1st Pass w New DE Blade Usually Not Good?
- Thread starter MetroNome
- Start date
yes, with most blades. but with an Astra SP I they are smooth all the time.
I'm still trying a few more blades in case I am missing anything amazing but I usually just go back to astra after 2 shaves with other blades. they give me no irritation.
maybe you just have to find that perfect balde for your skin and razor
I'm still trying a few more blades in case I am missing anything amazing but I usually just go back to astra after 2 shaves with other blades. they give me no irritation.
maybe you just have to find that perfect balde for your skin and razor
I feel the same way. Yet to find a blade that doesn't 'tug' on the first WTG pass of the morning, even when brand new.
Most new blades seem fine on the first pass. Oddly, though, they're better the second time I shave with them. Still, no complaints about new blades here.
No first blade complaints here, I wouldn't say it's normal. Could be your angle is off, and when stubble is well reduced, it just feels like it's cutting better.
Do you have thick beard hair? Might be normal then.
I have the issue with most blades. The solution: View the first pass as a reduction pass, apply less pressure, and make quick strokes. The object is not to remove all the beard on the first pass. Subsequent passes will be smoother and will actually be where the majority of beard reduction is made.
My first pass is always a bit rough, even with the Feather. But it gets better with each pass.
You could always cork the blade before you use it. 
Very interesting!
I've noticed the exact same thing, and have always found it to be true with Mach III blades.
I hesitate to change blades because of this. I often used Mach III blades up to two weeks, and find I tend to use DE blades for a week.
I'm really interested to see what other members have to say on this.
I've noticed the exact same thing, and have always found it to be true with Mach III blades.
I hesitate to change blades because of this. I often used Mach III blades up to two weeks, and find I tend to use DE blades for a week.
I'm really interested to see what other members have to say on this.
I find this to be true as well. Like someone said earlier, I don't have this particular problem with Astra SPs. 
I occasionally feel a little roughness on the first few strokes with a new blade. Nothing really problematic though.
Some blades need a little break-in to feel smooth. I found that the case to be with a couple of brands.
The only blade I've noticed anything like this with is the feather. The first shave with a new feather is sometimes a little "bitey". I put it down to poor technique which is only exposed by a very sharp blade.
Are you letting the lather sit on your face for 3-4 minutes before beginning shaving? Maybe your beard just isn't prepped right on your first pass.
I advocate palm stropping a brand new blade prior to the first use. It seems to help.
Well, obviously I don't know your beard, but I'd be curious what you're doing for prep. Try Kyle's Prep and see if you get the same results, more or less.
It might also be because there is simply more beard to reduce on the first pass than any other pass. I don't notice this unless I skip a couple days.
It might also be because there is simply more beard to reduce on the first pass than any other pass. I don't notice this unless I skip a couple days.
I find this with blades. Whilst the first shave with a fresh blade wont be bad, the second will be better. The only blade I have used that is prefect on the first shave is the Vidyut SuperMax Super Stainless.
