The trials and tribulations of the new wet shaver

I figured I'd start documenting this process not only for myself, but also in the hopes that some of the tribal elders will bless me with some knowledge and give me a firm "I told you so" when I think I have things all figured out.

I posted a couple of my early experiences in my introduction thread (http://shavenook.com/thread-new-blood-li...tively)and in the short span of about a month I've learned a lot, but still haven't gotten close to what I'm looking for shave wise on a comfort level as well as visually.

Weaponry:

- A Muhle R89 Grande
- EJ Best Badger Medium
- Semogue 1305
- Vintage 2 or 3 (Not sure) Triumph badger Brush
- As of today a NOS 1966 still in package Gillette Tech (Date Code L 1)

To summarize, my first few attempts spanned the spectrum from "Not Bad" to "Dear Jesus what have I done!"

Still trying to tame some of last weeks "Feather Attack" where I thought using a Feather and doing an ATG pass would be a good idea. Now I've always been the guy to poke the bear, but this time it seemed I had slapped the Dragon :(

Shaves since then have been good but I think I have learned that Shea/Coconut or any type of OCM on my fast post shave is a recipe for disaster!

Last night I used an Astra SP, TOBS Avocado, Proraso pre and the shave was good. 1 WTG and 2 XTG passes. Finished with Alum, witch hazel splash and Proraso post. BTW I always shower first and wash with Glycerine Soap. Minimal irritation, went out for a few hours, and all told was rather pleased with myself.

I get home a few hours later and decide to put some Shea on my face before turning in. Well, something about that much oil on my already neurotically sensitive skin post shave that just doesn't work for me. Razor rash, bumps, redness, irritation etc.

Yesterdays lesson: Less is more, and if it's a good sahve, don't try and make it a better one by slathering on every product under the known sun.

Summary:

- Head shaves are effortless. Could be done in the dark with gasoline and a match and my head would nary utter a complaint.

- Astra's are what I'm sticking with right now, right blade for me or not.

- Really anxious to try out the new Tech that arrived today but I think I will be giving my face a few days rest.

- I think I love boar more than badger at this point.

Next Shave will either be tomorrow or Thursday night. In the meantime I am going to look into the local legality of sacrificing a chicken with a Feather in my backyard as an offering to the shave Gods.

Pic of the Tech, which I'm sure I overpaid for :(



~TG