Thread: DE Newbie

My recommendation would be
1) better razor
2) better razor blades
3) and a better shave soap.

I'd get Merkur 37C or 34C HD first, then get feather or gilette or polsilver since those are the blades most people would agree are good and after get a nice bowl of Tabac/Loccitane shaving soap. That investment shouldnt cost more than 100$ and it will settle you for 3-4 months!

After those 3-4 months id get Muhle R41 and give it a shot because it is the most thorough razor there is! Also by that time you will need a new refill of tabac!

Originally Posted by mark9765

I currently use Neutragena Shave cream from a tube, but I am experimenting with a brush and shaving soap.

What brush are you using BTW?

Originally Posted by Raol

My recommendation would be
1) better razor
2) better razor blades
3) and a better shave soap.

I have found that starting slowly WTG for first pass. Lather then XTG for second pass. Two passes does plenty well for my upper face. For my neck I have to lather a third time and go ATG. Plenty of good whipped shave soap/cream. A good aftershave to help the skin heal and moisturize.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different blades, different products and different combinations of products. Just relax and enjoy the shave. Each person has their own "combination" and you just have to find yours.

Feel free to ask as many questions as you need to. The members here have an amazing shared knowledge. If you can't find an answer here, I doubt you will find the answer anywhere.

I would also suggest trying some other blades, however good technique really helps stick with what you are doing and also remember the blade will not last as long as a cartridge multi blade it will need changing about every 3/4 shaves which for you could be a few weeks.

I've had very good results with the Gillete 7 o'clock Sharp-Edge (yellow pack). Also good luck with the Astra super platinum. But, more importantly, good face prep and a quality soap/good lather. Good luck!

One of the sharpest blades there are on the market are Feather and Kai so be sure to give them a go also!

Feather blades are about as sharp as they get; not sure that is the best thing to use for a 2-3 shave a week beard. I too have fallen under the spell of Astra blades which are consistent, smooth shaving and sort of in the middle regarding aggressiveness. Excellent place for you to start, I think, with any razor.

A Muhle R41 razor is a fantastic and very aggressive shaver, like shaving with a straight, demanding some experience and a lot of focus to avoid trouble. Not sure a Muhle R41 will take you where you want to go. There are plenty of razors (new and used/vintage) that shave according to the level of aggression you want and they do not cost a chin and a cheek. My first DE was a Merkur open comb #41 1904-Classic, a mild/medium aggressive razor, it is a reproduction of the old Gillette. My beard is coarse, wants daily shaves (with a DE) and this razor + Astra blades is still one of my faves. Amazon.com: Merkur "1904" Classic Safety Razor - Open-#41- Made in Germany: Health & Personal Care.

Merkur also sells a similar version (#42 - Amazon.com: Merkur "1904" Safety Razor 42C: Health & Personal Care) with a closed comb.

Good luck tuning in your razor and blades. Lots of choices and almost as many flea markets to find $5 deals on old razors.

I ordered a sample pack of blades and some Old Taylor shaving cream. I have worked on my shave angle and my shaves are a lot better. Thanks for the input.

Originally Posted by MisterMoo

Feather blades are about as sharp as they get; not sure that is the best thing to use for a 2-3 shave a week beard. I too have fallen under ...

TBH I use 1 feather razor per shave because I've found that on the 2nd shave it's sharpness reduces drasticaly!