Hello everyone, I just joined this forum and have SO many questions I don't know where to start. I will try to narrow it down so here goes. I am 29 and have been wetshaving for a few years. Since last year I started using a brush and shave cream with a mach 3 razor. I have dark and thick beard around my chin, neck and upper lip but not much going on in the cheeks department I shave every other day because I found I need a couple days before my beard grows enough for a decent shave. I shave with the grain and then lather up and shave against the grain because otherwise I don't get anywhere near a close shave. This technique gives me what i think is babysmooth but with irritation around the chin and neck. My first query is what babysmooth means because even though i cannot FEEL any stubble when i touch my face (even rubbing against the grain) I can still see hairs...some just black dots...so that I have dark shadowy look around chin etc. Is it the case that some men will always have a slight shadow no matter how close the shave because their hair is dark and thick? Next question, should I buy a DE razor (Merkur etc)? Will it give me a better shave? What is the difference to a Mach 3? I just realised I've rambled on for ages so will stop now
Welcome! Depending on your hair colour and skin colour you may or not see minor shadowing after even the best of shaves. It will certainly look MUCH less if you get close but some people are just out of luck in that regard. A DE will do a couple of things for you. It will probably save you money over the long run (hahaha) compared to a multi-blade cart razor. DE blades are much cheaper in comparison. However, with proper technique, it will more than likely give you better results but without the redness and irritation you described. You might even get a little bit closer in your shaves as well even though yours sound good to begin with. Since you already have cream and a brush you are pretty good so it would just be a matter of picking up a DE and some blades and learning some new skills. Check out the forums around here and ask any questions you have. You don't HAVE to go wild with the equipment to get quality results!
Welcome, +1 on what Ken has said. Since you've already got the brush and cream, it won't be much of a $$ layout to find out what all the fuss is about. Even if you discover that it's (DE) not for you, the beard prep and shave techniques learned here can definitely make your shaves more enjoyable and less irritating. Enjoy your stay.
Welcome to the Shave Den :eatdrink004 Shaving with a Double Edge blade will indeed (with proper technique) shave you closer, and with less irritation. The reasons: (1) There is only one blade(the factor that co-eliminates irritation), and (2) That blade is sharper than with a cartridge razor (so you can use MUCH less pressure, another factor that co-eliminates irritation). Cartridge razors (like the M3) are actually designed to have you press down.....and most people do.
Welcome to the DEN. Ken pretty much summed it all up. Another nice way to see if you are truly BBS..take a cotton ball to your face after a shave.....if it catches....its not BBS
Welcome Welcomce I sure you well be able to get alot of good advice here I have found a great deal of good people here who are happy too help out a new member
There is not much that I can add here that has not been said by others. I have used a Mach 3 before and let me say that I have found it anything but a fair shaving instrument. I believe that a double edge is what you need.
Try doing more WTG instead of going ATG, even try Across the Grain (XTG). ATG may be causing irritation. The Mach 3 pulls and cuts, it may also be a factor in the irritation. Single blades in many (if not all) cases help here because for one if you take 2 passes with a M3 it is like taking 6 with a Safety/Straight Razor. Now that is way too many passes. Another reason their is no lift and cut with a single blade causing hair to go under the skin and becoming irritated. I also have fair skin and dark hair. I can get a baby smooth shave but I will still have the same shadow that you are talking about. No real NEED for BBS. Just close, comfortable is all you need. Welcome Aboard -Just shave baby! ::
Welcome Emre, remember if you have a though beard or though area to soften it extra. You can use pre-shave products for that like a pre-shave oil, or a cream substance like Proraso Pre. Always take the time for the lather to attack the whiskers ! I will easy let them soak in 4-5min if I havent shaved for a day or 2. and that is after a preshave oil has been attacking my beard for 7-9m. Hair is as strong as the same diameter in copper... you wouldnt think its that strong it is . When you let the beard soak and some of the lather starts to dissapear dont worry when the waiting is over you simply re-lather again and then start the shave. Remember there are NO RULES ...go with what works for you.
Ditto on what Rene said. The proper prep is very important to achieving that BBS that we all strive for. When time allows I will always shower before shaving and I find that a good substitute for Proraso is good old Noxzema skin cream. If you read their respective labels you will see that they have many of the same properties in them. It's good for your skin and will prepare your beard. Just my humble opinion.
