Help!

[slamb77]

Well I should say hi first! So I read up quite a bit on wet shaving and ordered a nice razor, Proraso cream, and a modest badger brush. Upon first try, I kinda ended up with a very rough shave, several nicks, and smelling a bit like a wet badger. I used a hot towel and lots of hot water for a couple minutes to soften up, got a big coffee cup and lathered what seemed to me like a pretty decent lather (nothing to compare it to!), lathered up my face and off I went. I should say that I have fierce facial hair. Very full beard growth, and a sharp and protruding jaw line. It was going well enough except for part of the jaw line, mustache, and it wasn't pretty on my neck. But even on my cheeks, the easiest part, after two shaves it still wasn't close at all. The hair on my neck grows in a few different directions making it beg for nicks. So, I know it was a first time!

Firstly, what's the best way to get that smell out of the brush? Then, with tough facial angles and full, thick beard growth, what can I be doing to avoid cuts and get a closer shave?

Thanks guys!

[mstrincredible]

Welcome!
I am a newbie. What helps me, is to think with each pass as a "Beard reduction". There are some videos on youtube that helped me with technique. Check out mantic59.
Good shaving!

[newtobengall]

You might be pushing to hard, unlike cartriges u dont need to press just glide. but i'm new too, good luck.

[djh]

Welcome to B&B. Your cries are very familiar from beginners- don't panic! It will take a little time, but the results should be well worth it. I would suggest that you read through these Tutorials (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/71700-WET-SHAVING-INSTRUCTIONS-AND-TUTORIALS-New-READ-THIS-THREAD%21), take it easy on your next shave and then please come back and report on your progress. You might have to adjust your expectations downwards a little during the learning process and then once you can shave without nicks and irritation add another pass (or two) to get closer.

Good luck!

[Marco]

Welcome to B&B, mate. I think you need to shave more and do a bit of practice... Keep in mind to:

1. Use plenty of hot water during the entire shave, giving particular attention to the prep phase.
2. Work the lather carefully for a couple of minutes all around your shaving area.
3. With the razor proceed slowly, NO PRESSURE on the skin (it's the pressure the main cause of razor burn and nicks).
4. Make the first pass only WTG (with the grain) and, where not possible, XTG (across the grain). Hence avoid going ATG (against the grain) on your first pass.
5. Give a good cold water rinse at the end of your shave and apply an aftershave of your choice. Get a moisturizing one if you have dry/sensitive skin.

The badger smell on the brush will disappear by itself after a few uses, no problem.

If further help is needed, just ask. We are here for this!

[Mad Man]

All good advice above.

Welcome! If you don't have an alum block or balm get some; it'll help with irritation until your technique is better.

[The Count of Merkur Cristo]

Welcome to the B & B!!!

As a suggestion...don't forget the three 'P's of shaving;

1. Practice

2. Process (technique)

3. Patience

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=206309&stc=1&d=1323865867 "A razor [blade] can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Author Unknown

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B.

[slamb77]

Thanks guys! It's probable I was applying pressure without realizing it since I was trying to concentrate on the angle. It's so different from hacking away with those 15 bladed Gillette cartridges. I'm going in for another round tonight!

[Dennard]

Welcome!

[dpmtherrien]

Welcome to the forum.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[DOLLARBILL]

Key to a GREAT SHAVE all of the above and most of all TAKE YOUR TIME ! Good Luck !
Enjoy Your Shave !

[cluelessdude]

Well as for the smell it can happen with new brushes but it will go away after a few shaves. Don't let it bother you. If it is really bothering you mantic, in one of his videos, mentions some product to use to get rid of the smell.

As for getting a comfortable and close shave (though I'm not an expert and not at that stage myself either) make sure you do WTG pass then two XTG passes from both directions.

Make sure your angle is correct also.

[xraydoc]

Practice lathering will help get rid of the badger smell and price your lathering. Also hot water is a must in the preshave routine but that alone doesn't do it for me. I always use a preshave oil or cream. you can make your own or buy one, like Proviso Pre/Post. Keep it up...it will get better as your technique improves!