So, I pulled out my DE.

[Galengwath]

And had my worst shave in months. I was running a little late and had this idea that using my DE would be quicker, so I left tje Hart razor on the shelf and grabbed my DE with a fresh Feather (my preferred blade before I picked up a straight).

It turned out to take longer. A lot longer, due to the time I spent staunching the flow of blood from my neck and cheeks. There were no major cuts, just lots of nicks and weepers. My post shave routine had to be greatly adjusted as well. Instead of the normal cold water, witch hazel and ASB it took a complete application of rarely used Alum, cold water, witch hazel and two different ASB's before my face felt vaguely normal. It still hurts a bit in a couple of places. I can't wait to pick up my straight for my next shave.

Has this happened to anyone else? It's as though either I've completely lost the skills required for DE shaving, or my skin can't handle a DE blade anymore. It's weird.

 

[Galengwath]

Apparently the bad shave is affecting my B&B skills as well, this was not supposed to go into the honing forum.

 

[Graybeard57]

Could have been in the rush of things, you may have pressed the razor a bit. Doesn't take much deviation from good technique to get blood flow.

 

[Rschan]

I' always use De's and straights in different days of the week So I never loose the touch.

Because Vintage DE's are also so precious cant let them slip sway

 

[Disburden]

Funny...whenever I use my old gillette superspeed I get the best shaves possible. I just prefer straights and they are easier to use imo. I like derby razor blades in my de razors.