Your single best shaving tip

I've learnt lots of useful tips from these forums. However, there's one tip that really transformed my shaves, and it's this:

rub your finger tips with alum - this allows you to get a better purchase on your skin when stretching it during the shave.

I have a very angular jawline (not much fat around around there!), and I always used to have problems getting a decent finish around there. Since using alum on my fingers I now acheive a really good, close finish every time. I can't remember which forum or thread I read it on but I'd like to thank the poster for such a simple but effective tip.

All this got me thinking: what's the single best tip you've come across?

Cold water shaving.

HoosierTrooper said:

Cold water shaving.

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Now that looks interesting! I'll have to give it a try next time.

No pressure, let the razor do the work.

Be sure you're awake and your eyes are open, unless you have a practice blade in your razor.

Steve

Wash your face, lather up, then let the lather sit on your beard for two minutes before you start shaving.

Don't over-complicate it!

The bare essence and joy of shaving must not be drowned in too much soaking, preparing, rinsing etc.

Wear pants when shaving with a straight razor.

HoosierTrooper said:

Cold water shaving.

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That gives some people irritation and urticaria

Don't shave drunk

+1 on the lather on beard for 2 minutes, softens the whiskers beautifully for me!

Jorocom said:

No pressure, let the razor do the work.

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Especially when using Feathers.

Don't use a blade past its prime.

Bacardi 151

take you time.

I recommend using very shallow angles when finishing up the sensitive spots on your neck.

I also recommend using warm, not really hot water in your scuttles. Lather doesn't do well in a scorching hot scuttle.

Don't do more then 4 passes. If you need more then you are not holding the razor right and/or just hurting yourself. For me 3 passes max with no clean up pass.

+1 to cold water shave.

I'll try the alum finger tip.

Don't cut yourself

Read Mendel's post:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...ughts-and-Wisdom-for-Newbies?highlight=Mendel