Help with Single Edge shaving - Schick L2 or something else?

[kellyv]

I have been trying to adapt to using a single edge razor, I purchased a Schick L2 based on recommendations I found here (and other sites). While it's fun, it's both aggressive and not a very close shave. My previous gear had been 2 & 3 blade cartridge razors, which I still use and get good shaves with them. I have tried various cremes and gels and still can't get a close, comfortable shave with the Schick. I have tried both the Supply and the Ted Pella blades, both felt the same to me

I have considered purchasing a different razor, perhaps a Leaf, a Supply, Parker or something else. But if this is the way an injector razor shaves, perhaps it's not for me. I'd like this to work out, I enjoy shaving with an SE razor but it hasn't been that effective or enjoyable so far. Any guidance would be appreciated.

Just a little more info - my beard grows in multiple directions, especially my neck where it kind of "swirls" I have never gotten this area BBS so I don't expect to get perfect results, just something a little more comfortable.

Thanks

 

[JCinPA]

I learned on one s a young lad. I would say stick with the L2 for a bit yet. Lighten the pressure, it is not really an aggressive razor, and if you feel it is, you are using too much pressure. Also, use the Chinese blades from Amazon, yellow package, affectionately known as Chicks.

With some more practice you should be getting effortless very close AND comfortable shaves with the L2. I think many folks give up on new razors too soon (don’t know how long you’ve been using it, however), but a month of daily use is not too long to master a new tool, imo

 

[kellyv]

Hi

Thanks for your reply. I have been using it on and off for months, lately off since it hasn't been great. I've been experimenting with the pressure and the angle but still not having much success. So IDK, I see that lots of users seem to have success with it. Perhaps it's not the razor for me

 

[Whiterook]

What he said ^^^^^^

 

[jaro 101969]

I agree with what was said earlier. Try the chicks blades.And try different angles., pressures, and soaps.. You haven't mentioned what soap you were using, it might not be right for the razor either...

 

[JCinPA]

It may not be for you, this game is hugely YMMV, but pretty much let the angle of the razor against your face determine, keep it flat, don’t lift the handle, and really go light and you should find it better. I learned on this in high school with the typical complexion issues teens have and loved this razor. My grandad was my coach. Good luck!

But if it doesn’t work leave it. Life is short. The Schick design is so good, however (I have 3) I’d never buy a high end SE. I have several medium high-end DEs. But the Schick is very hard to improve upon, I believe.

Good luck!

 

[HoosierTrooper]

It may be a long shot but make sure the blade edge wasn’t damaged when you loaded it. It’s easy to do with injectors and it doesn’t take much contact with the blade stops to ruin it.

 

[kellyv]

Hey Everybody,

Thanks for all your advice, just the sort of thing I was looking for. Hearing from others who use the same razor is useful info.

In answer to the soaps/ cream question - Edge for sensitive skin is my preferred shaving gel. I know a lot of purists might not dig it, but I find it the most comfortable. I just started a can of Barbasol, very cool & old school. Others - Old Spice cream, Park Avenue cream, Godrij.

I'll continue to work with the L2 and see if I can get better results

Thanks

 

[jaro 101969]

honestly the canned goo may not be slick enough.

 

[Phoenixkh]

I used Edge gel for sensitive skin since it was first released.... several decades ago. It's good stuff, though I'm using shaving brushes, bowl lathering unscented soaps, croaps and creams. But the Edge isn't bad at all.

I know there has been lots of advice about how to get the best out of your Schick SE injector.... Good advice... sound advice.

If you want to venture into a DE razor that might be good for you.... I say this because I also have a skin issue (Psoriasis Arthritis that spills over to my face), you might try the Goodfellas' Smile Bayonetta. With a good hand polishing to brighten it up a bit, you might love the shave... Get a few tucks of Gillette Perma-Sharp blades... keep using your Edge... and see if that makes a difference for you.

Amazon.com

 

[jaro 101969]

I used Edge gel for sensitive skin since it was first released.... several decades ago. It's good stuff, though I'm using shaving brushes, bowl lathering unscented soaps, croaps and creams. But the Edge isn't bad at all.

