Quote:
1. Put brush in the sink and turn on hot water.
2. Apply pre-shave oil.
3. Dip brush in shaving cream.
4. Apply lather.
5. Shave with the grain.
6. Re-apply a layer of lather (I've left the brush in the sink during this time so this layer is hot and lathery and awesome).
7. Shave against the grain.
8. Rinse with cold water.
9. Apply after shave balm and moisturizer.
I have the same routine and basically the same equipment. I've got the Merkur with a short handle. I definitely got cuts and razor burn my first time, but I think that may have been the result of a brand new blade. They're always just a little too sharp the first time out. It probably takes me an extra five minutes compared to the Mach3 and I agree with the incredible closeness of the shave.
The cold water at the end can be brutal in the morning, but it definitely seems to help. I shave in the shower and turn the hot water off, rinse my face in the freezing water - which really wakes me up, then turn off the water and dry off. I was told to avoid towel-drying the face, so I allow it to air dry a little, then apply an aftershave lotion.