Thread: Very finicky skin - could a straight razor help?

Originally Posted by Siguy

I keep my pro-honed razor as a holy grail to compare my progress with other razors.

That's not a bad idea. All of that's a while down the road, though. I think I've decided to get a DE, a decent brush and some good soap to start off with.

On that topic... I think I've decided on either a Muhle R89 or an Edwin Jagger DE89. Based on what I've read online, I'm leaning towards the EJ. I've read that the EJ's handle is heavier than the Muhle, which I feel like I'd prefer. On the other hand, the Muhle has what looks like a nicely knurled grip. I've seen multiple places where the Muhle and EJ were recommended over the Merkur 34C.

As for brushes, I'd still trying to decide. There are so many out there that it's a tough decision. I'd like to just go with one of the SRD starter kits (with a Thater 4342), but they don't offer a kit with the EJ DE89. I've also read good things about the Wet Shaving Products "Prince" silvertip (it's about the same price as the Thater 4342).

I had all the same issues as the OP!

This is what brought me to straight razors! Ever since using them my issues have gone a way!

I wouldn't say it is the straight razor itself, but the combination of other far superior products that helped me.

I used to always break out with little bumps and red spots after shaving. So I tried a DE. Same thing. I quit using canned shaving cream and most of the irritation went away. I then tried using a shavette with much success once I got the just of it and loved the feel of it afterwards. I then made my migration to the straight razors.

I don't think I will ever try a cartridge and canned stuff again. I think I would rather not shave at all if that was the only thing available.

I would try one of the shaving samples available from one of our great vendors to try and see if that helps before changing to a straight razor. If it helps the need to change razor types may not be necessary, but it will come highly recommended. I think Maggard razors has some nice samples available, cant check now due to firewall restrictions here at work for some reason.

~Gary

So I just placed my order:
- Edwin Jagger DE89bl
- Semogue 1305
- Taylor of Old Bond Street Jermyn Street cream
- one of those generic stainless razor/brush stands (I think the Perfecto one)

For blades, I grabbed small packs of:
- Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum
- Astra Superior Platinum
- Derby Extra

What do you guys think? Again, thanks for all the advice! For down the road some time I've got my eye on a TI 1937...

All good choices. I would recommend you take your time with the DE before you jump into the straights. Get your technique down pat with the DE and the transition to straights will be much easier. Same thing I did.

Beware the feather blades, they are a bit on the aggressive side. For me it took some time for my skin to adjust. I have no problem with them now...

(the 6/8 TI 1937 that I bought new from SRD is a fine shaver!)

Lets throw sensitivity to product in there, as well as skin stretching, maybe pre-shave product and most likely the best , find a Mentor or Senior Member near you to have a couple of one-on-one sessions with.

Seanb, adjust your profile to add where you are located. Makes it easier for us to suggest someone near you, or those near you to come forth and offer their help with your problems. And read the FAQs and in the Library for detailed info on the processes of wet shaving. There is a wealth of info at your finger tips.

Originally Posted by Razorfeld

Lets throw sensitivity to product in there, as well as skin stretching, maybe pre-shave product and most likely the best , find a Mentor or Senior Member near you to have a couple of one-on-one sessions with.

Seanb, adjust your profile to add where you are located. Makes it easier for us to suggest someone near you, or those near you to come forth and offer their help with your problems. And read the FAQs and in the Library for detailed info on the processes of wet shaving. There is a wealth of info at your finger tips.

Gotcha. I'm supposed to get my stuff tomorrow, so I've got a bit of reading to do tonight I suppose.

Originally Posted by ChopperDave

Beware the feather blades...

Thanks. I did read that they could be a bit rough at first, but I also read that they're some of the sharper blades out there.

Stubble Under Microscope, by Mach 3 vs. DE Safety Razor : wicked_edge

I found this article to be very helpful regarding the differences between Mach3 and DE Wet shaving.

You are on the right course! Good luck!

seanb, I jst did a quick search of members and under the broad term 'Alabama" found 43 members, most of whom aren't currently or recently active. Below are four that are recently active. PM if you want to and see if they are close enough and willing to meet with you and go over basics face-to-face. There are no Mentors currently in Alabama.

d.m.ellington
Dustysuds
jfleming9232
mark9765

Hope this helps. And you can always ask questions on the forum and wade through multiple answers.

Thanks a bunch, Razorfeld! I'll keep you all posted on how it turns out.