Discouraged Newbee needs help!

[buckleb]

Started on a Gillette adjustable in the 1970's

Just took my brand new Merkur 178 and shark blades out of the box last night.

Tried it out this morning and.... NOTHING.

The blade gave the sensation that it was not even cutting. Just an ocassional scraping sound. Worst shave ever.

What am i doing wrong?

I must be missing something somewhere. Is it possible to tighten these down too far and effect the blade contact?

Help - BB

 

[MrScorpio]

What was your angle like my friend?And did you take it slow and easy?If you havent already you should definatly watch all the mantic videos on youtube as all would agree they give great advice and many go back and watch them over after a few weeks/months for a refresher

 

[thunderball]

Perhaps the way you were holding the razor was affecting blade angle? Unlike cartridge and disposable razors (which are held with the handle more or less perpendicular to the floor), DE razors require that the handle be held farther away from the face, closer to parallel to the floor. A too steep or too shallow angle would cause the 'no cutting' that you are describing.

Aside from that, I'm not sure what might be causing your problem. You did put the blade in the razor, right?

 

[Bertilak]

I agree with the idea that you may not be holding the razor at the proper angle and the blade itself may not actually be getting to the beard.

Experiment with holding the razor's head closer to parallel with the skin. Not fully parallel, but just more so than you did before. Try different variations. Go by feel. When I try a different razor for the first few times I do like a golfer does and take a few practice strokes to zero in on the proper angle.

 

[buckleb]

Sounds like a plausible solution. I am probably using too shallow an angle. Will try again tomorrow. This makes sense .

Thanks
BB

 

[rummwa]

Let us know what happens.

 

[maxman]

mind your pressure. go slow. short strokes. buy a blade sampler if possible.

these tips get circulated ad nauseum because they are so very important.
Mind your cream or soap too. I've been trying some creams recently that don't agree with my style. I've been loving the Real Shave Co. cream recently. Good product at a good price. I can't get KMF where I live, but I'm eager to try that too.

 

[maxman]

Hang in there, the results will be worth the wait.

 

[buckleb]

Now I am a little more confused. Let's make an analogy.... For instance a gate. If the razor handle is a gate... should it be opened more... or closed?

Aside from taking more time to experiment - I think perhaps I have over reacted by assuming the razor is set up incorrectly!!!

OBVIOUSLY it could not have been me!!!!

 

[sanfranciscian]

If i understand correctly? you need to open the gate, just keep opening it until you feel the blade begin to do its thing, you will be surprised at how adjustable you can make the cutting edge work for you. it sure looks like you have some nice equipment so it should come to you. have fun and best of luck! and let us know how it works out, with the wealth of resources here i am sure we can get this sorted out for you. and last but not least welcome to B&B

 

[kingfisher]

Is that razor a three-piece razor? If so, please make sure that you reassembled it correctly. The bottom plate should bend slightly downward at the edges.

As for angle, place the razor head against your face with the handle straight out (parallel to the floor). Then, rotate the handle downward (toward the floor) slowly until you get to where the blade is just touching the face. That is the proper angle. If, when you are shaving, you end up with the handle pointed more straight out away from the face, the blade won't touch the beard and no cutting will take place. If you end up with the handle further toward the floor, more irritation and razor burn is the result.

 

[Gustav]

I found kyle's sticky very helpful: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4018 especially the part about holding the razor with only a few fingers at the very base of the handle (on the knob you use to tighten the blade) which prevents you from accidently using pressure. Looks weird, works wonders. Do not give up, you will figure it out!

 

[wimbouman]

Seen Mantic's vids already?

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

 

[buckleb]

Is that razor a three-piece razor? If so, please make sure that you reassembled it correctly. The bottom plate should bend slightly downward at the edges.

As for angle, place the razor head against your face with the handle straight out (parallel to the floor). Then, rotate the handle downward (toward the floor) slowly until you get to where the blade is just touching the face. That is the proper angle. If, when you are shaving, you end up with the handle pointed more straight out away from the face, the blade won't touch the beard and no cutting will take place. If you end up with the handle further toward the floor, more irritation and razor burn is the result.

I will give you sir the applause of the day!

Somewhere in my excitement to get started I (or maybe the factory install) inverted the base plate.

Reversed it and let her rip!!!!

Very nice experience.

Now- how do I get the egg off my face ???

Thanks all
BB