Hi, I bought Mühle Rytmo set, TOBS almond soap and several aftershave, when I shaved first, it was very difficult, because I had to trimm huge beard first and than finish with razor. Today I shaved again, but even after that, I still feel rough growing facial hair, tiny, but I feel it when I make a swipe on face opposite the direction of beard growth, still not smooth. Should I shave again once more, what mistakes I might have done? Especially some areas on cheecks are not smooth and also jaw area. I don't know, if there is some technique to make it smooth or I should do shaving process several times in a row, let's say twice, three times. I have enough products so right now can little bit waste or maybe I put it wrong, ment, that 3 soaps and 2 gels may last me for a good period of time and I want to have smooth face daily, I had beard for a very long time and now really feeling younger and fresh. Any advice of experienced users are welcomed I will follow the advice, instructions to achieve the goal... Which is really smooth shave, without irritation, for example, I have no idea, if I used fair enough of soap for lather, I used only two small bits in a size of a middle finger nail.... No idea if it's too small and if so, please correct me, I can instead of soap use Proraso gel, which I own, but bought it like year ago and wasn't using too much, no idea if such products loose on quality by the time or if there is nothing like expiration time with soaps, gels, afitershave. Thank You very much for advice, really appreciate shaving tips from more experienced guys. Have a great day everyone!!
Welcome to the board. It sounds like you need to map your beard to see in what direction it grows and that you may find that your beard grows in different directions. It seems you may not have done so when you first shave. I believe this is why you don't get a smooth finish because you may have to hit those spots that grow in different directions by hitting it in fifferent directions. Beard prep is important. You need to wet your face prior to lathering it. If your beard is dense, then I would suggest using a preshave lotion or soap before you lather your face. The lather should be hydrated to give maximum slickness so that the razor slides easily and effectively whisks your whiskers away. You may have to use more aggressive blades than the Muhle blades that were included in your kit. Blade choice is more trial and error. I have hit on the major reasons why your not getting a close shave. One last thing, don't shoot for a BBS shave, let it find you. Good luck.
First, welcome to the Den! Spent 3 years at Fairbanks back in the 60s, Eielson AFB, when dad was in. Most folks make two passes: 1st pass with the grain, WTG, (direction the beard grows) Lather up for 2nd pass XTG, across (diagonal to) the grain. Many, self included, lather up again for a third pass ATG, against the grain. Knowing which way your beard grows is important. We call it "mapping". Your beard will feel rougher in one direction than the other as you rub your face. A light touch with the razor is paramount with multiple passes. Keeping that protective layer of lather on there for all passes is important, also. Razor burn results if you're scraping the same area over and over without that lather. Lots more to learn, and we're here to help! Don't hesitate with the questions!
Hi, I think you are right at all points, I don't really know my beard, the mapping. The thing now is, do you think I should try to shave it on smooth yet today, while I did in morning? Maybe evening shave after hot shower? Or should I wait for tomorrow or even further on? Thank you very much for advice.
Thank you very much for welcoming and tips for shaving, the issue or what I need to know is, if I can try it this way the very same day let's say after evening hot shower or if I should let the beard grow and shave in 2 or 3 days. The thing is I bought quality stuff because I want to enjoy it daily, changing soaps and aftershave according to situation.... Weather or simply enjoying different matching fragnancies. Thank you for reply in advance.
I shave in the morning, after a hot shower, with hot water. Some shave in the evening, after a hot shower, with hot water. Some shave in the morning, before a hot shower, with cold water. Some shave in the morning, after a hot shower, with cold water. Some shave in the .... You get the idea. Try different things, find what works for you. Do not, do not, do not let anyone tell you that you're doing it wrong if you're getting results you're happy with. It's your shave. Enjoy it your way.
I think you should let your stubble grow for 3 days so you can map your beard. Mapping your beard is very important for getting better shaves. Everyone's beard and skin type is different. Some shavers can shave every day without any problems, while others can only shave every other day or possibly longer. I recently did a focus where I would shave 100 days straight. Tomorrow will be my 100th day. I haven't done so in decades, but my skin handled it well. You really have to experiment as to what works best for you. That's the fun of doing a wetshave. I oversee the 30 Day Focus Rule thread where newbies and vets like myself exchange ideas on shaving. We also download pics of our shave setups with comments about our shave. Please feel free to check it out. If you do, then go to the intro on the first page which explains the purpose of the thread in greater detail.
All great ideas. There is an old adage. “Practice makes perfect”. Keep chugging along, and if you have the will, your muscle memory will kick in giving you the perfect shave, your way.
My advice for a new DE shaver is to focus on getting a socially acceptable shave rather than a super close shave. At first judge your results by appearance rather than by feel. Judging by feel can tempt one to "over-shave" which is very likely to result in irritation. For me, the main causes of irritation are: Too much pressure Too many passes (over-shaving, particularly on the neck) Insufficient pre-shave preparation Insufficient lather (for me, good lather is very wet and almost runny) Keep practicing. Changing only one variable at a time (razor, blade, soap, etc.) makes it easier to identify what might need improving.
One thing I've found is that many new wetshavers use too steep an angle. It's sounds great, making lots of noise, but the blade is dragging along your skin rather than cutting smoothly. Someone explained angle to me like this. Place the top of the razor against your face. Tilt the handle down just to the point where you feel the blade touch your skin. That's it, that's the angle. Keep trying, give it time. You'll be rewarded with great shaves
