Please Be Honest About D/E

[Mark 83]

To start with iv'e only had two weeks worth of shaving with a D/E only five or so shaves to give my face a chance to recover from my novice shaving technique, but what i want to know is and please be truthfull, is D/E really less harsh on the skin iv'e never cut myself apart from my finger and my nose [don't ask how i managed that one] , but my face feels raw afterwards i don't have paticularly tough facial hair infact i would say it's quiet mild i only do two passes and touch ups on my jawline that i have a bit of bother with, as of right now i must say i was getting better shaves with my sensor and nivea sensitive gel, and if i'm truthfull the nivea gel gave me better comfort than my boots own brand soap that doesn't help my razor glide at all really and it dries out my skin terribly and smells like a mouldy lemom, i tried the wilkinson sword puck [black one] and the smell was like deodrant. I'm not expecting to be an expert, but still want better results than this after my last shave i nearly threw my soap and razor in the bin in fustration and i am starting to think that maybe it's not for everyone.

I don't know if the problems are because of my budget shaving set up:
RAZOR - WILKINSON SWORD CLASSIC AND BLADES
BRUSH - MEN-U [not the premier version]
SOAP - BOOTS OWN BRAND

Do you think i would be better off sticking with my sensor, and are D/E razors and soap really better than the more conventional set up, if it really does get better i don't mind the learning curve and having a sore face for a while i really want to give it a fair go, but please be truthfull with me as i am thinking of buying an Edwin Jagger set up that costs a few quid if it will be worth it, thanks for reading.

 

[Emmett]

It sounds like you are using too much pressure. DE CAN be really good for your face, but you need to develop the correct technique. I can't say much to the razor or soap as I haven't used those ones.

 

[SiBurning]

Don't give up just yet. The thing about a single blade is you can use a lot less pressure and still cut, and one blade will irritate less than four. not to mention that DE blades are manufactured to better tolerances than disposables. The other side of that is you need to learn to use less pressure and to make sure the blade is at the right angle for cutting.

I fear it'll take some time for you to sort out the right razor, blades, soaps or creams, preparation, and other things. You might want to work them out one by one, probably starting with creams and preparation while sticking to your old razor.

 

[richmondesi]

Mark,

I know how you feel. When I first started I felt some of the same frustration. What I found was that there is a lot of hyperbole on these boards, but there's truth to the sentiment that DEs and straight shaving is without question a better way to shave (after you learn the ropes). Your set up is fine, but there is better stuff out there. What I would recommend is to really pour over the stickies in the shave clinic, take that information to heart, and be patient because it really just takes time to master.

The problem is that we were never really taught how to shave properly, but we were able to get shaves with cartridges because they don't require good technique. In fact, just don't move laterally and you'll never get a cut. You have to re-learn everything about shaving... But it is absolutely worth it. There wouldn't be thousands of guys swearing by it if it weren't true.

Consider this:

It's harder, it's potentially way more expensive (if you can't control your acquisition disorders), it's more time and effort... but we all do it because we've found it to be vastly superior... IMO, there's a very good reason that you came here and wanted to give this a try... Stick with it for a while, and remove the possibility of giving up on it from your mindset for 2 months. Just focus on learning this as if it were the only way to shave. At the end of that time, I think you'll be completely convinced.

Don't give up... enjoy the journey

 

[insomb]

I haven't tried that razor but I noticed a big difference between different DE razors. I would try some different blades first and make sure you're not pushing down on the razor.

 

[bythbook]

too much pressure & a bad angle can work against you.

You might want to take a look at Mantic's how-to videos on youtube.


With my cartridge shavers and disposables I always seemed to have ingrown hairs, red & raw neck, etc. No more.

hang in there - remember to concentrate on the angle of attack (the head on your DE doesn't pivot - you must angle the blade) and try not to press down - very little pressure necessary! (Let the blade do the work, etc etc etc.)


It gets better!

 

[taffy]

Well first off the razor is not great although it was also my first razor and although its not that bad its rubbish compared to a vintage gillette or a mekur, the soap is also average palmolive or erasmic are far, far better both in the stick or cream versions and are easily available in the uk (also the real shaving co cream for a pound at the moment is far better) so a change of gear should do you some good, the wilkinsons blades i quite like but they work far better in a better razor, as for your red neck a better razor/soap cream option should improve things and experiance is the word here, so dont give up as your skin has to adjust to a single blade cutting your wiskers instead of multi blades, keep us posted.

 

[goby]

First, stick with it. It gets better.

Shaving stuff is unique in that some people love certain items, some people hate it.

Isn't boots a discount store? I suggest trying different creams. You really do get what you pay for. I think most people agree that Taylor of Old Bond Street is really good stuff. And creams are easily than soap to lather.

Even if your blades are decent quality, they may not be right for you. Try a different brands, and see if that makes a difference. My favorite blade is one of the cheapest. Derby is a good starter blade.

Finally, don't rush. The first, second, and third passes are supposed to take off just a little hair each time.

How about taking your time, don't be rushed at all, and give it another try on your day off. I've had amazing, perfect 20 minute shave sessions, especially when I first started. There is nothing more relaxing!

Trust me, once you get it down, you will love it.

 

[paulboeck]

Once you get the correct pressure (i.e. none), and blade angle along with a soap/cream that works well with your skin, DE shaving will be very pleasant. It took me about 2 months to really get everything to the point where I was happy. I ended up liking my second razor (a $15 Gillette New), better than my first one (a $50 Merkur Progress), so it may take some experimentation to find the razor and blade combination. Unfortunately, there are thousands, if not millions of combinations to try, so YMMV. Keep doing research here, and you'll find out about some of the popular combinations to try. Mine favorite is the Gillette New w/ a red pack Personna blade.

