I'm having a heck of a time adjusting to single blade/DE shaving. I never thought it would be this uncomfortable to shave! I have a very heavy/course beard and usually get perfect shaves with my Gillette Sensor. My skin is not particularly sensitive and it's fairly resilient even if I have a less than stellar shave (provided I'm using my Sensor 3).
I'm using good lather technique, good brush, good creams/soaps, fresh blades (Derby), very gentle (if any) pressure on the razor. The shave feels like it's going smoothly but I keep seeing spots where I've nicked myself - even if it doesn't feel like I'm nicking myself. I got halfway through my shave today and set the HD aside and finished with my Sensor 3. I've done this more than a few times since I got my HD - bailed out of a shave early and finished with the Sensor. I REALLY don't wanna give up on this. The benefits are too great to just hang it up this fast. But for the life of me I can't figure out how men got smooth shaves with these razors when the DE and straight was the only option. I suppose if you don't know any better and a DE is all you've ever used then of course you'd master it - just like anything else. The problem areas on my face (while using the HD) are typically the same - neck, adam's apple, chin. I have no problem with the flat surfaces (imagine that!) - cheeks. I've tried doing the "half swallow" technique to flatten out the adam's apple area but my neck is still not liking it.
The Merkur HD was recommended as an excellent beginner's razor. Could it be that the HD might not be the best fit for me? Should I even look at other razors as an option? The Gillette TECH was recommended as a good alternative. Should I be looking at Gillette razors instead of Merkurs? What about the Gillette Superspeed - any of you guys familiar with this one? I bought my razor from Lee and wouldn't hesitate to buy from him again. Is there a different Merkur that might be a better option?
Thanks!
I'm using good lather technique, good brush, good creams/soaps, fresh blades (Derby), very gentle (if any) pressure on the razor. The shave feels like it's going smoothly but I keep seeing spots where I've nicked myself - even if it doesn't feel like I'm nicking myself. I got halfway through my shave today and set the HD aside and finished with my Sensor 3. I've done this more than a few times since I got my HD - bailed out of a shave early and finished with the Sensor. I REALLY don't wanna give up on this. The benefits are too great to just hang it up this fast. But for the life of me I can't figure out how men got smooth shaves with these razors when the DE and straight was the only option. I suppose if you don't know any better and a DE is all you've ever used then of course you'd master it - just like anything else. The problem areas on my face (while using the HD) are typically the same - neck, adam's apple, chin. I have no problem with the flat surfaces (imagine that!) - cheeks. I've tried doing the "half swallow" technique to flatten out the adam's apple area but my neck is still not liking it.
The Merkur HD was recommended as an excellent beginner's razor. Could it be that the HD might not be the best fit for me? Should I even look at other razors as an option? The Gillette TECH was recommended as a good alternative. Should I be looking at Gillette razors instead of Merkurs? What about the Gillette Superspeed - any of you guys familiar with this one? I bought my razor from Lee and wouldn't hesitate to buy from him again. Is there a different Merkur that might be a better option?
Thanks!