My really only need to shave once a week. My first shave (Monday Night) was the best shave I've ever had. My skin did great with 4 passes, it was a bit sensitive on the 4th, but no razor burn feeling. I was going to get up in the morning (tuesday) and practice again, but figured I would let me skin rest 24 hours, and get used to the change. 10pm I could not resist and it was 24 hours later. I used my TomsOfMaine cream, and man I got a what a great lather, and my brush held the warm lather for 4 passes. The first past (Down stroke on whole face pass) The 2nd pass (Up stoke on whole face) and 3 pass (XTG) Felt a bit stingy, and 4th pass (XTG) cause some razor burn and light bleeding. (not from cutting or nicks). Splashed cold water for 30 seconds, went to bed. Its a bit sensitive now on my lower neck, which is my typical Mach3 razor burn area. On a positive NOTE - I braved the Upper lip XTG. Wife said it was the softest she had ever felt. I just took my time, and 1 WTG, and 2 XTG passes. My skin above my upper lip was not sensitive cause my Monday's 1 time ever shave I only did 2 passes WTG. The rest of my face to a 4 pass in many directions.
Is that your actual growth pattern, or just a guess? Cause most guys' hair doesn't actually grow that way.
It took me a while to get consistent shaves. At first, I was very careful, but then later I started adding pressure and an inconsistent angle without even thinking about it. Most of that stuff is automatic now, but once in a while I find myself doing something wrong. I always pay the price with some irritation. I shave every day, with the occasional day (or two) off. Three passes and a little touch up seems to do me fine, but of course everyone's different there. Just hang in there, take time to heal when needed and it will just keep getting better and better.
I'm thinking maybe you have your WTG/XTG/ATGs mixed up? WTG = With The Grain - in the direction of hair growth XTG = (a)Cross The Grain - perpendicular to the direction of hair growth (if the hair grows down North to South, this would be E to W and/or W to E) ATG = Against The Grain - opposite the direction of hair growth (if the hair grows down North to South, this would be S to N)
:shocked031 Please forgive me because i am not making fun of you or anything. It just blows me away that is all you need. I am totally the opposite. If I shave in the morning, i have that 5 o' clock to visible stubble by dinner time. That's good though and I bet you'll be able to make blades last a lot longer than me! What queeny is saying is that you need to really pay attention to how your hair grows. For instance mine grows completely different in the different parts of my face. below the jaw line, its south to north so a WTG here is a upward motion. left cheek is north to south but lefty cheek is more of a left to right slighty downward growth. Its going to be hard for you to tell since you have a light beard so you may need to go a week or two with out shaving to really see how your beard grows. Also, that burn you mentioned is more than likely because of the way the cartridge has ate up your face for yrs and yrs...mine took awhile to go away.
It could also be from applying too much pressure. Don't push down on the razor. You want the razor to glide and slice there is no need to push it into the skin. As was said before, pay attention to your growth patterns. I have four different grain directions just on my neck. If I mow through the same direction for each pass, I get poorer results with more irritation.
I'll add you don't NEED four passes. If you can get four passes without irritation, enjoy every stroke. But, a two pass shave (WTG + XTG or ATG if you can and desire) will get you passable and shouldn't irritate your skin.
Okay I see what you guys are saying! Okay here is my growth pattern. SEE PIC SO would you guys recommend me shaving in this order? 1st Pass: WTG (With the Grain) 2nd Pass: XTG (Cross the Grain) 3rd Pass: ATG (Against the Grain) 4th Pass: (touch up pass) ATG (Against the Grain) LOL - I am blessed to be able to only have to shave one a week, BUT feel addicted currently and WANT to shave Everyday. I am however cursed to Im sure not be able to grow your standard beard. Google Keanu Reeves and find a pic with him in a Full beard, That is about what mine would look like. No Pressure means No Pressure: Im conscious of this the entire time, and might catch myself once in 4 passes and do a quick correcting but pulling the razor off my face completely.
Great pic! That makes things a lot easier. I'd suggest, like what ChemErik said, maybe only doing 2 passes for right now. Especially if you 1) don't need to shave very frequently, and 2) ....dang it! I forgot what # 2 was.... Anyways, until you can get your technique down pat, just stick with 1 WTG pass (following the arrows on your pic) and 1 XTG pass. This will keep the irritation to a minimum, and allow the stubble to grow in more so you can shave more frequently.... In all honesty, in my opinion, there's no need to do more right now...
YEA, I have not shaved since Monday night and I have a funeral to go to. So I will need to be cleaned shaven.
