Shaving Daily Expectations and Realities

I shave every day, three passes. My shave quirk is that I like to use a different razor on each pass. Current rotation: Feather AS D2 w Feather blade for first pass, aluminum Colonial General w Kai mild for second pass, aluminum PAA Doc Evolution w Kai for 3rd pass. I start mild, and increase aggressiveness as I go. This approach works well for me, I get very close shaves with little or no irritation. Since each blade is used only one pass per shave, I only have to change blades once or twice a month.

I like to follow up a nice shave with a quality balm (today's Sapone di Paolo Bosco was a real pleasure).

I like aggressive razors and the sharpest and smoothest blades I can find. Most times I use SE razors, but once in awhile I force my hand to reach for a DE. I strive for a BBS shave, but not through excessive passes, but through technique. With the right hardware and software it just happens. In the past I shaved every day, but I just don't have the time for that anymore. So I shave every 3 days or so. I'm always smooth shaven when I leave home, but since I live in rural Maine, that only happens twice a week.

I have a cabinet full of shave products, but I can't remember the last time that I used any product other than what I make. In years past I would get cracked skin, but that's a thing of the past. I also use my splashes as a skin moisturizer in our extremely dry winter air. Heck, I formulated it with moisturizing in mind specifically due to the skin problems I was having.

I would like to shave daily, but my face doesn’t.
I like BBS shaves in two passes (WTG-ATG). The next day I don’t have too much beard and if shave normally I have irritation. Normally i shave every other day, or every 3 days.

I generally shave 6 days a week and even though I live in a dry and often cold climate, I have managed to keep my face smooth and moisturized. I attribute this to my regular use of Chatillon Lux toners and aftershaves. They have generous moisturizing qualities in addition to smelling awesome. I tend to use the toners more in the winter and the aftershaves in the summer but in reality I could probably just as easily use either exclusively because both forms are very kind to the skin.

What aftershaves do you like to use? Any suggestions?

Have you tried Krampert's Finest Acadian Spice Bay Rum? It contains alcohol, but didn't dry my face out at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. When I first tried it, I used a razor and blade combination that gave me irritating shaves. I then applied the Krampert's Finest. Zero burning or stinging, and it actually reduced the irritation. Superb skincare without any greasy feeling. Now that is good!

What aftershaves do you like to use? Any suggestions?

Have you tried Krampert's Finest Acadian Spice Bay Rum? It contains alcohol, but didn't dry my face out at all. Quite the opposite, in fact. When I first tried it, I used a razor and blade combination that gave me irritating shaves. I then applied the Krampert's Finest. Zero burning or stinging, and it actually reduced the irritation. Superb skincare without any greasy feeling. Now that is good!

I have not used the Bay Rum, but I do have the Frostbite and I would have to agree. It has some of the best skin care of any aftershave I've used. I would use it more, but I don't always want the menthol blast that it has. It leaves your face feeling great though, that's for sure.

I shave daily with medium to aggressive AC-style SEs and DEs, with a preference for the singles. Sharp blades, either Feather or Kai, and two to three passes. Always get a DFS to BBS with a variety of lathers, canned Barbisol included. AS is equally varied - Pinaud Bay Rum, musk, citrus musk, reserve, traditional, and Razorock Mr. Pink.

You know, I shave everyday except either Saturday or Sunday and usually always use an alcohol based splash after some Thayer's witch hazel. I have pretty dry skin to begin with, but I've never really had a problem, even during winter, up until about last week. Even after using my best soaps I would get a dry post shave feel. I realized I need to start exploring some alcohol free options, but I don't like using balms that much. I have used Chatillon Lux toners before and liked those. What aftershaves do you like to use? Any suggestions?

A couple of great low or no alcohol options are D. R. Harris Pink (<17% alcohol, can't tell it's there), and Lucky Tiger. Neither leaves a tacky feel.

There are balms, then there are balms! Pre de Provence balm drys down smooth and slick, no tackiness. L'Occitane Cade is a great balm, neutral feeling, and pricey but very concentrated, a tiny bit works.

Another option, not a balm or a lotion, is Martin de Candre Huille Vegetale, which is coconut oil scented with citron and chamomille. This one is also very, very, concentrated, you can lightly coat the end of one fingertip and that's enough. Leaves a very slick finish.

Cheers, Steve

Can you gentlemen share experience with choosing to shave more or less frequently compared to your previous routine.

'zaclikestoshave'


On two occasions a good number of years ago I tried not shaving in order to grow a beard.

In both tries, after 5 days, I could not stand myself and returned to daily shaving.

I probably have a genetic flaw.

Mickey

On two occasions a good number of years ago I tried not shaving in order to grow a beard.

In both tries,  after 5 days,  I could not stand myself and returned  to daily shaving.

I probably have a genetic flaw.

Mickey

I succeeded in growing a beard once but the first month was really hard to get through.  This was taken in 2004 around Thanksgiving.  Look just to the left of the smaller Superman's cape and you can see the white of my leg.  It was classic Thanksgiving Halloween in the Valley, temperatures in the high 80sF so hat, short sleeve shirt and shorts attire.

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