Should I move away from cartridge razorz?

[cheezburger]

I have sensitive skin and I grow stubble thicker and faster than the average male. I've been shaving with a Mach 3 since I began shaving, so it's all I know.

I have two problems when I shave, both are to do with the lower end of my throat: I suffer from bad irritation and razor burn, it's visibly red after shaving. The razor also doesn't remove that much hair from my neck, it's still quite stubbly after especially on either side of my larynx/trachea. The razor takes at most 2/3 of the stubble away.

I've alleviated the problem considerably by switching to shaving soap and adopting proper shaving technique.

Do you think moving to DE or straight might help? It's the only thing which I haven't tried.

 

[Slivovitz]

I have sensitive skin and I grow stubble thicker and faster than the average male. I've been shaving with a Mach 3 since I began shaving, so it's all I know.

I have two problems when I shave, both are to do with the lower end of my throat: I suffer from bad irritation and razor burn, it's visibly red after shaving. The razor also doesn't remove that much hair from my neck, it's still quite stubbly after especially on either side of my larynx/trachea. The razor takes at most 2/3 of the stubble away.

I've alleviated the problem considerably by switching to shaving soap and adopting proper shaving technique.

Do you think moving to DE or straight might help? It's the only thing which I haven't tried.

No guarantees. A lot of people here, including me, will tell you that proper shaving technique, proper preparation, and lathering with a brush and soap, are the most important things. Apparently this has already helped you somewhat. Also, although I've never used a Mach 3 myself, some B&Bers do claim to get great shaves with them. Personally, the irritation problems I used to have with the twin blade Atra went away once I started using "real" shaving soap, and learned to pay more attention to how I was shaving. I moved on to DE razors, and others, anyway, but that's another story.

That said, if you're still having problems, it's worth trying a DE razor, or go straight to a vintage SE, like a Gem 1912. The cost for razor and blades is not high, unless you turn into a collector, and you can go back to the Mach 3 if it doesn't work out. Someone else will have to advise you on straights.

Oh, I forgot to welcome you to B&B.
Welcome to B&B!

 

[Valkosipuli]

Im kind of sure you will find big diffirence in shaving. One blade versus three blades in irritation = one blade is very very much better and more irritation free.

For start i had bad shaves with DE and better with Mac 3, but in month it started to get alot better than with Mac 3.

You should atleast try it. You owe it to your self.

Welcome Aboard!

 

[Hoos]

I have sensitive skin and I grow stubble thicker and faster than the average male. I've been shaving with a Mach 3 since I began shaving, so it's all I know.

I have two problems when I shave, both are to do with the lower end of my throat: I suffer from bad irritation and razor burn, it's visibly red after shaving. The razor also doesn't remove that much hair from my neck, it's still quite stubbly after especially on either side of my larynx/trachea. The razor takes at most 2/3 of the stubble away.

I've alleviated the problem considerably by switching to shaving soap and adopting proper shaving technique.

Do you think moving to DE or straight might help? It's the only thing which I haven't tried.

Welcome to B&B!

It sounds like you are at a good point to transition to a DE - using your old razor while learning technique and lathering.

You could pick up a decent razor and blades fairly cheaply. So that, if it doesn't work out for you, you wouldn't be out a lot of money. Check out things on the Buy/Sell/Trade forum of B&B - you can buy, but there are requirements to be met before new members can sell or trade.

Looking through posts on the Safety Razor forum should give you some insight into what might be a good razor for you to start with.

As mentioned, with DE blades, you're only shaving with one blade - not 3+ blades. So, it may be less irritating.

You might also consider prep - be sure you're shaving pretty close to the time you finish a shower or finish washing your face.

It probably won't be an "overnight" kind of thing - you may have to give it a week or so. But you can always post questions or problems you encounter and folks will be happy to offer advice.

