Not sure if this should go in the Newbie Check-in section since it's a technique post, but...
I never really heeded Mantic's advice about flattening the skin instead of stretching it until very recently. I always felt like it wouldn't get as close, but I've been on an anti-irritation jihad of late, thickening my lather, re-learning angle, kyle's prep, etc. I decided to give it a try.
WOW!
By doing the opposite of stretching, I got every bit as close, but suddenly my face looked much smoother. I think I was irritated in ways I wasn't aware of, and this really fixed it. No weepers, no ingrowns, no cuts (all things which plagued me recently). It makes the jawline so much easier, and suddenly I can see how my grain pattern goes. Plus, I cover more ground with each stroke.
I have dry, somewhat sensitive skin (actually combination skin). My beard is a Grade II but lies very flat against my face. I always could find extra stubble by flattening, even after a BBS stretched shave. Now, much better. I heartily recommend giving it a try on all 3 passes.
I never really heeded Mantic's advice about flattening the skin instead of stretching it until very recently. I always felt like it wouldn't get as close, but I've been on an anti-irritation jihad of late, thickening my lather, re-learning angle, kyle's prep, etc. I decided to give it a try.
WOW!
By doing the opposite of stretching, I got every bit as close, but suddenly my face looked much smoother. I think I was irritated in ways I wasn't aware of, and this really fixed it. No weepers, no ingrowns, no cuts (all things which plagued me recently). It makes the jawline so much easier, and suddenly I can see how my grain pattern goes. Plus, I cover more ground with each stroke.
I have dry, somewhat sensitive skin (actually combination skin). My beard is a Grade II but lies very flat against my face. I always could find extra stubble by flattening, even after a BBS stretched shave. Now, much better. I heartily recommend giving it a try on all 3 passes.