New to safety razor shaving. A couple questions.

[jbrdr85]

I purchased the edwin jagger safety razor I believe? I also purchased a 100pk of derby blades. For shaving cream, I picked up taylor or old bond sandalwood. Here are my questions:

1. Is there a certain way to put on the blade? Meaning, can I put it on my razor using either side as the top? I noticed there are numbers in the corner of the blade, but I'm not sure if that's a guide on how to put the razor on.

2. The shaving cream I got feels like it dries my face more than my sensitive skin gel in a tube stuff. I'm afraid I'll start developing acne because of constant drying. Is there a better cream out there that doesn't dry or clog pores?

3. Wouldn't the constant exfoliating with the shaving brush irritate the skin, thus causing bumps/acne?


Thank you!

 

[lowjax]

Welcome to B&B.

1. The blade can go in either side up. The numbers mean nothing outside of the factory they are made in. I believe they are used internally for QC.

2. I've never used TOBS so can't speak for that particular soap, but I, and many other people, use aftershave toners, balms, lotions, etc to provide moisture for the skin.

3. The exfoliating of skin is a good thing. It gets rid of dead skin cells. Bumps are usually caused by ingrown hairs, which the DE doesn't cause, and acne is usually caused by oily skin and clogged pores. The brush should help both of these.

 

[FL shaver]

1) It makes no difference how the blade is loaded. You might consider sampling a variety of blades if you haven't yet found that Derby's work well for you in that razor.

2) So many soaps and creams out there to try if you find TOBS Sandalwood too drying.

3). The exfoliation ought to lead to healthier skin.

Enjoy experimenting!

 

[jbrdr85]

Thanks! The derby blades seems to work pretty good, but maybe they can be a little sharper? My hair is pretty thick so sometimes the blade has trouble slicing through without pulling a little. Still, so much better than cartridge razors.

Would you guys recommend a blade that is a little sharper than the derby? Or one that cuts easier?

 

[jbrdr85]

Actually, I found a blade variety pack on amazon. Might purchase that!

 

[Cagliostro]

Hiya, and welcome to the wonderful world of wet shaving!

TOBS Sandalwood is one of my fave creams, it has to me any case the best sandalwood scents, it is strong and musky just like I like it and it shaves greats with a thick dense and slick lather. Derby blades I have yet to try, I hear there not scary sharp and some prefer them as there easier or more forgiving I guess, I have a packet and will try them soon. The blades can be loaded either way, makes no difference at all. As for the dryness of the cream add some water drop by drop until it becomes nice and stays on your face, that is a trial and error thing the balance of water and cream, do try again and again you'll get it right soon trust me lol. And no, the exfoliation is a good thing as it clears pores and scrubs dead skin left behind by your face scrub prep and also makes for a smoother shave in the end.

A sharp blade? I'll step forward on that, if you want sharp you cant get sharper than Feather blades. I use them nearly exclusively in all my razors and with excellent results, some dislike them as they can be aggressive being so sharp but I think there a good choice. If not then I would recommend Astra Superior Platinum, but yes a blade sampler pack is generally a great way to sample blades of diff makes and so on so I would also say grab a packet of them or two. Variety, patience and practice are keys.

 

[lowjax]

I would recommend a sampler pack and start with the more forgiving blades and work your way up. Some people start with feathers and have great success. Other's start with Feathers and shred their face. Someone posted here along those lines just today.

I personally don't like Derby's and would recommend Astras or any of the Personna blades. Maybe even Wilkinson Swords from Walmart. Great starter blades.

 

[mdw15]

Gillette 7 o'clock yellows and blacks are sharp and well regarded. I like them, but I really love the blues, made in the same Russian plant as the yellows. Best combination of sharp and smooth for me. I would recommend a sampler with Gillette 7 o'clock blues, yellows and blacks if available. Other nice sharp blades are astras and med preps.

 

[celestino]

Great advice above. The only thing i can add to your soap drying out your skin is that you should get a better soap such as Mike's Natural or Mystic Water as they are amazing for post-shave properties. Good luck and welcome to the forum.

