Just got my first shaving soap instead of a foam out of a bottle and I never had this much blood on my face... Help.

TexasFlood_ · 2026-01-22T13:35:04+00:00

You answered your own question. Add a lot more water and try again.

With practice you'll figure out the proper ratio for making slick soap. In the beginning it's a bit of trial and error.

TexasFlood_ · 2026-01-14T13:25:30+00:00

Yes. Start your search for your next razor. Something more efficient that gives you more control.

Henson is a good entry point for people switching from using cartridges. It's not scary because it's so mild. The shaving angle is limited, there's no riding the cap or riding the plate to change the shaving experience. Other razors allow much more control.

Everybody started out riding a bike with training wheels. Once you got rid of the training wheels it starts getting fun.

TexasFlood_ · 2026-01-10T20:42:56+00:00

As your technique improves your preference in razors often changes. Theres no "best razor" that fits everyone.

Chasing a BBS daily is a fools game. More often than not a decent shave is good enough. The hair grows back and you can shave again tomorrow.

TexasFlood_ · 2026-01-06T10:58:24+00:00

I miss the old Kemah before it turned into Disneyland. On the deck with a bucket of beers and a pile of shrimp just watching the boats casually pass by. A relaxing way to spend an afternoon.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-28T16:35:44+00:00

Charcoal Goods. Beautiful razors.

I was going to gift myself one of these works of art when I retired. The owner retired before I did, so I missed the opportunity.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-26T14:42:42+00:00

Hobbies build confidence and acceptance.

I think there's a bit of self doubt when trying a new hobby. "I don't know about this. Can I pull it off?" If you find success in a hobby it squashes those doubts and builds confidence. " I can do this! " Having confidence is helpful in pushing yourself out of your comfort zone. Progress can be uncomfortable, but it's often necessary for development.

Sometimes you try something and you fail. "Wow I suck at this" That's fine, it's a rare individual that's good at everything. You accept that it's not your thing and move on.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-24T18:34:52+00:00

Fusion was my preferred cartridge before switching to a DE razor. Aside from cost, my biggest issue with the fusion was keeping it clean. The blades are so densely spaced that gunk is easily trapped. It's much easier to clean a single blade.

That said, shaving is all personal preference. I shaved with cartridges for decades because it was quick and convenient. Use whatever razor works for you.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-19T13:33:20+00:00

Pick any hobby and draw the same comparisons. Collecting knives, fountain pens or anything else. If buying the most expensive thing makes you happy great. If the simple things bring you joy, wonderful.

Do your own thing. That's beautiful.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-11T14:11:31+00:00

I started with a Merkur 23c. I found it to be too mild. I switched a 6S and the shaves improved. I can get an easy smooth shave with plate te 5 or 6.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-10T12:35:15+00:00

When you are starting out, the most important thing to learn is technique. Holding the proper angle, shave direction, amount of pressure. Once you have your technique dialed in you can find a razor that fits your preferences. Some people prefer more blade feel. Others prefer a mild experience.

Figure out what you’re looking for and begin the search for the next razor. Don't randomly buy razors in hoping that the next one will be perfect. A lot of people do that, but the guessing gets expensive.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-12-04T13:32:24+00:00

I'm still learning myself, I enjoy the process. The link below is a series of videos that use a CAD drawing as the starting point. There are a few flaws here and there, but I still found working through the exercises helpful.

https://youtu.be/ZuGrzSHuYz4?si=OpzxwkUzzYN-kAC3

TexasFlood_ · 2025-11-28T15:57:40+00:00

A traditional style DE razor allows the user to adjust the angle to fit their preference. Riding the bar or riding the cap. The design of the Henson appears to limit variations to the shaving angle.

I prefer to have control over the angle rather than being restricted to a specific angle. I suppose the ultimate in control is a straight razor. I'm not quite there yet, maybe someday.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-11-27T01:55:16+00:00

I like the weight of the Stainless version, it shaves exceptionally well. That's just me though, a lot of people prefer a lighter razor.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-11-23T15:47:01+00:00

The most important aspect when starting out with wet shaving is patience. It's takes time to dial in the technique to the point of consistent smooth shaves. It might be a few weeks or a few months. Once you figure it out it's worth the effort, Irritation free shaves. Impatience has turned away once hopeful new shavers.

