Beginner DE safety razor user

[Addiosamigo]

Hi I've just started using a safety razor I brought from boots pharmacy, it's only cheap so I thought I'd invest in a better one. I went vintage and brought a 1968 gilette knack n2 for $26(£18), are these any good? And is that a good price? I have no idea. I got outbid on a superspeed which looked better

To go with this I purchased some Derby blades as I have read they are good starting out?

Using my cheap razor my first thoughts are that the shave feels smooth but it's not very close, I guess my face has to get used to it, I have some ingrown hairs from shaving with cartridge but trying to get rid of them with a good facescrub. Any tips you guys have for starters?? And will I notice the difference with the new equipment?

thanks

 

[ironfist]

Welcome to B&B

why don't you head over to the Hall of Fame and post a little about yourself

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/30-Hall-of-Fame



Ok im not expert on prices but i would say that its slightly on the pricey side for it, depends where you bought. If you were happy with it then thats all that matters Once you get enough posts (50 i think) you can post in the BST forum here where people buy and sell items. I think if you see something for sale your still allowed to pm the member and purchase but you sell you need the post count.

Derbys - many love them and many hate them. The best suggestion would be to buy a sampler pack and try all the options to see whats suited. Going by the feedback on this forum, Astra Super Platinum's get a good write up

Was the razor from boots the black wilkinsons? Its the one i started out with and i used the other night, the first time in around a year and it provided a nice shave

Be wary as you will find that you will contract a serious but common disease known as RAD (Razor Acquisition Disorder) where you will have the urge to buy MANY razors


The main thing is to work on your technique, no pressure and good blade angle and skin prep

 

[Khelben]

I liked the Astra SPs as starting blades. The Merkur blade wasn't good for me at all, and the Sharks and Bluebirds were a bit rough. The Gillette 7 o'clock greens were great, but I don't think I would have wanted to try them straight out of the gate; the same goes for the Gillette Silver Blues, which I love. My bulk purchase after getting some time in was for the Astras and the Silver Blues.

I have a pack of Derbys from the sampler I bought, but haven't broken into them. Maybe I should give them a go one of these days...

 

[Copierguy]

Welcome to B&B.

+1 to what ironfist said.

 

[Head Rigger]

First of all, Welcome to B&B!

You'll read a lot of different opinions on razors, blades, soaps, etc, etc. Get familiar with the phrase YMMV (Your Mileage May Vary). What may perfect for one person may not be perfect for another and it'll take some time and practice to find what works for you.
I recommend looking at the wet shaving tutorials to learn the proper prep and techniques before experimenting too much with different razors and blades.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/conten...STRUCTIONS-AND-TUTORIALS-New-READ-THIS-THREAD!

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Getting_started_wetshaving

http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

You can spend a lot of money and time on razors and blades and still not get a satisfying result if you don't use good technique. (I'm speaking from experience here. )

Also, you don't mention anything about how you prep before you shave or what sort of soap/cream/brush you use, which will also help with getting a satisfying result.

Again, welcome and enjoy the journey!

 

[Mick]

Welcome to B&B

If you have not already done so, stop into the Hall of Fame and tell everyone a little about yourself

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/30-Hall-of-Fame

 

[Addiosamigo]

Thanks guys for all tips and info, and I'm now inducted into the hall of fame

One thing that I'm a bit confused is about the passes, at present I'm doing WTG, so is it advisable to go XTG?? I don't think I'm ready for ATG just yet, although thats what I've done all my life!

one other thing, I haven't got a "Beard" just stubble, It's still ok to use DE right??

@ironfist, yeah I see how RAD could happen...

thanks

 

[mulligano]

Thanks guys for all tips and info, and I'm now inducted into the hall of fame

One thing that I'm a bit confused is about the passes, at present I'm doing WTG, so is it advisable to go XTG?? I don't think I'm ready for ATG just yet, although thats what I've done all my life!

one other thing, I haven't got a "Beard" just stubble, It's still ok to use DE right??

@ironfist, yeah I see how RAD could happen...

thanks

Welcome from a fellow UK (Glasgow) member Adam!

I rarely go ATG anymore at all. I find that one pass WTG and either 1 or 2 XTG (in opposite directions) depending on the razor gets me smooth. I shave daily with stubble and DE is perfect for that - when I had a beard I removed it with an SE (Single Edged) razor but I'm sure a DE will do it as well.

Seeing as you have a DE already I'd recommend just using that razor with, as mentioned above, a blade sample pack. When I started I used my Edwin Jagger for a month straight before getting a new one but I'd recommend waiting even longer really. That way you know exactly what other razors are like when you use them.

Anyway, good luck and have fun. Oh, and stick with it - you'll have some rough shaves in the beginning, but remember that you're learning a new skill! It's really rewarding when you finally get that effortless BBS shave.