Too Many Variables for new DE shaving?

[LewCrew6]

I started DE shaving about 2 weeks ago. As I am trying different products, I wonder if I am adding too many variables.

I am generally using Kyle's prep method while usiing mostly superlather. I have not used the same soap/cream combinations in an effort to try different products. Too much to soon?

I have also used two different razors -- Gillette Superspeed from my Grandfather and Merkur Futur. Generally I use the superspeed for a weekly, relaxing and elongated shave and the Futur for daily beard reduction.

Both of these have generally produced good results...until last night. I used T&H 1805 as the cream. (I could definitely tell a quality difference over Bigelow cream. Too bad for my wallet!) However, I changed blades from a Merkur to Derby. I adjusted the Futur to a lower setting but it was not good compared to the merkur. Did I cahnge too much is my setup to give an accurate view?

Am I changing too much too soon? Should I keep a more consisted routine for a set time then change fewer elements?

Any thoughts/advice/recommendations are appreciated.

 

[poppi]

To much to soon. It might be best for you to limit yourself to one setup for at least a couple of weeks in order to get your technique down.

I know it's hard to do because there is so much neat stuff to try. But your face will thank you for the improved techinque.

 

[bladebuff]

Yes, I think diving in with both feet would be a good description.

My suggestion would be to start with the Gillette Superspeed and then pick out one of everything else, one brush, one cream, one soap and one aftershave and start again. Skip the superlather and just focus on making the best quality lather you can with either the soap or cream. Work on your technique and once it all comes together feel free to experiment to your hearts content.

The Futur is a great shaver (one of my favorites) but probably better in the hands of a skilled/experienced shaver than someone starting out.

Best of luck, keep up posted on your progress!

 

[DirtyDave]

I made the mistake of trying too many soaps and creams all at once. The damnable AD struck. Better had I just stuck to one soap and one cream and became used them. Live and learn.

 

[Gray Wolf]

I think I did the same thing. I tried different blades in 4 different DE razors!

 

[LewCrew6]

I should have mentioned earlier that I have been using a good brush and williams soap for some time. I have been able to get good lather with the williams for about a year. My face however did not really appreciate my efforts. So I decided to try different soaps. I had done superlather for about 4 months before making the switch to DE, so even that is not completely new. Just the products it is done with.

Also I shave every other day to reduce the stress on my face -- a habit from the Fusion days and bump recovery methods of old. Is two weeks still a good time frame for one set up based on this?

Still learning though, it never stops. Appreciate the reccommendations.

 

[Crawford Montizano]

To much to soon. It might be best for you to limit yourself to one setup for at least a couple of weeks in order to get your technique down.

I know it's hard to do because there is so much neat stuff to try. But your face will thank you for the improved techinque.

+1 Before I got started with a DE I read on a some where here to this same exact thing. I glad I did because I got my technique down and now I can freely experiment with different soaps, creams, blades, razor etc. Limiting for a bit will also give you a baseline to compare to, as long as you are using good tools in the beginning. You will have years to fuel your AD addiction and use everything.

Happy Shaving!

 

[WinstonSmith]

It's the same in anything.. When you have a bunch of variables and are trying to work something out, change one variable at a time until the desired effect is achieved. If you change multiple variables and either have a great result or a terrible one, you can't be sure which variable caused the change.

It's one of the foundations of good computer troubleshooting too

 

[DougK]

It's the same in anything.. When you have a bunch of variables and are trying to work something out, change one variable at a time until the desired effect is achieved. If you change multiple variables and either have a great result or a terrible one, you can't be sure which variable caused the change.

It's one of the foundations of good computer troubleshooting too

+1

LewCrew6, it sounds like you have a number of different things changing every shave. Stick with one setup for a while.

EDIT: I should note that this is what really helped me improve my shaving as well.

 

[saltypete]

Yep. If you are staring out hold all of the extraneous variables (cream/soap, brush, razor and blade) constant, so the independent variable, i.e the one you are manipulating in order to get a good shave, is your technique, both latherng and shaving.

Pete

 

[jjjackso]

As was said, the most important thing for you to focus on is your technique. It can be hard for even seasoned veterans to get perfect lather on the first try when using a new product. Stay with 1-2 creams/soaps and one blade and really concentrate on the feedback you get from your shaves.

 

[LewCrew6]

Thanks for all the advice. I am going to pick one of all my products and stick too it for two weeks then change. I think the first change I make will be to try different blades. Is this a good place to start?