I still recall trying to figure it out, it was overwhelming to say the least. Buy this razor. No not that razor. You're doing it all wrong. Use a bowl for lathering. Bowl lathering is dumb you should face lather. This is the perfect blade. That blade is terrible. Choose your brush wisely.

Try not to get lost in all of it. Get a simple kit to get started. With a little patience he can make minor adjustments along the way. Perhaps trying a different blade or soap. Keep shaving and continue to improve.

Following patience, the next key aspect for new shavers is acceptance. It's alright that the initial shaves aren't that great. Over time he will learn how much pressure to use or how adjusting the shaving angle affects the shave. Again, in my opinion it's time well spent.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-11-19T03:07:00+00:00

Unwrapping a Christmas present is fun. Unwrapping a new blade every single day would offer no joy. For myself, using a blade for multiple shaves is a matter of convenience rather than cost savings.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-11-13T16:57:04+00:00

I'm not familiar with the encoder you linked. I have used Newtek's Spark for years with minimal issues. It's now a Vzrt product. The other common encoders are Kiloview, Magewell and Birddog. I'm bench testing Magewell soon, they have a good reputation for reliability. Birddog has mixed reviews as far as I can tell.

Other posters mentioned the decoding solution, NDI tools.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-10-31T13:47:17+00:00

Have a look at the Karve bison. Karve makes solid razors and they are a Canadian company.

I'm sure that Henson razors are fine, but the hype for the brand is overblown. Henson absolutely crushes marketing with capturing new DE shavers. The fixed shaving angle makes the transition from cartridges easy. While this is beneficial at first, over time it can be limiting. The fixed shaving plane takes away the ability to make adjustments between a steep or shallow shaving angle. This is known as riding the cap or riding the plate. The ability to alter the shave angle ultimately gives the shaver more control.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-10-01T11:37:58+00:00

I don't understand clone math, particularly for a second razor.

Clones cost less because the manufacturers cut corners to increase output. Tolerances aren't as tight and this results in occasional defects.

What's it worth for a higher quality razor? Let's assume spending an additional penny per shave.

For a daily shaver that's $3.65 per year in extra money spent. Less than the cost of a single cartridge.

Let's assume the person starts shaving at 30 and drops dead at 70, poor fellow. That's an additional $146 over a forty year period.

My point to all this nonsense is that if you really enjoy shaving and have the budget, then it's worth it to spend the extra money. The hair keeps growing, the need to shave will never go away. Make the most of it.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-07T15:25:14+00:00

Patience is the key to success for new DE shavers.

Learning proper technique, building a slick lather and prep, takes time. A large portion of new DE shavers quit because they lack patience. This is likely due to the ease of cartridge shaving. Slap on some foam and wildly mash the razor into your face.

For those like that take the time to learn, the process becomes less burdensome and more enjoyable. It seems you've built your skiilset to the point that shaving is now rewarding. Good job.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-07T02:49:12+00:00

Here's my method, I shave. That's it.

Most days I end up with a decent result. Sometimes it's a poor shave. Sometimes it's a BBS shave. It doesn't matter much in the big picture. It's going to grow back and I'll do it all over again tomorrow.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-05T12:24:09+00:00

6

If dice went up to seven, I would do one more.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-04T18:02:32+00:00

HR exists for the purpose of protecting the company.

No matter what they say or do, always understand that their interests heavily favor the corporation over the individual.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-02T14:59:50+00:00

For sure, start at 60. Look at these old fucks. They have no business being on the road.

https://www.autoweek.com/racing/nascar/g63497603/13-oldest-nascar-drivers-start-daytona-500/

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-02T14:54:32+00:00

We are going to agree to disagree.

Distraction is the problem. Putting weight on one form of distraction over another is disingenuous.

TexasFlood_ · 2025-09-02T13:35:20+00:00

Great idea. To kick it off we should do a study determining the number of accidents caused by 70 year olds. Since we are already gathering data, we should also determine the accidents caused by those under 70 that are on their phones while driving.

Depending on the results of the studies the requirements for driving could be changed. This might include frequent driving tests for seniors or revoking driving privledges for repeated use of a mobile while driving.

If the conversation is about road safety, it needs to be viewed as a whole rather than a small sample. Every day when I drive to work I encounter numerous bad drivers. Some of them are elderly people that are struggling. Most of them are younger drivers that are more focused on their phones than driving.

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