Thread: Gonna try de shaving

I use a DE when I'm in a rush and when I travel. I purchased a 1959 Fatboy which has an adjustable head. I think a DE is good to have as a second choice when not using a str8 for whatever reason.

If you want to gain proficiency with a straight, pick one and use it exclusively for a while. I found after about 25 shaves, my skill was such that I was not nicking myself and the shaves were a pleasurable experience. Every 10 or so shaves thereafter, my skill would increase. I have an Edwin Jagger DE89 that I love too. I'd stay away from the Feather brand blades at first...they nick me faster than a straight will.

The DE you bought seems to come highly recommended so you should be good to go there. Out of your sample pack of blades I would leave the Feathers till last to try out. Feathers have a reputation of being very sharp and can be a bit harsh. The Astra seem like a nice middle of the road blade to me, you might want to try those first.

If this is your first time shaving with a DE, it still is all about angle and pressure as it is with a straight. My personal feeling is that it is about as easy to get cuts, nicks and razor burn with a DE as it is with a straight when you are just starting out.

Bob

I have been using DE for the past 7 months. I started DE as a progress towards SR. I enjoy DE shaving. I turn on classic Blues and jazz and relax. I find that on a thick and harsh European beard I get such a close shave I can go 2-3 days between shaves and still be good. I have found Shark blades work for me but everyone finds their own personal combination. Since kicking the plastic trash I cam relax and enjoy holding sharp objects next to my neck. Be patient and make slow changes until you find a combination of shave product and equipment that works well for you.

As usual I agree with BobH....even with a DE it's still about angle and pressure and blade choice can be key. I'd start with Astra's or Wilkinson Sword blades...Personna's are also good. Feather, depending on the razor (and you), can be wickedly hard on your face. Handled well, they're the best/sharpest. DE is a really good tool for learning (mapping) your beard, too. You'll be able to tell (hear) when you've hit or missed beard and be able to try another stroke to hit it on an alternate pass.

Probably you know about the Interactive Whisker Map; for those who do not, here is the link:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/gener...ap-update.html
It helped me a lot to really find out what a cow lick my neck and throat was!
Use it to your advantage.
~Richard

Originally Posted by Geezer

Probably you know about the Interactive Whisker Map; for those who do not, here is the link:
http://straightrazorpalace.com/gener...ap-update.html
It helped me a lot to really find out what a cow lick my neck and throat was!
Use it to your advantage.
~Richard

Richard,why in the hell would you let a cow lick your face?

Thanks for all the tips. I will be receiving my new razor tomorrow! Looking forward to trying it out. And yes I will leave the feather blades alone for now. I do love my straights. Maybe I should concentrate with just one straight like Wayne suggested and I will make the Astra blade my first try. My old face should just be sporting a grey hunting beard at this time of year anyway lol

No need to fear the Feathers,start out with the best and never look back.

So it seem the consensus is use the blade twice then throw it ?