I've been learning things here.

[Cedar]

I've spent a great deal of time reading on here and learned a great deal. I was never taught how to shave so after years of horrible results I finally landed here for some good advice.

First things I tried was Spieck shaving cream and soap, and I like it. Then I tried the Speick aftershave, it works nice. I've never used after shave before. Then I bought Aqua Velva, Brut, Pinaud, Old Spice, and Ogalla Bay Rum. The wife loves the Old Spice. Recently I bought a sample of New Spice from Saint Charles Shave, not a big fan, but they sent a sample of their soap in a dish. I tried it out and it was really nice. I've never done the soap in the dish thing.

The razor you ask, well that is a good question. I use a Schick ST2 disposable. After reading so much on here about DE shaving you guys have me alarmed. I wanted to commit, I even had a EJ89 in the cart at Bull and Goose and just couldn't hit the place order button. How long of a road is the learning curve? I'm not a handsome man and can't be running around with pieces of toilet paper and razor burn on my face.

Oh, I did try the cold water shave thing this morning and it worked great. I'll be using cold water from now on.

 

[Weaselsrippedmyflesh]

The '89 is a great choice as a first razor or even as your only razor. It's not super aggressive and gives a great shave. Hit that "place order" button - you won't regret it!

 

[lowjax]

Starting with a mild razor like the EJ DE89 and a mild blade is a great idea. I haven't cut myself yet using a DE, just a few weepers here and there. It's not scary at all.

 

[celestino]

The EJ89 is a fairly mild DE and you will be fine. Go ahead and pull the trigger and good luck!

 

[konijntjesbroek]

Welcome to the show! There is a mild learning curve w/DE, but if you read up on angle and practice it sans blade a few times should be fine. Just remember, no pressure, no less than that.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Interactive_Guide_to_DE_Razor_Shaving

Start there. You will be great and have a blast.

 

[Robert45]

My learning razor was the EJ89. In the first month I nicked myself three times, nothing serious. Each time it was due to me getting in a hurry and losing my focus. Hit the "Buy"!

 

[Mick]

Get the DE89.

Even if you stick with disposables the DE89 will look way cool on your counter

 

[Niles]

The DE89 has a great reputation with lots of fans here. It will take some time to learn to use a DE. But you'll love your shaves when it happens.

 

[anoop]

How good is your technique? Have you viewed the videos on YouTube that explain DE shaving? I viewed those many times and practiced those techniques using a Merkur Twin Blade, but any razor handle with weight will be good. It would be hard to practice with a disposable because they lack any weight in the handle. Anyway, despite my research and learnings, I hesitated, but eventually pulled the trigger (with some prodding from folks on here!). Boy, am I glad I did. And because I had been practicing those techniques, I had zero trouble even with my first shave...clean and no nicks. Since then, I've nicked myself may be 3 or 4 times on the neck.

Once you are used to a DE, there is no going back to disposables. Period. The shaving experience is so different that I'd rather remain with a stubble than put my skin through the ravages of a disposable.

 

[jhh834]

DE shaving isn't something to be afraid of, no, it is something to enjoy.

 

[the_edski]

Any EJ8X is a great first razor. I'm over a year in here and I still come back to my 87 on a regular basis!

 

[mistercitizen]

Like most worthwhile ventures in life, shaving with a simple DE razor takes time and patience. If you're scared of nicks and cuts.... don't be. Starting out, I nicked and cut myself a few times, but nothing that required a huge amount of toliet paper. You learn surprisingly fast, especially if you 1) focus on proper blade angle and 2) apply no pressure. These two things are the most important IMO. I started out with an EJ DE89, but after acquiring a vintage Gillette Super Speed a few months later, I wished that I would've started out with the Super Speed. For me, the Super Speed is more forgiving than the EJ DE89.... especially when it comes to using the proper angle. Of course ultimately you want to learn to consistently use the proper angle when shaving at all times, but if you're hesitant about getting into DE shaving, try a Super Speed just to get comfortable with DE shaving. You will not get super BBS shaves unless you do about 4 or 5 passes and go ATG.... but I would not recommend going ATG for someone just starting out with a DE razor anyway. Just do 2 or 3 passes (WTG, XTG, and XTG) and get the feel for using the razor.... get comfortable with holding it, stretching the skin in the right ways, etc. Eventually, it will come much easier.... and you won't cut yourself up. I promise .

Ben