I started originally by finishing my shaves with a cold water rinse. It wasn't until much later that I was coaxed to the full cold water shave. You could start by doing just the cold water rinse.
17 November Shave Tomorrow should be the end of this blade which will more than likely allow for only two blades in one month.
Jay - I've been using the cold water rinse. With the Stirling Black Ice that makes for a nice "slap in the face" after your shave! I think I'll wait on the full cold water shave. I'm going back to "my" basics to continue working on technique. I don't think I should introduce another variable into the mix. All that thinking will make my head hurt. My lovely and caring wife came home with a new bowl to use (inside is bright yellow). I really think she didn't like the mess I made palm/face lathering. It has a little texture on the outside, so I have to admit it may help my grip. So, here's my current setup, only the bowl has been changed. I swear the razor is getting lighter in my hands as my technique improves! (I know...lame pic) I think the brush is getting tired.
I have been doing that pretty much since last summer, a benefit of No Buy July (which is now running through No Buy November for me). I ran out of Valobra shave soap one and a half months ago, and so got some Van Der Hagen, but that is about the only change for months. No Variation November will almost certainly be extended into No Variation From Now On. Razor: Edwin Jagger DE89L Blade: CVS store brand Brush: Dovo pure badger Soap: Van Der Hagen Deluxe Aftershave: Speick for Men The CVS blades give great shaves, last a long time, and are reasonably priced. The Van Der Hagen soap is dirt cheap and is a terrific soap. The razor and brush work great, and so do not need to be changed. D.R. Harris aftershaves have increased in price by 25% over the last couple of years, and Musgo Real has nearly doubled in price. Speick, on the other hand, has remained nearly unchanged, and is every bit as good as those other two brands. There is no point in changing my shave routine from now on.
Your basics are the only ones that matter to you. Revisit a full cold water treatment later, experimentation always free! You have a saint for a wife! Your bowl got way cooler! Stay focused on technique! You're closer to expert DFS on minimal passes than you think....don't chase BBS...Shave Well! And make sure you take the time to enjoy it. I still am loving the way you approach this.
That drives some folks crazy but the main thing is you are getting the shaves you want and are enjoying it and that is the point (change or in your case no change). Enjoy your shaves.
I agree on all points and thanks for the advice and encouragement. I realized that I can get a DFS anytime and sometimes that's good enough. I have to remember when to say"That's enough" and stop shaving. I also realized that over last few days I've unintentionally been focusing on the "perfect" shave - beyond BBS, if there is such a thing. As a result my face has been sore and miserable. Today I went back to basics, lightened up my touch, took controlled efficient strokes and ended up with a very nice, comfortable shave. Like I said before - still a rookie. And, oh yes, my wife has to be a saint - she's married to me.
Just dropping in to say I'm impressed by your persistence, guys! You're more than half way, so hang in there!
Tomorrow's line up for me. Still Master of my Domain... Tomorrow will be day #18. SSDD Got a little careless today and nicked myself on my scalp with the Merkur. Just when you think you've got technique down, the DE issues a reminder to pay attention. I'm about 1/8 down on my Proraso aftershave. I love it but will be happy to make a switch to something else when the time comes. Maybe a TSD blue spruce blend with Menthol. If I order it now, it should be here around December 1, I figure... Safely beyond the point of tempting me to use it in November.
Aw, was expecting something new! LOL We're all in the same unchanging boat. I've enjoyed two great shaves after going back to my basics. Onward and upward...
I'm out! I did learn you don't need an expensive razor, soap, brush or AS to get a fantastic shave. I just started to feel like I was driving the same car everyday when I have a garage full of classic cars . Don't get me wrong I like driving a Chevy (VDH) and a ford (wilkenson sword) once in awhile but I also like to drive the Bentley (wool fat) and the Lamborghini (Geo F Trumper). My shave time just didn't have the same enjoyment as it use too. If variety is the spice of life then many shaving products is the spice of my shave time!!!!!! For everyone still in, good luck and enjoy the shave!!!
I understand your feelings, but we are almost 2/3 of the way there. The spice is in sight. The joy of shaving will be renewed. It's not that I don't enjoy shaving right now, but I am looking forward to changing it up a bit on December 1. And, I was pretty careful in my choosing my set-up for NOVember. Although, as it turns out, it is a chilly one with the C.O. Bigelow. I'm gonna try to stick it out.
Haven't shaved in a few days as I am a bit ill, still. But had a lovely relaxing shave today. I made a list of all the soaps I have for another thread. I will definitely enjoy using different products in December. But for now I am really enjoying this.
