New Razor, New Blade. Which is causing me irritation?

[chrislols]

Hello Gentleman. I come here this evening in hopes of being blessed with information!

I'm a semi-newb to Wetshaving, but today I tried a new setup. I used a new razor, and a new brand blade, and I received quite a bit of irritation, all over. So I'm unsure what caused the irritation, the blade, or the new razor (technique). So I'll start by giving you guys some background.

I've been using quite a plethora of nice creams and soaps, but the one I've mastered so far is D.R. Harris Almond cream, so naturally when using a new razor I made sure I used a cream I'm familiar with and can make a good lather with. I've also been using a Merkur 33c as my razor , with Red IP as my blade of choice. To say the least every shave has been giving me a DFS, without any irritation, or even feeling the blade cutting at all.

Recently though my RAD kicked in and I bought a '64 Gillette Super Speed (j3), it's in mint condition and quite a beaut! I figured I'd give it a shot today and used a new blade I've never used before: Astra. Soon after my FIRST pass I started to notice while lathering for my second pass, that my face was generally irritated, it just felt like I got razor burn. My gut tells me the Astra isn't for me, but since I'm a newb I wonder if since I'm using a new razor, is their a new technique to learn? Although I got a nice clean shave, my face is VERY irritated.

Would you guys reckon I give the Astra another shot or two to see if it's my technique? Or should I put the Astra into the Blade Bank, and load in a RED IP.

Thanks,
Chrislols

EDIT: It's not even 12 hours, and my face is getting rough already. Atleast the RED IP's give a DFS for atleast a day.

 

[papa2cool]

I think I would try the super speed with the red ip and see what that does.

 

[jdlewallen]

I think I would try the super speed with the red ip and see what that does.

This was my thought as well, along with trying the Astra in your Merkur so you have a better comparison - though if you get a good one with the Red in your new razor, I might just kiss the Astras goodbye without using again. I just hate repeating misery....

 

[chrislols]

This was my thought as well, along with trying the Astra in your Merkur so you have a better comparison - though if you get a good one with the Red in your new razor, I might just kiss the Astras goodbye without using again. I just hate repeating misery....

I hate mysteries. . Especially when I have to sacrifice a shave.

Thanks for the tips guys, I'll swap the blades around on my next couple of shaves.

 

[stagger]

Try a blade you are familiar with in the new razor. That should give you an idea as to which is causing the problem.

 

[Razorburne]

only way to truly figure it out would be to change only one variable at a time...changing more than one makes it impossible to determine...my guess would be as good as yours....could be the blade, could be the difference in technique due to weight, blade exposure, etc. Try changing only one variable at a time (blade, razor, soap/cream) while keeping attention to proper technique the best you can and you'll figure it out...might just take a bit of time.

good luck!

 

[talibeard]

That is what you get from changing two variables at the same time; so load your Merkur with the Astra and put an IP in your Superspeed!

The only way to tell.

 

[natchez]

Make sure the new razor is clean and dry before you start. It is possible it was cleaned or polished with something that is irritating you before you acquired it, maybe CLR or MASS, and there was some bit of residue.

It may also be the Astra, it is a very sharp blade. But, as pointed out already only way to determine that is to try the switcheroo.

 

[winkydink]

It would be much easier to determine which is the problem if you only change one variable at a time.

 

[RBE17]

One thing I've started doing recently is soaking my razor and blade in barbicide before every shave. That has cut down of some minor irritation I had. You might want to switch back to your old razor and new blade or new razor and old blade. Until you have various combos figured out you'd best only change one thing at a time. I know it can be overwhelming w/ wanting to try all the different combos as you acquire new items. Just be patient and you'll be rewarded.