Another Newbie Checking In

**Blade** · 02-24-2007, 08:54 AM

Having grown tired of spending a small fortune on cartridges, enduring frequent irritation, and never getting a close shave...I decided to give traditional wetshaving a try. I decided on going with a safety razor (Futur w/ Merkur blades for the moment).

First few shaves haven't been that close (2-3 passes...WTG, XTG) and have had several nicks but I guess developing technique and comfort with the new way will take several more weeks.

Having said that I've never been able to go ATG on the chin area and especially patches just below the bottom lip. Beard is tough in that area and around the chin...and skin seems to be super sensitive there. No ingrown hairs but redness and burning is not uncommon. Anyway, I'll go ATG in all the other areas after feeling comfort with this new way of shaving.

I'm also thinking I need to modify my lather to get maximum lubrication...especially before going ATG but also to get a closer shave in the meantime. Would a shave oil be best here or is Mantic's mix technique of priming the brush with a glycerine soap a better way to go?

**Kyle** · 02-24-2007, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Blade

...Would a shave oil be best here or is Mantic's mix technique of priming the brush with a glycerine soap a better way to go?

You'll probably get an equal number of folks advocating each of these methods. Your best bet is to try both and see what you like.

**Leisureguy** · 02-24-2007, 10:16 AM

I agree with Kyle: some people find glycerine great, others say it does nothing, and the same for shaving oils. But before doing against the grain, be sure to reduce the stubble as much as possible. My difficult area is the upper lip, and there I do against the grain both ways before trying against the grain. If you have really, really reduced the stubble, against the grain becomes very easy, almost like polishing: the finishing touch (and "touch" is right: go light, watch blade angle).

It's all a matter of experience, which you accumulate through (a) practice, and (b) paying close attention, and (c) experimenting a bit.

A shaving stick works well (IMHO) for tough beards, BTW, and the Slant Bar, once mastered, will tame any beard if you use a sharp blade. (You do have the LetterK blade sampler, don't you?)

Welcome.

**BroJohn** · 02-24-2007, 03:03 PM

Joe --

Good first post, and welcome to B&B!

You'll find the with daily practice, you will be cleanly shaving and BBS shaves will become the norm. Don't try too hard, just get comfortable with what you're doing and gradual improvement will come naturally.

BTW, you probably won't save any money, as you'll spend more on shaving goodies instead of cartridges --but you'll get more enjoyment and your face will be happier.

-- John Gehman

**Ernie** · 02-24-2007, 03:09 PM

Welcome to the forums. This sums it up well:

Originally Posted by Leisureguy

It's all a matter of experience, which you accumulate through (a) practice, and (b) paying close attention, and (c) experimenting a bit.

**Smedley** · 02-24-2007, 04:00 PM

Another new wet shaving devotee! I don't have a tough beard, but remember the GAP (grain, angle, pressure) is key to a good shave. I think we all have unique beard growth patterns, so time spent figuring yours out is time well spent. Also make sure your Futur is set at a comfortable setting for you, and do get the sampler pack and work through it.