Hello all, 
a shaving thread on another forum (off topic asking if members use blade or electric) introduced me to DE shaving. Then I found this site, and manic59's excellent videos.
So I bought a Merkur HD on ebay a month or so ago along with a few different blades, badger brush, Proraso, and a cake soap that came with a very basic shaving kit, a few weeks later I got a Gillette Tech razor used off ebay for $12 shipped.
Here are some things off the top of my head, any input would be great.
-My first shave was with the HD and 7'oclock blades. All went well (only got a couple small nicks), I was surprised how easy it was to shave with a DE (previous to that I used a Gillette Sensor Excel).
-The Gillette Tech is MUCH less aggressive than the Merkur HD, and requires more passes for a smooth shave, I like the Merkur HD better.
-Applying lather with a brush feels great, and a little soap goes a long way, but if not well lathered up can feel slimy and thick keeping blade off skin.
-I have not shaved enough to pick up on differences between Derby and the Gillette 7 O'Clock blades, they seem very similar.
-Feather blades allow for very slow maneuvering around the chin area with little resistance and less (nearly no) pressure.
-I can shave against the grain on the first pass if I shave each day (except the chin and mustache where I go with the grain, then against). A complete shave can take as little as 5 minutes.
-Friends of mine are being turned onto DE after seeing mine. Thinking about getting another to try, from what I have read the Edwin Jagger DE87 (ivory handle) is moderately aggressive.
Thanks for all the information here.
-John
a shaving thread on another forum (off topic asking if members use blade or electric) introduced me to DE shaving. Then I found this site, and manic59's excellent videos.
So I bought a Merkur HD on ebay a month or so ago along with a few different blades, badger brush, Proraso, and a cake soap that came with a very basic shaving kit, a few weeks later I got a Gillette Tech razor used off ebay for $12 shipped.
Here are some things off the top of my head, any input would be great.
-My first shave was with the HD and 7'oclock blades. All went well (only got a couple small nicks), I was surprised how easy it was to shave with a DE (previous to that I used a Gillette Sensor Excel).
-The Gillette Tech is MUCH less aggressive than the Merkur HD, and requires more passes for a smooth shave, I like the Merkur HD better.
-Applying lather with a brush feels great, and a little soap goes a long way, but if not well lathered up can feel slimy and thick keeping blade off skin.
-I have not shaved enough to pick up on differences between Derby and the Gillette 7 O'Clock blades, they seem very similar.
-Feather blades allow for very slow maneuvering around the chin area with little resistance and less (nearly no) pressure.
-I can shave against the grain on the first pass if I shave each day (except the chin and mustache where I go with the grain, then against). A complete shave can take as little as 5 minutes.
-Friends of mine are being turned onto DE after seeing mine. Thinking about getting another to try, from what I have read the Edwin Jagger DE87 (ivory handle) is moderately aggressive.
Thanks for all the information here.
-John
