Trying not to quit

[RGBlack]

For the last few years, I've tried to break with cartridge shaving. First with a straight razor (way too steep of a learning curve), then about the last 6 months with a DE. I bought a Henson when they had a sale but the blades that came with it seem to be of variable quality and just not sharp enough. Even a good long 3 pass shave with proper prep feels like I'm pulling the hairs out instead of cutting them and if I'm lucky, the best I get is a DFS.

I ordered some Feather blades and hopefully they help. But I'm wondering if a more aggressive holder will help even more?

The thing is, I've been a shower shaver for 24 years. First with a Mach 3, then the Fusion since it came out. In just about a minute flat, and entirely by feel (no mirror), I can get a PERFECT BBS with a single-pass ATG (plus a little odd angle touch up here and there). As long as I'm not trying to shave every day, there is no irritation, tugging, or nicks. I use Shea Moisture black soap ACV and castor oil Shampoo as lubricant. It beats every cream, gel, foam and shave bar I've ever tried and cleans my hair pretty well too.

Even using the DE in the shower, shaving every 3rd day, it still doesn't feel great and takes almost 10 minutes.

I'm starting to feel like the extra expense to stay with the Fusion is worth it. Between speed, comfort and quality of the end result, there is no comparison.

Anything else I should try before I go back for good?

 

[srgjazz]

My opinion and it’s just that is showering and shaving are two different events and should be treated separately. Try shaving immediately following your shower using a good soap and brush. With proper prep and just about any decent razor you should get a nice shave. The most important thing is to take your time and enjoy the process. If you are trying to play beat the clock the results will most likely be disappointing.

 

[EclipseRedRing]

If you prefer the results of the Fusion and are prepared to pay for it then stick with the Fusion is my advice. For a cheaper option why not try a Trac II - the first Gillette cartridge razor? Maybe try DE shaving again when you have more time to devote to the learning curve - but, DE shaving is not for everyone.

 

[KW Driver]

Never had a Henson and hear it’s a narrow effective range of angle by design. I used more classical designs. Yes, there’s a learning curve. You may get better results with the feathers or a different razor. Blade quality is a factor. The right razor and blade combo on your face matters. Assuming you can master the use of it.

I’ve got a Trac II for TSA screens and they work well at a much lower price point. So that’s a cheaper option.

There’s any number of good, mild “starter” razors that are fairly inexpensive, especially if you buy used (here) or vintages. A Gillette Tech is a good example. I got one here for $5. Once I learned it, it’s as good as any I’ve used. Especially with Feathers.

Once I learned to shave a DE at the sink, I could take them into the shower like I did with carts before I started them. And using Castile soap. So it’s possible, but you have to master the technique first before getting fancy with it.

The real question is, how much effort do you want to put into learning a different system than the carts you started with. It’s different, but achievable.

 

[abies]

Nothing wrong with using a cartridge. I'd recommend some sharper blades, like Feather, Personna, Wilkinson, BIC. It might also be worth trying a different razor, depending on what Henson you got. You might want to think of a vintage adjustable or superspeed, or maybe a Tech? A lot of it depends on what you're wanting to spend and interested in doing.

I kind of went back and forth more earlier on and gradually gravitated more towards DEs whenever I can. I think some of it was finding the right razor and some of it probably is just learning what works for me in general with a DE.

 

[Brewster]

Another shower shaver here.....I converted from carts to DE about 30 years ago, with no issues, using vintage Gillettes. Perhaps try a selection of different blades?

 

[AshleyC]

Seems like you went from one extreme to the other. A straight razor that will cut you if you don't pay attention, to a Henson that won't cut anything unless you pay attention.

I'd say try just about any other razor besides the Henson. But not a Feather AS-D2 or a vintage Tech.

 

[anoop]

There is no multi-blade cartridge razor that could give me a shave with no irritation on my neck. If there was, I might never have gone down the DE path. I have also never shaved in the shower and have no desire to do so. Another thing I don't like with cartridges is that, it doesn't leave a clean track with each stroke.

If you are getting the results you desire and the cost is bearable, there's no reason to try something else.

 

[Jay21]

If carts in the shower work for you, stick with it. There are multiple ways to shave and there are no rules.

 

[anoop]

Seems like you went from one extreme to the other. A straight razor that will cut you if you don't pay attention, to a Henson that won't cut anything unless you pay attention.

I'd say try just about any other razor besides the Henson. But not a Feather AS-D2 or a vintage Tech.

What's wrong with the AS-D2? My only razor for the last 8+ years, aside from occasionally playing with the Gillette Guard from India.

 

[AshleyC]

What's wrong with the AS-D2? My only razor for the last 8+ years, aside from occasionally playing with the Gillette Guard from India.

My guess was he would find that as mild as the Henson. I prefer razors where the blade is "always doing something", rather than ones that stop doing anything if you have a slight change in degree.

