Newbie - darker 5 o'clock shadow?

[KPFury]

So I just picked up my first razor (Merkur HD), Proraso shaving cream and badger brush from Lee's Razors starter kit, along w/ Nivea Sensitive Post-Shave Balm.

I had a nice, close shave this morning - still getting the hang of it. About as close as I would've gotten w/ a new Mach 3 blade I suppose.

Anyway is it me, or does my 5 o'clock shadow look darker and more prominent now during that time of day? Maybe because I'm cutting it closer, when the shadow comes on it looks darker because it's closer to the skin? Or is because I'm using the sample Merkur blade the razor came with, and will get better results using the Personna or Derby blades instead? It seems my shadow was less prominent when I was using my Norelco electric shaver...

Also another quick question - when people say a blade is good for 4-6 shaves, does this mean 2-3 shaves on each side of the blade? Do you guys keep track of how many passes you do on each side, or stick w/ one side for each shaving session?

Appreciate feedback on these questions, thanks in advance!

P.S. - btw I shave against the grain

 

[dbconlin]

Regarding the shadow - it may be because you no longer have the "lift-and-cut" action that both electric and multi-blade cartridge shaves provide. I have also found that my cut hairs are more bluntly cut off and so appear thicker, rather than being broken off. I attribute this to using a precisely-wielded sharp tool rather than scraping them off with a series of dull blades. Then again, it could be just because you are paying closer attention due to recent changes you have made (i.e., observer effect).

Regarding the second - I (and I believe most people) shave with both sides during a single shave, so you only have to track the shaves with the blade as a whole. Cheapskates may sharpen, flip, etc their blades to make them last longer, but I don't think most people do that.

 

[mdunn]

It might look darker. DEs cut on the skin line, where others cut below the line. Much less irritation this way.

in regards to the two sides of the razor. Just keep alternating for each stroke. Even if youre slightly off on one shave, chances are that will even out next shave. Its ~4 shaves per blade, not per side too.

 

[KPFury]

Thanks for the replies.

Ugh... I enjoy the lathering and DE shaving, but def not the 5 o'clock shadow. I wasnt getting irritation really w/ the electric blade, maybe I should've just stuck w/ that...

 

[RichGem]

Ditto about the darker shadow... it's b/c a DE cuts at skin level, not yank and cut and therefore cut below skin level as with a multi-blade. Your skin will adjust and it will become less noticeable (at least mine did).

Most of us use both edges of a de during a shave and some have come up with complicated schemes to ensure even usage. I simply shave one side of my face with one side of the blade, then use the other for the other side of my face.

 

[DaveAri]

I too when I started with a D/E felt that my 5 o'clock shadow would come at noon, however after time as I got better I get closer shadow free shaves until late evening. Hang in there you will get there.

As far as blade side counts, I never bother, the cost of blades when bought in bulk are so cheap that I don't care. I rarely go more than two shaves with a Red pack, Crystal or Astra.

Good Luck