OK so I'm new to this and need advice.

[Bob Roberts]

I read the shave clinic articles. They say not to start with an adjustable DE razor. Well I have a 1960 Fatboy that I got from a family member. I have some Derby and Bic Chrome blades. I tried shaving and in most areas i wasn't too close(that would be my blade control). I found somewhere that said to start at a 3. This did not seem to bad but didn't get too close( again I think I need more time to practice).
What would you guys with the experience suggest would be a good adjustment to learn at? 3 or half way at 5 or some other number?
I just want to hear from experienced shaver so I'm not self doubting all the time.

 

[volleymh9]

Start conservatively and if find that you were able to handle that setting, move it up a setting the next time. no matter what you do, take your time and pay attention and you will be fine.

 

[Mad Man]

Yep, volley speaks truth.

If you're getting a comfy shave at 3 move up. Both my FB and slim can be used on 9 now but it took me a while to work my way up. 5-7 seems to be a sweet spot for most blokes with the adjustables. Also, you've correctly identified blade selection can be important. If you're going to experiment with higher settings minimize variables in other areas; don't be trying a new soap or brush at the same time so you can isolate and diagnose issues.

 

[fsturnz]

I'm pretty new at this too, and learned on a non adjustable. My next razor was a 61 gillette slim adjustable. I took it to ground zero and started at 1 for the setting. Wasn't a very good shave. Day 2, setting 2, unhappy. So on and so on till I got to 5. Now I had something. Moved to 6, even better. 7, not happy, but figured blade was getting dull. Point is, keep trying until you find your own sweet spot! Did the same experiment with a fat boy, and settled on a number different than I did on the slim. But I loved the experimenting! I'm sure you will, too.

 

[setldown]

The angle that you hold the razor will also have some effect. Also how many passes are you doing and what direction? If you are only doing 1 N/S pass I would leave that bad boy on 3 and go XTG and then work in a ATG.
I clean up nicely with a 3 pass shave with my Slim set on 3. Fatboy is a great razor.

 

[Niles]

Welcome to B&B.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Good to have you here, welcome.

 

[celestino]

Welcome to the forum and i would also suggest to stay on 3 until you are very comfortable with your technique and not getting irritation and burn, then move up to the next setting(s). Good luck.

 

[Bob Roberts]

Thank you all for your advice and its nice to be here. I hope to learn a lot about this.