 

[creamgravy]

Grab a cheap shavestick/synthetic brush and have lots of fun face lathering.
Make a lather so thick it clogs up your Fusion just by looking at it

 

[RGBlack]

Seems like you went from one extreme to the other. A straight razor that will cut you if you don't pay attention, to a Henson that won't cut anything unless you pay attention.

I'd say try just about any other razor besides the Henson. But not a Feather AS-D2 or a vintage Tech.

Yup! That nails it. I was able to get really good results with my Dovo but all the stropping and honing took even more of my time and the nicks and cuts would add up. I still have it and like to admire the mother of pearl and ebony handle every now and again but then I put it down and pick up the fusion. I only ever use it for a first shave after growing the whiskers out a while.

The Henson is supposedly a "medium" but it takes more pressure than it should to feel like it's cutting.

 

[Above The Tie]

Even a good long 3 pass shave with proper prep feels like I'm pulling the hairs out instead of cutting them

It sounds like you need to add pressure. Since you're using the Henson, you can ignore all the "no pressure" advice. A razor needs sufficient force to cut hairs. This razor is too light to allow gravity to do the work.

Tugging means not enough pressure. Increase the force you're using and you'll find better results with this razor.

As for shaving taking too long, there is no free lunch. Cartridges are quicker, more expensive, wasteful, and (for some/most people) give poor results. Wet shaving is harder to master, takes longer, and has more inherent risk.

 

[RGBlack]

If you prefer the results of the Fusion and are prepared to pay for it then stick with the Fusion is my advice. For a cheaper option why not try a Trac II - the first Gillette cartridge razor? Maybe try DE shaving again when you have more time to devote to the learning curve - but, DE shaving is not for everyone.

Already tried it. The much cheaper old style tug more. And with the fusion-compatible two blade carts, the cost came out to about the same. The two blade needs more strokes/passes, which means less total shaves per blade.

As for cost, I get 6-8 shaves out of each fusion cart- $2.50. With the Henson's I use a new razor each shave 20¢ but I might be able to get 2 out of the feathers 24¢, we'll see. I only shave about 12 times per month so the cost difference is at most $2 per month, and that is before all the fancy skin care products and accouterments SE or DE shaving demands.

 

[gdawg55]

I have never been a shower shaver but I tend to agree with @srgjazz and maybe try to separate the two. Shower first and then shave at the sink. It takes time to DE shave and even longer to master it. You may be able to focus on it better when out of the shower….

If you’re getting the results you want and really like shaving in the shower there is nothing wrong with cartridge shaving. You just won’t be considered one of the cool kids….I jest, I jest.

One last thing, try an Astra blade in the Henson. They were originally designed around that blade. I find they work really well.

 

[ShavedPeeps]

fancy skin care products and accouterments SE or DE shaving demands.

Demands is a strong word to use. You can find several members using a can of Barbasol and Mr. Boston as an aftershave.

It sounds like you have already made up your mind to go back to cartridges, which is fine. Your face, your choice! But there is lots of good advice and pointers in this forum and most members are willing to offer years of knowledge and tips.

Either way, I hope you find what you are looking for.

 

[gpjoe]

Trying not to quit

If you are switching to DE razors to save money, two bits of advice:

First, you may not save anything. MANY members here (me included) have spent enough on DE and SE razors to buy a lifetime supply of carts and have hundreds (or much more) left over.

Of course, with a bit of restraint, you CAN save money...we have some of those members here as well.

Second, there is a learning curve with using a DE razor which requires a bit of perseverance while you develope your skills (technique).

Trying for BBS right out of the gate will likely lead to disappointment, and shaves resulting in irritation and/or bloodshed.

I won't rehash all the suggestions usually given to new shavers except to say that there is a TON of information here at the forums. A good place to start would be here:

WET SHAVING INSTRUCTIONS AND TUTORIALS: New? READ THIS THREAD!

New? Read this thread! Shaving Tutorials and Site Information ________________________________________ Whether you're an experienced or brand new shaver, these threads will help in your quest for a smooth, irritation-free shave. They are full of tips, tricks, and hard-won advice from our members...

www.badgerandblade.com

...here:

B&B's Guide to the Shaving Galaxy

Here is a guide to some of the more interesting and informative posts and threads on all things shave related, to help your entry into the world of traditional shaving. Written and acccumulated by various Members over the years. How-Tos and tips on selecting and using Soaps & Creams, Brushes...

www.badgerandblade.com

...and here:

Safety Razor Stickys~ VIEW ALL HERE!

Interactive DE Shaving Guide DE Razors and Reference: Safety Razor Of The Week Wanted: Pictures Of DE Razors Cleaning DE Razors Razor Instructions Gillette Razor Sampler Blade Gap Chart The DE Buyers Guide The DE Identifying Wiki Interactive identification of Gillettes Gillette Handle Repair...

www.badgerandblade.com

...just for starters.

My advice?

A single pass shave, WTG...maybe a second pass XTG. Use a light touch and take your time. Don't expect BBS results without a final ATG pass, just shoot for DFS. You can progress to a BBS (or near) as your technique improves...and at that point you should be able to get a very nice shave with any decent DE razor and any name-brand blade.

