How do you get the closest shave possible?

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 1:44 pm

I have been wet shaving for about 5 months now and I have gotten somewhat good at it. IMO. But for some reason I can not seem to get close enough. I do not have a thick beard but it seems on my left jaw line no matter every which direction I shave I can't get close enough. I always seem to have a little stuble.

My process:

I shave in the shower so I am in their about 10 minutes before I even start to shave. After washing my body and hair I begin to wash my face with either Clearly Natural or Aqua Terra soap. I make sure to wash my face thoroughly. After I wash my face, I soak my brush in the running water and apply the brush to the soap or cream. I make sure the lather is nice and thick.

I never have problems with razor burn or ingrown hairs. So I shave N-S & E-W to make sure I get as close as possible. After I rinse in warm water I turn the hot water off and rinse my face in super cold water. Well it doesnt seem to be working in some areas of my face.

Maybe my I don't prep enough or maybe I need to shave TWICE.

What are some techniques that can help get as close as possible? I normally dont need to get super close for everyday purposes, but I would like to be as smooth as possible for special situations.

KEEP IT WET!

Johnnie

mantic · Post by **mantic** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:02 pm

What kind of razor are you using? Also, your lather might be *too* thick. That was my problem for a while. You might want to experiment by creating lather normally, then adding water a little at a time until it "breaks" into a foamy soup. You'll probably be suprised how much more water the cream can take before it breaks. Then try lathering with just a bit more water when you shave. It made a noticable difference for me.

Johnnie · Post by **Johnnie** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:15 pm

I use a M3 or M3T. Depends on my mood. Ya maybe I am making the lather to thick.

Thanks

clownjuggles · Post by **clownjuggles** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 2:43 pm

Johnnie,

I find that the only way i can get a close shave is with an open blade like a double edge. I can't get a close shave with a mach 3. The hair is back in a few hours. my face in the morning is like 100 grit sandpaper. perhaps a DE is the next experiment? Or perhaps a disposable bic? Short strokes work best.

Post by **VinceFX** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 6:16 pm

Johnnie,

I think Pete (clownjuggles) might be on to something. I would recommend really observing which way your hair grows. Then shave against the grain with a DE razor such as the Merkur Progress. Shaving against the grain with a good DE blade should not give ingrown hairs and should be VERY close.

The only gotcha is that you'll have to develop a good technique to avoid razor burn as well as excellent prep.

Vince

clownjuggles · Post by **clownjuggles** » Wed Jan 05, 2005 7:06 pm

Vince,

Thanks for chiming in. We all have to work it out ourselves.

Post by **VinceFX** » Thu Jan 06, 2005 12:36 am

True Pete! Working it out is what it's all about. I love to experiment. Eventually I'll go down the path of using a straight razor but I'm not there quite yet.

Vince