Hello, I'm new to this type of razor. I'm having trouble getting anywhere near to a clean, close shave. I've been using disposables and King of Shaves for a while, but I'm moving into a new work environment and need to get a little bit better of a look. My problem is that I have an incredibly coarse and dense beard that grows at a very acute angle to my face. Also, the blades go dull after one use then get pitched in the garbage. It seems like such a waste. Another thing is that I can never go against the grain despite some people saying you can shave with the grain on the first pass and then against on the second pass. That's way out of the question, ingrown hair city over here. I was hoping someone could recommend a safety razor and blades that might work well for me. It is much appreciated.
Recommendation for razor and blades
- Thread starter nachoconqueso
- Start date
I do hope that someone will come forth with a specific recommendation here. Sorry I can't help as my beard is quite unlike your own. I will offer a couple of thoughts, though. First, if a single blade only lasts one shave, well, how many shaves can you get with your disposables? At about 20 cents each for blades (for the less expensive brands - if they work for you), it's still not too bad. Also, I never go against the grain, just a single WTG followed by XTG. At least that's what works for me. It's also possible that some particular type of pre-shave prep might help. That's the best I can suggest.
- Thread starter
- #3
Oops, I meant to say I go through one disposable razor per shave, but I guess that's not unheard of. The other thing is that the angle of hair growth changes a lot. It is much more obtuse on the moustache and around the chin area. On the neck it lays flat and grows up on the nape and down on the jawline area. It's a pretty big pain. I was thinking of trying a Merkur 34c and using whatever blades it comes with to get started.
What type of face/beard prep are you doing?
Getting a better shave might be as simple as prepping your beard better
Give this a read over for some ideas
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Pre-shave_prep
Getting a better shave might be as simple as prepping your beard better
Give this a read over for some ideas
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Pre-shave_prep
Welcome to B&B!
I find open comb razors work well with flat-growing hairs, but there is a learning curve. If you want a Merkur you might try one of their open-comb razors: the model 42 (aka 1904/1906) or the model 15. As for blades, get a blade sampler. Make sure it includes Astras and Feathers.
I find open comb razors work well with flat-growing hairs, but there is a learning curve. If you want a Merkur you might try one of their open-comb razors: the model 42 (aka 1904/1906) or the model 15. As for blades, get a blade sampler. Make sure it includes Astras and Feathers.
I'm also a newbie, so take the following with a grain of salt:
AGT with a cartridge is bruital. It always puzzled me why having that first blade lift and stretch the hair was a good thing. Tugging on the hair is not my idea of a comfortable shave.
If you've ever worked with wood, you'll probably remember what it was like trying to plane a board against the grain. Why would you want to do that to your face. If it doesn't work for you, then don't do it!
Coming from those pivoting heads, attention to blade angle is key. Too little angle, and the safety bar just wipes away the lather. Too much angle, and the blade cap skates across and wipes the lather away. Use short strokes until you gain a feel for the angle.
Some people find a longer handle razor does better. You've got to let the razor do the work. Don't pull the razor, so much as guide it. Take your time.
I humbly disagree with the idea of getting a sampler pack. Choose a moderately mild blade to start with, like a Derby, and use just that for the first month. Once you're comfortable with your technique, then you can get a sampler pack and start experimenting. Don't go hog wild changing everything every shave.
AGT with a cartridge is bruital. It always puzzled me why having that first blade lift and stretch the hair was a good thing. Tugging on the hair is not my idea of a comfortable shave.
If you've ever worked with wood, you'll probably remember what it was like trying to plane a board against the grain. Why would you want to do that to your face. If it doesn't work for you, then don't do it!
Coming from those pivoting heads, attention to blade angle is key. Too little angle, and the safety bar just wipes away the lather. Too much angle, and the blade cap skates across and wipes the lather away. Use short strokes until you gain a feel for the angle.
Some people find a longer handle razor does better. You've got to let the razor do the work. Don't pull the razor, so much as guide it. Take your time.
I humbly disagree with the idea of getting a sampler pack. Choose a moderately mild blade to start with, like a Derby, and use just that for the first month. Once you're comfortable with your technique, then you can get a sampler pack and start experimenting. Don't go hog wild changing everything every shave.
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Simple question but the problem is that there are too many options and personal preferences involved. For starters you could go with any of the more popular (starter) razors; Merkur 23C-33C-34C, the Mühle/Edwin Jagger 89 series, some vintage Gillettes like the SuperSpeed or Tech (might be too mild for you) or the budget-friendly but good Lord L6 aka Lp1822. Those are rather mild shavers but probably the best way to get to know DE-shaving.
Maybe the Merkur Slants, the Fatip/Joris open combs, the new Mühle R41 or any open comb is better suited for your beard but maybe not the easiest way to start DE shaving though the Merkur open combs are pretty mild (just not easy to get the best result soon).
Blades are even worse; one man's heaven is another man's hell. Feathers are considered the sharpest but they seem to dull pretty fast for some, including me, and you can expect a learning curve with those that involves some blood-loss. Try to use the enormous amount of information and opinions here to make a decision. Take a good look at beard prep too; the harder your beard the more difference a good prep makes.
Maybe the Merkur Slants, the Fatip/Joris open combs, the new Mühle R41 or any open comb is better suited for your beard but maybe not the easiest way to start DE shaving though the Merkur open combs are pretty mild (just not easy to get the best result soon).
Blades are even worse; one man's heaven is another man's hell. Feathers are considered the sharpest but they seem to dull pretty fast for some, including me, and you can expect a learning curve with those that involves some blood-loss. Try to use the enormous amount of information and opinions here to make a decision. Take a good look at beard prep too; the harder your beard the more difference a good prep makes.
Talibeard is offering some good advice. I also don't know why anyone would suggest that you shave WTG and then, ATG. I have a course beard, and I find that WTG followed by XTG is enough most of the time if I use a sharp blade and prep the beard properly. You might benefit from shaving after showers.
- Thread starter
- #9
I agree with going WTG and XTG. ATG is nutty. I think I'll start with the 34c and a mild blade. I'll stay away from the slants until I get used to it all and feel like I need a closer shave. I'm also looking at better ways to prep the beard. Any suggestions on beard preps? Thanks everyone.
Welcome to B&B. You've come to the right place for help. The best place to start out is reading through the sticky posts in the Shave Clinic & Newbie Check In Forum. Here's a link to get you you started. http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showth...TRUCTIONS-AND-TUTORIALS-New-READ-THIS-THREAD!
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