 

[jbrdr85]

Thanks for the recommendation on the soap. The mikes natural has great reviews, but it scares me away with the butter and oil ingredients. I have acne prone skin and those ingredients seem like a recipe for clogging pores.

 

[shyrlock]

Welcome to the the club.
I think you will find that wetshaving will add some pleasure to your daily routine.
I would definitely do as the members suggested and get a good blade sampler pack.
West Coast Shaving and Bullgoose Shaving have excellent sampler packs, as do many others.
The Mike's Natural soap you mentioned is some truly awesome stuff. It's gentle treatment of your skin during the shave just may outweigh any bad effects from the oil. Just be sure to rinse it off well and use a good grade of Witch Hazel as an aftershave treatment. Witch Hazel does not have any lasting scent and it is really good for your skin.
Anyhow, you have already made a good start of it and the futur(or matte) is bright.
Best of luck and enjoy your shaves.

 

[jbrdr85]

I went ahead and ordered some Astra blades.

 

[PMT]

Welcome! and I agree, try a Mike's sample!

 

[wstruth]

You can put the blades in with any number on top. I started with Derby's and still use them. There are sharper blades out there but a Derby will outlast them for the number of shaves you can get out of a Derby.

I use the TOBS Sandalwood in my rotation. When any soap or cream feels too dry add a few more drops of water to the lather. Try lathering in your hand to get a feel of how slick the lather is and what it looks like, and then go to the bowl or your face for lathering.

What kind of brush are you using? If it feels really scratchy, try easing up on the pressure or try splaying the bristles more so you don't get the ends pushing into your skin.

 

[MattD1089]

I went ahead and ordered some Astra blades.

I'm new to DE shaving too - I have been at it the last month or so. I actually look forward to shaving - I can't wait to try out the different methods, suggestions, products, etc that I have learned about on here. It seems to me that you should try a sample/variety back of blades to try first. I try to make a small list of things to order that I am interested in, instead of an order every day. Good luck and give it some time!

 

[wrm2012]

I personally think you should just use the Derbies since you already have 100 of them. Get your technique down before you start changeing things. Derbies are pretty good blades. It wasn't that long ago and they were always reccomended to beginners. Oops I see you ordered Astras another really good blade. For me they may even be a smoother blade than the Derbies. Just remember 99% of a smooth shave is technique. While some blades are a little smoother and sharper just about all of them will give you a good shave. So don't go chasing rabbits before you have a good technique down.

 

[Mick]

Your profile does not say where you are located. You might want to update this so that you can receive better (more location centered) help from other members.

To update your location profile:

1) Click Settings at the top of the page
2) On the left sidebar under My Settings click Edit Profile
3) Scroll down and enter a general location (how specific you want to get is up to you)

Stick your zip code into the Kiss My Face store locator to find a retailer near you and grab a tube ($5) or pump bottle ($8) of any scent.

http://www.kissmyface.com/store

These are amazing creams and one of the easiest to lather. They are sold as "brushless" but stick a brush to it and you will have a lava flow of slick, luxurious, lather to use.

You can get KMF unscented cream and blend it in with your TOBS sandalwood cream to get more cush and glide yet still retain the scent of the TOBS.

 

[Invicta]

The previous posts have covered the major issues. I would however work on the razor angle which is very important in getting a good shave. Trying different blades may give you a better combination but the Derby is a good blade to start with. Keep working on the technique.
Moisturizing after a shave is very important and there are many inexpensive choices out there. TOBS is a good cream so I would stick with it. Enjoy your road to shaving enlightenment. Check out the mantics59 videos on youtube.

 

[jbrdr85]

Back to using nivea for men sensitive gel can. I tried the kiss my face stuff and Taylor of old bond, and for some reason the gel feels the best. I also developed a few pimples since I started using the Taylor and kiss my face. Not sure if it was because of using those products, but the nivea feels the best to me. Still gives me a nice shave and my face doesn't feel all dry and tight afterwards like it did with the others (and I don't like using moisturizer...I honestly feel like these moisturizing products do more harm than good)