Making the move to a DE razor

[Sluggo]

Resurrecting a necro thread.

I just bought a DE razor. I've used it about three times but I'm not too keen on the results so far. Feels like I'm 14 again and just learning how to shave. Still don't have the technique quite right I suppose. Trying to keep the blade at a 30-45 degree angle. I still nick my neck though. I bought a sampler so I've tried Astra and Gillette platinum blades so far. Any tips how I can improve my technique?

If you have not, watch the videos I posted above, that helped me with basics. Remember to let the weight of the razor do the work just floating across the skin, don't press it against your face.

My first time was a bloodbath, eventually I figured out that I was just shaving off all irritating bumps left by the Mach3 I was using previously. After the first 2 weeks those were gone, and things got much, much better.

 

[xSauronx]

For the past few years I've tried every crazy Gillette/Schick razor on the market. Mach 3, Fusion ,Proglide, Quattro, Hydro. They all left me with a shitty shave unless I applied way to much pressure leaving me with irritating razor burn. So I guess all that's left to try is DE.

The best guide I found with this one. http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/

From their recommendations so far in my cart at Amazon I've got the Merkur HD #34C, a 60 blade sampler pack, Taylor shaving cream, and this Edwin Jagger brush. I know theres some DE users hare. I know its probably not the best but do this decent setup to start with DE shaving?

i have a similar merker, not sure exactly which. love using a DE over the mach 3 i had.

 

[cliftonite]

I have been using a DE for a few months now and I like it for the most part. I have used Shark and Feather blades (just got the feather blades) and both have caused me to bleed (mostly on my throat area). Do I need to get a different blade? I found that the Shark blades wouldn't give me too many nicks after a few uses. Do they make blades that are not as sharp as the feather/shark blades? And where can I get a decent sampler pack?

 

[QueBert]

I have been using a DE for a few months now and I like it for the most part. I have used Shark and Feather blades (just got the feather blades) and both have caused me to bleed (mostly on my throat area). Do I need to get a different blade? I found that the Shark blades wouldn't give me too many nicks after a few uses. Do they make blades that are not as sharp as the feather/shark blades? And where can I get a decent sampler pack?

westcoastshaving.com for the best sample pack. I use Shark super chrome and really like them. I have cut myself a few times, but nothing major.

 

[uclaLabrat]

for the first several months i didn't use a brush - just hand-applied it. I bought a cheapy nylon brush for ~5 and it works great.

you need to try the Art of Shaving Sandalwood shave cream. can be applied with or without a brush. smells wonderful and leaves your face very clean, not oily.

My cousin got me a gift pack from them for xmas...that shaving cream/aftershave has my wife literally humping my leg after I get out of the shower.

 

[cliftonite]

westcoastshaving.com for the best sample pack. I use Shark super chrome and really like them. I have cut myself a few times, but nothing major.

Thanks, got the everything pack. Hopefully I can find something that is easier on my skin.

 

[Born2bwire]

Thanks, got the everything pack. Hopefully I can find something that is easier on my skin.

There are some blades, like the Feathers, that I find cause added irritation or nicks. The blades that I normally use now (Crystals), I rarely ever get any nicks.

 

[QueBert]

Thanks, got the everything pack. Hopefully I can find something that is easier on my skin.

What's your pre & post shave routine like? I find the pre shave is about as important as the actual shave at helping reduce any discomfort outside of cuts. Also the shaving cream/soap you use can make a big difference. I got Art Of Shaving Lemon Oil shaving creme and it works wonderfully. Sharks are super sharp though, so you won't have a problem finding a less sharp blade in that pack if that's what you're after

 

[OutHouse]

Resurrecting a necro thread.

I just bought a DE razor. I've used it about three times but I'm not too keen on the results so far. Feels like I'm 14 again and just learning how to shave. Still don't have the technique quite right I suppose. Trying to keep the blade at a 30-45 degree angle. I still nick my neck though. I bought a sampler so I've tried Astra and Gillette platinum blades so far. Any tips how I can improve my technique?

i got one as well (merker along with the badger hair brush, the paste and a pack of blade samples) about a year ago and honestly i get a better shave from the disposable Gillette mach3's and have gone back to using the mach 3 disposable razors.

