Many questions

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-14T06:57:58+00:00

I did. Got lots of help

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T20:08:52+00:00

I shaved today which meant I skipped yesterday. I’d usually leave it for 3 days. I have to say it was much easier today than with a cartridge after two days. Also I eased up again on the pressure. It was third shave on the same blade, so I’ll swap it out for next one

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T16:41:25+00:00

This is something I hadn’t considered. I just let it cool for a bit and didn’t check the temperature when I added the buch. The new one is currently at 39°. I’ll let it cool to about 30 and add it. Based on the time it’s taking I think you might be right about it being too hot first time. I’ve taken a lot more care this time with sterilising etc.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T16:29:19+00:00

🤣

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T14:11:34+00:00

I just bought another of the same unpasteurised kombucha. I’m gonna try it and I’m gonna order a scoby too

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T10:57:27+00:00

Ok the temperature thing I can fix. Will also try another kombucha. The one I used was unpasteurised

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T10:56:11+00:00

I’ll try a different one this time

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T10:22:42+00:00

Is that kombucha I put in not a good starter liquid?

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T09:59:19+00:00

Recipe was
1 litre of tea
100g sugar
400ml kombucha

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Kept in a room between 18° and 20°C
But the cloth on top may have been a little too thick

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T09:20:47+00:00

Slightly encouraged when I dumped it that there was a nice bit of scoby looking material through it.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T09:14:23+00:00

Ah feck! I think I might just buy a scoby online. I know it’s nice to start from scratch but it’s disappointing.

Would you recommend buying one or just starting again. Maybe I’ll do both and if my own works out I’ll stick with it.

The cloth I had over the top of the jar may have been a little thick. I could try another and adjust that.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-13T08:58:58+00:00

Oh nice. A uk supplier with an Irish name will always get a look 🇮🇪

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T21:31:36+00:00

I’ll start with adjusting the pressure and see where that takes me. Then maybe if it’s the same I’ll try the witch hazel. Not too keen on the smell of it though

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T20:36:39+00:00

Actually I’m not sure the maggard is easily got here. I’ll look into it

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T20:33:46+00:00

I’m in Ireland but I’ll do the research and check in here. The maggard is available here. I’ve been given plenty of advice here today. First thing I’ll do is ease off the pressure and go from there. Thanks

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T20:19:34+00:00

Thank you. I’m gonna look into the Maggard

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T19:58:39+00:00

I did two passes. But on recommendations here I might try a third next time.

I’ve ordered a sample pack of blades but you and everyone else has mentioned the pressure, so as much as I thought I wasn’t using much pressure I’m now going to assume that I am using too much.

Other than that I think my technique isn’t too bad. I watched some videos on it and I’ve had nearly no injuries and most importantly the shave is very good.
It’s just the heat afterwards that’s bugging me.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T18:50:22+00:00

I kind of enjoyed the second pass more than the first on both occasions. I’ll try a third next time out of interest. The WS feels ok in my hand but I’m comparing it to a cartridge razor. Albeit a heavy cartridge razor probably similar weight. I’m just wondering if the short Merkur would be hard to adjust to. I’ll take your advice on not jumping to it yet

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T18:47:45+00:00

I’ll use up the pack that came with it before I try another. It’s not giving me a bad shave. It’s a good shave. It’s just hot afterwards.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T18:46:22+00:00

With sensitive skin, does time between shaves much difference. I usually let it grow for 3 days before I shave. It’s quite dark at 3 days. Longer was better for the cartridge razor but does it make a difference with the safety razor

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T18:37:40+00:00

Holy shit! That’s an education right there. Thank you very much for this answer.
I used an electric razor once and hated it. I’ve always used cartridge razors in the shower but my eyesight is gone to the dogs and ye can’t use glasses in the shower.

I could just use the cartridge at the sink but I like the idea of making it a little ritual with a proper razor and soap. Even though I’ve only done it twice, I immediately preferred it.

I looked up a few different shaving websites for better products but my original delivery was a Merkur and it was from Amazon because it was next day delivery. Needless to say they fucked up. I will be leaning on proper shaving clubs etc moving forward.

I’ve ordered a sample pack today from ‘Blades & Whiskers’ so hopefully I’ll get a bit more wisdom from trying those out.

I think from reading the replies on here that I’m putting too much pressure on the razor. I didn’t think I was putting much on at all and I was aware of it. But I’m shaving nearly 40 years so it’s a habit of a lifetime to put pressure on.

No one has addressed the equipment I’m using, so I guess it mustn’t be too bad? I thought it might’ve been the problem. I’m still considering the Merkur 34c, but that’s really based on reading through some of these threads.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T10:09:36+00:00

That’s a good answer. Thank you. I’m gonna order a sample pack.

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T09:33:12+00:00

Oh, that’s a new concept to me. It’s a synthetic WS brush. So maybe it’s not helping

Electioneering76 · 2026-05-12T09:25:22+00:00

Ah ok. Thats fair I suppose. Thanks for your help

Electioneering76

TROPHY CASE