My First Safety Razor Shave

[keety]

Ok, well a few days ago(friday) I ordered my safety razor from West Coast. Today I was surprised to find out it arrived so quick, inside the package was my Edwin Jagger DE89 Double Edge Safety Razor, Chrome and a pack of feather blades. I bought a cheap brush from Walgreens for $10 dollars and I got what I paid for it pretty much sucks and I also got some Proraso from Bath and Body Works, then to round it all up I'm using a clear glass kitchen bowl to lather up. Does anyone know how the ready to use Proraso in the can is?

I applied my first coat and got down to business, it was easier then I thought it would be. I did three passes all together and I'm noticing a little stubble here and there, especially around and under my jaw line but also when I rub my hand against my face against the grain, but maybe thats normal to feel some stubble I'm guessing. There was a little blood, I nicked my self a little but not too bad.I also noticed at times it felt as if it wasn't getting to the hair and shaving it off, maybe it just felt like that but it made me think I may be doing something wrong or maybe I need to press harder, maybe this is all normal and I'm just figuring it all out being a beginner and all.

Any thoughts, tips, and advice are all welcomed.

 

[Toothpick]

I would work on your angle if you are not noticing any hair being removed but don't apply any pressure. the weight of the razor and gravity is enough to remove the hair if your angle is correct. Feather blades are really sharp and sometimes it doesn't feel like any hair is being removed but it actually is. you have some fine products so i suspect its just a matter of finding the angle. Welcome to the club!

 

[keety]

I guess I just watch some more youtube videos and soak in some technique I see in there.

Is it alright to clean bowl in dishwasher?

 

[Toothpick]

do a couple North/South slowly while adjusting the blade angle, you should be able to feel the blade against your skin as it cuts the hair. as for the bowl......if it's a "dishwasher safe" bowl sure, being glass it should be.

 

[keety]

By adjusting the blade angle, do you mean like moving it with my hand?

Not like something I have to fool with the actual razor but technique right?

 

[Toothpick]

adjusting with your hand. take a look at these links from the shavewiki:

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Safety_Razor_Grips

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Blade_Angle

they will give you a better understanding. The shavewiki here is amazing!

 

[Niles]

Congrats on a good first DE shave.

 

[dieselfuel79]

When shaving your neck and jaw line, try sticking your neck outwards, instead of tilting your head upwards.

 

[retiredguns]

Welcome aboard! Everything you are describing is typical of a new DE shaver. It truly is a "practice makes perfect" skill. The products you are using are plenty sufficient for a top notch shave and when you nail that first, perfect shave you'll be hooked! A nicer brush I bet will be the first piece of new hardware you look for. Be patient and don't force it. Watch the angle, pressure and quality of lather. Your face is giving a lot of feedback when you put one, sharp blade against it.

 

[celestino]

Congratulations on the new items and the information that Jason (DEshave) has given you is very good. Try it out and best of luck.

 

[AjaxLepinski]

Congrats on the first DE shave! The EJDE89 is a great razor.
While they are a favorite, Feathers are really sharp! Everyone rightly suggests buying a variety package of blades. Variety packs are available at just about every shaving supply website. Get a variety pack that has another popular, but milder blade, Astra SP's.
Have fun bro!!!

 

[Samji]

+1 ��

 

[mgoldmann]

I can vouch for the DE89- I have one in my collection that gets used pretty regular (but with Wilkinson Sword or Personna as my blades).

Regarding Proraso, I received a can of their shaving foam from Bath and Body Works as a Christmas present from my nieces last year. It worked ok for me, but it wasn't so dramatic that I would spend extra for it. If it were on sale, that would be different. It is a brushless product, so it can get applied without lathering.

 

[keety]

I went back for another shave, to practice and try to get rid of some of the excess stubble I left behind. Unfortunately, there was more blood, I nicked myself a few more times...which was rather disocuraing. Not sure how to get the angle perfect, I don't know really what I'm doing for better or worst, to be honest.

Is it normal when feeling your face, especially your cheeks in particular when touched it feels smooth but when I rub against the grain...I feel the stubble?