I know there has been lots of advice about how to get the best out of your Schick SE injector.... Good advice... sound advice.

If you want to venture into a DE razor that might be good for you.... I say this because I also have a skin issue (Psoriasis Arthritis that spills over to my face), you might try the Goodfellas' Smile Bayonetta. With a good hand polishing to brighten it up a bit, you might love the shave... Get a few tucks of Gillette Perma-Sharp blades... keep using your Edge... and see if that makes a difference for you.

Amazon.com

I wasn't saying it ( canned goo) was necessarily bad , I was staying that for him it just might not be slick enough or whatever to give him a good shave with that particular razor.... I mean if I'm in a major hurry and Have to shave that day , I also have a can of the gel in a can for extremely quick shaves ( that Have to be closer than the Phillips one-blade Can give..)..

 

[Phoenixkh]

I wasn't saying it ( canned goo) was necessarily bad , I was staying that for him it just might not be slick enough or whatever to give him a good shave with that particular razor.... I mean if I'm in a major hurry and Have to shave that day , I also have a can of the gel in a can for extremely quick shaves ( that Have to be closer than the Phillips one-blade Can give..)..

My comment wasn't directed at you... I'm sorry it came across that way. I was thinking about changing too many things at once. I hesitated recommending a DE razor, but if he chose that route, I figured, changing to a DE razor would be enough of a change, rather than suggesting using a brush and a good, slick soap too.

 

[jaro 101969]

My comment wasn't directed at you... I'm sorry it came across that way. I was thinking about changing too many things at once. I hesitated recommending a DE razor, but if he chose that route, I figured, changing to a DE razor would be enough of a change, rather than suggesting using a brush and a good, slick soap too.

Its fine. I was just providing thoughts too and thought it worth mentioning about the soap and sickness.

 

[Whiterook]

There is always the possibilty that a vintage razor has damage. Here is a picture of my L2 head, which shaves just fine.

These are known as mild razors.

 

[MrFritz]

Number 6 helped me with getting the best shaves out of my injectors.
In fact, I no longer use anything else and need to start selling years and years of DE razors.

 

[MrFritz]

It may be a long shot but make sure the blade edge wasn’t damaged when you loaded it. It’s easy to do with injectors and it doesn’t take much contact with the blade stops to ruin it.

I swore off injectors for years before I realized that I had run a blade against the stops and tore my face up.
Unfortunately the razors got blamed for my mistake.

 

[HoosierTrooper]

I swore off injectors for years before I realized that I had run a blade against the stops and tore my face up.
Unfortunately the razors got blamed for my mistake.

I think this may be fairly common with guys that are new to injectors.

 

[slackskin]

May I add my 2c in favor of the Supply Single Edge? At age 79, I have been shaving for a while. I find it to produce effortless, smooth shaves. And at $59, it won't break the bank.

 

[musicman1951]

I've only used one SE to date, but it was an incredibly easy transition from DE - Alpha Spirit. Great shaves from day one, no weepers after about 6 weeks.

 

[Quaznoid]

Ok. There is no better razor than the Schick injector.

1. If you have an L series with a chrome head, it will not slide as well through lather as other types. A J, G or E will do much better.

2. If all you have is the L, fine, let’s work with it.

3. Use ONLY the Chinese made Schick blades in the yellow package (“Chicks”).

4. Carefully insert a fresh Chick.

5. Develop a SLICK soap-based lather; do not use a gel.

6. Use the razor with a little pressure, dropping the handle slightly so as to lift the flat guard off the face. (As in point no. 6 in the Schick instructions, in a previous post, above).

7. Use regular strokes or go every which way; the Schick works well no matter what. Don’t be afraid to swirl it about.

8. Do a two pass shave or thereabouts, WTG, ATG.

DONE.

If the result is not the best and easiest shave you’ve ever had, try again. There is no better razor.

But remember: CHICKS ONLY; SLICK LATHER, no gel.

Enjoy.