What did we learn from our last shaves?

Today I learned that I don't really have to strop my TI using an x-pattern as the blade itself actually fits comfortably w/in the width of the strop.
So I switched to even, straight strokes back and forth on the leather and that seemed to be a tad easier.
Great fun was had.

 

Gentlemen

Today reinforced that when straight shaving, if you set the blade on your face too hard you're gonna have a bad time.



Light touch...

 

I learned to slow my role and not get too cocky changing direction with my razor. I was basically just keeping the same angle and going all over the place without taking the proper time to re-adjust. I forgot what razor burn felt like until today when my collared shirt and tie showed no mercy.

 

I didn't shave today. I learned nothing.

 

Gentlemen, from my last shave...

I learned (again) why ATG on the lower neck is a good fantasy and a bad reality for this shaver.

 

Is it possible that you learned that by not shaving you likely wouldn't learn anything additional about your last shave, or your shaving in general?

 

Nope. Nothing learned at all.

 

I learned a while ago to be careful with the Gillette Fatboy when switching from one side of the face to the other. It happened to me twice that I hit the very same below my chin with the corner of the blade.

I didn't learn from the first time apparently and hit the same spot a few weeks later again! It bled for quite a while both times but it didn't hurt at all!

 

That not all lord subsidiary blades are created equal. Love lord super stainless... Big Ben SS not so much!

 

I learned its really hard to beat an Astra SP, fatboy and some cella.

 

I learned not to fear the Fatboy set at nine. I used that for my first pass on my cheeks this morning. I did get three weepers, butt my skin is still smooth over 12 hours later.
Now to find a way to get this close without the weepers. Maybe I'll do a 30 day focus on it in June.

 

Click it down a notch or two. I had a bad shave with it set on 9 when I still used labs, I then set it set at 8 and I was set.

 

At first glance, I though the shadow line of your finger was a vertical gash on your cheek! Whew!
That little horizontal slice is common for beginners (as it the cheek puncture when using a square-point razor) as one gets acclimated to the weight and pressure on the razor. PLUS, one quickly learns NOT to move the razor laterally with it in the horizontal position as it is ideal for slicing….

 

To use more product. I have to say if Arko performs well I might buy some more, but goodness it smells like laundry soap. I now understand "urinal puck". I have a feeling I will need to mash it into a mug, because it didn't load onto my neck very well, and using a stick on my noggin will most likely be annoying.

 

That I love the Merkur 37C, or my course beard hates it.

 

The first time shaving with a new setting can be crazy. Also, Derby blades are meh on a mild razor YMMV

Above all: Don't shave when you're tired...

 

Nothing is still something you know

Still in the mindset for TEDx Talk, couldn't help myself. Don't mind Mr.Random over here.

Whistles Incoherently...

 

Give it a couple more shaves before backing it down to 8. I had the same experience my first time running it wide open. Backed it down to 8 and didn't feel it was close enough. Used it a few more times at 9 and no issues.

 

Pick a razor and stick with it for a while. Don't go back and forward between 2... I knew this already but you know how it goes

 

I dialed down to 8 before I read this. I'll go back to 9 tomorrow, but I think I'd better stick to 3 on the neck for now.