 

[cliftonite]

What's your pre & post shave routine like? I find the pre shave is about as important as the actual shave at helping reduce any discomfort outside of cuts. Also the shaving cream/soap you use can make a big difference. I got Art Of Shaving Lemon Oil shaving creme and it works wonderfully. Sharks are super sharp though, so you won't have a problem finding a less sharp blade in that pack if that's what you're after

I usually wash my face in warm water before I shave. I like to shower after I shave and apply some after shave lotion. I am using proraso(sp?) soap and a brush.

 

[QueBert]

I usually wash my face in warm water before I shave. I like to shower after I shave and apply some after shave lotion. I am using proraso(sp?) soap and a brush.

I picked up some Poraso pre shave cream, it also helps for me if the lather's warm. I was too cheap to pony up the $70'ish for a Scuttle, so I picked up a ceramic cereal bowl, a small 3" ramekin and a hot water pot at target. I warm up some water and put it in the cereal bowl and let my brush soak (about 150'ish degrees) in it while I shower. And put the ramekin in the bowl so it gets warm too. When I get out of the shower I dump the water out of the bowl and refill it and squeeze out my brush a bit. I put on some of the Poraso pre shave cream and rub it in good. Then I lather up my brush with the ramekin sitting in the bowl of hot water. The combination of the pre shave cream + the warm lather really soften the hairs on my face more than anything else I've tried. I can shave with 1 with the grain, 1 against the grain and 1 cross grain. I still get some burn on my skin when I use my Styptic pencil after a shave, so I'm not doing it right yet. But I'm not getting bumps or redness and the burn goes away pretty quick.

I've also found a good face cleanser before every shave helps, and a face scrub 2x a week too. I got some Nivea face wash which works better on my skin that regular old soap. You could also try a different soap, or even a cream or shave gel. Not cheap but the Art Of Shaving cream is great. And from what I hear the Jack Black shaving gel's pretty good.

Also get this if you don't have one, it's cheap and will help a lot here. http://www.westcoastshaving.com/RazoRock-Alum-in-Case_p_566.html

 

[waggy]

Waggy, where'd you find decent single edge blades? I have a couple gems but the walgreen blades suck.

the walgreen blades suck ass. i ordered some from a company i found off amazon but they are gone. only good part i is i got 50 blades.

i seen some on westcoastshaving.com but haven't ordered them yet since i have some DE blades and a few single's left.

 

[tranceport]

westcoastshaving.com
badgerandblade.com

http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-...ef=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1327098686&sr=1-2

See if you can pick up one of these locally. Usually buy 2 get 1 free on their products in stores. If not no big deal. But it lathers easy and is a great first cream.
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/product/index.jsp?productId=2257431&cm_vc=200

 

[waggy]

bath and body works? hmm haven't looked there for shaving gear. I have a bar of soap that i got free when i got my shaving mug and brush. it has lasted a long time but i don't really care for it.

 

[SMOGZINN]

I've been using a DE razor for about 5 years now, and I've gone though just about every razor blade out there. While I agree it is personal preference and different blades will work for different people, I personally prefer Crystal "SUPER +" Israeli Personnas and Taylor of Old Bond Street Eton College Shaving Cream with a good stiff badger hair brush.

 

[SMOGZINN]

bath and body works? hmm haven't looked there for shaving gear. I have a bar of soap that i got free when i got my shaving mug and brush. it has lasted a long time but i don't really care for it.

Hard soap is pretty hard to work with when you first start. It takes some experience and time to get the feel to how to make a proper later, most of the time you end up with something to watery or too stiff and don't get a good shave from it.

Of all the things you can upgrade (the handle, the razor, the brush, and the soap) it is the soap I would most recommend you upgrade first. A crappy brush and good soap will improve even disposable razor shaves, plus good soap is just pleasurable to work with.

Also for travel I have a bottle of Shave Secret and it work surprisingly well, although you pretty much ruin the razor blade with it.

 

[waggy]

Hard soap is pretty hard to work with when you first start. It takes some experience and time to get the feel to how to make a proper later, most of the time you end up with something to watery or too stiff and don't get a good shave from it.

Of all the things you can upgrade (the handle, the razor, the brush, and the soap) it is the soap I would most recommend you upgrade first. A crappy brush and good soap will improve even disposable razor shaves, plus good soap is just pleasurable to work with.

