Thread: Considering going back to cartridges from DE

I say this with a heavy heart, but also a healthy dose of frustration and irritation (literally).

I really, really wanted to like this, but I've had a few shaves now, spaced out every 2-4 days, and it's been a disaster. Best case is I get a bad shave (equivalent to 1-day stubble) and only mild razor bumps on my neck. Worst case is I dare to try getting a little closer, and I look like an acne-ridden teenager with chicken box a day later.

Things I've been doing:

-Carefully mapping out my (admittedly bizarre) hair growth directions
-Hot shower before every shave
-Lather with Tabac cream or Col Conk or VDH soap.
-Shaving with EJ89 and 70's Super Speed, Astra SP blades.
-Alum block afterwards, followed by witch hazel, followed by Nivea sensitive aftershave balm.
-Trying distilled water.
-Trying grapeseed oil pre-lather.
-Doing all this at night in a (futile) attempt to reduce irritation.

I'm so careful with the angle that I often end up not even catching the blade, so I don't think that's my issue. Pressure-wise, I'm being gentle and slow enough that it takes me a good 30-40 minutes to shave, so I don't see how that could be it. The blades seem to catch fairly often when I move this gently, but it seems like any noticeable contact with skin results in a red bump the next day, so I don't know what else to do.

At this point, I just had to shave with probably 30-40 razor bumps (or whatever they are) already on me from my Tuesday shave, and it may have been the last straw. I've always had some problems with some irritation on my neck, but it's been much worse since I started with the DE and has even spread to my chin and cheeks. Incredibly frustrating.

Can anyone think of anything I could be missing? Sorry to vent, but I feel like I just wasted several weeks and $75.

Hmmmmm...... Have you tried a blade apart from the Astra SP? When I started DE I started with the 'supposedly forgiving' Derby blade. They hardly removed any stubble and I got horrible razor burn. Derbys are not for me.

Could be your blades, some work for some and some don't. I tried the astra's and didn't like them at all, they felt dull to me like derby's and both gave me some irritation. You can go to wal-mart and pick up some wilkinsons for about $2 and give that a shot, I like those myself, feather, and personna blue labels. If the wilkinson's don't aggrevate your skin, then you know it was the blades. It could be the aftershave balm as well. I used nivea sensitive ONCE, and it turned me red as a beet. Don't use distilled water, your skin needs minerals and other electrolytes to balance it's moisture. Distilled water will "pull" moisture out of your skin, and combine that w/ the toning from the witch hazel, and that can cause dryness which can cause irritation, which can lead to razor bumps from razor burn. Just my $.02

Thanks for the tips - I was thinking of trying the Feathers, since my whiskers generally seem pretty individually thick/resistant to cutting, but maybe I'll try the Wilkinsons.

I just tried the distilled water once, so I wouldn't think it would be the culprit. Does anyone know if razor bumps/burn that don't show up until a day or so after shaving - especially when wearing collared shirts indicate anything in particular?

Thanks.

Most vendors now offer sample packs..you could then try numerous blades to see which one works best with your skin type and razor

Yes. They (bumps and burn) certainly can show up later. Sounds like you may be trying to shave too close. And sometimes you skin needs some time to adjust to a new way of doing things. A DE blade sampler, available from just about any online vendor of wet-shaving goods, would be a good investment.

Yeah, I think I'll get a sampler pack and give it another shot. I have a feeling I'll prefer the Feathers; the Astras feel pretty dull to me, and seem to catch and skip over hairs quite often.

I'm not sure if the issue is shaving too close, though; I'm not usually even attempting a second pass, and I usually am only at about 5-o'clock-shadow length when I finish.

If you can do it with a cartridge, then you can do it with a de. It's just a matter of finding what works. Experiment, but try only changing one variable at a time, so you know what works without a doubt.

I don't like Astra, Derby, Merkur, etc. I would suggest Feather if your having problems cutting the beard (it's my blade of choice). I am unfamiliar with the Super Speed, but the 89 is a moderately aggressive razor. I would suggest you don't use less pressure, rather use no pressure. A sharp blade, at the correct angle, will not need to be pressed against the face at all. Take short strokes, guide the razor, but do not press it against you face at all. I think your shaves will be much more enjoyable. Before you try it again, make sure you face is healed. Even with the best equipment and technique, it is difficult to shave over razor burn. It took me quite a while to catch on to what no pressure means as carts encourage it to get a closer shave. Stick with it and you will be glad you did.

My two pennies worth. What type of DE are you using? I have a FatBoy that just hates any blade I use in it; however, my go to razor is a Futur that has way more blade hanging out works great. I prefer to use Astra blades, but have used most of the rest with little or no difference in the shave, although the Feathers take a light touch. My thoughts are that maybe your being heavy handed ( to much pressure on the razor) or that the razor might be to aggressive. I must add that I do have a light beard, and very sensitive skin. I was also thinking along the lines of to many passes. If you are just starting off with a DE, they tend to be less forgiving then their 5 bladed offspring. You may want to settle for one or two light passes. As for the razor bumps and how to treat them. I found that shaving in cold water seems to help when I have them bad. I also use an Alum Block right after the shave to stem them before they happen, and for the razor burn I do tend to get along the neck line, Plain old Aloe Vera plant always works for me. Seriously, I hate to see anyone go back to the crud they sell now for razors. Experiment a little and I assure you once you figure out your sweet spot you'll wonder why you ever shaved the other way.