I knew it was going to happen sooner or later... I have been wet-shaving since 1974. Started with a DE, cream, boar brush. In a few years switched to BIC disposables and was using them exclusively for some 35 years. Used the same Muhle boar brush for almost 20 years even when I had to apply foam instead of a cream. Always applied foam with a wet boar brush, never by hand.
A year ago decided to replace my worn brush and that's when I found this great forum. Simple brush replacing turned into buying new razors, several brushes, creams, soaps, after shaves... That's what we cal RAD.
The actual results of using DE and even SE razors varied. I would say 70% of shaves were good (a tiny weeper or two, no visible razor burn, BBS or DFS, etc.). About 10% of shaves were very good (no weepers, no razor burn, BBS). About 10% were fair (several weepers, a nick, some visible razor burn, etc.). And, unfortunately, 10% of shaves were bad or very bad (bloodshed, razor burn, red face for an hour or so). I NEVER managed to get consistently good/very good shaves despite the conditions were the same always. I have been shaving once in 72 hours for decades with rare exceptions for special occasions. That lack of consistency has been quite frustrating.
There was a temptation to screw it all and get back to my all time favorite BIC disposables (I only like that single-blade sensitive skin orange one) but I forced myself to stick to DE and hope things will improve some day.
Today I decided to try a BIC and see. I went through usual routine -soaked my Semogue 830 in hot water for a few minutes, washed my head and face with hot water, rubbed the face, used Cella and what can I say. An AMAZINGLY comfortable, clean, enjoyable, audio-, visually-, and sensually enjoyable great shave!!! Of course, multiple passes with very little pressure and a perfect BBS with not a single weeper or razor burn! Never had such a shave in my life! Never! Not with DE or SE nt even with the same BIC!
I would love to use that shiny nickel or chrome plated metal DE razors, but that plastic BIC gives me MUCH better shave, so ... sorry gents, I'll stick with BIC. It is still wet-shaving is not it?
Nevertheless, I am so glad I found this forum because I have learned a lot about wet-shaving.
Firstly, all that "no pressure, no pressure" thing works nicely with BIC too!
Secondly, I never did more than two passes (N-S and later S-N). Now, I have learned to change directions and do some three-four passes. What a difference!!!
Thirdly, I used to stretch my skin and as a result would get occasional razor burn even with BIC. I have learned from the members of this great forum to actually loosen up the skin and it works wonderfully on my my neck!
Fourthly, I have never done blade-buffing before. It is a great technique particularly when the blade is about to die.
Fifthly, after the shave I used to wash my face with hot water. Big mistake! Now I do only cold water rinsing and enjoy it a lot.
Yes, because of this forum I bought a lot of stuff which will see little use, but on the other hand I have discovered some great soaps, creams, brushes I never heard about. And finally, reading posts everyday was a lot of fun, not only learning. So, I am really glad I have found this forum despite I am back to this little orange beauty a perfect razor created by BIC (Personna):
View attachment 392786
A year ago decided to replace my worn brush and that's when I found this great forum. Simple brush replacing turned into buying new razors, several brushes, creams, soaps, after shaves... That's what we cal RAD.
The actual results of using DE and even SE razors varied. I would say 70% of shaves were good (a tiny weeper or two, no visible razor burn, BBS or DFS, etc.). About 10% of shaves were very good (no weepers, no razor burn, BBS). About 10% were fair (several weepers, a nick, some visible razor burn, etc.). And, unfortunately, 10% of shaves were bad or very bad (bloodshed, razor burn, red face for an hour or so). I NEVER managed to get consistently good/very good shaves despite the conditions were the same always. I have been shaving once in 72 hours for decades with rare exceptions for special occasions. That lack of consistency has been quite frustrating.
There was a temptation to screw it all and get back to my all time favorite BIC disposables (I only like that single-blade sensitive skin orange one) but I forced myself to stick to DE and hope things will improve some day.
Today I decided to try a BIC and see. I went through usual routine -soaked my Semogue 830 in hot water for a few minutes, washed my head and face with hot water, rubbed the face, used Cella and what can I say. An AMAZINGLY comfortable, clean, enjoyable, audio-, visually-, and sensually enjoyable great shave!!! Of course, multiple passes with very little pressure and a perfect BBS with not a single weeper or razor burn! Never had such a shave in my life! Never! Not with DE or SE nt even with the same BIC!
I would love to use that shiny nickel or chrome plated metal DE razors, but that plastic BIC gives me MUCH better shave, so ... sorry gents, I'll stick with BIC. It is still wet-shaving is not it?
Nevertheless, I am so glad I found this forum because I have learned a lot about wet-shaving.
Firstly, all that "no pressure, no pressure" thing works nicely with BIC too!
Secondly, I never did more than two passes (N-S and later S-N). Now, I have learned to change directions and do some three-four passes. What a difference!!!
Thirdly, I used to stretch my skin and as a result would get occasional razor burn even with BIC. I have learned from the members of this great forum to actually loosen up the skin and it works wonderfully on my my neck!
Fourthly, I have never done blade-buffing before. It is a great technique particularly when the blade is about to die.
Fifthly, after the shave I used to wash my face with hot water. Big mistake! Now I do only cold water rinsing and enjoy it a lot.
Yes, because of this forum I bought a lot of stuff which will see little use, but on the other hand I have discovered some great soaps, creams, brushes I never heard about. And finally, reading posts everyday was a lot of fun, not only learning. So, I am really glad I have found this forum despite I am back to this little orange beauty a perfect razor created by BIC (Personna):
View attachment 392786
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