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Getting into safety razor shaving

FWIW:

Concur re the tips on clean skin/skin prep/slick lather and no pressure.

Perhaps even a more mild razor to consider would be a schick krona.

If I do what I am supposed to do prep/technique wise, using Astra Sp Blades, I get BBS on the face, jawline, chin and DFS+ on the neck.

At the expense of being a heretic, after starting with injectors found in my mom's bathroom, then going all in with DEs with lots of blade samples and different razors (Krona, Flair Tips and other vintages non adjustable Gillettes/Schicks), I am using a Harry's cartridge plus all of the wet shaving techniques products above.

I am getting similar results while reducing cuts weepers to nearly zero relative to injector and DE razors.
 
I certainly didn't expect so many useful answers in such a short space of time, but it's all appreciated!

Hopefully the technique will come in time but to be honest cartridge shaving takes over half an hour including all the prep, shave and cleanup after (from cuts and irritation), which I understand is far too long but going over the missed patches (which I realise I shouldn't be doing with a 4/5 blade cart) takes additional time.

Can't say I ever tried wet electric shaving but I don't have an electric shaver to try it with any more - I had heard the results were better but never attempted it.

As far as equipment goes I've got a couple of brushes (one synthetic, one badger), a bowl (metallic but rather small) and previously bought some TOoBS sensitive and Trumpers rose creams on a friend's recommendation, so I assume that'll do for a start.

He also lent me a couple of his razors which he reckoned might be a good place to start (Outlaw with the mild plate, a single edge Claymore and I believe an adjustable Rockwell), but looking around the forum these might be a bit aggressive or more suited for advanced users? In any case I'm on the lookout for a Tech or one of the other suggestions on ebay and I'll get round to finding my DE89 somewhere around here.

Cheers!
 
Lots of great advice provided. These guys are really spot on with what they are recommending. I would have also recommended the vintage Tech as well.
Gillette certainly had it right from the get go.
Welcome to B&B!
Happy shaves, my friend!
 

Ron R

I survived a lathey foreman
Welcome to B&B, ingrown hairs can painful for some folks. Some of the new members who once used cartridge razors are using the DE Henson razor recently because it has the built in angle with different colors made out of aluminum. Good transition razor is what I'm understanding and very well made.
I always recommend the Razorock DE SLOC(tame mid range or some consider it a mild razor or Yaqi Mellon head(Same head) because its forgiving and as your technique matures you can get very good results. I have a RR SLOC and it will always be in my large razor rotation because it just gives a DFS+ every time and with out irritation. If you nick your self with a RR SLOC your technique needs improving is all I can say, I enjoy using that razor to this day.
(Picture below)Razorock SLOC, very affordable, looks cool and works very well. It comes with a Stainless steel handle from Italian barber & also bought one for my son for Christmas 4years ago and he still uses it.
Razorock SLOC 2017 (2).jpg
Razorock SLOC Razor 2017 (2).jpg

Have some great shaves!
 
Try the Henson. No joke. It is really made for people coming from cartridge razors and I doubt seriously that you will have any irritation problems, at all. I bought one for my wife and liked it so much I bought one for myself. The standard or mild is the way to go, for you, I think. I'm no expert, however. No joke about that Henson. It is the real deal. It does have a unique shaving angle that must be followed, but it gives a great shave. Then, comes the chore of finding your favorite blade in it.

As for that EJ DE89, a Feather blade in it is my favorite. A mild razor and an uber sharp blade make a winning combo. I did not like milder blades at all, in it. You might try that.
 
I would go back to your DE89 while you are looking for a Tech. I would practice your technique, as far as, do you really feel the blade on your face? Or are you you just scraping lather off your face? You want blade feel, just don't want to peel your face. Try changing the angle of the razor on your face. Lift your wrist, or arm slightly, and let the razor do its job. Short strokes, no pressure. You will feel the difference! Just beware, you don't want to take a chunk out of your face. Have a slick lather, do a good prep. This is as important as the shave itself! Take your time, this is "me" time!
 
