So, I've come a long way since starting last Sunday. I know, it has only been a week and I still have ways to go, but I getting the hang of it.
Items used this week:
RazoRock Super Knurl DE Safety Razor
Derby Extra DE Blades
Italian Barber Shaving Soap for Sensitive Skin - Primavera
Omega S-Brush S10019
Witch Hazel / Alum
Nivea Cooling Post Shave Balm
This morning I took a look back at the posts about each shave this week. I really am surprised with how far one can come, in only 7 shaves. Here is a summary of my first seven shaves. Click the links for the detailed posts:
Day 1: TOO Much Pressure!!! Lather was ok, needs work
Day 2: Still too much pressure, but felt better. Lather still needs work.
Day 3: Getting the hang of it!
Day 4: 1st Damn Fine Shave!
Day 5: Don't get cocky! OUCH!
Day 6: Good Shave, no details
Day 7: Another DFS! Went back to bowl lathering. This video really helped me get it dialed in!
So, the best piece of advice I can give to someone just starting out.
Matt
Items used this week:
RazoRock Super Knurl DE Safety Razor
Derby Extra DE Blades
Italian Barber Shaving Soap for Sensitive Skin - Primavera
Omega S-Brush S10019
Witch Hazel / Alum
Nivea Cooling Post Shave Balm
This morning I took a look back at the posts about each shave this week. I really am surprised with how far one can come, in only 7 shaves. Here is a summary of my first seven shaves. Click the links for the detailed posts:
Day 1: TOO Much Pressure!!! Lather was ok, needs work
Day 2: Still too much pressure, but felt better. Lather still needs work.
Day 3: Getting the hang of it!
Day 4: 1st Damn Fine Shave!
Day 5: Don't get cocky! OUCH!
Day 6: Good Shave, no details
Day 7: Another DFS! Went back to bowl lathering. This video really helped me get it dialed in!
So, the best piece of advice I can give to someone just starting out.
- Watch How-to videos! This really has helped me! The follow YouTubers have some good ones:
- Nick Shaves
- Michael Freedbrge
- TSE
- Watch these, then watch again, then decide which Technics you want to use.
- Then write down what you are going to try! I was having issues with lathering. I then figured out I was trying different things that I saw people doing, but they didn't together.
- Example: I saw people blooming soap, so I tried that. However, I didn't know that if you do that, you need to load with an almost dry brush.
- Have the basic equipment:
- Razor - Do you research and get the best your budget allows but don't go all out. You can always upgrade later.
- Blades - Get a tuck (5 blades) of a Derby's, plus a sample pack. Use up Derby's to get your technic dialed in. Then try the other blades to see what you like best.
- Brush - Get a good, inexpensive synthetic brush to start. Again, you can upgrade later.
- One Soap - Get good with this, before trying others
- Alum block (and/or Witch Hazel)
- Shave Balm
- Only do a 2 pass shave, straight down both times. Maybe some LIGHT cleanup, then STOP. DFS and BBS shaves will come in good time!
- The above will allow you to focus on NO PRESSURE!!! Too much pressure is your enemy!
- If you are new, you need to give yourself time to shave. You CANNOT rush through shaving with a DE razor. You'll end up getting cut! Wait to do your first shave when you have plenty of time to take it slow.
- Use this forum to ask questions and experiment with things on your own.
- Enjoy the Shave!
Matt
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