPice, which is an alcohol based aftershave. For an oily face I suggest a fairly stiff and scrubby brush, and shaving soap rather than cream, and face-lathering. The action of the brush on the skin will help to cleanse and exfoliate your skin. Then after shaving try an astringent type aftershave, either witch hazel based or alcohol based.

For your problem areas, I suggest a cleanup pass XTG (across the grain) or ATG (against the grain). You should use very light pressure and very low blade angle to avoid cuts and scrapes. If your work a regular 5 day week, you might want to do all of your experimenting on Friday evening or Saturday morning so you are recovered from any redness or cuts before going back to work or school. Experimenting on your own is important. Only you can figure out exactly what works best for you, and that takes time and willingness to try new things.

One thing that you should pay attention to is your blade angle. Ideally, the blade should be as flat to your face as possible. Of course, the head of the DE razor prevents a very small angle, but try the smallest angle at which the blade still shaves. You should get far less irritation, if your problem is too great of an angle. This is a common beginner mistake. Another mistake is using too much pressure. The blade should do the work, not your wrist. Let the weight of the razor make the pressure. Lightly press with just one finger if that doesn't seem to be enough. Since you bought a sampler pack, I am sure you have tried several different blades already and found the one you like best. If not, then that is something else you should do. Different shavers like different blades. Different razors work better with different blades. Usually, your best shave will be right after you change it, or maybe the second shave, with some blades. Most men will change their DE blade after 4 or 5 shaves. A week might be a little too long if your beard is medium or heavy. Another idea is to try an adjustable razor like a vintage Gillette Adjustable Slim or a FatBoy. Ebay is a good place to find them. Or you could try a new Merkur adjustable, but I prefer a vintage Gillette.

Thanks for the advice!!! I usually change blades and experiment new stuff on the weekend, since I have a job, so will try some stuff you said here on the weekend!!!

[DVM2012]

Fierros, you said something about how the first shave is usually the worst with your blades? Some people on here (though I don't personally do this) "cork" their blades before using them. Basically you just run the edge of the blade along a piece of cork before you use it. It's supposed to mimic the amount of wear that happens the first shave, that way when you do use it for the first time, it feels a little smoother.

Other than that, I have to second the Aqua Velva notion. I use that one quite a bit, though I've used a lot of others now that I seem to have the ASAD (aftershave acquisition disorder). :lol: Anyway, welcome to the B&B and I hope that you find a lot of helpful hints on here to help you along the way. As always, find what works best for you. YMMV (your mileage may vary).

Cheers!

[Fierros]

Thanks for the cork tip Matt!! Will try that, as soon as I change my blade!!!

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B.

For a good starting off point look at the information at this post (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700). The information there will direct you to where you can get answers to all of your shaving needs. Plus, it’s always a good idea to read the wikis and stickies. And, don’t forget; if you have any questions just ask. :smile:

[Optometrist]

Welcome to B&B, Fierros!:thumbup1:

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[GDCarrington]

Welcome to the good ship B&B. Take a stroll on the promenade deck and enjoy the voyage. :thumbup1:

Be sure you take a look at the following thread. It has a lot of helpful information that you would be interested in.

WET SHAVING INSTRUCTIONS AND TUTORIALS: New? READ THIS THREAD!

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=71700

Always remember, relax but be vigilant when you shave!

[pal]

Welcome to B&B!