I tried a Gillette 7 O'Clock Black in my flair tip ss today for the first time and it is the best blade I have put to work on my beard yet. I feel like it worked just about as well as a feather knocking down my beard, but without the white knuckle factor. I had one small nick, but that was completely due to my own carelessness. The one thing I had an issue with was during my touch up phase. Today was the first time I tried touching up and I think I had plenty of lather. The issue I am finding is that the only way to remove more hair seems to be going ATG. That seems to me to have a lot more potential to cause irritation. It wasn't bad at all, and I had the best shave I have had to date (DFS all around; BBS in some isolated areas), but I would like to get that smoothness without the irritation. Any suggestions for the touch up phase or ATG shaving in general to cut down on the irritation?
During my touch-ups, I tend to not use lather and use straight shave oil instead. For me, I apply my pre-shave oil after my last pass to my damp (not dripping) face - I find the extra moisture helps to allow the blade to glide better. I let it sit for a minute and then proceed to touch-up in the areas needed. Once done cleaning up the rough spots, I rinse and apply a good post shave lotion/balm. Irritation has been minimal to zero, as long as I'm careful not to get crazy with the touch-ups. In the Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving, the author suggests using a milder razor or an adjustable at it's lowest setting to "buff" it out. I personally haven't been able to try this yet, as up until recently I only had 1 razor and its not an adjustable. I can't say that this will work for you, but it works for me. You may want to try it, you may not. Just offering up my experiences - take what resonates with you and leave the rest. Happy Shaving friend!
Thank you. I do not have any shave oil, but I need to get some or make some. After I have it, I will give it a try.
I'm not sure you really need a 'shave oil' as such..Olive oil will work well. Also you might try touching up with a cross grain approach instead of ATG. I do the XTG and I try not to go too far...