Since I've gotten in to wet shaving, I've really started to enjoy the experience again. But... Its been 2 months (I'm newer to the forums) and I have never made it an entire shave without nicking myself, usually all over. In fact, I see youtube videos of guys shaving, and I think, I can never do that because I need to tend to all my cuts! So far I use the green proraso line and I try to shave with multiple passes, but I'm clearly doing something wrong. (I WILL be doing the 30-Day Rule for June to try to figure this out.)
Great idea. Just watch the pressure and the angle. Don't rush. Pay close attention to what you're doing so that if it goes well you can repeat it, and if you get a nick you know exactly what you did wrong. Hang in there! We're pullin' for ya! You'll get it.
I'll echo what Steve said. Pay attention to pressure especially. It takes a while to get the hang of not using any pressure. When I was starting out and thought I wasn't using any pressure, I really was. If you use alum or an alcohol based splash after you shave, I think those are a great way for you to gauge whether you are using pressure. Any burning will tell you that you did use pressure whether you think you did or not. So the next day try not to. When you can splash on some Aqua Velva after you're done and all you feel is cool, you're doing it right. Also, don't go back over a spot without reapplying some lather. Nowadays if I get a nick it's usually because I kept going over a spot without taking the time to put some more lather on it.
It's absolutely a pressure issue. I am very good the first pass, but from what you all mentioned, it's the second pass when my hand starts getting tired. I have my work cut out for me!
I wonder if you are just using the one razor, or whether you have a couple that you like to use. I got used to using my Old Type, but every time I picked up my Slim, I cut myself to ribbons. It took me a good while to get used to using both of them. If you have a slightly aggressive razor watch the shaving angle, that with the slight bit of pressure could be the difference. Best of luck.
I initially started with a merkur 34c. For the last month or so, I've been using a late 40s tech. Same results either way.
My thoughts: Have you tried cold water shaving? What blades have you tried? As mentioned, short strokes, watch the pressure, and keep the angle 'in the zone'. I'd stay with two passes WTG, until things improve. That should get you a socially acceptable shave. If not your angle is definitely off. WTG may mean going different directions in certain areas. Hope that helps some!
Absolutely helps. I've used Merkur blades when I first got the 34C. Now I've been using feathers. The first pass wtg is always fine. Its when I go atg that there's an issue.
Ah, there's your problem. Both those blades are notorious for nicks, and its hard to build good technique with an unforgiving blade. Try Derby or a Personna.
Face Mapping. Sounds funny but when you know which way your growth points WTG isn't all downward strokes. If you've grown your beard out you know there are places where it grows north, east, or west. Around Adams apple you might even have a swirl. Making "shaving faces" or using your other hand to stretch and tighten your skin may reduce nicks. When shaving with a straight razor this is absolutely necessary. It's a longer blade and no cap or guards. There is no forgiveness, only a split second of "This is going to hurt" as the blade bites flesh. If you have problems stretching you skin with wet soapy fingers, apply alum to your finger tips to increase grip!
I'd add Astra SP, Gillette Yellow 7 o'clock, and GSB to you blades to try if your ordering a sampler.
Good advice here on tightening the skin. Trying to get the flat blade on flat patches of skin allows for the lightest glide contact. That should efficiently cut stubble while reducing irritation to your skin. I think there is still time to get in on the Russian Blade PiF, if you're not in already.
For me, the key was finding a blade that balances sharpness and smoothness and sticking with that blade and razor until my technique was developed. After that, I found I could use many blades that were no-gos before. Get a blade sampler and try a few until you find the one that agrees with you, and then buy enough for at least 30 shaves and go for it.
I actually do have a blade sampler that I haven't really dipped into. I'll have to post a picture of my options. This is the most complex simple task I've ever tried!
There are several good blades there. Explore them all... after you can shave for 3 weeks without a cut using a Derby.
Given that choice I would go with the Astra Superior Platinum. They seem to have a higher like to dislike ratio than the others, but in the end it's your face that will have to decide so try them all then order a small supply of the one you like best and stick to it for a month. Then try others as you will be better equipped with the knowledge to evaluate the effectiveness of the blade.
