Since I switched to DE shaving I look forward to the experience, even shaving on the weekends/vacation, something I would never have done before.
I agree 100% shaving for me was just part of the routine and something as mundane as washing your face before bed. After I switched to wet shaving I actually look forward to the shave it is quite awesome. I have a 5 minute shave which is quite good and a 10 minute shave which is even better.
My 5 Minute Shave - 1 - While in shower message beard with warm water.
2 - While in shower use shampoo on wet beard and let sit while finishing rest of shower. Rinse when getting out. (use this on the stubble too not just longer hairs)
3 - Lather soap/cream mix (I use mainly soap and add a small amount of cream) in mug and apply with badger brush to face. Use circular strokes go over each area a minimum of 2 times. I choke up on my brush (fingers into the hair 1 inch from the end) so that the brush is a little more firm.
4 - Shave with DE razor one swipe on each razor side and rinse.
5 - Re-Lather. This time I usually brush it on like a paint brush. The first time you use the end of the bristles and it "raises" or "stimulates" the hair to stand up straight. The second time there shouldn't be much hair there so it is just to lube the face for the second pass.
6 - Repeat step 4.
7 - Rinse face with warm water and pat dry with towel.
8 - Message in Proraso pre/post shave cream to damp face and walk away.
It seems like a lot but it is really not bad I can do it in 3 minutes if I am in a hurry. My 10 minute involves everything above; however, after step 3 you apply a steaming hot wet towel to your beard. Towel should be as hot as you can stand right on top of the lather you applied; apply light pressure to towel and face. After 3-4 minutes or when the towel loses it's temp you wipe your face clean of cream (with the towel) and start up again at step 3 and complete the remaining steps. This will be the best shave you have ever had.
PS - You can do all these steps without any "wet shave" equipment and your shave will still be better. Basically all those additional steps on top of lather/shave/rinse help to "damage" the hair so it is easier to cut. It is the same reason why women get a shampoo prior to cutting their hair. It is better for the hair and makes it easier to cut. If someone without "wet shave" equipment tries the 10 minute let me know if you think it is any better.