 

[Toothpick]

I went back for another shave, to practice and try to get rid of some of the excess stubble I left behind. Unfortunately, there was more blood, I nicked myself a few more times...which was rather disocuraing. Not sure how to get the angle perfect, I don't know really what I'm doing for better or worst, to be honest.

Is it normal when feeling your face, especially your cheeks in particular when touched it feels smooth but when I rub against the grain...I feel the stubble?

yes thats normal. Don't worry so much about it right now. Stubble is stubble, not a big deal this early in the game. do a couple passes, get the feel of the razor and blade and have fun with whipping up a good lather. I wouldn't shave twice in one day either, wait till the next day or every other day. you'll most likely have to do a "against the grain" pass to clear the stubble, but if you havent had enough time to familiarize yourself with the whole DE shaving process i'd wait on that.

 

[keety]

I don't even know if I could do an against the grain pass upward considering how awkward it felt with a little attempt, maybe one day it'll be more comfortable. Yeah, I admit I probably should of passed on another shave but I was kinda anxious to fool with my razor and try to work things out.

Either way, all is alright. Is it really necessary to go against the grain on one pass?

 

[Daveshave]

Excellent info!!! Can't wait to get my safety razor!

 

[Toothpick]

I don't even know if I could do an against the grain pass upward considering how awkward it felt with a little attempt, maybe one day it'll be more comfortable. Yeah, I admit I probably should of passed on another shave but I was kinda anxious to fool with my razor and try to work things out.

Either way, all is alright. Is it really necessary to go against the grain on one pass?

whats really necessary is for you to be happy with your own shave. So the passes and different angles of the pass is up to you. speaking for myself i can't rid my face of the fine stubble without going against the grain on one pass, my shave is one with the grain, one against the grain, then i'll even feel around with wet fingers and touch up the stubble i missed. You are gonna miss some, it happens. just find a point where you are happy with it and call it a successful shave. I'd suggest visiting the shavewiki here, read the "just getting started" section, view the great pics, use it as a reference, along with all the great members here, and you will be getting a BBS in no time!

you might want to consider buying a styptic pencil. it will stop the weepers and nicks from bleeding instantly.

 

[mdmmd]

Another thing to consider is the blades. Just because feathers are the sharpest, it doesn't necessarily mean you'll get the most comfortable shave with them. For me personally with my current ability (or lack thereof), I like a blade that isn't quite as sharp. Lets me concentrate on improving my techniques without worrying about so many cuts. I'm sure I'll come back to the feathers but I'm glad I went back and purchased some sample blades to try in the meantime.

 

[bob9039]

Does anyone know how the ready to use Proraso in the can is?

I've used the cream in the tube with and without whipping up a lather and it worked great. I assume the stuff in the can is a foam? If it is it won't be as good. I haven't tried the can.

... when I rub my hand against my face against the grain, but maybe thats normal to feel some stubble I'm guessing.

I guess it depends on your beard but for me with an average beard, stubble is not normal. For me, skin stretching and an against the grain pass are required to get rid of all the stubble. It can be done but as others have said, don't worry about a perfect shave for a while. If you do, you will get cut or cause irritation. Go backs are a no no even for most experienced shavers. Wait until your next shave. It took me a year to get perfect shaves so be patient, proceed slowly, and with time things will improve dramatically. Just realize a great shave takes practice and perseverance... but it will come.

No matter how much you read about applying light pressure you will probably apply too much at first. Keep telling yourself you are not trying to shave close with a single pass. Apply very light pressure even if there are hairs left after the pass. After 3 passes it will be decent. Maybe not BBS, but really good.

Last, as a new shaver I suggest super prepping for the shave just to make things as easy as possible. You will be amazed.

1) Wash face with shaving soap for at least a minute rubbing the whiskers briskly
2) leave soap on face and cover face with a hot wash cloth for at least 5 minutes re-wetting the cloth with hot water as it cools
3 Apply a pre-shave such as Proraso pre-shave or any other skin softening product (I also use this with great success: http://www.dermstore.com/product_Gentle+Skin+Cleanser_147.htm)
4) Leave the pre-shave or lotion on your skin and re-apply the hot wash cloth for another couple of minutes
5) Apply more pre-shave, cover with lather, shave

This takes more time but I guarantee you it will reduce irritation.