First case of razorburn? Second documented straight shave.

[Manthrax]

Hello gents!

Today i'm posting my second documented shave.

Last time I got a really close shave, as I did this time. But with a difference: I believe i'm suffering from my first EVER case of razorburn. I have this stinging sensation, on my right cheek, also a bit less stinging on my left. I have no cuts or nicks that are visible to any eye, so I must assume it's razorburn. I don't have any experience with this since before, so I could use some help.

My razor did pass the HHT when I stropped after finishing the shave (though I did this a few times over to get to that result). I didn't feel the razor tugging, or so I think.

But also, i'm thinking my lather might be the culprit in this. I use TOBS shave-oil to prep, and under my lather while shaving. I used up three hot towels before even starting the shave. The thing is though, my lather tends to dry up, and eventually start flaking. I get a nice lather, with peaks and it's very rich and creamy. But it always dries up.


I'm sorry if this post is a little messy and unfocused, but I hope the point gets through.

I'm grateful for any response!

//Timo

[Easttexasman]

Try getting your lather slightly moister.It seems to allow the razor to glide easier and thus you will use less pressure to move the staight.
Once you have the lather on your face,just dip the tip of your brush in water and face lather.You might have to do this 2 or 3 times but you can practice this without shaving so you know you will be ready once it is time to shave.

Flaking lather is not good at all.

[Manthrax]

I figured as much. Practice makes perfect!

The only thing that bothers me is that the lather LOOKS great, but the performance is horrible...

[LarryAndro]

... I used up three hot towels before even starting the shave....

There are a few whose skin is a little more tender, and that do better with a little less heat. This is not the most likely cause. But, you might try soaking as long as you did before, but not with as much heat.

... The thing is though, my lather tends to dry up, and eventually start flaking. I get a nice lather, with peaks and it's very rich and creamy. But it always dries up...

It is fun to create rich foamy lather. But, don't lose sight of your goals... (1) wetness, and (2) soapiness. You might try next time for lather that is maximum wetness, but still of consistency to stick on your face while shaving. The lather won't look as good. But, it might work better.

[Manthrax]

I don't have very sensitive skin, or so I think.

But I will go for wetness the next time I shave. Maybe i'll use a bit more of the oil as well.

[Kentos]

Aye, no need for the St. Nicholas beard of lather. Just enough to allow the sharp edge of the blade to glide over your skin.

[Brent]

Try getting your lather slightly moister.It seems to allow the razor to glide easier and thus you will use less pressure to move the staight.
Once you have the lather on your face,just dip the tip of your brush in water and face lather.You might have to do this 2 or 3 times but you can practice this without shaving so you know you will be ready once it is time to shave.

Flaking lather is not good at all.

+1. I have found wetter lather is better. I thought at one point a creme wasn't working for me but when I got it wetter it seemed to work much better. I shoot for a glossy look for the lather and face feel.

[namonarpos]

+1. I have found wetter lather is better. I thought at one point a creme wasn't working for me but when I got it wetter it seemed to work much better. I shoot for a glossy look for the lather and face feel.

+2. Having a wetter, slicker lather allows the blade to glide and cut, rather than dig in - especially for those of us who are still learning how to properly strop!

[Manthrax]

So far i've found that stropping is really the hardest part of straight shaving.

[sanfranciscian]

+ all of the above, slicking up the lather was key for me. also I had some of that burn when i started. Don't know from what but i assume it was new type of razor? bad technique? went away quickly anyway. good job. stay the course you will be fine.

Ian

[DLBconductor]

Just as an experiment, you might try a cold water shave. A lot of people swear by it in terms of reducing razor burn. YMMV.