Shaving

[Reliant121]

My dad got me a set of new refillable standard razors yesterday, and by the lord they are scratchy.

[Mikey]

My dad got me a set of new refillable standard razors yesterday, and by the lord they are scratchy.

By "standard" I'm guessing you mean modern blades, not good old safety razors, right? If they feel "scratchy" when you shave, you need to either:
a) prep your beard better, with lather/foam/shave cream
b) use shorter strokes and rinse more often; try using warmer water, so long as it's not so hot as to cause razor burn
c) don't use the same blade for a month of Sundays

[Reliant121]

I would imagine modern blade. It's probably the lack of foam. I suspect my former razor was a sensitive skin one, that might be it.

[Mark]

Er, dumb question.....but you ARE shaving with the grain, not against the grain, right?

[Sonic Glitch]

Er, dumb question.....but you ARE shaving with the grain, not against the grain, right?

Uhm... I'm pretty sure he is shaving with a razor. I fail to see how shaving with grain would help...

[Mark]

The hot water lenthens and loosens the facial hair, and the shaving cream helps hold it out. A sharp razor down the face will take the facial hair off without all the tugging and pulling.

Imagine running your finger down a pinecone. Going down the pine cone is little resistance, but when you reverse the stroke its quite challanging.

[Reliant121]

I was taught by dead. Read: Taught by the navy. I go with the grain for the surface layer, then against the grain to get it as short as possible. I hate even the remotest hint of stubble.

[colmquinn]

I've never had a full soap and cut-throat razor shave. Closest is when I'm getting my hair cut and the barber sometimes does the little short hairs on the neck/ back of the head with the straight razor. He won't do the whole shave because he says it takes up too much time & he has too many customers

[Mikey]

I was taught by dead. Read: Taught by the navy. I go with the grain for the surface layer, then against the grain to get it as short as possible. I hate even the remotest hint of stubble.

If you're going with the grain and you still find your blades "scratchy," chances are you need to remember to start with a suitably hot, damp face (if you can get your hands on a fogless mirror, shaving in the shower helps) and make sure you use a decent medium. If canned foam or gel isn't doing it for you, I recommend mug soap. Just make sure you use a decent brush.

[Reliant121]

I'll give it a go.

[Mikey]

Remember, even with mug soap you just have to use enough lather to set up the beard. Making yourself look like Father Christmas will hinder more than it will help.

[Mark]

Lol....it acutally takes a bit of practice to learn the right amount. When I started shaving, nobody told me I needed shaving cream, and I'd tear my face up. Then I jumped to Mikey's "Father Christmas", and had to shave each side twice, because the foam clogged the razor.

[Reliant121]

well all was going well never actually cut myself just got the occasional spot (have a few left after treatment, not many). well I ruined that record with a huge ass cut upon my upper lip. of all them places...

[Lighthawk]

Ouch. Lip wounds always suck.

[Mark]

On the skin, or the lip itself?