I'd like some reviews on my technique

[av8or234]

I guess the title says it all. I've been at this starting on 3 weeks now and I'd like some critique on my procedure.

1. Soak bowl and brush in hot water in sink
2. Shower
3. Dry face(pat dry with towel)
4. Remove brush and bowl from sink and drain.
5. Small dollop of AOS Lemon or Lavender or Proraso green tube shave cream in middle of bowl.
6. Work cream into wonderful lather.
7. Apply lather to face, working it with the brush.
8. First pass, North to South and warm water rinse.
9. Next pass, Lather, Ear to nose on both sides of face, warm water rinse.
10. Final full pass, Lather, Nose to ear on both sides. Warm rinse.
11. Lather on neck, some light against the grain work, warm rinse.
12. Cold water rinse for about 20 seconds.
13. GENTLE pat dry and apply Proraso Liquid Aftershave Balm.
14. Clean bowl and brush, wipe down sink.

Set up is this: Merkur FUTUR, Derby blade(currently, just received sampler pack), badger brush from AOS(it's the one that comes in THIS (http://www.theartofshaving.com/taos/starter-kit.php?sku=98002) starter pack). Some variation exists in this procedure, though very little.

[boboakalfb]

I would eliminate number 3...keep your face wet...don't pat dry...I even rewet it prior to applying the lather..after all, it is WET shaving...

[Leisureguy]

I agree. Between steps 6 and 7, insert:

6.5: wash beard with soap and water, rinse in hot water, leave wet.

7. Apply lather to wet beard.

[htownmmm]

3. Dry face(pat dry with towel)




Leave your face wet as stated above- why take away that nice, warm moisturizer you already have applied?



Marty

[jduffy]

I can't seem to find the step where you get to relax and enjoy yourself.

Put that in and I think you're doing fine.

[rtaylor61]

Just be sure that your shaving passes are "with" the grain, "across" the grain and "against" the grain. If you can make three passes that are completely the same direction...you are growing the perfect beard.

Randy

[OldSaw]

The main thing is are you getting the results you want? I would agree with the other suggestions.

I like the fact that you pre-heat the sink while you are in the shower. I usually do this right away wether showering before or after. The basin is a sizable thermal mass that will rob heat from the hottest water.

I see some guys go to great lengths to have near boiling water at the sink like using tea pot boilers and such. I think this is way too much bother. Aside from the fact that I find water above 120 F uncomfortable. Although I do keep my water heater at about 140-150 F. This gives me a "just right" water temp on the second filling.

And lastly, remember to...Relax...Tak it easy...Enjoy the lather.