I have been a DE enthusiast for about two years. First-year was the wow year! All excitement couldn't believe shaving could be so great.
Then, following the typical journey, getting the first Gillette DE from an antique shop, learning the ropes.
The second year was the year of trials, Fatboy, Schick, Valet, Matador, and zillions of blades to try. All was pure happiness. Then I started getting bad shaves, so I began narrowing the problems. Why was this happening to me? I tried milder blades, different soaps, lather techniques, you name it.
Then I found it; my technique was ****. I guess this is the trap others have fallen into as well. When you start to DE shave, you have respect for the razor, you go gentle, and you get zero pressure. Then as you learn more, you gain speed, but as you gain momentum and security slowly, your technique starts to slip, and you press a little harder.
So I reduced the pressure and started thinking like a noob again, and voila! I got great shaves again.
I just thought I would share this and spare others weeks of bad shaves.
I've been at this quite a while and I still have to remind myself every day to keep the pressure at a minimum.