This is my setup:
Razor: Merkur Classic
Blades: Sampler Pack, currently using IP.
Brush: C&E Best Badger
Cream/Soap: Proraso green tube, Palmolive red, MamaBears Lime and Eucalyptus
A/S: Aqua Velva, Proraso ASB
Misc: Styptic Pencil
First, the Brush
I got my C&E Best Badger brush last tuesday, ive been using it at least once a day, usually more, since i like to practice my lather technique.
Since last tuesday ive used the brush 8-10 times, i cant exactly remember, but the brush has shed at least one hair each time, sometimes two. None were shed today thank god, but if more do shed, how many more before i should call C&E for an exchange?
Second, my brush isint holding water anymore, ive used shampoo and conditioner on it, the shave right after was bliss, but then the next day, the brush had that silvery sheen while underwater again.
I think it may be my VERY hard water, should i switch to using bottled water? We buy it by the gallons, so its cheap. Or is there anything out there that wont harm my brush, and yet take off the mineral deposits? Ive heard Borax helps, but isint that more of an anti-fungal so mildew wont grow on it?
Second, Soap/Cream lather
Does it matter what the lather looks like as long as it provides a slick shave?
My lather looks like crap, gets all Matte and dry looking after 1-2 minutes, but if i apply it on my face, it doesnt dissapear, and if i put my finger through it, its really slick. Is this a case of "dont worry about looks, but functionality"?
Again, this could be because i have really hard water.
Third, What causes razor bumps?
i get absolutely no irritation ANYWHERE on my face/next except for the lower next area, to the left and right of the adams apple, i get wicked razor bumps there. Ive used Derby, Euro Gillete, Merkur, IP, they all have the same effect, i have not yet tried the Feather
What are razor bumps caused by? bad razor angle? crappy lather?
And lastly, are there any other things i should worry about having really hard water? i was going to ask a couple more questions, but its late, i want to shave, and head off to bed
Razor: Merkur Classic
Blades: Sampler Pack, currently using IP.
Brush: C&E Best Badger
Cream/Soap: Proraso green tube, Palmolive red, MamaBears Lime and Eucalyptus
A/S: Aqua Velva, Proraso ASB
Misc: Styptic Pencil
First, the Brush
I got my C&E Best Badger brush last tuesday, ive been using it at least once a day, usually more, since i like to practice my lather technique.
Since last tuesday ive used the brush 8-10 times, i cant exactly remember, but the brush has shed at least one hair each time, sometimes two. None were shed today thank god, but if more do shed, how many more before i should call C&E for an exchange?
Second, my brush isint holding water anymore, ive used shampoo and conditioner on it, the shave right after was bliss, but then the next day, the brush had that silvery sheen while underwater again.
I think it may be my VERY hard water, should i switch to using bottled water? We buy it by the gallons, so its cheap. Or is there anything out there that wont harm my brush, and yet take off the mineral deposits? Ive heard Borax helps, but isint that more of an anti-fungal so mildew wont grow on it?
Second, Soap/Cream lather
Does it matter what the lather looks like as long as it provides a slick shave?
My lather looks like crap, gets all Matte and dry looking after 1-2 minutes, but if i apply it on my face, it doesnt dissapear, and if i put my finger through it, its really slick. Is this a case of "dont worry about looks, but functionality"?
Again, this could be because i have really hard water.
Third, What causes razor bumps?
i get absolutely no irritation ANYWHERE on my face/next except for the lower next area, to the left and right of the adams apple, i get wicked razor bumps there. Ive used Derby, Euro Gillete, Merkur, IP, they all have the same effect, i have not yet tried the Feather
What are razor bumps caused by? bad razor angle? crappy lather?
And lastly, are there any other things i should worry about having really hard water? i was going to ask a couple more questions, but its late, i want to shave, and head off to bed