tips for single edge razor shaving

[map47]

hi,
got my first se razor awhile back but will use it for the first time tomorrow,i do have about a years experience in DE shaving and that is going well.any tips that anyone might offer would be greatly appreciated! the razor is a Gem micromatic i have no idea what year it is,it is in very good condition.thanks alot!

 

[Lothar101]

Use short strokes.Go slow and hold it at a much steeper angle than DE.

 

[Mick]

10 degree angle. The blade cap must almost touch your face.

Don't use box cutter blades. Make sure you get shaving blades. they are ground differently

 

[chilliman64]

no pressure
don't rush
make sure you have a good lather
your 2nd or 3rd shave with a new blade will be much better than the first

 

[retturn2blades]

Use a carbon steel blade from CVS or other.

 

[JaxJim]

All good advice above. For me, angle is the most significant difference from DE shaving. Take your time and enjoy your shave.

 

[neatokino]

Go slow your first few shaves (at least), use short strokes, play with the angle and you'll both feel AND hear when it's cutting right. They are surprisingly intuitive, even though they look scary. Have fun!!!!

 

[map47]

HI,
thanks for all the very valuable information! i just completed my 2nd shave with my SE today.i found it a challenge and i am still playing with the angle,but today was a bit better.but i may have some bad blades it seems i have gotten some Gem Bluestar blades,which are not highly thought of on this forum? please let me know what you think of these blades and if you have any suggestions for btter blades please let me know.as was pointed out here the angle of the razor seems to a bit more critical than the DE.i did manage to avoid any nicks or cuts.thanks best regards

 

[alex2363]

HI,
thanks for all the very valuable information! i just completed my 2nd shave with my SE today.i found it a challenge and i am still playing with the angle,but today was a bit better.but i may have some bad blades it seems i have gotten some Gem Bluestar blades,which are not highly thought of on this forum? please let me know what you think of these blades and if you have any suggestions for btter blades please let me know.as was pointed out here the angle of the razor seems to a bit more critical than the DE.i did manage to avoid any nicks or cuts.thanks best regards

Get the better blades, they are worth it. 100 blades for 30 bucks

http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/content/100-gem-stainless-steel-coated-single-edge-blades

 

[map47]

HI,
thanks for the info.i do like the price on these blades.can you tell me how they differ from the Bluestars? i also have read some good things about the Treet SE blades! thanbks again.