Quote Originally Posted by SupaFad View Post
I'm currently using a DE razor and a silver tip brush. I like to use soaps by proraso and Geo F Trumper. Just looking to expand into the SE world, maybe get a better shave? Thats what I'm hoping for since I have a thick beard.
It is hard to top the shave from a good DE blade.
But not impossible....
You may find that a different blade or the same blade in
a different razor can help. You may also find
that a slant or an adjustable helps.

It pays for a DE shaver to try a number of different blades.
All DE blades are not the same...!

My 2cents is to play with shave prep.

If you do not shave after a shower try shaving after a shower.
If you do shave after a shower try the reverse and vary
the soak time of your lather from 30seconds to 5 min.

Try lathering once then rinse well and then lather a second
time for the shave. Try cold water, try a hot towel.

I say this because:
In the end it is going to be steel v. whiskers and while
it is possible to get a smoother shave from a well honed
open razor it takes a while to learn how to strop and hone
a good chunk of razor sharp steel.

The one thing that DE blades have that is an advantage is PTFE (Teflon).
The PTFE fused to the edge is a very real advantage.
As far as smoothness and sharpness go the best honemasters do better
than many DE blade makers but after three shaves it is
you and your strop to maintain the edge.