Thread: WTF DE Razor?!?

You're not the only person having problems with DE shaving. See my own post:

http://straightrazorpalace.com/shavi...e-shaving.html

I know for me, the problem was too much pressure on the blade. I just shaved with a brand-new Feather blade in the same Gillette holder, and got away with _just a little_ harshness. Had I used an even lighter touch, it would have been comfortable.

I've been using H2O "body butter" (a moisturizer) as after-shave lotion; it calms my skin down nicely.

Keep working at it, [I]gently[I].

Charles

If I want a quick shave I use my old brass Gillette (with a comb). I don't use any pressure as the razor does the work for you. I also use cheapo supermarket blades. Prep is just as important. I also have an alloy P.A.L. DE (no comb) which doesn't show as much blade so you end up pressing harder and cutting yourself. Also I notice the blade shows more at one side than the other (if you don't get it exactly in the middle when screwing it back together). You'll soon get the hang of DE's after straights.

+1 on the previous advice and cautions about using a de razor. You don't need to apply any pressure to your face to shave with one. For me, 1-2 passes are suffcient to get a nice close, comforatable shave. Of course, beard prep remains the same with a de as it does with a straight to get a similar result imho.

[QUOTE=AxelH;691821
The overly aggressive DE safety razors are worse to shave quickly with than a faster shave with an open-razor. Trust me on this...[/QUOTE]

I agree 100 Percent.

As far as the razor burn, my guess it is too much pressure.

I know what you mean. It kinda feels like you shaved with a belt sander. I started with a WWII government issue hand me down razor.

What time was it when you used those 7 O'clock blades?

I never got a good shave with a DE. I get better results with a cartridge razor than a DE.

It sounds like you might be pressing the razor into your face while shaving. Lighten up the pressure - a lot

Also, are those American Gillette blades? Choosing a DE blade is something of an art, and it'll vary for everybody, but modern American Gillette blades are generally regarded as awful. Try getting a blade sampler -- you never know what blade will agree with your face.

There are many different DE blades out there. Not that many are good.

My favorite and they are fairly cheap are the Derby's.

The Wilkensen's swords and the Domestic Gilletes are not that popular.

I used to buy some Persona's at Walmart and Walgreens that are pretty decent.

The Merkur's are known to be good and a standard.

Japanese Feathers are extremely sharp but some, myself included, do not find them to be that smooth.

If you can find some persona's locally that would be the way to go. If you can get some Merkur's even better.

Razors, ie holders, will have different angles and that will also affect the quality of the shave.

Good Luck.

Ed