I've always shaved with Barbasol up until I started DE shaving a couple months ago. Still works fine for me on fast-paced mornings.
This is excellent "practical" advice,@TexanTom, and it makes so much sense because technique is absolutely critical to being successful with a DE razor. ... EXCEPT ... I have to agree with @Lightcs1776 that it's way too tempting. Having been restricted to 1 (Gillette brand) or 2 (dollar club or store brand) cartridge choices based on your razor handle for as long as I can remember, the amazing array of choices were just too tempting to not try as many as I could. Same with soaps.Things I have learned along the way in nearly 3 years of DE Safety Razor shaving.
6. DO NOT BUY A BLADE SAMPLE PACK WHEN YOU FIRST START. Several reasons for this. One, if your pack includes Feathers, you will regret bad technique. Two, you won’t really find the optimum blade for you with your technique still at newb level. Three, a bad experience with a good blade can leave a bad impression due to your technique being insufficient. You could probably go back to that “bad blade” after a couple years and find out they’re actually quite good.
7. Pick a popular “average” blade to begin with and master that blade with your one razor.
Very true. However, you, and some of the other comments here, have me reconsidering the idea of a variety pack for beginners. In fact, I think you are right. I probably would have been better off staying with one blade for the first few weeks. It was too temping to try each blade from the variety pack, although I did stick to one razor.
Great advice, especially about the blades. Buy yourself 50/100 Astras or Sharks or Personnas and just leave. It. ALONE!
If I had one piece of wisdom: Never, EVER, shave against the grain on your upper lip.
Just go across one way, then back across the oppo direction. Maybe a little buffing where your lip meets your nose, but just don't go ATG up there.
man, that avatar of yours cracks me up.Great write up, You have been paying attention. Much can be learned from your post.
I see you've just joined the site. Yep, that firm grip will give you some excellent cuts with most blade and most definitely with blades like Feather and Kai blades. With the Trac 3 and up and pretty much most disposables now with swiveling blades, you have to hold it firm and press down.I'm fully on board with item #1, except ... I'm the kind of person that has developed a habit of using a very firm grip and bearing down with what ever I'm using. This is going to take a conscientious effort on my part to break because I know it's necessary if I don't want nicks and weepers all over my face.
Wondered if anyone would!1. Hold on loosely and don’t let go.
I see what you did there...
If I had one piece of wisdom: Never, EVER, shave against the grain on your upper lip
Good advice! Of course, I must quibble with the inclusion of Derby blades, a product I cannot recommend based on personal experience. Astra SP is a better choice. IMO.
I would also suggest newbies start with a 19-22mm brush. Not too big, not too small.
I shave against the grain on my upper lip all the time and have no problem.
I usually use a quality brush and soap, however frequently use Barbasol. Calling it canned goo is a disservice to the product as it's the number 1 shaving cream in the world for a reason.
I have many soaps of different flavors and enjoy using them with a quality brush. I do however, must say that Barbasol is just as good as any of them. I think the main difference, is that with a brush we work up a lather which provides additional moisture to the whiskers which can result in a better shave.