What is Kyle's prep?

[guillaume]

I have been having some problem shaving with my DE and getting very different shaves all the times.

I understand that my technique is still a work in progress. In terms of hardware, I am using a jagger DE 89 with astra blade, a Taylors of Bond Almond cream and a synthetic brush (I know i need to get a badger one).

So I was thinking my prep might be poor. I always shave after a shower. I use the St Ives Apricot face wash. Then I wet my face with hot water, make the lather in the bowl, apply and then shave.

However, I have read people talking about the Kyle prep technique. Doing a search didn't reveal the actual technique, just mostly people talking about how good the technique was.

Can someone point me in the right direction of the fame Kyle technique.

Many thanks

[Luc]

This link should explain it: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/How_to_pre-shave_prep

[CptNemo]

It's in the wiki: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/How_to_pre-shave_prep

Hope this helps!

[dangersteve]

I've never tried Kyle's prep, since it seems to take almost as long as my whole shave routine. And really, 2 entire minutes rubbing lather into the face with fingers? 2 minutes is a long time doing this. I can't imagine having that sort of patience. If I was in a barber shop and the barber spent 2 minutes rubbing my face I'd start to wonder if I'd purchased the right package.

[Jr19703]

I think the fingers are to to control the brush. Holding the bristle to guide the cream from the nostrils and ears. This was a barber manual. Ill admit while it seems like a long process I sometimes shave at night and this sounds interesting enough to try. While the time might seem long its the results that really mater. If your shave takes 10 minutes but it is lacking whats another 10 to get excellent results.

Jason

[guillaume]

Excellent. Didn't think about going to the wiki. I just searched the forum.

Thanks

[ackvil]

Keep in mind you can use Kyle's prep as a guide and edit it to your tastes.

[JeffM]

I have used an edited version of Kyle's prep for over a year. I shave in the morning but shower at night so I feel I need some face/beard softening and conditioning.
I face lather with a brush then cover with a very warm to hot moist towel for 2 minutes. Kyle says 3 minutes but my towel is too cold by then. Wipe off, re-lather and shave. It works well.

[HoosierTrooper]

For a different idea check THIS thread. Over a year and a half of cold water shaves and I will never, ever go back to using hot water. Ever.

[DanOK]

I also use a edited version. I shave before I shower in the morning and wash my face with Nivea for Men Sensitive Face Wash then apply a hot towel which I had heated in the microwave while I was making coffee. A couple of three minutes and I'm good to go.

[laddy45]

Welcome to B&B. I also use a modified (1-2 minutes) Kyle's Prep. One of the great things about wet shaving is the fun of experimenting. BTW, the EJ DE89 and an Astra blade is a favorite combo of mine, especially after 3 or 4 days growth. Nice to have you here!