Thread: Safety razor first?

I'd say if you're interested in straights, get a straight. There is some overlap between SR's and DE's, but you might as well just go for it right off the blocks...!

It might be worth getting a DE for days when you're in a rush, that tends to be when I use mine. A DE shave is still miles better than a Mach 3 or something!

Originally Posted by Stubear

I'd say if you're interested in straights, get a straight. There is some overlap between SR's and DE's, but you might as well just go for it right off the blocks...!

+1 to Stubear! and everyone else who said to get a straight razor right off the bat. there isn't much you will learn using a safety razor that you will utilize when switching over to a straight razor. although i'm not speaking from experience, my grandpa uses a safety razor and i've seen him shave a few times. straight razors are different because the angle of the blade to your face and everything has to be performed by you, unlike a safety razor when balancing it evenly on your face.

Originally Posted by hcintineo

there isn't much you will learn using a safety razor that you will utilize when switching over to a straight razor.

I am afraid that I will have to, respectfully, disagree to some extent to that.
You see, IME, there is a lot to take with you when switching from a DE to a straight.
The all important prep, the lathering of soaps/creams, and the post treatment are all things that can be directly transferred between the two methods.
In addition, techniques like the two or three passes we usually use(WTG, ATG, XTG), the very low pressure on the shaving tool are also similar to each other.
Naturally, stropping, handling the instrument itself and eventually honing/refreshing the edges are quite different, as you said

Dang, I sound like a champion for the DE here
But really, I'm not. I use straights myself for shaving the face. Really, I do!

Originally Posted by Birnando

The all important prep, the lathering of soaps/creams, and the post treatment are all things that can be directly transferred between the two methods.
In addition, techniques like the two or three passes we usually use(WTG, ATG, XTG), the very low pressure on the shaving tool are also similar to each other.!

in no means am i trying to start an argument, but the original poster already said that he began to use a brush and soap method of making lather, while shaving with his multi cartridge blade. i assume since he has been working on his pre-shave prep, he also worked on his aftershave.
(Why would I assume. I never assume. Leads to assumptions. - Seinfeld)
as for the three pass shave, you are correct.

Originally Posted by hcintineo

in no means am i trying to start an argument

Nor am I. It's all good.

Originally Posted by CenTech

I'm 28 and have been using a Gillette Fusion razor for the last several years. The gel I've been using has been the Neutrogena Men's Razor Defense stuff. I've switched to the Williams Shaving Mug soap and a badger hair brush for lather, but I'm still using my Fusion razor. I haven't been able to find Proraso (and haven't had time to get to the mall for the BBW version). I normally don't shave every day as my facial hair grows pretty slow and light at that. But since I started using a bowl/brush to make lather I've been shaving every day. Last night my face just burned, so I think I won't be shaving tonight. I''m still loaded up on Fusion cartridges for my current razor, so I'm going to stick with it until I get this whole lather thing down and get a straight razor. Eventually, when my cartridges run out, I'll probably get a safety razor for when I need to shave quickly. What's the benefit of a DE over a SE, or is there one?

If your face is burning you are over doing it. Perhaps you are working "too
hard" to get a better shave. For a razor burn... I would remind a beginner
to shave with a light touch and no pressure. I would recommend a post
shave balm. Nivea has a good one. Skip stuff with alcohol and heavy perfume.

From the Gillette Fusion web Q&A page:
Q: What is the best way to avoid razor burn?
A: If the skin is not properly prepared before shaving or if the blade on your razor is dull, you are more likely
to end up with razor burn. Make sure to hydrate hair in warm water for up to three minutes and apply plenty of
shave gel. Also, be sure to change the blade on your razor at the first sign of dullness or discomfort.


The Fusion razor is an interesting product and will have some fans that are fully justified
in liking it. However for me multi blade razors give me a burn way too easy.
I like DE and straights because they place a single blade on the skin and two
or three passes is in fact two or three passes and not multiplied three or five
fold. As far as staying sharp the multi blade razors do not shave well for me
any longer than a DE or even the open blade of a "Feather" straight. I get
three comfortable shaves per...

As far as latherin there are a couple tricks to tinker with. First splash
cool water on your face and give it a quick rub (5 seconds) then give
the shave soap and brush some attention. Wet the brush, shake it half
dry and swirl the brush on the puck of soap. You can even hold the puck
in your hand.

After loading the brush, splash a second bit of cool/warm tap water
on your face and give it another couple second rub.

Then back to the brush and soap. Once you have loaded the brush
with soap begin building a lather. Williams takes a lot of water but
only a little at a time. I let the tap drip a little and work the lather
in the palm of my hand or in a mug, cup or bowl adding drip
after dribble of water. The drip by dribble works for almost all
soaps and creams.

As the lather develops go to your face and scrub your face a little
or a lot with the brush. At this point you want lather all the way
to the base of the whiskers. For the last 60 seconds you can
lather alternating between face and mug adding water if needed.

Then shave.

It is possible and often overlooked that the shave gels
and "goo in a can" can be improved with a couple splashes of
cool water before application then work a little to a lot down
into the base of the whiskers with a wet shave brush. You
do not need "a lot of product". You do need to work it
so the base of the whiskers and skin surface gets prepared.
Do no hesitate to revisit the brush if the lather and face dry
a bit in the process of shaving.

For now give your face time to calm down. Since you can
shave on alternating days, do so. You can tinker and practice
making a lather without shaving. A puck that was wet yesterday
gives up a nice load of soap quicker than one that has been
sitting and drying in the back of the shave den.

I went with DE at first, i am in the middle of transitioning from DE to straight. i am glad i went with a DE first, i got used to making a decent lather with it