Eliminating the Variables

[IsaacRN]

As most of you know ive been struggling with shaving every day with my straights due to irritation and not getting a very close shave. Ive decided to do a test of sorts and find out what im doing wrong.

1st shave: After 4 days of growth

Almost BBS. No real irritation that remained after my a/s. Was a good clean shave. Very happy

2nd shave: EXACT SAME SETUP

Good shave again. No real irritation after the aftershave treatments. Few small patches that are barely felt basically on the neck. I always have a difficult time in that region considering i have what i would call a hurricane growth pattern. Still really happy


My shave tomorrow will include a different straight. Im gonnna keep my same setup other than that. See if it is the razors that is causing my problems. If i have a good shave, then ill start to swap out the soaps.


BTW Setups were Tabac/KMF mint superlather and a Filly 7/8 blade for first 2 shaves.

Tomorrow will be a W&B Hallow Ground. Ill keep you posted.

[TraderJoe]

Tabac/KMF mint superlather

Tabac + Mint.......hmmmm, sounds like an excellent combo :drool:drool:drool

Thank you for the tip ;)

And glad to hear you are getting "in the groove" with the straight shaves.

[IsaacRN]

Thanks Joe.

Yeah...the tabac has always been a bit strong for me. Although i dont mind the scent now....i try to cut it a bit with something spicy/minty. The two actually come out great. You can still smell the Tabac scent but its minty delicious.

[qhsdoitall]

With any attempt to test and improve the shave experience, I agree it is best to limit the variables.

Pick a soap or cream that works consistently for you.
Use the same str8 or DE razor/blade combination.
Use the same technique.
Shave a few times with that combination.
If works. Great. If not, change 1 variable. If I know the equipment and cream/soap works from previous shaves then I choose the technique variable.

Like when I do blade tests. I have a reference test. Same equipment and shave soap/cream to start each test. I will know first pass if the blade is going to give me what I'm looking for.

[IsaacRN]

I agree. I had basically the same shave two times in a row....so im gonna switch out a blade tomorrow.

[jbcohen]

Isaac, you have an excellent handle on what an dependent and independent variables are. You are using what is often referred to as the Scientifc Method of shaving.

[Mottern Man]

http://tingilinde.typepad.com/starstuff/images/DrBunsenHoneydew.jpg

[IsaacRN]

Wow...didnt know it had an actual name...i was just trying to be clever :)

[jbcohen]

Yeup it does, you can tell what my educational background is in the real world. Masters of Arts in Experimental Psychology, Human Neuropathology and Quantum Psychology.

Don't be impressed big words mean little.

[IsaacRN]

Well i think i narrowed down where most of the irritation is coming from. I didnt have irritation on 2nd day shave with the filly....but my 2nd day shave with the W&B tore me up. Could it be that this blade just to take off a few days growth or maybe i should learn how to redo my 2nd day shaves with this blade

[TraderJoe]

Well i think i narrowed down where most of the irritation is coming from. I didnt have irritation on 2nd day shave with the filly....but my 2nd day shave with the W&B tore me up. Could it be that this blade just to take off a few days growth or maybe i should learn how to redo my 2nd day shaves with this blade

Which one shaves you closer?

[IsaacRN]

The Filly by far. It doesnt cause as much irritation either. I really wish i could shave tomorrow, but i think my face is a bit on the sore side still.

[TraderJoe]

The Filly by far. It doesnt cause as much irritation either. I really wish i could shave tomorrow, but i think my face is a bit on the sore side still.

That's what I thought.

I wonder if with the W&B you are over-compensating for the lack of closeness, and using bad form (pressure, angle, etc.)

[IsaacRN]

I try to shave the same....but not clue. My face is still on fire 10 hrs later.i just put a heaping helping of shea butter on it.

[jbcohen]

Now holding al things the same what are you doing differently with the W&B? Take a close look at your technique with the W&B.

[IsaacRN]

I think what im doing is doing to may passes with the W&B.....just my guess.

[jbcohen]

Sounds like you have a tad more investigating to do with the W&B.

[IsaacRN]

Definately....and im tired of shaving with it :(