Thread: DE Newbie

Thanks for the welcome guys. To get the close shave I like I use 2+ passes, wtg, atg and then I feel for rough spots. I usually shave after a warm shower. I currently use Neutragena Shave cream from a tube, but I am experimenting with a brush and shaving soap.

I've been DE shaving for 2-3 months now. IMO it is very difficult to beat a fusion for closeness. AFAIK The way the fusion works is to stretch the hair and cut, effectively cutting BELOW the hair line, which results in all kinds of skin problems. The DE cuts at the hair line which is more suitable for most people. Shaving foam from a can has all sorts of harsh chemicals.

What I recommend is, always remind yourself to use a light touch. Rinse with lots of water and reapply the lather between each pass. If you miss a patch, don't go over it with no lather, get it on the next pass until you get more experience. Use an alum block. Don't chase the bbs, it find you when you're ready.
Shaving 2 or 3 times a week I would do 3 passes and a touch up pass. WTG XTG and ATG, during each pass you are cutting the hair shorter each time but not removing it completly, save the whiskers for the next pass. It is your final touch up pass that you remove anything that's left.

+1 on the blade sampler pack,

Also as mentioned the Edwin Jagger razor is a good performing razor and its not that expensive, and if you decide its not not for you, its easy to resell without losing much if anything at all.

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 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!

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?