Hi everyone. I just started wet shaving 2 weeks ago. For the past 20+ years I've been shaving with a mix of cartridge and electric razors. I've tried all the Edge gels for sensitive skin and still ended up with horrible irritation and shaving bumps. There is no way I could shave every day with a cartridge razor. For most of my Navy career I relied on various electric razors. The irritation was still there but was bearable for the daily shave. I retired from the Navy in 2011 and scaled back to shaving every few days using electric razors. While on a cruise in April I splurged for a professional shave. The guy used medical grade shave oil and shave gel with a cartridge razor. The lack of irritation was impressive so I purchased the oil and gel. Since April I've been using the oil and gel with a Fusion ProGlide, still shaving every few days because I can .
My main reason for switching over to wet shaving was due to the price of the cartridges. I don't want to have to take out a loan every time I need new cartridges. The other benefits such as a much smoother shave and an enjoyable shaving experience were icing on the cake. I bought a Edwin Jagger DE89 razor and a blade sample pack. I started with the Derby blade but my first two shaves looked like I was shaving with a dull chainsaw while wearing a blindfold and riding a roller coaster.
I've been reading a lot on Shaving101.com and found blade comparisons. The Derby's are rated as one of the dullest brands. I have a fairly rough beard. My next 2 shaves were using Gillette Silver Blues which received good reviews but I couldn't find a "sharpness comparison" to other brands anywhere. I still had a number of nicks and cuts, but not nearly as bad as the Derby. The irritation was much less as well, but still there.
Here's my question that I can't find an answer for; I'm already using medical grade oil and shave gel, should I switch over to a cream or soap designed for wet shaving? I'm sure my technique (or lack there of) has a lot to do with the nicks and cuts. Will using a cream or soap make a difference with nicks/cuts and irritation? Is anyone using "cartridge shaving cream" with any success?
I would greatly appreciate and suggestions, tips, tricks, and/or advise!
Thank you,
Shawn
My main reason for switching over to wet shaving was due to the price of the cartridges. I don't want to have to take out a loan every time I need new cartridges. The other benefits such as a much smoother shave and an enjoyable shaving experience were icing on the cake. I bought a Edwin Jagger DE89 razor and a blade sample pack. I started with the Derby blade but my first two shaves looked like I was shaving with a dull chainsaw while wearing a blindfold and riding a roller coaster.
I've been reading a lot on Shaving101.com and found blade comparisons. The Derby's are rated as one of the dullest brands. I have a fairly rough beard. My next 2 shaves were using Gillette Silver Blues which received good reviews but I couldn't find a "sharpness comparison" to other brands anywhere. I still had a number of nicks and cuts, but not nearly as bad as the Derby. The irritation was much less as well, but still there.
Here's my question that I can't find an answer for; I'm already using medical grade oil and shave gel, should I switch over to a cream or soap designed for wet shaving? I'm sure my technique (or lack there of) has a lot to do with the nicks and cuts. Will using a cream or soap make a difference with nicks/cuts and irritation? Is anyone using "cartridge shaving cream" with any success?
I would greatly appreciate and suggestions, tips, tricks, and/or advise!
Thank you,
Shawn