So, I'm going to give DE shaving a try. *Update*

[Evadman]

Follow up on mine: my shave seems to be getting progressively worse. As in not as close. If I don't shave against the grain, then I always have some stubble. I must be using the wrong angle or something. I haven't nicked myself since the first time though, and it has been roughly a week, 6 shaves IIRC. I am still using the derby blades (on the 2nd blade, changed blade to see if it was the blade) i think I will try a different brand next shave.

 

[abaez]

I've found that out too. Shaving with the grain I can obviously feel the stubble - it's against the grain where I really feel that the hair is being cut.

I don't mind though, because I'm learning about my face and which way the hair grows to properly shaving against the grain and I'm getting a much, much closer shave.

 

[SMOGZINN]

Originally posted by: DEMO24
I liked the Merkur blade that came with mine. Of course that got a bit dull after awhile so I got some new blades from Walmart. I dunno if they are just shit or if I didn't have my skin prepared enough but I cut myself to hell with those things. Perhaps tonight I'll try again.

It might be the blades. I can tell you that there are some cheaply made blades out there that are not worth useing.

Originally posted by: Evadman
Follow up on mine: my shave seems to be getting progressively worse. As in not as close. If I don't shave against the grain, then I always have some stubble. I must be using the wrong angle or something. I haven't nicked myself since the first time though, and it has been roughly a week, 6 shaves IIRC. I am still using the derby blades (on the 2nd blade, changed blade to see if it was the blade) i think I will try a different brand next shave.

Prep is all important, it will determine how good your shave is.
Try a 2 pass shave, both with the grain. Shave the first time quick, reapply the cream and shave the same way. I find it helps if I start on diffrent sides of my face for each pass.

 

[eits]

you should have taken pics

 

[Evadman]

Originally posted by: SMOGZINN
Try a 2 pass shave, both with the grain.

I think I did about 6 passes this morning, every which way.

 

[Quiksilver]

Originally posted by: kag
Mine is model #42, I should have gotten the 38C but I was too cheap...

I got the 23C. The handle is 4" long (which is the one I bought), 38C is just a tad shorter.

Originally posted by: Evadman

Originally posted by: SMOGZINN
Try a 2 pass shave, both with the grain.

I think I did about 6 passes this morning, every which way.

Must not be doing something right then... perhaps your putting more pressure in some areas than others?

God damn, I finally got my shaving supplies today (fuck USPS for taking 3 weeks). Seems I have encountered a small hiccup in my sampler pack; I'm missing some Dorco blades and Red Pack Israelis(dropped WCS a email about it already).

Quick update with this, they are shipping out the missing blades.

 

[Fenixgoon]

yeah, i'm totally going DE now. according to a gillette commerical, when the lubrication section starts wearing down, the blade is considered "bad." i'm sure the actual blades themselves are fine. that's probably 5 shaves tops for a single blade. screw you, gillette :| i'm going DE :beer::thumbsup:

 

[Excelsior]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
yeah, i'm totally going DE now. according to a gillette commerical, when the lubrication section starts wearing down, the blade is considered "bad." i'm sure the actual blades themselves are fine. that's probably 5 shaves tops for a single blade. screw you, gillette :| i'm going DE :beer::thumbsup:

I saw that. What a joke, just another way to get peoples money.

 

[TheVrolok]

I think after reading the updates I'm giving DE a shot.

 

[Fenixgoon]

where's a good place to get a cheap brush? all the ones on classicshaving are like $50+

 

[Denithor]

Gillette Fusion + Mach3 Comfort Gel FTW!!

Seriously, the comfort gel contains teflon (PTFE) and that really does make a big difference. I've tried all kinds of shave creams/gels/etc and this is the only stuff I've found that keeps my face from being chopped up & breaking out with razor burn. Like the OP I shave once or twice a week so I have some coarse stubble by the time I get around to it. With this stuff I'm able to go "against the grain" without issues (which is why I can get away with 1-2 shaves/week).

 

[foghorn67]

Originally posted by: Fenixgoon
where's a good place to get a cheap brush? all the ones on classicshaving are like $50+

Take a look at this thread in the shavemyface forum.

Newbie guide to cheap shaving

I just came across this forum today. So far it seems like the most as far as content goes.

Anyway, I got my Parker 22R from Amazon today. It came with 10 blades (7 AM brand), and I think I did okay. One nick, and some minor razor burn. Which is actually great. Anytime I try a new shaving system, I have hell to pay. Even going from Sensor Excel to Mach 3 or Mach 3 to Fusion, I have a slight case of Cut Off My Face Syndrome.

I read a blog on this stuff AFTER I shaved. I knew to give it short swipes with no pressure, but it was hard to un-learn. I think most of the irritation is where I was applying pressure. And I guess you have to find the optimum angle.

I also didn't try this after I showered. The UPS truck came in late in the day, and I was excited to try it, I just splashed some hot water in my face.

Also, I have been shaving with a brush and soap for several years. I only use shaving cream when traveling. So that part of the transition was already done.

Can't wait until I get used to this.