Lastly,

If you just can't get it, or shaving with a DE razor seems like too much work with little or no benefit, quit. I mean that in the very best way...if you aren't enjoying the process, and it's not working, what'sthe point? No shame in using a cart...millions of men do.

What's wrong with the AS-D2?

Nothing.

Nothing wrong with a Tech either.

Yes, both a mild razors, but both are very capable razors. I can get the same shave with either as I get from my more aggressive razors.

 

[RGBlack]

If you are switching to DE razors to save money, two bits of advice:

First, you may not save anything. MANY members here (me included) have spent enough on DE and SE razors to buy a lifetime supply of carts and have hundreds (or much more) left over.

Of course, with a bit of restraint, you CAN save money...we have some of those members here as well.

Second, there is a learning curve with using a DE razor which requires a bit of perseverance while you develope your skills (technique).

Trying for BBS right out of the gate will likely lead to disappointment, and shaves resulting in irritation and/or bloodshed.

I won't rehash all the suggestions usually given to new shavers except to say that there is a TON of information here at the forums. A good place to start would be here:

WET SHAVING INSTRUCTIONS AND TUTORIALS: New? READ THIS THREAD!

New? Read this thread! Shaving Tutorials and Site Information ________________________________________ Whether you're an experienced or brand new shaver, these threads will help in your quest for a smooth, irritation-free shave. They are full of tips, tricks, and hard-won advice from our members...

www.badgerandblade.com

...here:

B&B's Guide to the Shaving Galaxy

Here is a guide to some of the more interesting and informative posts and threads on all things shave related, to help your entry into the world of traditional shaving. Written and acccumulated by various Members over the years. How-Tos and tips on selecting and using Soaps & Creams, Brushes...

www.badgerandblade.com

...and here:

Safety Razor Stickys~ VIEW ALL HERE!

Interactive DE Shaving Guide DE Razors and Reference: Safety Razor Of The Week Wanted: Pictures Of DE Razors Cleaning DE Razors Razor Instructions Gillette Razor Sampler Blade Gap Chart The DE Buyers Guide The DE Identifying Wiki Interactive identification of Gillettes Gillette Handle Repair...

www.badgerandblade.com

...just for starters.

My advice?

A single pass shave, WTG...maybe a second pass XTG. Use a light touch and take your time. Don't expect BBS results without a final ATG pass, just shoot for DFS. You can progress to a BBS (or near) as your technique improves...and at that point you should be able to get a very nice shave with any decent DE razor and any name-brand blade.

Lastly,

If you just can't get it, or shaving with a DE razor seems like too much work with little or no benefit, quit. I mean that in the very best way...if you aren't enjoying the process, and it's not working, what'sthe point? No shame in using a cart...millions of men do.



Nothing.

Nothing wrong with a Tech either.

Yes, both a mild razors, but both are very capable razors. I can get the same shave with either as I get from my more aggressive razors.

I feel like I have the 3 pass system down pretty well. I put a lot of effort into it with my straight edge and got good results. I poured over the forums and with practice, it really reinforced the principles of blade angle and skin pressure.

I have a fair enough time with it with the DE and I can say I enjoy the ritual. But I'm at a plateau where the results aren't justifying the process.

I do think I'm luckier than most in having very slow growing, mostly straight down pointing whiskers and the opposite of sensitive skin. With carts I can single or double pass ATG shave with no ill effects and achieve extreme closeness.

But I find it odd that there is no way to make ATG as a first pass with a single blade. I'm curious about the science of that. Even comparing the mechanics of different safety razors. Experimenting modulating pressure and speed with the Henson, I haven't found a way to do it comfortably except as a 3rd or 4th pass.

As for cost, agreed. Traditional shaving doesn't save much if not cost more. When I first started, the razor, stone, strop, silver tip badger brush, copper cup, and a variety of soaps and aftershaves were more than several years' worth of carts.

 

[psfred]

I shaved in the shower for decades with either a Schick injector or a multi-blade cartridge, usually BIC or Personna.

I suspect your problem is the razor -- if it's pulling, the blade isn't on the skin, it's "flying" over it and just splitting the hairs. That will pull, and will also leave stubble no matter how many passes you make.

I'd suggest either a Gillette Slim or a Super Adjustable. Easy to find, not very expensive, and as their name suggests, adjustable to suit your shaving style and blades.

If you want a new rather than vintage razor, there are also adjustables on the market, also three piece razors with different base plates to give you different blade exposure and gap.

The point is that the edge of the razor must slide directly on your skin to clip the hairs off at skin level. A very mild razor may have a very narrow range of "handle to the face" angle where that happens while a more aggressive (wider gap and more exposure) will have a much wider range of angles in which it will work.

Personna blades (any variety), Gillette 7 O'Clock blades (any color) and Wilkinson Swords (Gillette and Wilkinson made) are all very sharp and long lasting for me, give them a try.