Also for travel I have a bottle of Shave Secret and it work surprisingly well, although you pretty much ruin the razor blade with it.

the mug came with 2 bars of soap. they last a LONG time (almost done with the 2nd). its been like 3-4 years now (i don't need to shave that often) and i can work up a great lather with the soap.

but now that i know about bath and body works i will hit them. they always have sales and i think i have a $10 credit with them anyway (wife and daughter love the store)

 

[the DRIZZLE]

My first time was a bloodbath, eventually I figured out that I was just shaving off all irritating bumps left by the Mach3 I was using previously. After the first 2 weeks those were gone, and things got much, much better.

That's a great point. I've been using a DE for years but I had to use a cartridge razor for a week on vacation a while back. When I got home and shaved with the DE it sliced open all my newly acquired razor bumps.

For cream I like the unscented art of shaving brand cream. It's about $30 but it lasts at least 4 or 5 months.

 

[MovingTarget]

Been using a DE for quite some time now. I get a better shave, but razorburn is still an issue. My whiskers are pretty thick, so it does take quite a few passes. I've gotten to the point where I rarely cut myself anymore though. Perhaps I should try a new blade, as the ones I have been getting are the generic ones from Publix.

 

[alkemyst]

I think most going back to DE's and straight razors simply can't afford the 'refill' costs of modern cartridges.

I had them all.

First I don't have a problem beard nor skin. Although my beard goes in coarse and thick, I don't suffer ingrown hairs nor breakouts.

The powered modern cartridge razor gives me a smooth shave very quickly and without a mirror and about 99.9999% nick free.

With a DE/safety razor and especially a straight razor, shaving is a ritual. You have to be focused and systematic.

I will say if you like pampering yourself and have the 10+ mins in the morning to lather up, get your blade ready and then do some post shave treatments; it's a relaxing time.

Getting a professional shave is something every guy should do once. Get your most scruffy and then throw out some cash to see how it's really done.

 

[SMOGZINN]

I think most going back to DE's and straight razors simply can't afford the 'refill' costs of modern cartridges.

I can certainly afford modern multiblade powered razors, I just don't like them. I think I have a dozen cartridges for my Mach 3 sitting in my cabinet from years ago.

First I don't have a problem beard nor skin. Although my beard goes in coarse and thick, I don't suffer ingrown hairs nor breakouts.

You are among what is probably the lucky majority. I have a problem beard, very thick with hair that goes in several directions. I've tried lots of them, and every multiblade system I've tried left me with razor burn and/or ingrown hairs. When I have to get a disposable razor on travel, I get the super cheap single blade things they sell in the 10 pack for $3. For me they work better then a the best of the multiblade systems.

With a DE/safety razor and especially a straight razor, shaving is a ritual. You have to be focused and systematic.

I will say if you like pampering yourself and have the 10+ mins in the morning to lather up, get your blade ready and then do some post shave treatments; it's a relaxing time.

This is true. To do DE well and avoid any of the negative side effects of using a real sharp heavy blade you need to spend time and do it right.

I'm a man of rituals. I do certain things a certain way, and it keeps my life in order. So for me my morning shaving ritual is a comfort, and I do not begrudge the extra time I have to plan into my morning.

Getting a professional shave is something every guy should do once. Get your most scruffy and then throw out some cash to see how it's really done.

This is also true. Trust me guys, do it at least once from a barber that does it often enough to know what he is doing. I'm betting if you do it once, you will do it again.

 

[waggy]

I think most going back to DE's and straight razors simply can't afford the 'refill' costs of modern cartridges.

I had them all.

First I don't have a problem beard nor skin. Although my beard goes in coarse and thick, I don't suffer ingrown hairs nor breakouts.

The powered modern cartridge razor gives me a smooth shave very quickly and without a mirror and about 99.9999% nick free.

With a DE/safety razor and especially a straight razor, shaving is a ritual. You have to be focused and systematic.

I will say if you like pampering yourself and have the 10+ mins in the morning to lather up, get your blade ready and then do some post shave treatments; it's a relaxing time.

Getting a professional shave is something every guy should do once. Get your most scruffy and then throw out some cash to see how it's really done.

lol idiotic. going back to DE because they can't afford cartridges? WTF if that was the case people can go to 99cent ones.

 

[Sluggo]

I think most going back to DE's and straight razors simply can't afford the 'refill' costs of modern cartridges.

WTF?

You are an idiot.

 

[Howard]

WTF?

You are an idiot.

Don't worry, he says the same thing about anything.

 

[MovingTarget]

WTF?

You are an idiot.

He does have a good point in that using a DE can be much cheaper than cartrige razors. However, no self-respecting man uses the 99¢ disposable razors and expects a decent shave.