Key Points

**mrscottishman** · 03-10-2010, 08:48 AM

Hello to all,

Although all of these points are covered at different places on the site, I thought I would collect a few key points in one place. I also think that it is good for us old timers to review the basics from time to time.

Add or comment as you wish.

Equipment is important but it doesn't have to be expensive.

What works best for you is as individual and unique as you.

Face prep is very important. There is no way to get your best results without it.

Hot water is important for a good shave.

If you are getting bumps, nicks, irritation . . . stop and re assess what you are doing.
Don't live with it, change it. It is possible for most people to have a comfortable close shave.

The main causes of "razor burn" or irritation are: too much pressure, aggressive shaving against the grain, improper razor angle, too aggressive razor or setting, dull or poor blades.

You can have nasty reactions to soaps, aftershaves and anything you put on your face if you are sensitive. It may not be the razor's fault.

A cold water after rinse is both refreshing and good for your skin if you are not sensitive to cold.

Keep a clean razor to keep from having infections and bumps.

If one razor or soap and technique don't work for you another one may give tremendously better results, but make sure your technique is good before you blame the razor.

Time and practice make a lot of difference.

Your views?

best,
mrscottishman

**JPM** · 03-10-2010, 09:53 AM

Good observations. Thanks for the post.

**SpyvSpy** · 03-10-2010, 09:58 AM

Good observations. Definately how I'd put it.

**Dennard** · 03-10-2010, 11:01 AM

I agree with everything, mrscottishman.

**dod.e.ratherwell** · 03-10-2010, 11:36 AM

Hmmm that seems to sum everything up rather well! Guess we can all go home now!

Considering I had a lousey shave for the first time in along time this morning your reminders are timely!

**falkor27** · 03-10-2010, 12:42 PM

I'm giving a shaving talk and straight-razor demo to a young men's group at church soon (it will satisfy a personal hygiene requirement of an award they're working towards).

I think you just wrote my outline for me - thanks!

**TimV** · 03-10-2010, 07:42 PM

Very helpful reminders, thanks.

**mrscottishman** · 03-12-2010, 05:46 AM

Thanks fellows, I learned it all from you (and grand-dad and dad and my uncle and hours in front of a mirror)

happy shaving,
mrscottishman

**BBrad** · 03-12-2010, 06:54 AM

A review of "Shaving Basics 101" is never a bad thing . . .

Nice work!!

**Chimensch** · 03-12-2010, 07:17 AM

... and don't forget stretching!

**mrscottishman** · 03-12-2010, 01:46 PM

Originally Posted by Chimensch

... and don't forget stretching!

I do toe touches and waist twists to warm up!

good one!
mrscottishman

**Alfredo Becerra** · 03-12-2010, 05:50 PM

Originally Posted by mrscottishman

Equipment is important but it doesn't have to be expensive.

What works best for you is as individual and unique as you.

Hot water is important for a good shave.

If you are getting bumps, nicks, irritation . . . stop and re assess what you are doing.

The main causes of "razor burn" or irritation are: too much pressure, aggressive shaving against the grain, improper razor angle, too aggressive razor or setting, dull or poor blades.

Keep a clean razor to keep from having infections and bumps.

If one razor or soap and technique don't work for you another one may give tremendously better results, but make sure your technique is good before you blame the razor.

Time and practice make a lot of difference.

best,
mrscottishman

Very nice post, MrScottishman, I will remember it next time I dare mention I like Williams Shaving Soap and you change the topic to how much it sucks, how much you hate it, etc etc etc...

**luvmysuper** · 03-12-2010, 06:03 PM

Originally Posted by Alfredo Becerra

Very nice post, MrScottishman, I will remember it next time I dare mention I like Williams Shaving Soap and you change the topic to how much it sucks, how much you hate it, etc etc etc...

As they said in the Wizard of Oz...

Pay no attention to the man behind the curtain!!!

MrScottishman - That's just his way of saying YMMV

**wilsondude** · 03-12-2010, 06:32 PM

Good stuff!!

**saltypete** · 03-12-2010, 06:40 PM

Some excellent observations. Great post!

Pete

**pauls51** · 03-13-2010, 01:39 AM

Agree with the above comments.

The main point being YMMV!

**mrscottishman** · 03-13-2010, 05:59 AM

Originally Posted by Alfredo Becerra

Very nice post, MrScottishman, I will remember it next time I dare mention I like Williams Shaving Soap and you change the topic to how much it sucks, how much you hate it, etc etc etc...

Well, I am not all bad . . . just mostly

I think there are a few people around here that take things more seriously than I realized.

mrscottishman- I never said Williams was bad, just that it left a funny taste in your mouth.