Thread: Any tips for using a DE?

Originally Posted by Badgister

You might also want to give SE razors a try. Superb shaves, and closer to a straight razor in feel than a DE.

In my infinite sickness I may have put myself on the mongoose wait list

A cheaper alternative would be the vintage SE's with a gem blade.

The rad beckons. I figure with the mongoose if I end up not caring for it or I get buyers remorse I can sell it for close to what I paid, at least that's my excuse, and I'm sticking to it

The best advice I can give is watch Mantic59 videos on YouTube. He gave me a huge leg up when I first started. Not only is he a great source of knowledge, but most of his clips are whimsical and entertaining. Good luck and keep it fun.

+1 on Mantic59's videos. Short, to the point, with clear subjects. Yes, entertaining, but no wasted time.

Yep, Mantic's videos are a great way to start. Also, use little to no pressure when shaving .

To find a good starting angle put the DE's top cap flat on your face with the handle straight out parallel to the floor. Then lower the handle till you can feel the blade on your skin. That should give you a good starting angle. Use no pressure the same as you would shaving with a straight razor.

Bob

Another endorsement here for Mantic59's videos. I've found them informative and enjoyable.

Originally Posted by Wayne1963

The best advice I can give is watch Mantic59 videos on YouTube. He gave me a huge leg up when I first started. Not only is he a great source of knowledge, but most of his clips are whimsical and entertaining. Good luck and keep it fun.

when I saw this thread, my instinct was to give this advice. Then i read the thread and realized it had already been given, and seconded. I will "third" that suggestion.
The best advice I can give is to learn those techniques until they become second nature, and every time you shave, focus on your technique while you are shaving. No drifting off into lala land mentally. That makes you sloppy, IMO. One of the biggest pleasures I get from wet shaving is the fact that my hand and my mind guide the shave. If there is a problem, it is always my fault.
Sure, I can blame it on the soap, the blade, the razor, etc. But it always comes down to, for me, that I am responsible for my shave. It's my responsibility to pay attention, and if something is not working, to stop and remedy the situation. If that means changing out a blade, tossing the lather and starting over, getting my mind back in the game and backing off the pressure, watching the angle, etc., etc. All my responsibility. My fault whether I get it right or wrong. MHO.

Originally Posted by Badgister

You might also want to give SE razors a try. Superb shaves, and closer to a straight razor in feel than a DE.

Second the motion on SE razors.