The Henson seems interesting - the part I struggle with most is keeping the angle consistent and it looks like the flat plain would be helpful. Only thing to decide however is given my growth and not shaving everyday they seem to suggest the medium over the mild razor.

Out of all the blades tried with the DE89, Personna seems to perform better than the Astra ones I've usually tried it with. I don't feel much blade on my skin, it does seem to be more lather scraping. The prep part I think I'm improving at - especially compared to the shave itself!

Hopefully will get on with my new razor purchases at the weekend and start soon - many options to be getting on with!

Thanks :)
 
Definitely try the Henson. I originally tried the AL13 mild with good results and then went to the medium with better results. Very intuitive coming from cartridges as there was basically very little learning curve. (Even changing from one cartridge to another, say Gillette to Harry's there is a little learning curve as they shave different and require different angles).
I was so pleased I became a convert to DE and bought the TI22 in medium and never looked back.
I shave every day with an Astra blade and soap and a brush (although sometimes will use shaving foam from a can).
 
Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for a Henson - ordering direct from them including delivery to the UK seems a bit steep but I'll have a look at third party sellers too. Nothing on Ebay either.
 
Thanks, I'll keep an eye out for a Henson - ordering direct from them including delivery to the UK seems a bit steep but I'll have a look at third party sellers too. Nothing on Ebay either.
Shaving Time in the UK is an authorized dealer, according to the Henson website. They seem to have a good selection in stock. They don't have all of the colors, but they have a good selection of both medium and mild.
 
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Shaving Time in the UK is an authorized dealer, according to the Henson website. They seem to have a good selection in stock. They don't have all of the colors, but they have a good selection of both medium and mild.
Thanks for that, I'll have a look - not too fussed about the colour, as long as the product's good.
 
I started using DE safety razors a few years ago but stopped (don't know why) went back to disposable blades but they didn't give me a good shave not as good as a safety razor so I'm back using them. I have 5 now not expensive to be fair but they still do the job well. I keep on saying "no more" but I keep on buying them 😊

Another one arrived today from Amazon 'Haryali London' is they make. I'll try it later to find out if it's any good. I'll be looking to buy a more expensive one very soon. I'm a fairly new poster. So excuse me if I rabble on at times 😊
 
Thanks for that, I'll have a look - not too fussed about the colour, as long as the product's good.
Good? I've just bought my third! I love my DE89, but the Henson's are so brainless. I got the mild for my wife and I have two mediums for myself. (to be fair, the mild is probably good enough, closer to the DE89, sort of). Anyway, I think the Henson is a stellar razor, obviously.
 
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Good? I've just bought my third! I love my DE89, but the Henson's are so brainless. I got the mild for my wife and I have two mediums for myself. (to be fair, the mild is probably good enough, closer to the DE89, sort of). Anyway, I think the Henson is a stellar razor, obviously.
Got one on the way so I'm hoping to be equally as impressed with the results!
 
I don't get on with the DE89 or its identical siblings (R89, Gillette Heritage) at all. I'm not sure that mild razors are the best thing for everyone new to DE shaving. They suit some people and not others, regardless of experience.
I would suggest getting a very cheap adjustable, like the QShave clone of the Merkur Futur, just to get an idea as to what level of aggression suits you. They are amazingly cheap.
 
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I don't get on with the DE89 or its identical siblings (R89, Gillette Heritage) at all. I'm not sure that mild razors are the best thing for everyone new to DE shaving. They suit some people and not others, regardless of experience.
I would suggest getting a very cheap adjustable, like the QShave clone of the Merkur Futur, just to get an idea as to what level of aggression suits you. They are amazingly cheap.
I've been offered a Rockwell T2 adjustable to try at some point - wasn't suggested to start with though but it might be helpful to guage aggression as you've rightly suggested.
 
I think you will like that Henson the best. However, everyone is different and there are apparently no right or wrong answers to all this.
 
