Gull's Shave Diary

[gull]

Well I might as well make one of these since my razor came today. I tried to find my other topic in this board, but now I can't find it

Anyway, I'll take some pics when I get the chance. As soon as the thing came I took the chance to experiment on my legs and even my sister's legs. It worked really well! Although it was a struggle to cut some of the hairs. The razor just slid over some hairs instead of cutting them. I'm assuming this wouldn't be a problem if I lathered....I think....

Unfortunately I shaved this morning with a feather so I think it'll be a day or two before I take my new straight to my face.

How long can I shave before I HAVE to strop? I'm asking because I still need to wait for my strop to arrive but I'm impatient and want to shave now. I can just shave a few times then strop a lot later right?

[Jim]

Well I might as well make one of these since my razor came today. I tried to find my other topic in this board, but now I can't find it snip

look here - http://badgerandblade.com/vb/search....archid=8500047

[gull]

^Hmmm I got this message

"Sorry - no matches. Please try some different terms. "

:(

[Jim]

Today, 05:19 PM Replies: 2
Gull's Shave Diary
Views: 3
Posted By gull
Gull's Shave Diary

Well I might as well make one of these since my razor came today. I tried to find my other topic in this board, but now I can't find it

Anyway, I'll take some pics when I get the chance. As...

Forum: Safety Razor Blades Today, 11:39 AM Replies: 15
First Shave with a Feather Blade
Views: 416
Posted By gull
I tried feathers for the first time today. So...

I tried feathers for the first time today. So far, it's my favorite blade and I managed to not get any cuts or razor burn I was scared to try XTG and ATG, but I do intend to try those...

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk Yesterday, 09:33 AM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
Great! Just to be certain though, here are pics...

Great! Just to be certain though, here are pics of the belt. One for each side. I only need to use the smooth side for stropping right?

http://i34.tinypic.com/33v10ma.jpg...

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk 08-23-2010, 01:53 PM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
Just wondering, can I just use my leather belt in...

Just wondering, can I just use my leather belt in place of a strop?

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk 08-22-2010, 08:35 PM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
I got it from the whippeddog guy and it's this...

I got it from the whippeddog guy and it's this one

http://www.whippeddog.com/imgs/DSCN8544.JPG

Only $23+$19 for the strop set.

---

I had another question. Can I use the barber's hone to...

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk 08-22-2010, 08:17 PM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
Well I'm taking the plunge. I ordered my straight...

Well I'm taking the plunge. I ordered my straight and strop and it's only a matter of time before they get here and I get to try them out.

I'll update this thread with the results.

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk 08-22-2010, 01:01 PM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
^That's great! I'm so glad I made this topic. I...

^That's great! I'm so glad I made this topic. I think I'm going to actually consider taking the plunge. I saw some razors on his site for $30! That's way too good to pass up. Is polishing important?...

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk 08-22-2010, 12:40 PM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
Do I need to lap the barber's hone? How much does...

Do I need to lap the barber's hone? How much does that strop paste help?

Also is there much of a difference between a $50 straight and a $100 straight? $200 straight? I'm not looking into some...

Forum: General Straight Razor Talk 08-22-2010, 11:05 AM Replies: 28
Thinking about going Straight
Views: 393
Posted By gull
Thinking about going Straight

I'm not in a rush to start, but I just had a few questions first. I read through the whole "interactive" sticky and my mind is just blown by the amount of info. inside that topic. My biggest concern...

Forum: Safety Razors 08-22-2010, 09:19 AM Replies: 12
What Gillette is this?
Views: 497
Posted By gull
I'm going to have to take it from you now

I'm going to have to take it from you now

Forum: Aftershaves 08-22-2010, 08:45 AM Replies: 13
Is aftershave really necessary?
Views: 380
Posted By gull
Is aftershave really necessary?

For the longest time I've just been using body lotion and I'm wondering if aftershave does anything that lotion doesn't.

Forum: Shaving Creams 08-22-2010, 08:43 AM Replies: 13
My lather is too runny
Views: 301
Posted By gull
I skipped the bowl and it worked! Thanks for the...

I skipped the bowl and it worked! Thanks for the help

Forum: Skin, Body & Hair Care 08-21-2010, 07:22 AM Replies: 11
overactive oil glands! Help!
Views: 244
Posted By gull
I have those things as well. Sebaceous Hyper...

I have those things as well. Sebaceous Hyper Paglia I believe that's what my derm called them. I know I butchered the spelling, sorry I have them all over my nose. They're a really pain in...

Forum: General Shaving Discussion 08-20-2010, 03:25 PM Replies: 12
Your first time...
Views: 204
Posted By gull
My first "shave" was when I was 3. I was curious...

My first "shave" was when I was 3. I was curious about my dad's razor so I picked it up and tried it out on my arm. The minute I put the razor to my skin, I started to bleed and I learned my lesson. ...

Forum: Shaving Creams 08-20-2010, 03:16 PM Replies: 13
My lather is too runny
Views: 301
Posted By gull
Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them out and...

Thanks for the suggestions. I'll try them out and if I'm still having problems, I can certainly take pics and post them up.

