Fell off the Wagon Yesterday

[Dharuma]

After a year of DE shaving, using a Gillette Super Adjustable and bouncing back and forth between Astra and Feather blades, I shaved yesterday with some Trac II blades I'd bought about a year and a half ago. To my surprise, my shave felt closer and my skin less irritated than when I use DE. Hardly any sting when I used the alum bar.
I'm guessing that it has to be in my technique. I've adjusted the SA anywhere from 1 to 7 and I usually get the same result. I don't use any pressure and keep a consistent angle to the razor, but my neck gets irritated like mad when I go ATG (with the SA). ATG with the Trac II was no problem at all. I'm kicking around the idea of setting the DE's aside for awhile and trying Dollar Shave Club (heresy, I know).

 

[smalltank]

well..sounds like your technique and maybe prep isnt "spot on"..keep at it..you will get there
if your using an adjustable..start with #9 1st pass, then #7..then #5 for 3rd pass..thats what I used to do...if your neck gets irritated..your lather might be too dry OR ease up pressure..let the weight of the razor do the work

 

[inspiringK]

Yeah, learning good prep and technique probably helped you to get a better shave with the cart. There is a lot of love for the Trac II on this forum, kind of makes me want to get one, even if it is just for travel.

 

[BigBull]

I'll let you slide this one time! Everyone else, I can't speak for them.

You may want to try an open comb. I started with a EJ89..great razor. Shaved my face and head effortlessly with no irritation. When it came to my neck, I had some major issues occasionally. This led me to looking at OC's and a Slant.

My neck hair grows in funky patterns on my neck, and in some places almost parrallel to my skin. I have found OC's are more efficient in reducing those hairs which result in less passes = less irritation. They are awesome. Just a thought! Hope you stick with it.

 

[the_edski]

Going from a DE to a Trac II isn't falling off the wagon. There is a good reason the two-blade systems are still being manufactured.

 

[Dharuma]

My neck hair grows in funky patterns on my neck, and in some places almost parrallel to my skin. I have found OC's are more efficient in reducing those hairs which result in less passes = less irritation. They are awesome. Just a thought! Hope you stick with it.

BigBull, that's the exact thing I experience: it seems like my neck hair grows almost straight up along the skin. I did try my great-grandfathers Senator (which is OC, if I remember correctly), and it ate me up.

 

[Dharuma]

Going from a DE to a Trac II isn't falling off the wagon. There is a good reason the two-blade systems are still being manufactured.

I've always wet-shaved. My face was never able to tolerate an electric shaver (shudder). So my place on the wagon may be secure, then...

 

[the_edski]

Quite secure, DE isn't the end-all-be-all of shaving. More than half the shaving battle is the right prep, cream/soap, brush and technique.

I've always wet-shaved. My face was never able to tolerate an electric shaver (shudder). So my place on the wagon may be secure, then...

 

[BigBull]

BigBull, that's the exact thing I experience: it seems like my neck hair grows almost straight up along the skin. I did try my great-grandfathers Senator (which is OC, if I remember correctly), and it ate me up.

I have not used a Senator so I can't speak on that...but please don't write off an open comb based on that one experience. Maybe it was your pressure that day? Maybe it was a bad blade?

I would suggest you try a Gillette LC New (Long Comb). This razor changed my shaving experience. I'd encourage you to pop into the BOTOC thread and do a little reading starting at page 1...sift through the "fluff" there are some very knowledgeable guys and girl that will be happy to help you!

 

[bennyblade28]

I think prep is 80% of a good shave.

 

[The Kiwi]

Yeah, learning good prep and technique probably helped you to get a better shave with the cart. There is a lot of love for the Trac II on this forum, kind of makes me want to get one, even if it is just for travel.

The HANDLES were pretty terrible. A Bump Fighter handle makes a world of difference. My main objection to both the Atra & TracII back in their own time was the constant clogging. Schick's "FX" blades for Atras had a plunger mechanism to remove the clogs, but Sensors (two blades) didn't clog up. The problem with those is Gillette's artificial escalation of cost. I want to try ASR's "Burma Shave" sensor cartridges.

More than any other Classic / Traditional razors, the Schick Injectors were the direct ancestors in form and function to all of the cartridge variations. You should try an Injector, really.

 

[DMT]

Have you tried washing with a face scrub? I have 4 trouble spots on my neck where the hairs are so close to the skin I couldn't be sure what way they grain was going. I found that a face scrub did wonders at lifting the hairs and getting them to stay up.

 

[Bobtrumpet]

If you continue to use the Trac II, please post your experiences.

I think that after a few weeks you'll see a difference/degradation in the quality of shaves. That's just my expectation; I have no data to back it up, just my own experiences with going back to carts/disposables for a short period.

 

[Dharuma]

Have you tried washing with a face scrub? I have 4 trouble spots on my neck where the hairs are so close to the skin I couldn't be sure what way they grain was going. I found that a face scrub did wonders at lifting the hairs and getting them to stay up.

Thanks for the heads up on that, though I've never tried a specific facial product. I do scrub my face, but with Dr. Bronners and a washcloth when I'm in the shower.

 

[Dharuma]

If you continue to use the Trac II, please post your experiences.

I think that after a few weeks you'll see a difference/degradation in the quality of shaves. That's just my expectation; I have no data to back it up, just my own experiences with going back to carts/disposables for a short period.

I'd actually used Trac II's for several years before to going to an M3 (just prior to my DE) and don't remember any problems.

 

[DMT]

Thanks for the heads up on that, though I've never tried a specific facial product. I do scrub my face, but with Dr. Bronners and a washcloth when I'm in the shower.

Try washing with a coarser cloth or a luffa and see does it make a difference. Though personally I think it is better to use a face scrub product they have soothing ingredient to compensate the coarse particles in them, while the former 2 can leave you feeling a little irritated if you go too hard. Nivea, Bulldog and The Real Shaving Co. are all good brands to try.

 

[Mick]

shave with what ever works for you.

There is no "shame" in using one kind of razor over another.

Just enjoy your shave, regardless of the type of blade you use.

 

[Rivguy]

I still have some nice aftermarket Trac II handles that I enjoy using once in a while. I have not used them for some time but I do get a great shave from them when I do.

Regards,

Doug

 

[michiganlover]

shave with what ever works for you.

There is no "shame" in using one kind of razor over another.

Just enjoy your shave, regardless of the type of blade you use.

+1

Use whatever you like, and feel no shame in doing so.

I use a Trac II at least a couple of times a week. I simply like it, and it gives me great no fuss shaves. The cartridges are dirt cheap to boot!!

Unlike many on this board, I don't feel the DE is the end all be all of shaving: I get equally great quality shaves from a Trac II, DE, Gem Razors, and Injectors. I simply use whatever tickles my fancy on any given day.

 

[ackvil]

Do whatever works for you.

But keep in mind the reason why the Trac II is easier to use is because with it the hardware provides the angle and pressure for your shave. I may not be charitable but DE shaving is like driving a Ferrari while Trac II shaving is like using a Honda or similar car. They will both get you to your destination - but with a difference. [And most carts are like riding a bike with training wheels! ]

What I mean is that the Trac II does most of the work for you. Yes, you can get a decent shave. But a DE razor - once you have mastered the technique - will give you a great shave.

But as others have said, the Trac II and most other razors can give you a decent shave. However, IMO the extra time spent mastering a DE or SC razor is worth it.