My first thoughts of using DE

[Corn]

Hello All,

Just wanted to share my first thoughts of using DE razor.
I've been using cartridge razors (gillette mach x) from the beginning and now decided to have a try on DE razor as many seem to keep it better. Had many recommend Merkur 37 but it was hard to find so I bought Merkur 47. It felt nice, good quality and balanced. It was supplied with the same brand of blade which I tried first and heck how I was hurting. Many nicks on my neck and razor burns. Very unpleasant and bleeding experience indeed.

As I had read that those Merkur blades were the most dull I then switched to Israeli blades and it really cut much better. Well I had steamed my beard this time (sauna) but the differences were like night and day so I really thought that much differences on those blades. Still I couldn’t get that smooth cut as I wished with DE razor and “bbs” skin took very many strokes against the grain to achieve but at least it was possible without the need of bleeding. Next I’ll try Feather blades to see if it will bring me the results I was waiting/wishing.

Little background:, I think I have quite rough beard and sensitive skin (Can’t tell exactly as I haven’t shaved anyone else’s beard to tell the difference). So far I’ve managed to get good results with Gillette 5 blade cartridge, their shaving gel (foam is not slippery enough) and steaming in sauna. With the cartridge blades I had to have at least two strokes, one along with the grain and one against to get satisfactory results. Haven’t had ingrowns before.

Thanks for reading. Will be back commenting the Feathers. I skipped the Derby’s this time as I thought that sharper the blade the better it is.. huh. Hope I’m wrong.

-C

 

[onefallinghope]

What is the rest of your technique? That will make a huge difference. As will a proper lather with a good cream or soap. I urge you, don't use those shaving "gel" goops that you get at the store. It would be very difficult to get anything approaching a good shave with that gel.

 

[edw]

When switching from gel to lather I found out that a not too thick layer and a lot of "massage" with the brush over the face gave me better results.

Maybe you should try Derby blades wich uses to be very forgiving to our mistakes.

 

[Gordy2]

No Feathers for you, YET! Gillette Yellows, Israeli Crystals, Persona Labs. Make sure you use a good prep, apply a good cream (e.g. Tobs) with a brush (any type of badger or even a good boar no need for a Rudy V. yet), NO GEL. Let cream sit on the face for a while to soften the beard. WATCH the razor angle and go slow. Give it time, you'll get it!

 

[rxonmymind]

Welcome! It sounds like your finding what works for you. I would add that a particular blade is not suited for a particular razor thus needing more strokes to complete or attain a bbs as you found. One of the joys of DE shaving is the myrad of tools we have at our disposal which offer a dizzying combanation that'll eventually work for you! Don't make this a competition against current era razors as they are two different breeds. Some find one DE with this blade works better for you than it would for me and a badger is better than a boar for some. Also keep in mind that with DE's multiple passes work better at gradually reducing beard andd eventually stubble. Don't be afraid to go four passes if need be. Anyway, your well on your way to enjoying DE's and I wish you the best.
Cheers!

 

[PMT]

Welcome! just keep trying, once you find what works, it will all make sense!

 

[ALATRON]

It takes a lot of practice. After DE shaving for about 4 years, I'm still improving, using razors/blades that in the past I thought were no good. Instead it was user error.

 

[coloradomonkey]

It takes a lot of practice. After DE shaving for about 4 years, I'm still improving, using razors/blades that in the past I thought were no good. Instead it was user error.

+1

I got through a large sampler pack hoping to find the perfect blade, but my technique has improved and I need to sample them all over again.

 

[MattSD]

I'll be watching to see what you think of the feather blades. I would have tried them by now if I had any. I've found that blades make a huge difference to the performance of a razor, not to mention the inherent qualities of the razor you're using. Sometimes it seems that the answer to getting a better shave is counter intuitive, for example I have sort of sensitive skin and don't have particularly course or dense facial hair so I thought the answer would be a mild shaver with a fairly sharp blade. I'm finding I get much better results with a more aggressive razor. I have only had the opportunity to try 4 razors so far but as everybody will tell you it's a game of trial and error. I'm new to DE shaving too and I find that as my technique and understanding of what I'm doing changes so do my results. In other words there's no easy way around it, you just have to try lots of stuff and keep going! Other people will be able to give you more detailed advice. Anyway.. welcome aboard!

 

[MegaBullfrog09]

Welcome man, don't be afraid to ask questions. We've all been new to this at one point or another.

 

[tmurzz]

The better you become and the more product you discover - the intrigued you will become.

 

[Galhatz]

My first DE shave was with a Merkur 23C and a Merkur blade. It was a fine shave. I went easy and didn't apply pressure beyond slightly more then the head of the razor.
I though over the past months I thought I perfected my technique and I got a Tradere SB. Now that is an aggressive razor which made me see that I was still applying too much pressure as well that my lather could be better.

You need good slick protective lather and if you get cut or burn, it means you are still digging the blade into your skin. Also, too steep angle can get the blade into skin scraping mode.
I suggest running the razor accross your face with no blade and pay attention to how the safety bar feels. If it is more than a very light touch then its too much.
It takes time. Cartridges are dull and require a lot of pressure, it is a hard habit to break.
Even if the first shaves are not that close, stick with presentable shaves. After a week or so, you would learn to read the feedback your fingers and skin give you.