A question

[oldfat1]

There may not be an easy answer for this but I was wondering how long it took you guys to get consistent results? What I mean is that some mornings it is a thing of beauty. No nicks, burns or missed spots. It's as if the hairs are jumping off in defeat as the razor comes near them. Then the next day it's like a bloody fight to the end.

I'm using the same razor/blade, the same soap/brush as before but something goes horribly, horribly wrong:ashamed001.

I've only been doing this since around the first of the year so about four months or so, and I know I'm still in the learning curve but when can I expect to have a little reliabilitiy?

I know everyone is different but I'm just wondering how long it may have taken some of you.

[SSLSTudio...]

a very good question ,

I have been experimenting with this last week where upon I shaved everyday atleast 4 days in a row. I noticed I dont get the shaves I wanted .

so Im back to the routine of atleast skipping one day so I have enough stubble to be able to get a good shave. only when I really feel for it or have enough stubble I will do a shave the next day.

so I would advice if you can get away with it try skipping a day or shave eachother day if you get my point.

I have done this experiment with DE , it might be with a str8 razor I would maybe get better results and each day shaving would be less harsh I havent tested that yet.

[Michael]

I'll let you know if I ever get there. Don't ever have bloody messes, but all too often my face is quite pink for the rest of the day. Been that way since I started DE shaving a year and a half ago. Never had the problem with the old M3 (sorry, but it's true). My shaves were never as good, but at least my face was always the correct color.

I enjoy DE shaving. I hated M3 shaving. So, I use a DE...unless I'm trying to recover from one.

Not what you wanted to hear - was it?

[Cutthroat_trout]

I'm having too much fun trying different combinations of razors, blades, creams, and soaps to get consistent results. I have a couple of go to combinations that always gives a nice shave but variety makes the morning more interesting.

[Sejanus]

I am still working on my straight shaves but as for my DE's it took me probably.. a week or two to get it down to where the results were consistent and everything was going smoothly. If I play around with my routine I might have some redness but if I go with tried and true methods I have zero issues.

[Michael]

...I have zero issues.

How did I know you'd say that? :rolleyes:

:)

[Sejanus]

How did I know you'd say that? :rolleyes:

:)

Well it is only for DE shaving, and with my 'normal' setup like I said. Since I am playing around with straights and buying new stuff left right and centre, it doesn't end up that way much these days.. :rofl

[Lionhearted]

I told this Army tale on another forum but no doubt some here missed it. I've been shaving with a DE for more than 50 years plus I had a beard for a few years and I used an electric a few years. I've never used a multiblade razor. In high school my shaves were erratic, some good, most mediocre and a very few really bad. Then I joined the Army.

When I was in the Army in the 1950s BBS shaves were required at morning inspection. The drill instructor checked up close, sometimes with a white cotton glove, sometimes with bare fingers. Anyone without a BBS shave was sent back to shave again with the added joy of additional KP, guard duty or in our below zero weather shoveling coal into the barracks furnace all night. It took me less than 72 hours (and two nights of coal shoveling) to get a BBS shave every morning using canned goo and a Gillette SuperSpeed with blue blades. Later in field maneuvers we had to get a BBS shave using only ice water and a razor.

It takes some motivation to learn how to get a good close irritation-free shave. I had that motivation. Nowadays I shave without thinking or watching what I'm doing. About 4 out of 5 are BBS with two passes (or less). Nicks are rare, maybe one a month almost always when I'm really careless from going too fast. I never have any irritation.

My only suggestion is to make sure you use a consistent pressure. I don't agree that the weight of the razor is enough but the pressure should be very light. Blades can get dull overnight but after four months you should be able to tell when the problem is a dull blade.

Good luck!

Richard

[oldfat1]

Thanks to all.

Yes, Richard, I knew it was something I was doing but couldn't think of what. I will now make an effort to try and maintain even pressure. At least that will give me a place to start.

Again thanks to all for taking the time to reply:thanks.

[soulshine]

what razor/blade combo are you using? some blades and/or razors tend to be a bit more aggressive than others. obviously there are other variables as well...perhaps the water/shave soap needs to be fine tuned. i have found that when using a new product (soap or cream) that it took me a few attempts before i made the lather right for me. after quite some time, i have decided to stay with one soap (different scents), one blade manufacturer and one razor. i may use one of the vintage razors from time to time that i have on display. my suggestion is to take it slow - find what works best for you and fine tune it from that point.

s~s

[oldfat1]

You know you have raised a good point there. I do have "AD" and have been trying everything I can find:ashamed001. I suppose I'll have to slow down a bit and use the same combination over and over to see if it works before I try something new:o.

Thanks for the help everyone.

[paydepst]

I've been DE shaving for a while now-certainly long enough to have developed a routine. If I'm faithful to a well known razor--like a SuperSpeed, DR 1904, or a Regent Tech--and prep properly I have no issues provided the blade is quality. However my major shortcoming lately has been rushing and not prepping like I should. When I do that it is not a pretty sight.