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Post by sharpspine on Aug 20, 2011 9:52:24 GMT -5
Any advice regarding stretching the skin when using SEs? Do you always stretch or just during certain passes? Or do you never stretch? Since hair rarely grows perpendicular should you always stretch against the grain to get the hairs to stand up more, or do you stretch in the opposite direction of your stroke?
My neck hair grows from the Adam's apple out to the sides & I find it difficult to stretch it properly due to this pattern. Stretching + ATG on my neck can lead to some nasty irritation. So, how do you tackle this each shave with your SE?
Thanks for your ponderings!
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Post by rocketman on Aug 20, 2011 12:22:21 GMT -5
I don't stretch the skin at all. I have certainly tried it in earlier days but found it didn't do much for me other than lead to nicks and slow everything down. (I absolutely do when I haul out a str8 however.) There are certain areas on my neck that I rarely do ATG. For the first year or so shaving with vintage razors my neck was a problem area with bumps and red areas - looked like heck. But, as I got to pay attention and learn the direction of hair growth and stick with a WTG approach to those sensitive areas (3 primary directional areas on the neck for me), the problems totally have gone away and now my skin seems to thrive with the shaving! There are a couple of smaller spots the size of quarters that grow in inconvenient directions, however they seem to be able to take it when I shave the larger area around them WTG. But, I have areas on my neck that if I break the 'rule' and don't change directions for them, I will pay big time!! Go figure!?! Make sure to study your facial hair closely so that you know the different areas of growth. Let it grow when you have some time off for a few days so you can really see it properly. Even drawing out a rough map helps to learn the 'zones'. Then my advice - for the most part stick with WTG strokes and your skin will love you!! Some guys suggest they are tougher than nails and talk about blade buffing and multiple ATGs etc., but my experience has been that being gentle gets the job done - and your skin will thank you. Last bit of babble from me - for day to day living, learn to appreciate an 'acceptable shave' and don't get lost continually striving for that dreadful BBS that some see as shaving nirvana. Don't forget that you will be shaving for life, so learning a little bit each day will pay off in spades before you know it. Toss in a little personal ritual to your shave experience, shake it up with soaps and such, and shaving will become a lifetime joy!!!
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Post by wchnu on Aug 20, 2011 14:29:24 GMT -5
There are areas on my neck where a little stretching helps out some. Another of those "what works for you" things. I also agree that with a straight I stretch more.
I must be lucky in that I do not have to shave at weird angles. I do a with the grain, a across the grain, then a touch up pass. Usually the result is a DFS.
As Rocket Mutt said don't worry about a BBS. For the most part that is a myth.
Fuzzy
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Post by rocketman on Aug 21, 2011 16:07:03 GMT -5
As Rocket Mutt said don't worry about a BBS. For the most part that is a myth. Fuzzy I believed you have me confused with someone else sir!! RocketMutt contributes over on The Original Shedder forum site, and is in fact out of town this week - as you can see:
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Post by wchnu on Aug 27, 2011 3:17:01 GMT -5
As Rocket Mutt said don't worry about a BBS. For the most part that is a myth. Fuzzy I believed you have me confused with someone else sir!! RocketMutt contributes over on The Original Shedder forum site, and is in fact out of town this week - as you can see: Looks like he forgot his travel kit. Needs a shave. Fuzzy
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