Forum: Safety Razor Blades 08-20-2010, 09:16 AM Replies: 50
Worst shave I've had in years, courtesy of a Derby.
Views: 2,751
Posted By gull
I tried the vertical derby today. I tried to be...

I tried the vertical derby today. I tried to be very careful and I still got a ton of irritation and nicks. I can't believe how much of a difference each different type of blade has!

Forum: Shaving Creams 08-20-2010, 09:15 AM Replies: 13
My lather is too runny
Views: 301
Posted By gull
My lather is too runny

I use shaving cream from the Body Shop. Now I also use the synthetic brush from there as well. As of now, I'm trying to experiment with different razors, creams, or brushes till I go through all my...

Forum: General Shaving Discussion 08-18-2010, 09:42 PM Replies: 24
Poll: How was your barbershop shave?
Views: 699
Posted By gull
I got a great Barbershop shave about a week ago....

I got a great Barbershop shave about a week ago. Only problem was the price, $18 >_>

Forum: General Shaving Discussion 08-18-2010, 09:06 PM Replies: 14
Soap vs. Cream
Views: 199
Posted By gull
Okay now I'm interested, what's this...

Okay now I'm interested, what's this "Superlather"?

Forum: Safety Razor Blades 08-18-2010, 09:04 PM Replies: 50
Worst shave I've had in years, courtesy of a Derby.
Views: 2,751
Posted By gull
Oh lord I have the vertical Derby's in my Sample...

Oh lord I have the vertical Derby's in my Sample pack. Now I'm scared to try them out...

Forum: General Shaving Discussion 08-18-2010, 08:42 PM Replies: 47
My bleepin' CAT!!
Views: 1,014
Posted By gull
In the picture he looks so innocent

In the picture he looks so innocent

Forum: General Shaving Discussion 08-18-2010, 08:42 PM Replies: 14
Soap vs. Cream
Views: 199
Posted By gull
Soap vs. Cream

Is there any reason why someone would want to use shaving soaps over shaving creams? Are they harder to lather, but work better? I'm not in any hurry to try more creams and soaps, right now I'm just...

Forum: Safety Razor Blades 08-06-2010, 12:58 PM Replies: 7
Blade recommendation?
Views: 222
Posted By gull
Blade recommendation?

We'll I tried out a Lord safety razor and I got a sample pack with it. All the blades were made by Lord and soon I plan to get another sample pack from other sources so I can compare.

I was...

Forum: Shave Clinic & Newbie Check-In 07-24-2010, 09:41 AM Replies: 15
New guy checking in
Views: 161
Posted By gull
Well the Gillette Tech is pretty cheap, so I...

Well the Gillette Tech is pretty cheap, so I ordered that and I'll try it out. I also got a sample pack bundled with it so I can see how it goes when it comes.

BTW, can I ask what "BST" stands...

Forum: Shave Clinic & Newbie Check-In 07-23-2010, 02:10 PM Replies: 15
New guy checking in
Views: 161
Posted By gull
New guy checking in

I was recommend to the site when I was complaining about shaving in another forum. I've been snooping around and I thought I would ask for some help.

Right now, I would say I have pretty...

[gull]

How did you do that!? I've been trying to find my post history but so far I've been unsuccessful.

[Jim]

In your user control panel>statistics

[Luc]

Well I might as well make one of these since my razor came today. I tried to find my other topic in this board, but now I can't find it

Anyway, I'll take some pics when I get the chance. As soon as the thing came I took the chance to experiment on my legs and even my sister's legs. It worked really well! Although it was a struggle to cut some of the hairs. The razor just slid over some hairs instead of cutting them. I'm assuming this wouldn't be a problem if I lathered....I think....

Unfortunately I shaved this morning with a feather so I think it'll be a day or two before I take my new straight to my face.

How long can I shave before I HAVE to strop? I'm asking because I still need to wait for my strop to arrive but I'm impatient and want to shave now. I can just shave a few times then strop a lot later right?

Normally you would need to strop between each shave. It will help maintaining the edge. If you keep shaving without stropping, you will eventually have a very blunt blade and cut yourself.

You could use ~10 pages of newspaper to strop. However, newspaper is no leather, it won't be as smooth but it will get you through for a few days.

How did you do that!? I've been trying to find my post history but so far I've been unsuccessful.

You could also do the advanced search and search your own username.

[Gustav]

I am in much the same situation, a seemless belt without decorations is also an option but in my opinion it does not replace a strop. I do 100 laps on it. Good luck!

[gull]

I had my first shave today. Not good. Not good at all. I stropped the thing on my belt before I shaved and the biggest issue I had was my hair kept being pulled. I never felt like the blade was cutting anything as much as it would hit the hair and get stuck there. I tried to keep my blade at a 15 degree angle btw.

I somehow did see some hair in the sink so it much have been doing its job but after the shave I didn't see much of a difference. I had to take my DE out to finish.

I got cut a few times on my chin area but other than that, no bleeding.

Any advice? Did I strop incorrectly and screw up my blade? I read the tutorial and watched youtube videos to help me strop but I have a feeling I did something wrong.