 

[buyandhold2018]

I have sensitive skin and I grow stubble thicker and faster than the average male. I've been shaving with a Mach 3 since I began shaving, so it's all I know.

I have two problems when I shave, both are to do with the lower end of my throat: I suffer from bad irritation and razor burn, it's visibly red after shaving. The razor also doesn't remove that much hair from my neck, it's still quite stubbly after especially on either side of my larynx/trachea. The razor takes at most 2/3 of the stubble away.

I've alleviated the problem considerably by switching to shaving soap and adopting proper shaving technique.

Do you think moving to DE or straight might help? It's the only thing which I haven't tried.

I had the same issues and the DE razor made them both go away. Obviously, there is no guarantees but I would recommend giving a DE razor a fair shot for a few months. You may also want to try using some Alum on your problem areas after your shaves, this also was a big help for me. Good luck and welcome.

 

[Barbash]

Welcome to B&B!

I had similar problems with iritation on my lower neck when I was using cartridge razors and to shave 2 days or more in a row. I have now been shaving with a DE and Straight razor for 6 months and I still on occasion may get some irritation, but not nearly as often and no where near as bad as from cartridge razors and I shave every day now.
Your first few weeks or month might make you think that you are getting the same if not worst results, but if you stick with it and learn the proper techniques you should be able to start enjoying shaving.

Ask lots of questions and check the buy/sell/trade forum for great deals on razors.

 

[Wil Dorenbos]

I have sensitive skin and I grow stubble thicker and faster than the average male.

I have two problems when I shave, both are to do with the lower end of my throat: I suffer from bad irritation and razor burn, it's visibly red after shaving. The razor also doesn't remove that much hair from my neck, it's still quite stubbly after especially on either side of my larynx/trachea. The razor takes at most 2/3 of the stubble away.

I had about the same: oily skin and thick, fast growing stubble. Multi blades gave me irritation. DE works for me. So give it a try and see if it works for you too.

 

[Niles]

Welcome, cheezburger and +1 to the advice already given.

 

[Cambyses]

I used to have a similar problem on my neck. Once I started wetshaving, still on the M3, these problems began to disappear. The reason? I finally started paying attention to the true direction of growth on my neck. Before I had been doing only ATG strokes. No wonder my neck was a disaster area!

I can't speak for everyone but, for me, technique, particularly paying attention to the direction of hair growth, gave me far more of an improvement than switching to DE. That being said, I love shaving with the DE and there is no reason why you shouldn't switch too. There are so many people who sometimes give opposing advice here specifically because everyone's face is different. If you like the idea of DE for any reason at all, give it a try.

 

[StylinLA]

Welcome to B&B. Hard to say if DE would be better. There are men here who have had horrible trouble with shaving and cartridges. DE was like enlightenment to them.

Personally, I'm lucky to have a light beard and never experienced many problems with any razor except the cheap disposables.

DE is kind of a labor of love to me. It takes patience and most men are not conditioned to put in the time to learn it. It took me three months to get really good shaves with DE after testing different blades and techniques.

I'd advocate you try DE- you can get in fairly inexpensively and get a blade sampler kit from WestCoastShaving or another vendor. Finding the right blade was critical for me.

Consider trying it on weekends only to start so you don't need to rush it. I've been at this 9 months and still learning things. But at this point, a task that for many men is a daily, mundane task is a highlight of my day, everyday. There is something immensely satisfying about giving yourself a great shave using old school techniques. That feeling I get when I slap on the witch hazel and feel that BBS is killer. Feels like your face is your own work of art. A lot of other guys in here know exactly what I'm talking about.

 

[Bay Rum]

I have a similar problem with patches on my neck. I must say that some DE's and blade combinations along with blade buffing or J-hooking gets rid of the stubble. I have also experienced less irritation on my neck when I use the right blades with a quality shaving cream.

