Novice Question

[dla]

So I wanted to try shaving with a safety razor. A few shaves in, I'm unimpressed and I'm wondering if it's my technique or my equipment or both.

I bought this razor, the "ClassicShaving Exclusive Deluxe Vintage Butterfly Safety Razor":

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/6460096.htm

And "Merkur SS Platinum Blades"

I did everything I've read... shaving "with the grain", multiple passes, 45 degree angle... and it's just not very smooth, I could get smoother with my electric razor.

I'd be willing to buy a new razor before I give up, anyone willing to help?

Thanks!
Ben

 

[tominabox1]

You dont need a new razor (probably) you need new blades! Merkur blades are infamous for being bad. Get a blade sampler from west coast shaving and you'll be a happier man, guaranteed.

 

[Maul555]

Hrmm... Those are supposed to be pretty good razors... I had heard that the optimum angle is 30 degrees, not 45, and Try switching blades. Go down to your local drug store and pick up a 10 pack of the stainless steel double edge blades. They are sold under a multitude of different names, but the contents are always the same lol. Those blades work great for me and I have had no issues with them. Also what prep are you doing to your face before shaving? I always shave after I get out of the shower, but If you don't do that, you need to do some extra face prep before the shaving cream.

 

[DaveAri]

So I wanted to try shaving with a safety razor. A few shaves in, I'm unimpressed and I'm wondering if it's my technique or my equipment or both.

I bought this razor, the "ClassicShaving Exclusive Deluxe Vintage Butterfly Safety Razor":

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/6460096.htm

And "Merkur SS Platinum Blades"

I did everything I've read... shaving "with the grain", multiple passes, 45 degree angle... and it's just not very smooth, I could get smoother with my electric razor.

I'd be willing to buy a new razor before I give up, anyone willing to help?


Thanks!
Ben

A few questions:
1. How long have you been at D/E shaving?
2. did you watch theses videos
3. What type of Cream/Soap and what prep are you using? Great Prep is the start to a great shave. Read this

Some suggestions:

TAKE IS SLOW, great shave will come, it took me a few months to get it right. I can never think of ever going back to my only bad shaving habbits.

Try a sample back of blades from West Coast, the blades your using were by far the worst for me.

Hang in there, this is great board and number the #1 rule is to ask as many questions are you like, there is someone on this board who will have the answer. At least they did for all my newbie questions.

good luck
Dave

 

[sfbobus]

First off Welcome to the B&B.
Most people here including me do not have a lot of love for Merkur blades. Before forming too bad an opinion of your razor I would suggest trying some other blades. West Coast Shaving and Bullgoose Shaving both offer a sample pack to fit most needs and both are members as well as vendors here. Best of luck.

 

[dla]

I'll try to answer a few questions...

1) PREP - I washed my face with hot water and then used a hot towel on it for a few minutes to soften everything up.

2) CREAM - I used this stuff from Kiehls, which I was a fan of: http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/men/shave/ultimate-brushless-shave-cream---white-eagle.htm

I've ordered the west coast sampler and I'll watch those videos and see what comes of it!

Thanks everyone...

 

[njpaddy]

I think early on we tend to blame the razor or blade when it's really technique. It may take a few weeks of practice to match the shave you're used to. Keep at it and watch and re-watch the videos. Don't worry, when it all clicks you'll be glad you stuck with it.

 

[Mr. Scruffy]

"A few" shaves is not enough to make a judgement on the overall wetshaving experience. There are many variables at play and you will need time to isolate and determine which variable needs to be modified to improve your shave. Technique, and not equipment, is where you'll want to focus your efforts first.

You said you were holding your razor at a 45º angle. The angle should be closer to 30º-35º. Try to flatten your angle and remember no pressure, let the weight of the razor do the work.

 

[dpmtherrien]

All good info above. And by all means get rid of the Merkur blades. Get that sample pack of blades, watch those video's, and by all means go slow and take your time.

Don't let a few shaves be your guideline, give it a good month or so. As your technique improves your confidence will get better, and so will your shaves.

 

[luvmysuper]

I'll try to answer a few questions...

1) PREP - I washed my face with hot water and then used a hot towel on it for a few minutes to soften everything up.

2) CREAM - I used this stuff from Kiehls, which I was a fan of: http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/men/shave/ultimate-brushless-shave-cream---white-eagle.htm

I've ordered the west coast sampler and I'll watch those videos and see what comes of it!

Thanks everyone...

Personally speaking, I have not had good results with Kiehls, especially their brushless stuff. Their cream for brush works, but it isn't the best that I have used.

Mirroring what others have said, Rome wasn't built in a day, and it is going to take some time for you to work out angles, going slow and using no pressure.

Keep at it.
And go by Bath and Body Works and pick up a 5 dollar tube of their C.O. Bigelow cream.
And get a brush.

 

[dla]

stupid question, but you can use a brush with a tube of cream?

Personally speaking, I have not had good results with Kiehls, especially their brushless stuff. Their cream for brush works, but it isn't the best that I have used.

Mirroring what others have said, Rome wasn't built in a day, and it is going to take some time for you to work out angles, going slow and using no pressure.

Keep at it.
And go by Bath and Body Works and pick up a 5 dollar tube of their C.O. Bigelow cream.
And get a brush.

 

[mblakele]

stupid question, but you can use a brush with a tube of cream?

Yes, mostly. Some creams are "brushless", but some of those can be lathered too.

 

[Maul555]

stupid question, but you can use a brush with a tube of cream?

Hrmm, I don't see why not... I dont have a brush yet, and have been using DE razors successfully with Gillette foam in a can, and gel foam in a can.

Edit: Oh... you mean a "tube" as in... nevermind

 

[mdunn]

think back to when you learnt to drive. You were rubbish at it at first, but if you got back in the same car you learnt on, now youve lots of practice you would drive well.

Its the same deal here, youre just learning - youve gotta expect some lousy shaves to begin with.

 

[moonshine44]

stupid question, but you can use a brush with a tube of cream?

Definitely get a brush! The Bigelow's cream from Bath & Body Works is good stuff. I just squeeze some out into a small zip-lock bowl, wet my brush and start whipping. Once the cream is all pretty much in the brush, I face-lather, adding water as necessary. It'll give you a great shave.

And Welcome! Don't give up, it'll get better!

 

[Ferengi]

Also, just as your face and beard had to adjust to the electric razor so will they have to adjust to wetshaving. Give it time. It's zen.

 

[maj_planb]

Definitely continue to work on your techniques in terms of prep, building lather, and the actual shave itself. The advice on trying a different type blade is valuable too. A large part of the joy in wet shaving is in the exploration of trying new techniques and new products (AD anyone?) to discover what work for you and then what works best.

 

[DaveAri]

I'll try to answer a few questions...

1) PREP - I washed my face with hot water and then used a hot towel on it for a few minutes to soften everything up.

2) CREAM - I used this stuff from Kiehls, which I was a fan of: http://www.kiehls.com/_us/_en/men/shave/ultimate-brushless-shave-cream---white-eagle.htm

I've ordered the west coast sampler and I'll watch those videos and see what comes of it!

Thanks everyone...

I am a huge fan of most of Kiehls products, there face wash for men is IMHO the best there is. All my shampoos and gels are from Kiehls. However I don't like their shaving cream at all. In fact I don't like any brushless creams. I have used what you have and never got a good shave. You need to try something with a brush. AOS is great and to me worth the price. But there are pleanty of great creams for much cheaper.

 

[luvmysuper]

stupid question, but you can use a brush with a tube of cream?

You can, but not with the Kiehls that you linked to. It is a "brushless" cream.