EDIT: What angle should I be stropping at?

[Gustav]

It is difficult to say after just one shave. Do not expect any great result until around shave 10. When you strop your whole blade and spine should be resting on the strop and you should only use enough pressure to hold it there. You might have applied to much pressure and had a too steep angle. Watch Joels pic tutorial, that should give you a good idea.

[gull]

Is it okay if I put a finger or two on top of the blade while I strop to keep it down? What has been happening to me is the weight of the razor lifts the edge up from the strop.

From now on I'll just do my cheeks and try to get a good shave there before I move on. It was a mistake to try and do everything.

Also I promised pics and here they are. I was surprised by how small the razor was!

[Gustav]

Is it okay if I put a finger or two on top of the blade while I strop to keep it down? What has been happening to me is the weight of the razor lifts the edge up from the strop.

From now on I'll just do my cheeks and try to get a good shave there before I move on. It was a mistake to try and do everything.

Also I promised pics and here they are. I was surprised by how small the razor was!

Keeping your fingers on the blade while stropping should be all right.

It is probably a good idea to do cheeks only in the beginning. You should never force yourself to do something that does not feel right and there is no shame in finishing off with whatever tool you are comfortable with. On my first attempts, I would finish off with a DE.

A key issue to look into, besides angle, is skin stretching, check out Chimensch's video on youtube and you will see how he systematically stretches the skin he is about to shave. Pay particular attention to his use of an alum block in this respect.

Good luck!

[Luc]

I don't put my fingers on the blade, I hold it by the shank and the spine + edge touch the leather. The weight of the razor is enough. I might press a bit on it to make sure the full edge+spine touch the leather while stropping.

If you give an angle to your straight and only have the edge on the leather you will roll the edge and that's not good.

[gull]

I had my second shave today. I only did my cheek and my neck. I did a WTG and an ATG pass. When I feel my skin it feels smooth but in the mirror it looks as if there is still a good amount of hair I'm too scared to do an ATG pass...

Overall though the shave was much better. Using smaller quicker strokes has helped with the pulling. I felt like doing the rest of my face but it needs to heal. There are more cuts than I thought.

[Luc]

I had my second shave today. I only did my cheek and my neck. I did a WTG and an ATG pass. When I feel my skin it feels smooth but in the mirror it looks as if there is still a good amount of hair I'm too scared to do an ATG pass...

Overall though the shave was much better. Using smaller quicker strokes has helped with the pulling. I felt like doing the rest of my face but it needs to heal. There are more cuts than I thought.

That's all right for your skin. I always have the darkish/greenish type of beard that stay there when I finish shaving.

[gull]

That's all right for your skin. I always have the darkish/greenish type of beard that stay there when I finish shaving.

Good to know. I won't try to get closer then.

Today I did my neck and I'm still getting some pulling (less though) and I got a horrible cut which made me finally decide to get a septic pen. Besides that though, I managed to hack off all the hair in that region.

I'm confused on whether I should switch to my other hand to do the other side of my face. It feels so awkward and so far I've managed to just change my grip with my dominant hand.

I think I'm getting better...maybe...

[Luc]

Good to know. I won't try to get closer then.

Today I did my neck and I'm still getting some pulling (less though) and I got a horrible cut which made me finally decide to get a septic pen. Besides that though, I managed to hack off all the hair in that region.

I'm confused on whether I should switch to my other hand to do the other side of my face. It feels so awkward and so far I've managed to just change my grip with my dominant hand.

I think I'm getting better...maybe...

How many laps are you doing on the strop? You might need to do more, sometimes, 10 more laps on leather improves the edge like there's no tomorrow!

For switching hand, that's a preference. Believe me, I can't do anything with my left or not much. When it comes to straight shaving, that's a different story. It will take you ~10 shaves to get used to it and the first 3 shaves will be very difficult if you use your non-dominant hand.

Do you have to? No. Will it be easier? I think so.

[gull]

I do about 20-30 laps on the strop. More can't hurt though.

I shaved again today and did a good portion of my bread. No cuts except for my ears. Lesson: pull back those ears! Now I see why some razors have curved tips.

I'm still getting a lot of razor burn and I don't know to fix that. Less pressure? Lower angle? Higher angle? Longer strokes? Shorter strokes?

[Luc]

I do about 20-30 laps on the strop. More can't hurt though.

I shaved again today and did a good portion of my bread. No cuts except for my ears. Lesson: pull back those ears! Now I see why some razors have curved tips.

I'm still getting a lot of razor burn and I don't know to fix that. Less pressure? Lower angle? Higher angle? Longer strokes? Shorter strokes?

You would probably need more laps than that. I do 30 on linen and 60 on leather.

For the razor burn, your prep & lather need to be spot on. Your angle should be very low (spine almost touching your skin).

[gull]

Good tips Luc! I shaved my neck today and I had significantly less razor burn. I did cut myself on the area near my chin, and my shave was no where near as close as I would like. I had to take my DE to finish the job although it's worth mentioning that there was one patch of hair that was DFS smooth. I don't know how it happened but if I can replicate that patch all over then I wouldn't have to switch to my DE.