The Seconds Phenomena

I realized recently that there is a thing in shaving that I’ll call, for lack of a better name, “The Seconds Phenomena”.

It’s pretty simple really and if you’ve never experienced it yourself then I can darn near guarantee you’ve at least heard someone allude to it before; even if they don’t mention it by name (How could they if I just made it up?!).  By themselves they aren’t really special, and the realization I had was just that they are connected to each other by this second use characteristic.  This is far from groundbreaking and just a silly little observation.

Not everybody, but enough people have mentioned these enough to make them a ‘thing’.  They are:

1. The second use of a blade is better than the first.
2. The lather for your second pass is better than the lather you made for your first pass.

Again, I’m not saying these are universal, just that they are frequently mentioned.  Lately I think the most mentioned comment is the first one, regarding the blades.  Now I’m wondering if some members are new enough that they haven’t heard the second statement, regarding the lather.

What are your experiences with either, none, or both?  Can you think of any other things in the wetshaving world where the second use of something is superior to the first? 

Food for thought: if both the above statements are true, doesn’t that mean the best shave on any given blade is going to be the second pass of your second shave?

I tend to agree with you, the second shave has often felt better than the first, especially for single edge blades like GEMs or AC-style blades.

As to the lather, for me it depends on the fibers of the knot. Boar seems to be best on the first lather, but for others, maybe 2nd pass is better? I haven't really paid attention!

I have definitely experienced the "second shave with a blade" phenomenon but not with the second pass with lather.  I didn't find it true of all blades.  Of course, I've had some blades where the first shave wasn't great and each successive shave got worse.  Those, of course, were avoided after that.  Then there is the Feather blade.  Loved by many, I avoid it.  The blade is extremely sharp for the first shave or two and then it just dies.  I can usually get a week out of most blades so I don't bother with the Feather.  This is just my experience and, as I've mentioned, it is a hugely popular blade.

I guess I’m just going to skip the first shave and go directly to the second pass of my second shave. 

I guess I’m just going to skip the first shave and go directly to the second pass of my second shave. 

Almost all modern blades are coated and much of this coating wears off in the forst shave. Now, whether this makes the subsequent shaves better is up for debate.

Almost all modern blades are coated and much of this coating wears off in the forst shave. Now, whether this makes the subsequent shaves better is up for debate.

It doesn't wear off after the first shave. The PTFE coating, which is what imparts the smoothness, starts to gradually peel back and also with every successive shave. I only notice it within the half inch or so of the first stroke of the first shave and then the oil on glass feeling. You are actually shaving THROUGH the PTFE coating on every shave as it's only a few microns thick. 

FWIW, Edgewell (Personna) is making blades now with a new patent that eliminates this....purportedly.

I guess I’m just going to skip the first shave and go directly to the second pass of my second shave. 

"Honey, I have a razor and blade for you to shave your legs with.  Just use it once and give it right back, ok?" 

I was thinking more on point #2 and thought a little elaboration and context might help. I don't think it happens to all shavers, and even less to experienced shavers, which I think most of us are.

I believe most people who experience the "My lather is better on my second pass." might NOT have the best lather to start with. I'm mostly picturing newer-to-shave-brush users that are still learning how to make a proper lather.

For people who are proficient at making lather, I don't think the lather gets better because it was a good and proper lather to start with.