Guidance for between passes

**Russianrat** · 02-02-2012, 06:01 AM

I noticed that when lathering up between passes sometimes my face feels a little irritated (like by the soap). I use VdH luxury soap. Anyone have any trouble? Should I be rinsing between so it is kind of like a fresh start each pass?

**nemo** · 02-02-2012, 06:06 AM

I always rinse between passes and leave a bit of water on my face. Are you face lathering or using a bowl?

Welcome to B&B.

**ackvil** · 02-02-2012, 06:07 AM

The odds are better that it is your blade angle, pressure, or too aggressive a razor that is causing the problem. The soap usually doesn't cause the problem but makes you feel the pain. Sort of like putting alcohol on your face after you shave. It burns because of the irritation and lets you know you made an error.

**Russianrat** · 02-02-2012, 06:18 AM

possibly, it was most noticeable on the infamous shave three on the Derby...

**Rustonrazor** · 02-02-2012, 06:53 AM

what about the brush causing some irritation after your beard is reduced? I know my skin didn't really get irritated, but it did feel a little scratchy until the brush was broken in.

**drawonme** · 02-02-2012, 07:00 AM

I do a quick rinse to re-wet my face Water, water, water

**beengone** · 02-02-2012, 07:21 AM

Face or bowl lathering? If you're face lathering, try bowl lathering. As noted above, you could be irritated by the brush scratching your face. What brush are you using and how much scrubbing with it are you doing? You could also be irritating yourself with the blade and noticing it when you apply lather.

**Useless shaver** · 02-02-2012, 08:15 AM

Originally Posted by ackvil

The odds are better that it is your blade angle, pressure, or too aggressive a razor that is causing the problem. The soap usually doesn't cause the problem but makes you feel the pain. Sort of like putting alcohol on your face after you shave. It burns because of the irritation and lets you know you made an error.

Originally Posted by Russianrat

possibly, it was most noticeable on the infamous shave three on the Derby...

+1

I never rinse between passes, just spread warm water on my face and then re-lather. In my case, Derbies were horrible too.

**Russianrat** · 02-02-2012, 08:43 AM

first couple of times with the Derby was fine, third one was decidedly NOT fine. I lather in my mug and then just spread on my face. I have a VdH brush that I got with a set and have been using it for a few months now. Once I changed blades (shave four), things were better, but the kind of chapped feeling was still there just a bit.

BTW, not sure if I am in love with the Gillette 7 o'clock Platinum that I used next out of my sampler...although it could have been the abbreviated preshave this morning...

**beengone** · 02-02-2012, 09:10 AM

Originally Posted by Russianrat

first couple of times with the Derby was fine, third one was decidedly NOT fine. I lather in my mug and then just spread on my face. I have a VdH brush that I got with a set and have been using it for a few months now. Once I changed blades (shave four), things were better, but the kind of chapped feeling was still there just a bit.

BTW, not sure if I am in love with the Gillette 7 o'clock Platinum that I used next out of my sampler...although it could have been the abbreviated preshave this morning...

Which Platinum? Blue or Black?
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...62#post3700862

Try an Astra SP next if you have them.

**Russianrat** · 02-02-2012, 09:33 AM

the packaging is blue grayish...so blue I guess.

**fluffman86** · 02-02-2012, 09:37 AM

The VdH brush probably isn't helping much either. That thing is REALLY scratchy and takes a really long time to break in. Time for a silvertip? Or at least a soft semogue? ;)

**dpmtherrien** · 02-02-2012, 01:00 PM

I always re-apply hot water between passes and then re-lather.

Here's something to give a try to: after you rinse before another pass try applying some witch hazel. You'll find the astringent properties to be good for your skin, and the WH will really set up any stubble for the next pass.

**TonyBrown** · 02-02-2012, 05:14 PM

i've never bothered rinsing between passes, but i'm finding that my face may not be as sensitive as I had once thought

**sulkhogan** · 02-06-2012, 06:29 PM

If you're newer to the game, chances are it's your technique (blade-wise, not lather-wise). I had the same problem and after I eased up on the razor it stopped completely. If you were reacting to the soap it would more than likely happen when lathering for your first pass. Or it could be that your brush is too scratchy. Good luck!

**mystkm** · 02-06-2012, 08:10 PM

As others have said it could be the brush and possibly the soap but any reaction would be noticed on the initial lathering. Try bowl lathering to reduce irritation from a scratchy brush. I understand those VDH boar brushes take a while to break in. Most likely you are using too much pressure and this is causing the irritation when you relather. I almost always rinse between passes. Blades could be another culprit. You mentioned switching to a new one it was better. Also, try letting your face rest up a couple days. Practice technique, zero pressure, etc. When I first started I started getting cocky and used pressure and relathered and had a stinging sensation which let me know I messed up.

Good luck!

**gigglemonk** · 02-06-2012, 08:35 PM

I used the VDH brush for awhile thinking that all the talk about silvertip vs two band vs mermaid locks was all snooty BS. Then I actually tried a silvertip. HUGE difference.
I also found that VDH really dried out my skin after a few shaves. Still, the fundamentals need to be solid, pressure, angle, wet enough lather.