Checking In

[Act Appalled]

I started wet shaving this week after receiving my gear for Christmas. My first shaves of the week were not the most comfortable that I've had. I have always had irritation during and after shaving, but this seemed to get worse with the de. There was noticeably more tugging and pulling then I had been used to with my fusion and goo. Today, however, I made a mini breakthrough. The first pass went by with more of the same tugging that I had in my first three shaves. I was careful about my blade angle and pressure, but something still didn't seem right. Went I went back to my bowl to lather up for my second pass my lather seemed a bit dry and there was hardly any left. I dipped my brush in some water and swirled it around in what little lather I had left. When I applied the cream to my face it seemed rather thin and wet, but I went ahead with my second pass. Much to my surprise the razor glided across my face effortlessly. Afterward, my face was much smoother and less irritated than with my previous shaves. I think that I have found the correct consistency now for my lather and I can now begin to see how pleasant shaving can be when you get things right. Sorry for the long winded post but it's nice when you begin to figure something out, even if it is by accident.

[Luc]

Excellent work!

[jtadmin]

Good Job! Making that perfect lather is key to the perfect shave!

[eto]

Welcome, This is a learn as you go sort of deal. You can read all that you can to learn from, but in the end you will be your own best guide when your shaving.
Great work and enjoy.

[neilt]

great...what type of creme are you using? I generally like more water in my creme to thin it out a bit.

The 'fun' about this is mixing it up till you find what works.

[Act Appalled]

Right now I'm using the C.O. Bigelow branded Proraso cream. I have a puck of AOS Lavendar that I'm saving until my technique improves.

[neilt]

technique improves?

You have any idea how long a puck lasts? No need to ration. It is not unusual for some to shave daily with a puck for a year or so...there was a thread on it a few days ago...

[danielcv]

Welcome! it just takes time. and searching. to find everyone elses techniques theyve learned over the years.

[Act Appalled]

technique improves?

You have any idea how long a puck lasts? No need to ration. It is not unusual for some to shave daily with a puck for a year or so...there was a thread on it a few days ago...

I know. I just want to learn to make good lather with my proraso before I move on to something else. One step at a time.

[beginish]

I know. I just want to learn to make good lather with my proraso before I move on to something else. One step at a time.

That is wise, and will save you many headaches as you work out your routine. You made an excellent choice with the AoS Lavender soap, as it is one of the finest soaps made today, and is really easy to lather.

[DavyRay]

There is a great lesson here. The reason you see YMMV all over the B&B is that constant experimentation is necessary to get good results. The exact amount of water to make slick lather will vary depending on the soap or creme you use, and the humidity in your shave den. The best angle of attack for your razor can change from time-to-time as well. Small changes, testing the waters, are important. Don't accept anyone's statement that you need a 30 degree angle. See for yourself.

Act Appalled, you learned by doing. That should apply to many areas of shaving. Congratulations.

[josephfrye]

The perfect lather is the key to a perfect shave!

[Act Appalled]

Thank you to all for the tips and words of encouragement. I have gained a wealth of knowledge from this site and I am thankful to everyone for their help. You have all provided me with a great starting point, and now I just need to find what works best for me.

[mretzloff]

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

[Optometrist]

Get the lather right and you are almost there. I started with lather much too dry to begin with but at the time, I believed it was great. Only experimentation proved me wrong. No short cuts I'm afraid.

David