Yesterday I had a nicely close shave with my "brand new" Gillette HD Rocket, combined with a new Red Personna. I had a very smooth result with two WTG passes (not BBS, but very passable). However, in the afternoon, I started feeling razor burn, so I concluded that I might have applied to much pressure after all (looking back, the Kruidvat alchohol based after shave could play a role in that as well).
Today I used the Rocket again, with the same blade. This time I made very sure that I applied absolutely zero pressure, and took notice of the blade angle all time (short and slow strokes). Again two WTG passes, and the result is far less close than yesterday. Worse; instead of cutting through the stubble on my chin, the razor kept catching each time. I just didn't get a smooth gliding shave.
My background: I have been wet shaving for 30 years, most of it with a Trac II cartridge. A month ago, I switched to a Mühle R89 razor. Both the Trac II and the Mühle give me perfect and effortless shaves (with the Mühle having the slight edge). So I think I do have some basic technique in lathering and shaving. I used the same brush and soap that I always use, and that always have given me great results.
I had expected a difference, and need for some adjustment, with the Gillette (my first vintage razor). But not this much; this morning it felt like a dull Trac II cartridge instead of a real razor. In contrast, yesterday I had a very fine shave (but I am sure that I handled the razor less cautiously then).
So ... what am I doing wrong? Am I applying too little pressure with this new razor? Is this the wrong blade / razor combination for me? I think that I would get a very close shave again if I would handle the Gillette like my Mühle (that is, holding the handle between my fingertips, but deliberately guiding the razor). However, I thought that a heavy razor should do all the work for you. Does it really only work with super sharp blades?
Not giving up on the Gillette yet, though ... yesterday's result was too promising
Today I used the Rocket again, with the same blade. This time I made very sure that I applied absolutely zero pressure, and took notice of the blade angle all time (short and slow strokes). Again two WTG passes, and the result is far less close than yesterday. Worse; instead of cutting through the stubble on my chin, the razor kept catching each time. I just didn't get a smooth gliding shave.
My background: I have been wet shaving for 30 years, most of it with a Trac II cartridge. A month ago, I switched to a Mühle R89 razor. Both the Trac II and the Mühle give me perfect and effortless shaves (with the Mühle having the slight edge). So I think I do have some basic technique in lathering and shaving. I used the same brush and soap that I always use, and that always have given me great results.
I had expected a difference, and need for some adjustment, with the Gillette (my first vintage razor). But not this much; this morning it felt like a dull Trac II cartridge instead of a real razor. In contrast, yesterday I had a very fine shave (but I am sure that I handled the razor less cautiously then).
So ... what am I doing wrong? Am I applying too little pressure with this new razor? Is this the wrong blade / razor combination for me? I think that I would get a very close shave again if I would handle the Gillette like my Mühle (that is, holding the handle between my fingertips, but deliberately guiding the razor). However, I thought that a heavy razor should do all the work for you. Does it really only work with super sharp blades?
Not giving up on the Gillette yet, though ... yesterday's result was too promising
