DE vs The Artist...

Hey guys, noob here...just starting out and I've already met (via the forum) some really helpful guys...you two know who you are!

I've successfully made it through my first str8 razor single pass and have used my Ikon OSS to do the cleanup work.

My first attempt was with a shavette that left my bathroom looking like a crime scene...and that really had me spooked. Then I got a blade off a member here called The Artist that on my first attempt I got a little bloodied...but it was my own fault because I shaved over some not healed area's...

Now I have a Henckels on it's way and am thinking of doing a rotation of Artist, DE, Henckels...my question is...and it may sound dumb...but...how often should a person be attempting to use the str8's in the beginning...? For instance...yesterday I used the Artist...cleaned up with the Ikon...and today before teaching tonight I hit the Ikon again for cleanup...I wasn't sure if I should or not...as it was light stubble. Sure enough...razor burn. I used Neutrogena Post Shave Balm and that calmed the skin down...but now I'm concerned that if I keep this up I'll have perpetual burn.

Is there a standard...like...wait a day or two in between...that I should be following?

Also, I've read so many reviews on here...and other places of after shave balms that my eyes are blurry...is there any one (or two) in particular...that are really good for the skin? I have moved away from cartridges because of ingrown hairs and am hoping that switching to str8's and DE's will help this.

Any advice?

Thanks in advance!

Steve from NYC

First: use less pressure. Until you have the hang of shaving, start with so little pressure that less than the middle third of the blade removes lather.

Second: shave with the straight for just one wtg pass once a day. If you have no irritation continue with the straight for additional passes. If you have irritation use the least aggressive device to finish or touch up. Skipping a straight shave or shaving once every 36 hours is not a bad idea.

Third: my favorite after shave is witch hazel with 4-6 drops of glycerin per ounce. However from what I've read the Neutrogena balm is very good.

Enjoy the learning curves.

Jonathan

Thanks Jonathan! I've been working on my "angles" with the shavette without a blade loaded...and yeah...I definitely have to work on pressure control. I was wondering about "skin food"...if that stuff is as good as they make it sound?

I don't see any problem with using more than one razor in a shaving session. Shave the areas that your most comfortable doing with the straight and finish with the DE.
It'll all come together.

Witch Hazel is better for me as I have oily skin. Trumpers is supposed to be better for dry skin. So I have never tried it.

Jonathan

Datsots hits all the points, down to the witch hazel, something you can modify to suit.
When I started out my problem was more razor burn than cuts (and there was blood).
Lower the pressure and keep in mind that you learn this in stages. It seems that every 25 shaves you get to a new milestone.

One of the things that only comes with practice is the whole skin tension/head position/blade angle to the face/pressure and angle of attack.

And then one day it happens, you rinse your face and your wet hands feel only BBS skin....and you know why you spent the time, effort and blood to master this....

What Feather version are you using and what blade, if I might ask?

Good Shaving...

Well, I only attempted the Shavette once as it was that bad...It's a very cheap one. I realized that I made a mistake buying it and that's why I went with the Artist...and hopefully soon I'll have the Henckels 1/4 grind to use and learn on. I'm going to look into the witch hazel and glycerin. Is there a video of how to mix the stuff? Do you just apply it like an after shave when you're done?

Thanks for the help guys!

No video that I know of. I just open a new bottle of witch hazel and count out drops from the bottle of glycerin. A 16 ounce bottle would need about 64 - 96. I apply it just like after shave, after all that is what I am using it as. :)

Jonathan

AS balms can be helpful for after shave irritation. I have very oily skin and still find ASBs soothing. I finish my shave with an alum block, followed by witch hazel and then, if l have irritated skin, I use an ASB otherwise AS. It's fun trying new things to see what works best for you. ;)

I agree. I'm loving trying all this new stuff.

Agree with MJC. Skin tension is very important in being able to get a close shave without having to apply too much pressure. What would you be able to shave smoother; a cloth with wrinkles or one that was straighten out? Same with your face. You can either shave with one hand holding/ stretching your skin or making faces to tighten the skin area that you're shaving. Either works.