The other thing that's important is how you prep your beard. I use Kyle's prep (do search here and you'll find it), and that seems to work well for me. You may find that it works for you too, but you should definitely be doing some sort of good beard prep before shaving.

 

[Mark 83]

Thanks for all the quick replys, and yes i suppose iv'e got to be more positive and keep going i really think i need my tools upgraded though great advice as allways on here.

 

[kingfisher]

After 7 months I still get a slightly better shave with a Sensor, but the difference is now very slight. Most days I still use either a DE, a Trac II, or a Schick injector.

I would not go back to the canned goo at this point, however, and I have learned to make lather that is far superior no matter what razor I'm using.

You have to be patient, which seems to be a long-lost virtue in modern society.

 

[ShaveAddict]

You should continue and improve your technique.
At first me too i had a problem whit lots of nicks and cuts whit DE, but when u master the technique you can have better shave without irritation.
Just stick to it and you will see.
Good luck.

 

[moonshine44]

Here's a thought: invest in a better soap or cream, then continue to shave with the Sensor while you work on lathering until you're making good lather every time, then switch to the DE razor...

I know this sounds like sacrilege, but that's the way I did it, and I only ended up with razor burn a couple of times once I switched to the DE...

 

[Mark 83]

The lather seems to me to be a major factor in the quality of the shave and my lather sucks, i suppose i'm just being impatient.

 

[myboysdad]

It does get better.
Sounds like less pressure and correct angle are what you need.
You probably need to try a different blade as well.
We all had our issues when we first started but I will never go back to the cartridge debacle.
Hang in there. It will come.

 

[menemsha43]

It has taken me several months to refine my technique but I can say with confidence that DE shaving gives me the best shave - defined as easier on my skin (no red bumps on my neck or irritation) and as close or closer than Gillette fusion. The one thing that I need to continuously remind myself of is to go slow and methodically as there is a smaller margin of error with a DE versus the Fusion. If you rush or aren't focused with the DE you will pay for it.

 

[infotech]

A lot of insightful responses already, so I'm just adding my experience to say about the same thing...

It took me months before I could get a better shave with a DE than a Mach3. To be honest, the only reason I switched was because I was pretty heavily invested in DE razors and they kept staring at me from my shave den. I quit using DEs and went to Sam's and bought a 30 pack of Mach3s. When I used my last cartridge out of that pack I decided to start using DEs exclusively. It took a good 6 months before I could get consistently good shaves and another few months after that before I was feeling good enough to start trying different razor and blade combination.

DE razors can provide better shaves. There is a learning curve that varies from person to person so you have to decide if you really want to go for it. The end result is well worth it!

 

[DeaconKC]

I would try a couple of things. First a different soap. Pick up some Van Der Hagen at Walmart or another store, it is a very good soap for the money, much better than the Boots. Or the shave cream from Bath and Body Works, made by Proraso and will also be much better than the Boots stuff. Second, try some different blades, I've never used the Wilkinson ones, but the CVS Pharmacy Stainless are pretty good blades. Use light pressure and it will get better.

 

[tater_salad]

My .02 (actually looking at the length it's probably worth a dime.. PM me for paypal details )

First.. Using a sensor, you've picked up awful habits that will transition to DE for a little while, I know I did.. but I slowly improved.

Are you using pressure Yes / NO
If pressure = yes: Try and use a light touch, hold the razor as far down the handle as you can.. Pressure is a hard thing to describe, basically use the razor's head pressure to cut, not your hand (maybe just a touch, but not like that sensor you are use to)
If presure = no: Good, continue

Are you using the right angle
If angle Yes: Good, continue
if angle = What do you mean?: Check out the how to's in the check in


Do you have a blade sample pack?

if Sample Pack = Yes: Try a few blades, the Derby seems to be a favorite suggestion for newbies, they are a little more forgiving that some blades, but still give a good shave. Once you get better you can move to Astra or Crystals. dig around the DE blade forum for suggestions from people about your skin type as well,

If sample pack = No: buy one! buy one! buy one! Nothing changes your shave like a blade, you may need to try several before you find one that doesn't make your face angry,

Have you watched Mantic's how to Shave and how to Lather video?
If Video= no: Go to the youtubes right now, really they will help, 15 min of time will help.

Do you have an extra $15-20 you want to spend
If 25-20= YES You MAY want to pick up an adjustible gillette, this will help you select an aggressiveness that suits your needs, this will help you figure out how aggressive you can go, and set at 1 or 2 it is a little harder to have any angry face (Razor burn)

If 25-20= NO, nevermind

One final comment
Short strokes seem to work better, you may want to lather up your face (Perhaps with a practice later) and use your razor doing short strokes with no blade in it to get the feel for angle pressure and shorter strokes. When I first started I was probably taking 3-4 inch strokes on my cheeks and other flat areas.. now I take 1" or less strokes, and get less burn and nicks, with a better overall shave


Hope this helps you a little on your journey..
it does take a little while to get it right, but when you do OH MAN is it great. I look forward to my shaves now,

 

[valmara1971]

I honestly found a massive difference straight away using a DE as opposed to a cartridge. I had been using a hand made soap and brush neither of which were the best quality I'll admit but I watched a video a bit ago that said the best way to improve your shave was to brush and soap and bin the goo. I can honestly say I have never looked back and as my AD's grow I'm enjoying the whole experiance more and more with each shave. I used a blade which I had not tried today for the first time today, I have a massive range of soaps and cremes to buy and try and of course I have a whole lot more reading and learning to do too. I personally can reccommend d r Harris almond creme available online from London or my favorite soap the mighty Tabac get yours from fragarance x but dont forget to put free shipping in the coupon box!! Best of luck.