Thread: $300. Spent And I Still Can't Achieve a Comfortable Shave

I hated DE blades, didn't like how they felt, didn't like how they shaved, didn't like their thin steel, didn't like anything about it.
I dedicate my DE razors and blades to shaving everything, besides my face. But that's just me, the day I shave my face with a DE razor and blade is an extremely rare occurrence.
I wouldn't waste my time with DE shaving before going to SR shaving if I were to do it over again, it did learn me some things, like I'd rather use a SR.
Ah well, it's outstanding for all other hair removal for me.
Giddddyupppp

Originally Posted by noy99

Thank you. That particular shave was with the Merkur 23c. I got this razor for $20 on amazon last year. I'm going to buy the 34c today. I'm not sure if this is it or not.
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Heavy-C...rds=merkur+34c

Thanks so much guys for all of the feedback, I've been reading everyone's suggestions and I've been taking notes to read over before my next shave. I am so glad to be apart of this community, and am so humbled with the responses
After I get this problem solved I can't wait to share it to someone struggling with something similar to me!

Yes. That's the one.

Late to the party, but you should go against all instincts and advice and try a full-on cold water shave. No prep, just cold water and a lather. Your razor could have come not sharp enough - mine did - but problems with the Merkur, which I also have, says its something else.

Cold water. Try it.

[Oh, also, try a Derby blade. Easier on an inexperienced face than a Feather]

Same trouble I used to have when I was younger. No problem above the jawline and lots of it below. I have tried a lot and eventually got the best shaves with a straight.
After you have rested your skin try again. Use a sharp razor that will cut hairs without pressure. You really do have to stretch your skin while you shave. Don't use any downward pressure. I shave with dry hands that give me good grip on a piece of unlathered skin. Use after shave balm without alcohol.
And resist the temptation to buy more hardware. It is a common beginners' mistake to buy more equipment instead of gaining experience with the stuff you already have.
Good luck.

Hi
You may not be using the right razor for you
Your face reminds me of my first shaves, that is until some one told me to start shaving with cold water.
I know all the shaving sites say warm/hot water to soften the beard, But.
The skin is soft too.

I used DE shavers for years. I went to a Shick injector for a long time until blades got hard to find.
THen the multi blades. I am using a Mach 3 now when not trying to use a SR. Norelcos in between, but never a close have with them.
I am getting good shaved from a SR now. 58 years of shaving.
Good luck. Let your face heal and then cold water and alum sticks.

I apologize for not seeing this thread when it was hot 'n fresh. But I need to chime in, as I recognized your screen name from when you started this journey. You had come here about a month or so after I started with a SR, having already learned a few things the hard way.

For some reference, I link your original thread related to this...
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1481900 - Post #41, by you.
And...
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1481917 - My response, advice on lather.
Then...
http://straightrazorpalace.com/razor...ml#post1482161 - Where you did the exact opposite of most of the advice given.

I believe the last advice I gave out on that thread was for you to find an SRP member in your area. That advice still stands, and is your best chance of shaving salvation at this point!!!
http://straightrazorpalace.com/memberlist.php?do=search
Please, please, PLEASE use the link above to find someone nearby!! You may have to try different search terms to get usable results, as the forum hasn't instated a uniform format for user locations.

One last thing. And it's worth (repeating). Skin stretching is crucial. Especially on the neck, though the stretching there tends to be more like trying to do yoga from the shoulders & up. Neck hair (for most) tends to be a crazy tropical storm of fine hairs that lay nearly flat against the skin. Skin stretching not only helps prevent the razor's edge from digging in, but it also helps to force those stubborn, fine little hairs to stand up.

If you can't manage to get a local mentor, make a video of your shave. That way we can assess your technique, and make constructive criticisms where applicable.

If you post a vid, I will finally get around to making a second shaving video to post. Maybe a community "Swappin' Shave Vids" thread might be good for remote assistance/comparison purposes? For the community as a whole...

So sorry to see and gear, it appears to me that it to much ptessure on your skun lighten up , and when I was starting out I found feather to be to sharp, and decided to try Astra, so when I must shave with a DE Astra is my blade of choice. There may also be an issue with your lather to as well as prep that can make a shave look like the picture you have posted.
If you can't get a grip to stretch your skin, try different face expeditions, also u could put dome presure on different parts of the neck to help you stretch the skin..

Also as Crewler stated, coud you post, a prep, lather, shave vid.

A few months ago I abandoned cartridges and started DE shaving, with an Edwin Jagger DE 89 and large assortment of blades. I had red spots on my neck for about 2 weeks, much like the ones in your pictures. I reviewed all the advice etc, and I thought I was using light pressure, but it turned out the pressure was the problem. I started truly letting the weight of the razor do the work, knowing that anything I missed on the first pass would get picked up on the second or third. I feels weird at first, as if you're not really shaving. But since doing that, I have no more irritation and very close shaves. My advice would be, if you think you're using light pressure, try using even lighter.
I've also started straight razor shaving (or rather started over, because I used to do it about 30 years ago), and found the same thing - light pressure is essential. The other fundamental thing did wrong with the straight was too much angle, about 30 degrees. I watched Lynn's basic shave video last week and understood the real angle is a lot less, a spine thickness or two. No more nicks since then.
Hope you work out the problems.