Something to do with frequency? Inconsistent shaves

[nikkuchan]

I've been using DE razors for a few years now, and there is something that's really starting to get to me to the point where I'm beginning to consider other kinds of razors (no 5-bladed crap, maybe a 2-3 bladed one).

I'd say my technique and prep are fine, and I'm very careful (I shave right after a shower, keep my beard heated, take my time with soap and lather-building, etc...), but my shaves are always very inconsistent, and it seems to have something to do with shaving frequency.

When it's been a few days since my last shave (usually at least 3 days), my shaves are smooth, they feel great, and the result is nice (smooth face, nearly any cuts if any). However, if it's been 1-2 days since my last shave, it all just goes wrong. Nothings different, but much of the time, the blade doesn't feel like it's gliding as smoothly (it feels rough and uncomfortable), I cut myself up a lot more, and I come out of my shave with a red neck and bad razor burn. This doesn't happen all the time, but it happens often enough to really get to me. I put a lot of time and effort into learning to use a DE, and the low cost is a huge plus (especially with the ridiculous prices of disposables nowadays), but if every other shave is going to be hell on my face, I don't know what to do.

Is my face too sensitive? Are my blades just too dull when I have my bad shaves? I'm trying to figure it out, so I'm trying some things. I know I'm not giving enough info to allow for some really useful input, but if anyone has had any issues along the lines of what I explained, then please tell me about it. Maybe those stories will help me. Thanks!

EDIT: Just for reference: I've had these issues with a number of different blades, so I don't think the blade is a problem. I use a Feather Popular razor, which I thought was fine, but it's the only razor I've ever used, so it had occurred to me that it might just be a bad razor and I would have better results with a nicer one like a Mekur or something.

[The Kayaker]

Although I have only just started with de wet shaving Ive had the same problem in the past with multi blade systems and for me it was the length of my beard after two days I get a lovely smooth shave but when I shave every day its hit and miss. So what I do is try and change the times of my shave when I can ie shave monday morning then late Tuesday night just to get a little more length to my beard.

Dont know if any of this helps
Al

[spaceboy2001]

I have always had the same problem (I'm 56 and been shaving for a while now). It doesn't matter if I used an electric or a multi blade thing I always had the same problem. I have sensitive skin and a light beard (in terms of color and texture).
For the longest time I could only shave once a week. Now that I'm DE Shaving I get less irritation and have gotten it down to every third day. I have tried every other day, but I was getting too much razor burn, so I went back to waiting longer between shaves.
This has been hard to do since it is so much fun to shave now, but my skin just can't take it.

[Vlad]

Well, maybe your skin is too sensitive. But it might be something you are accidentally doing. Sometimes, for whatever reason, I'm just not paying attention when I'm shaving. My mind wanders, and that's when I irritate my skin. Sometimes I start to hurry, for no reason. I get cuts, and uncomfortable skin. I noticed this happening consistently for a while, and realized it was me being to complacent, because I had become accustomed to shaving. So make sure when you're shaving daily that you're taking just as much care and when you shave after a few days.

What kind of soap are you using? What kind of aftershave?

[Lamb Root]

Welcome to B&B!

- Take nice and slow preparations. Lots and lots of warm water, preferably a shower before shaving.
- Take your time with face lathering too.
- Use different blade, Feathers are not everyone's favorite.

[Whilliam]

Welcome to B&B!

- Take nice and slow preparations. Lots and lots of warm water, preferably a shower before shaving.
- Take your time with face lathering too.
- Use different blade, Feathers are not everyone's favorite.

+1