My DE razor & blades so far

I started my DE razor shaving after getting fed up with the 4/5 blade cartridge razors about 4 weeks ago. I went on the forums watched some videos by Geofatboy and decided to buy the E/J DE 89. I could not wait for it to arrive and get the first shave on.
It duly arrived along with 2 packs of Feather blades. The first shave with the Feather was not a pretty sight more like a blood bath really, the 2nd was a little better. I decided that I had lost so much blood that something had to change. Back to the interweb more you tube etc. Decided to stick with the DE I liked the whole shaving thing with the brush, soap and hot towels, so I purchased some derby blades and oh what a difference that made. Buy the time I had couple of weeks shaves under my belt It was going really well no blood loss just the odd small nik. I think my skill level had also improved and last Sunday with no rush I got the best shave so far BBS it felt great. Last night I decided to give the Feather another chance, much better this time a very close shave and no blood letting. I dont think it is a blade that I can use for my daily shave, but every so often I will give it a go, more so if I have say 2 days growth. So if you are like me and new to this type of shaving dont give up try other blades to you find one that suits you. The E/J DE 89 is a really nice razor, I have just ordered a custom handle it that is a little longer which will arrive soon. I never thought this type of shaving could be so additive. http://straightrazorpalace.com/images/icons/icon10.png

Too bad you had to donate so much blood to the cause. Derby blades are a personal favorite of mine, as o just a few minutes ago my ace is smooth and happy from my latest Derby shave.

Coming from shaving with a cart razor you were likely the victim of using too much pressure and wrong angles on the blade coupled with a very sharp blade, the feather. Switching to a Derby blade allowed you to gain the skill necessary to use the feather blades. As you technique gets even better you just might find the feather blades even less of a problem. Glad you made the blade change and stuck it out. Enjoy the new handle that you ordered.

Bob

Thanks Bob very true

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Originally Posted by Stevie17

Thanks Bob very true

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You are welcome. Try using just the weight of the DE for pressure on the face and the handle for maintaining the proper angle and guiding the the DE around your face.

Bob

Man do I remember that first shave switch from a cart blade. Over the years it has truly become second nature to use a DE. I am in your shoes with straights. Just learning. Go slow, no pressure, an buy a sample pack of blades. They are worth the money to try several. Good luck An enjoy that EJ. Great razor you have there.:rock:

Thanks for the feedback

I love my DE89. It was my second DE and, to be honest, it's more than good enough to be my only.

I ordered a mixed pack of blades and started with Astras; they were considered middle-of-the-road for sharpness but I sure did have a lot of nicks and cuts as well. Feather blades or not: there's a learning curve. I'm glad you made it over the hump.

And regarding the Derby blade: they're a love/hate blade. My face doesn't not like them at all. I sometimes wish it did since they're cheap (but then, so are Astras).

Thanks for your comment, I have a Astra blade I will try it out tonight and report back later. Thanks

Welcome, Stevie!

It's my understanding(no presonal experiece here yet), that Feather blades are at the very high level of sharpness while Derby blades are at the opposite end of the spectrum.

Choosing the Right Blade

Thanks for the link Siguy, that is my understanding also.

I used the Astra blade for tonights shave, very nice.

Good to hear. They tend to be recommended to a lot of people as they're a decent, cheap, blade.
I've got a pack of Astra SS blades open right now and enjoying the shave. I find the SP versions to mellow out on the second shave while the SS are good from go. Not Sure Why.

I started out shaving with Gillette Blue Blades in the early 60's, then used a Schick Injector until falling victim to the carts sometime in the 70's. Returned to DE and wetshaving some years ago (six?). I had the opposite experience, the Derbys I used at first created a use for a forty year old styptic. When I tried the Feather's, perhaps due to their fearsome reputation I eased up on the pressure and they are still my DE of choice, though with the transitioning to straights it may be a while before I use up the latest 200 pack purchase

Feather blades are a definite pass for me. I can get a blood free shave with them, but they just burn my skin. No other de blade or straight razor has ever did so.

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Originally Posted by SpikedLemon

I love my DE89.

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+1. Great razor.

I recently bought a cheap plastic handled feather DE for head shaving. I found the included Feather blades were equal to Derbys. Both tugged & did not shave closely. Gillette 7'oclock (sharpedge) gave me the best & closest shaves with Astra SP's a close second & more durable.

Thanks mate, I have got any Gillette 7'oclock I will try them when I re stock supplies.