 

[kingfisher]

this will be contrary to most of the advice you'll get, but I would suggest going backward one step to a two-bladed cartridge razor like a Sensor Excel, Atra, or Trac II.

the next thing that's really important is to map the direction of the beard growth on your neck and make sure you're going WITH the grain on the first pass every time. This will do wonders for the rough areas you're talking about.

Finally, use a very light touch (even with a cartridge razor) and don't try to eliminate your beard with one pass. My beard is similar to your description of yours; I can do very well with two passes (one with the grain and the next one ACROSS the grain).

I would try this for awhile and see what happens. If I were going to go to one blade, I'd likely choose an injector over a DE, but, as I said before, my advice is going to contrast with most of what you'll get here at B&B.


Welcome, by the way.

 

[cheezburger]

Thanks for the advice chaps, I'm going to pick up a Wilkinson Classic tomorrow and give it a whirl. Out of curiosity why hasn't anybody suggested a straight razor?

 

[Niles]

Thanks for the advice chaps, I'm going to pick up a Wilkinson Classic tomorrow and give it a whirl. Out of curiosity why hasn't anybody suggested a straight razor?

Probably because of the high start-up cost and steeper learning curve.

 

[DE Shaver]

Probably because of the high start-up cost and steeper learning curve.

Yes, I second this. There's already enough to learn regarding wet shaving without have to worry about handling a straight razor. Someone suggested using a 2 bladed cartridge system, which isn't a bad idea itself. It lessens the learning curve but reduces the number of blades irritating your skin.

 

[StylinLA]

Yes, I second this. There's already enough to learn regarding wet shaving without have to worry about handling a straight razor. Someone suggested using a 2 bladed cartridge system, which isn't a bad idea itself. It lessens the learning curve but reduces the number of blades irritating your skin.

Third this. It took me three months to get cozy with the DE. Can't imagine what it would take with a straight razor. I have tons of respect for the patience of straight blade users.

 

[Rocketeer]

You've already gotten some great advice here, but I will add one comment ...

Be patient and DON'T go for a Baby Butt Smooth (BBS) shave right away!

During your first week, you would be wise to only make one, light, with-the-grain (WTG) pass and let your face get used to using a DE blade. After the first week you can then work on multiple light passes and just go for an irritation-free shave at first, rather than a close shave.

Welcome aboard, and good luck! There's lots of guys here that can help you out along the way.

-------

 

[DavyRay]

Welcome, cheez!

The advice so far is, I think, all good. Whatever razor you use, you can work on getting the cutting angle just right for each part of your face, and on gliding the razor just close enough to skim off the hair and lather.

The pressure it takes to swivel the head on the cartridge razors will cause razor burn and cuts with a fixed-angle, single edge blade. Great lather, a light touch, and attention to angle are going to make this work better.

 

[shavervinnie]

Welcome to B&B. Hard to say if DE would be better. There are men here who have had horrible trouble with shaving and cartridges. DE was like enlightenment to them.

Personally, I'm lucky to have a light beard and never experienced many problems with any razor except the cheap disposables.

DE is kind of a labor of love to me. It takes patience and most men are not conditioned to put in the time to learn it. It took me three months to get really good shaves with DE after testing different blades and techniques.

I'd advocate you try DE- you can get in fairly inexpensively and get a blade sampler kit from WestCoastShaving or another vendor. Finding the right blade was critical for me.

Consider trying it on weekends only to start so you don't need to rush it. I've been at this 9 months and still learning things. But at this point, a task that for many men is a daily, mundane task is a highlight of my day, everyday. There is something immensely satisfying about giving yourself a great shave using old school techniques. That feeling I get when I slap on the witch hazel and feel that BBS is killer. Feels like your face is your own work of art. A lot of other guys in here know exactly what I'm talking about.

Very good advice here. A workable strategy. The last few comments of this post sum up a lot of what is felt by many here, including me.

 

[Don]

Out of curiosity why hasn't anybody suggested a straight razor?

Possibly for this reason:



Welcome to B&B!