Thread: Dema's Shave Log.

Never one to not put my 2 cents in, here's my experience with a DE. Started shaving in the late 40's with a Gillette 3 piece, just like my dad's. Basically only Gillette thin blades available at that time. Always used light pressure but shaved in every which way direction. Over the years tried all the single blade disposables and the multi-blade disposables. Switched to a full beard for 40 odd years except for six months of bald as a baby chemo effect. Decided last July to try straights. I now shave with straights, a DE, a Schick injector and a couple of odd ball old SE's. For me, the trick to a DE is light pressure and constantly checking blade angle and position on my face. I subscribe to any and all passes in any direction that works for me. While good Gillette thin DE blades are hard to come by I found that Astra Platinum do the job for me. As for stretching your skin, most important. Some people that use an alum block as a face scrub after shaving will moisten a couple of fingers on the block and use those fingers to stretch the skin. You might try rubbing a styptic pencil on your fingertips but I think an alum block would work better. If I were to stress any one approach it would be to be constantly aware of where the blade, whether a straight, a DE or an SE, is on my face. Most weepers, nicks and cuts come from no noticing that fact. As always (to pun Mission Impossible), if you accept these facts YMMV.

And before I forget again, think about trying a cold water shave. Got rid of a lot of irritation that way for me.

thank you for your input razorfeld. So far the astras are by far the best shave for me. and not that expensive for a 100 pack. I find that I am having a hard time "finding" the blade when its on my neck. the angle. when I find it. It bites and cheese grates my face. I am using techniques like puffing my cheeks out to get the weird angles of hair on my face. Also the cream Is nice. but I feel there is better out there. I can whip that stuff pretty thick but sometimes its still feels to thin. Now that I am DE shaving I feel that cart shaving is cheating and lazy LOL. It is work but it is enjoyable even if I am bleeding while doing it. Thanks all! Happy Shaving!

5/7/14

So I waited 3 days for my next shave I could not wait. I started getting a facial drying. Patches of dry skin this morning. I can only think that this type of shaving is doing it to it. No having my skin used to it. its probably freaking out. I have noticed some pimples coming up as well. Have to change up on some products. I never was the type of guy to use hair face products. LOL I used shampoo for my face and hair..... eh no bother learning curve. it feel nice to take a little better care of my self. I work hard I deserve it right?

Ok so I have to say.... I HAD THE BEST SHAVE YET! I used an astra blade and my new bowl. I have tried a few and was not impressed. The Gillette persona were good and I would use them as a second. The sharks well..... I would rather grow a beard. I still have yet to try "racer and derby" . But I am going use astra as my main for now. At shavenation.com they have them is 100count packs for 18.00 so I will be set. I can tell my technique is improving. I am finding easier ways to stretch my skin on my neck. I finally got it without the cheese grade neck. the aftershave was not gas on fire. Today I feel like a fresh man. I am looking for more shaves like this. It has been a rough week or so. feels nice to pamper myself. working 75 hrs a week is too much. Thank you all for all your input and those following HAPPY SHAVING!

Pre-shave: Shower
Brush Omega
Shave: noxzema/ CO Bigalo Shave cream
Razor: Gillette Speed/Astra Blade
Post: Pinuad Clubman Splash
I also cleaned up my razor and gave her some shine

Before


After

well no cuts on the neck finally!

So this will be my last post for a bit. untill I get some different soaps so I can say something different. I have tried all my different blades and astra is the winner I seem to be getting the hang of it more and more. Less blood except the random pimple that gets it. I am in love with DE shaving. It is a great learning curve and the ritual of getting ready is relaxing and I look forward to doing it. thank you for all the input it has been a big help.

So It has been a minute since I posted last. I am working my way through the 3 tubes of co bigalo I got and the Arko. I have fell in love with the Arko and ordered two more. why two? because I got them for 5 bucks shipped. My technique has vastly improved. BUT I seem to be cutting myself in the same area. One around my goatee and then my neck tonight that changed. I kind of had a personal break through it seems.

I have a bad habit to want to shave with my right hand on the left side. I am working on that. Well I am also am having this spot on my right lower neck I always cheese grate it. And never shave close. So I decided to use my left hand while shaving that spot. BAM! its gone... so happy. I also used cold water this time. I seem to get a better shave this way I have no Idea why. but who cares. it works.

As much as I enjoy my straights an shavette I always end up going back to my DE's for my weekly shaves. Time saving more than anything. Glad to see you are getting the hang of it an learning what works for you. Once you find the right combination stick with it an it will only get better. An ya gotta love those flare tip Gillettes. Used my red tip yesterday.

If you can find an adjustable, you might like it too. I got a Fatboy and a Slim, like the Fatboy the best. I like shaving with a less aggressive adjustment first, then going with a more aggressive setting for the next pass. Works out well for me, not much irritation and a good shave.

Shave of the day:
Pre-Shave Shower/Noxzema
Razor: my new Parker 90R (way more aggressive than my flare tip speed Loved it) Arsta Blade
Soap: Arko smashed in a bowl
AS/Pinaud Clubman
Overall first shave with her DFS!

So i picked up two new razors... a Parker 90R (shown) and a Parker 22R

Gots to tell ya its a bit more aggressive than my flair tip Speed. But i Liked it. 2 passes DFS next BBS. made a deal to trasde some soaps for some col conks bay rum. so things are coming together. AS is not like lighter fluid anymore. its nice to put on. still stuck on astas and arko.
here was my mail call yesterday

I like your choice of blades in the pic. Polsilver an feather are both in my cabinet. Never tried the laser's. I haven't used my DE's in a couple weeks. Been trying out the feather straight razor system. Made my mind up yesterday I was doing a full DE shave today. Going to use DRH Windsor soap, Merkur HD , feather blade, an nivea AS balm. Happy shaving dema.