Well, I am now almost a year into my DE shaving experience, and I think I have found what works best for me. Here is the whole story:
So, back last year (July 2012) I decided to jump into the wonderful world of DE shaving. I had really no clue where to start, so I did some research from various sites, blogs, which ultimately led me to Badger & Blade. I then purchased the Merkur 180 Long Handle DE razor and a set of about 10 different blade samples. I also started off with the green Proraso line (preshave oil, shaving cream, and aftershave lotion). I studied GeoFatBoy's YouTube videos numerous times until I felt comfortable enough making the first plunge.
Holding the Merkur 180 in my hand with the soap suds on my face, I gently swiped the razor down with the grain on my face. I did a three pass shave with an Astra SP with minimal weepers. I felt like a heavyweight champ, ready to conquer all that is shaving. Yet, it did not feel as though I was getting what people phrase as "BBS" or "Baby Butt Smooth" shave. During my second shave I became a bit too cocky with my technique and suffered some bad razor burn. My thinking was to add slightly more pressure to achieve a closer shave. Huge Mistake!
From there, it was an up-and-down roller coaster of trial and error for approximately 3 months alternating between prep, soaps/creams, and blades. Some days I would get a 95% BBS shave and other times I would have 5-6 weepers around my chin and throat; not to mention razor burn. I would become frustrated trying to get that BBS feel after a 4 pass shave and would re-lather for a 5th or 6th pass under the chin.
Then, I came to the conclusion that my razor was just not aggressive enough to slice through my coarse beard. I introduced my friend to DE shaving, gave him the Merkur 180 along with some blade samples, and gave him spare Proraso shaving cream I had. I upgraded from the 180 to the Merkur Slant Bar (37C) razor. At first, I didn't like it. It seemed too aggressive, often leaving me with many weepers and I even managed to maul my chin once.
I then decided to get the Merkur Futur because of it's adjust-ability. I felt pretty comfortable with this razor.
I started off on the Futur on the #2 setting and have left it that way since, just solely working on technique and finding the right blade. I found the perfect blade in the BlueBird. However, I still did not find a solution to getting that BBS shave using the Futur. I thought it was a lost cause searching for it. After using the Futur for several months, I decided to give the Slant another try.
I loaded a BlueBird into the Slant, used my favorite cream (AOS Sandalwood), and started shaving. My technique had improved immensely from the last time I used the Slant prior. My Futur sees limited action when I need a quick two-pass shave to look socially acceptable.
I am happy to report that I can achieve a 95% BBS or better shave daily. Gone is the razor burn days of disposable razors. Weepers are seldom. The septic pen sits lonely in my bathroom cabinet. The post-shave alum block and witch hazel I use never display more than the slightest hint of discomfort. My shaving time has gradually become shorter and shorter. I can now do a great shave in under 10 minutes.
Most importantly, my face feels so smooth and I look forward to each shave.
So, back last year (July 2012) I decided to jump into the wonderful world of DE shaving. I had really no clue where to start, so I did some research from various sites, blogs, which ultimately led me to Badger & Blade. I then purchased the Merkur 180 Long Handle DE razor and a set of about 10 different blade samples. I also started off with the green Proraso line (preshave oil, shaving cream, and aftershave lotion). I studied GeoFatBoy's YouTube videos numerous times until I felt comfortable enough making the first plunge.
Holding the Merkur 180 in my hand with the soap suds on my face, I gently swiped the razor down with the grain on my face. I did a three pass shave with an Astra SP with minimal weepers. I felt like a heavyweight champ, ready to conquer all that is shaving. Yet, it did not feel as though I was getting what people phrase as "BBS" or "Baby Butt Smooth" shave. During my second shave I became a bit too cocky with my technique and suffered some bad razor burn. My thinking was to add slightly more pressure to achieve a closer shave. Huge Mistake!
From there, it was an up-and-down roller coaster of trial and error for approximately 3 months alternating between prep, soaps/creams, and blades. Some days I would get a 95% BBS shave and other times I would have 5-6 weepers around my chin and throat; not to mention razor burn. I would become frustrated trying to get that BBS feel after a 4 pass shave and would re-lather for a 5th or 6th pass under the chin.
Then, I came to the conclusion that my razor was just not aggressive enough to slice through my coarse beard. I introduced my friend to DE shaving, gave him the Merkur 180 along with some blade samples, and gave him spare Proraso shaving cream I had. I upgraded from the 180 to the Merkur Slant Bar (37C) razor. At first, I didn't like it. It seemed too aggressive, often leaving me with many weepers and I even managed to maul my chin once.
I then decided to get the Merkur Futur because of it's adjust-ability. I felt pretty comfortable with this razor.I started off on the Futur on the #2 setting and have left it that way since, just solely working on technique and finding the right blade. I found the perfect blade in the BlueBird. However, I still did not find a solution to getting that BBS shave using the Futur. I thought it was a lost cause searching for it. After using the Futur for several months, I decided to give the Slant another try.
I loaded a BlueBird into the Slant, used my favorite cream (AOS Sandalwood), and started shaving. My technique had improved immensely from the last time I used the Slant prior. My Futur sees limited action when I need a quick two-pass shave to look socially acceptable.
I am happy to report that I can achieve a 95% BBS or better shave daily. Gone is the razor burn days of disposable razors. Weepers are seldom. The septic pen sits lonely in my bathroom cabinet. The post-shave alum block and witch hazel I use never display more than the slightest hint of discomfort. My shaving time has gradually become shorter and shorter. I can now do a great shave in under 10 minutes.
Most importantly, my face feels so smooth and I look forward to each shave.
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As it stands, I still have to recover from the damage I did on my first shave 3 days ago. 
