I'm still somewhat new to the DE shaving thing and feel that my technique has gotten alot better, so now I'm trying to optimize my kit. I'm using a Merkur HD and Tabac soap (which I'm enjoying). After the first couple of bad shaves, my last shave on the Merkur blade that came with the razor went pretty well. Tried an Astra Stainless next and it was bloody razor burn city. Right now I'm using a Personna red and that seems to be doing pretty well. The problem is I have a fairly coarse beard, sensitive skin and cowlicks. So what blades have people tried that are agressive enough to deal with tough stubble but gentle enough not to burn sensitive skin. I have Sharp Stainless, Derby, Shark, Astra Platinum, Feather, and Zorrick blades left in my sample pack.
Help w/ Tough Beard/Sensitive Face
- Thread starter wintermute2
- Start date
I've found Super Iridiums to have the perfect balance of sharpness and smoothness, medical grade Personnas are also nice. Have you taken some time to map out your hair growth? This can be very helpful as you may be thinking you're shaving w/ the grain when in fact you are going against the grain due to the direction the hair grows.
Try out the Feather. I have a very coarse beard with sensitive skin. The first shave with a Feather was bloody. Every shave since has been smooth and easy. I find you have to work a lot less with the Feather, unlike other blades. Once you get used to that, it's easy as pie.
I would second that suggestion. I don't have a particularly thick beard, but my experience with Feathers show that they will be able to mow through anything. But only the lightest touch is necessary, otherwise I find them to be a little more rough on my face (also sensitive skin).
I have a tough beard with sensitive skin around my neck. I get my best shaves the the medical prep Personnas, the Red Pack Personnas, the Gillette Russian Yellows, and Derby Blades. I get a decent shave with Feathers - but I only get two or three shaves with them so they become expensive for me to use.
In your sampler pack the Sharps and Sharks are good, also.
In your sampler pack the Sharps and Sharks are good, also.
Kai.
- Thread starter
- #7
Yes I have. There are two places that I experience the razor burn. One is along the top of either jaw line - north and south of that line the hair grows in opposite 180 degree directions. I'm currently negotiating that spot and minimizing the burn. The worst spots are two patches to either side of my throat muscles. The hair in these patches only grows maybe 10 degrees different than the surrounding hair, but for some reason, possibly the coarseness in this area, my WTG pass does nothing to it, and my ATG pass still leaves a stubbly patch. Then I have to make a corrective pass for these two small areas, hitting them head on ATG. The patches are so small I can't make them their own little "facets".
