4th Shave, near BBS? Is it possible?

**silvervtx05** · 08-06-2011, 12:06 PM

Ok, so shave 1 was at best, uncomfortable. But shave 2 seemed a little better, except for the part where I tried to shave off my Adams apple and a mole under it. Shave 3 slightly better than shave 2 but still leaving stubble. Razor burn is less. And then came shave 4...
First let me say that each shave appeared to be progressively better than the last. Second, I did some more reading on this site and went to Bath and Body Works and bought some CO Bigelow Shaving Cream(repackaged Proraso?). Last night I watched the Mantic59 videos again. So this morning, I started my shaving ritual. This time using the super lather technique Mantic59 showed in one of his videos. So first pass was WTG, second pass was XTG, third pass was opposite direction XTG, then last pass was ATG. I had a couple of spots that needed some touch ups which I did using the advanced technique Mantic59 showed in one of his videos. Everything felt smooth so I rinsed off, used some Witch Hazel(just in case), rinsed that off with cold water, and the applied my favorite After Shave Balm. Cheeks and chin-line are BBS! Neck is nearly so. One little weeper but no cuts or razor burn. This was a new blade also btw...
One thing I did do a little different was to apply a slight, slight, slight amount of pressure on passes 3 and 4. The cheeks and chin-line have got to be one of the closest shaves I have ever had.

Now my question is this...is this just newbie luck???

My equipment is as follows:
Country Uncle Butterfly DE Razor(ok, cheap I know...)
Currently using Merkur blades(have a sampler pack on the way)
Badger Brush(cheap one?)
CO Bigelow Shaving Cream
AVEENO Baby Soothing Relief Creamy Wash(no laughing, this stuff works!)
Witch Hazel
Obsession Aftershave Balm(my wife loves the smell and it doesn't have alcohol in it so no burning)

**noahpictures** · 08-06-2011, 12:30 PM

Congrats on the shave but I would not listen to anyone by the name of Manic..

I think you meant "Mantic59".

**Greyfox** · 08-06-2011, 12:41 PM

Congrats on your shave. Yes it is possible. The real question is can you repeat it?

**ackvil** · 08-06-2011, 12:44 PM

Originally Posted by Greyfox

Congrats on your shave. Yes it is possible. The real question is can you repeat it?

+1. Just keep in mind all that you did right and don't get over confident. Slow and easy wins the race.

**Eric V** · 08-06-2011, 03:20 PM

Now my question is this...is this just newbie luck???

Uh, maybe. You did the right stuff, though. Watching vids, etc. You are progressing well! Keep us posted about shaves 5 and 6.

**BrianK** · 08-06-2011, 03:41 PM

Sure it's possible. Just don't get carried away with applying pressure. Some razors won't bite you, they'll just give you a lousy shave and razor burn, others you'll be removing strips of skin for skin grafts. So learn to not apply pressure now. It's ok to be the immovable rock and not let the razor bounce, but no pressure. It's hard to describe.

Another positive criticism... let the WH dry and apply the balm over it, there's good stuff in the WH.

As previously written, repeat the shave, over, and over and you have it. Don't get cocky, keep your wits about you, you can do it!

**Rivguy** · 08-06-2011, 07:51 PM

If you did it, it is possible. The goal is repeatability. If your subsequent shaves are not as good don't get disappointed just keep at it until you feel confident with your technique.

Regards,

Doug

**Sledgehammer39** · 08-06-2011, 08:35 PM

Congrats it is very possible.

**venton** · 08-06-2011, 11:06 PM

Sounds like you paid attention to Mantic and it's paying off, he helped me too.

**k2clones29** · 08-07-2011, 12:17 AM

Congrats on your shave. Keep your efforts up. There will be bad ones, but they get fewer and further away over time.

**Optometrist** · 08-07-2011, 04:12 AM

Congratulations! As others have said, it's repeatability that's now required. You have achieved great things so see what happens next time. You can do it!!!