Howdy!

[Lucy7]

Hi Guys.

Thanks for having a place like this around. I'v already read a ton of posts and put them into practice. I know it's a bit rushed, seein as I'm new but I got a question. I've got the ideas down and have been practicing for about 2 weeks. No matter what I do, I either don't get a close shave (not BBS, just close), or my face looks like ground beef. I have a Vision 2000, on the lowest setting, matching brush and proraso cream. And even when it feels smooth, you can see what looks like stubble from a mile away.

Help!!
Thanks.

[Scorpio]

Welcome.

Could you describe your prep routine and maybe how you shave, passes, razor blade?

Raf

[fritz]

Welcome, Lucky!
Need a little more info: what brand of blade?

If you have fair skin and thick, dense, black whiskers, then make-up is your only hope!:D Seriously, even when BBS you will be able to see the ends of the whiskers. Learn to like it.

I think starting out with a Vision as your learning razor is pretty ambitious. It is a very good shaving machine, but it's a little like learning to drive a car with a Lamborghini. In other words, little mistakes in your technique like blade angle and pressure can be magnified greatly.

It sounds like you may have a very tough, wiry beard. If so, then you may need a sharper blade, and change it more often.

You might seriously consider getting a Merkur 38C. The traditional beginner's razor is generally a Merkur HD, or "Hefty Classic". But since you have a Vision you will be used to a long handle and heavier weight, which the 38C will provide.

[IsaacRN]

Welcome aboard. I wish i could help but im not on my DE phase as of yet. Im doing the Straight Razor bit. But Cheers and welcome

[Lucy7]

Thanks for the warm welcome.
I use Merkur blades.
My routine is:
Shower (wash face in shower)
Lather
Work in w/ fingers, wait 2-3 min.
rinse w/ warm water
relather
shave WG
relather
XG, relather
XG
warm water rinse, cold rinse, Barber Brigade Sensitive Skin ASG
That's about it. I tried less passes but it just doesn't reduce the beard significantly. Also the beard from the bottom of my jawline down grows sideways. On the jaw i can manage, but on the neck the windpipe just makes the positioning akward. Lastly, I think I have the angle down, but it's I still have to make a small pass and readjust. Does anyone have a Vision, or tips on that?

Thanks alot.

[qhsdoitall]

First, someone send him a real blade. :D

Second, shave as soon as you can after applying lather. I see you are using a pre-lather. Cut back that time. You can actually dry your face out with longer times on your face. Try 1 minute. The Vision is a more advanced razor but doable if you take your time. You'll be OK. It's a heavy razor so let it do the work for you.

[PalmettoB]

Welcome to The Shave Den!! Mind telling us your real name? We're pretty informal.

Lessee...not up on the Vision 2000, but I would suggest a second WTG pass, then XTG and ATG. As Rich says, no pressure. Let the razor do the work. Pressure here, unlike the ol' cartridge, is counter-productive (and painful).

(Oh, yeah, and when you get the chance, go here: http://www.westcoastshaving.com (http://www.westcoastshaving.com/)
for a blade sampler. You can try a few of several different types of blades and see which one you like best, then buy a bunch! The Merkurs are okay for some folks, but others liken them to shaving with a slightly sharper butter knife!)

[Lucy7]

My name's Ariel by the way.
As for the real blade, any opinions on the Gillete blades you can pick up at any drugstore? Since the Merkurs are the only ones I have, the Gilletes would be the only ones readily available.

[PalmettoB]

My name's Ariel by the way.
As for the real blade, any opinions on the Gillete blades you can pick up at any drugstore? Since the Merkurs are the only ones I have, the Gilletes would be the only ones readily available.

Ariel, the ones at the drugstore are probably the Russian Gillettes. Meh.

You might try the American Personnas, which can be gotten at Wal-Mart in some places, and in many of the drug stores (rebranded as their own). They aren't the absolute best, but they beat the Merkurs in my book.

But after you have this down some, I would seriously order that blade sample pack. John is a member here and at another shaving forum, and ships very fast and is good to deal with.

[rick]

Hey Ariel.....

Thanks for stopping by.
PM me your address and I'll send you some samples.
.................its the least I can do for a "home-boy" ;)

[Zachster]

Being on the lowest setting probably has something to do with your stubble. Start upping it a notch every couple of shaves -- the blade digs deeper at higher settings.

[DragonBoy]

Id say.. Firstly the Vision is a very nice shaver... But.. To get your tech down you might wanna go with a easier and more forgiving razor and IMHO Merkur blades are not that good..

So my advice is, get a couple of good blades and another razor, any fixed head Merkur would work but if you like me have a very tough beard the 34 or 38 would, due to their weight, be a "better" option..

And on another note.. Hows your lather.. Try different soaps and creams.. I find the proraso soap to be less good.. Try MamaBear for example.. Or QED.. and take your time.. Youll get there..
You can also try a Pre-shave to help wilt the beard down.. I sometimes use the Proraso pre-cream.. Some find it fantastic, some dont think it helps at all..

And dont be afraid to ask.. Were here to help..

Happy Shaving!

[Lucy7]

Thanks alot guys I'll give those things a shot. I'm porbably gonna buy the 38 and the Taylor's avocado cream and oil.

[Bronco]

Welcome Ariel,
I'm with Rich, don't let the lather dry out on your face. Sometimes when you put the lather on by hand it can be a little thick as well. You might want to try a brush, even a drug store brush to get started, this might help even things out.
YGPM concerning blade samples!

Best!

[Mottern Man]

Welcome aboard! :cool:

I am sure you will get a lot of help with your shaves here.

[Lucy7]

I've gotten lots of help. Thanks to all those who lent me a hand. I'm a little here and there since I'm using a DE and a straight, so thanks for being patient. I float around the other forums and they're nice, but not as tight as this one. Everyone knows everyone. Small (online) town feel!

[Mottern Man]

I've gotten lots of help. Thanks to all those who lent me a hand. I'm a little here and there since I'm using a DE and a straight, so thanks for being patient. I float around the other forums and they're nice, but not as tight as this one. Everyone knows everyone. Small (online) town feel!

Like that bar in that TV show. Hi I'm Norm ::