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I have been using a SR and Shavette but today tried my wife's DE to shave my head. After nicking myself twice I went back to the shavette to do the job. The problem I was having is that I was not getting any feedback (feel or sound) from the DE blade. If I have the proper shaving angle what kind of feedback should I expect from a DE?
ericd,
I don't know what feedback you expect from the double edge razor. Yes, there is always some sound, and it's quite pleasant to hear, but the only feedback I go by is how the razor shaves. The DE has its own characteristics, and it's an instrument one cannot take lightly. The DE shares many characteristics with the straight razor. On your head, watch your angle and pressure. Also, much of DE or straight razor shaving is intuitive.
With a straight there is a sound and feel of cutting that I can't describe but that feel (for lack of a better word) tells me when the stars are aligned and the shave is going well. I was wondering if there is something similar with the DE because I did not get much feel through the handle. I am sure I could learn the DE in time but there is something about the SR that feels natural to me when I use it.
Well, the feedback depends on the razor.
Some razors, like the Merkur Futur, have loud auditory feedback. A lot of DE razors have very little auditory feedback.
Most DE razors will have less of a 'cutting feeling' feedback, as the blades are coated and very sharp. However, if you follow the tips online (like Mantic's videos) for DE razor technique, you'll be able to get a good shave.
It seems to me that you're still working on your DE razor technique. Watch some of the videos and try and implement the basic techniques, and you'll be fine.
One thing: since you mention head-shaving (I head-shave all the time), you may want to use the DE's only when your hair is relatively short (think stubble). If your hair is dense and longer, then a DE can still work, but will need multiple passes. Don't try to use pressure to cut through hair that's several mm long.
I shaved with a DE for a long while, I firstly used a Parker which was aggressive, I could tell by the redness it left following a shave, I then switched to a Merkur Progerss which is adjustable. I would start my first pass on 2 then drop down to a milder setting for he subsequent pass and touch ups. No irritation on neck with Merkur, but no feedback, just pass it over your skin in a direction and it cuts.
I have two small moles on my neck and if I was not careful the DE would chop through them every time I shaved with no feed back apart from the sting.
Sure Both DE's made a sound but Im not sure they give much in the way of feedback. I could get BSS shaves, but I got irritation too if I rushed.
When I first started straight shaving I used a shavette, it was good, gave me great shaves but again not much feedback apart from irritation after hacking at my skin.
I now shave exclusively with a Straight. I can literally shave over my moles and they never are cut unless I use the very tip of the razor. I can't explain this, but I can feel the razor passing over them. Also the blade is buttery smooth in comparison to all the other methods I have tried. I experience much less irritation and over time I have been developing the best approach to shaving and how my hair grows by feel. if my razor pulls a little, I know need to reduce the hair in another direction first(Assuming my blade is sharp of course) buy the angle of attack or by the way I need to stretch my skin. Its all about hair reduction not a quick damaging shave. I find it easier to feel what the blade or my skin needs with the straight, and this is still developing as I get more experienced. With a straight you have to learn your face, which you don't with the other methods. Passes, angles, heavy or light touch, as well as learning to stretch your face all need to be learned.
I'm sure no expert, but to me the straight is an art, it takes practice and it pays dividends when you listen to what it and your skin is telling you. You simply get a feel with a straight you don't with other razors in my humble opinion.
You also learn compromise. If I have to shave everyday (I usually shave every other) I will have a two pass shave and go for a DFS instead of a BSS. Because my skin will thank me for being considerate. If I'm considerate and listen to my skin, I get to wear all my favourite alcohol based aftershaves and my face just looks smooth and unblemished. I enjoy the quick sting but not the sting thats lasts for hours.
I hope thats the feedback your talking about?