I think an adjustable is a great razor for someone just starting out. Like Happy Jack said, mild razors for a beard/skin type might not be the best for everyone starting out in wet shaving to get results. You need to find the balance between efficiency and irritation for a close shave. The DE89 is considered to be a good middle of the road razor for someone just starting out, but it sounds like you're not getting as close enough shaves as you'd like? Having efficiency options between a couple of different razors or a single adjustable is a good thing. For me personally, I was never completely satisfied with my shaves until I started using more efficient razors with less passes.

If you haven't already, I would turn off the youtube shave channels for learning technique. You already have the basics down but still aren't 100% satisfied. Watch them for entertainment or learning about new products, but your face and skill set is unique to you. They can make it look easy but shaving isn't easy for everyone all the time. We all have good and bad shaves. Focus on pressure and angle, beard mapping, and teach yourself what's working and what's not. Experiment and trust your judgement. What works for some won't work for you. For example, I have to use a different shave angle and direction on the R side of my neck vs the L side due to the direction of some random hairs that will otherwise result in in-growns. No one can teach me that other than myself. If you aren't happy with the results on a particular area of your face, think back to what you were doing over that area during the shave.

There's really only one rule for a comfortable irritation free shave: you need just enough pressure at a blade angle to cut the hair off at skin level. There's obviously a lot of variables that come into play here between beard/skin, hardware and software, but try to keep it simple, consistent with what is working, and adjust only one variable at a time. You've been given some good pointers here at BB, we're here for you, but ultimately you have to listen and learn from your own feedback.

We've all been in your shoes. Don't give up. It gets easier with time. Have fun and enjoy the journey.
 
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I was using a VDH to start my journey into DE shaving, which is considered a very mild razor. I put some pretty sharp blades in it, including Feathers. Just never seemed to be very efficient, or close enough for me. Doing a 2 pass shave with that razor, I was always cleaning up stubble afterwards. So, now I have this Parker 91R, at the advice of Mark at Q Brothers(Smallflower)in Chicago, and not wanting to spend $50+ on a razor. $28 and change for this razor, and it will be my daily driver for years to come. Reviewers online have said this razor is mid aggressive, to aggressive, but for me when paired with a German Wilkie, is really a smooth, 2 pass comfortable shave. Not a lot of stubble left behind, and no irritation. Everyones face is different, but I really enjoy shaving with my Parker. It is a little heavy, but then you don't need any pressure. I have used this razor since November, and I have only cut myself one time, and that was me in a hurry. I have tried Feathers in this razor, and the first 2 shaves were really close, but 3rd shave was a little rough, as I think Feathers lose their edge quickly. Binned it after that. German Wilkies, or Gillette Platinum works well for me. Today will be shave #6 on a Wilkie in this razor. This is just a suggestion, just like everyone else on here has an opinion on razors. Make an educated purchase, and then stick with it to find a good blade combination for your face, as you master technique. just my .02...
 
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Thanks a lot for the advice, all is much appreciated.

I have indeed stopped with the Youtube videos - for the most part they are made by people with far more experience of DE than I have.

Some of the reviews on Amazon and specialist shaving supplies sites etc I think swayed me to giving up in the past without long-term practice - 'I shaved with carts for x years, switched to DE and immediately noticed a difference' or words to similar effect definitely differed to my limited 'immediate' experiences of switching.

The closeness I've had with DEs before vary from not as close a shave as I'd like, to as close as a cartridge shave with the grain only - neither of which is as close as I'd like.

It's something I really need to work on, a lot of carts cut me up pretty badly too and some of the DEs tried before, even the mild ones have been even worse so the heavy handedness needs work. Cart shaving, dealing with missed spots and cleaning up and dealing with the many cuts and nicks take me 30-45 minutes a time which is ridiculous so I'm definitely doing it wrong.

The pointers however on here from everyone will be very helpful going forward, handy to know that everyone's experience of different razors and products differs. To be honest I cannot my head around how anyone can enjoy and look forward to shaving as so many do, but hopefully I'll be able to join that camp at some point :)
 
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