I have a Razorock Mission on the way. I'm in need of shaving tips for a DE, angle, pressure, etc... I have a couple different blades to try. Any tips or tricks from you experienced users?
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I have a Razorock Mission on the way. I'm in need of shaving tips for a DE, angle, pressure, etc... I have a couple different blades to try. Any tips or tricks from you experienced users?
If you've learned skin stretching techniques with straight razor shaving continue to use them. Begin with no pressure, and take your time. Different DEs shave differently and you'll have to find the sweet spot for blade angle. I've no experience with that particular brand so I can't help there. I will say that no matter the DE or the blade I don't use pressure. If I need to use pressure it is either the wrong blade, or the DE is too mild for me. Just proceed as if you are a boxer in the first round feeling out your opponent. Perhaps a drastic metaphor, but one I find appropriate IME. :gl:
I'm assuming keeping the handle closer to the face will make it act less aggressive, or am I mistaken?
Really depends on the razor. I have some that work better at shallow angles than others. You will just have to practice with yours. It's fairly easy to find the correct angle. Place the bar to your face. Lift handle an gently move till you feel the blade start cutting. As jimmy said. No pressure is best.
Jimmy is right. Absolutely no pressure is needed. I have no idea what variety of blades you will be trying, but if you are not happy with any of the blades you get with your razor, then please be aware that several vendors offer variety packs. I have bought of few variety packs over the years simply so that I can loan them out to people to try with the razors I loan them. I love converting people to safety razors!!! It's not hard to do when you hand them a razor and a variety pack of blades and tell them that this will shave you better AND the blades will only cost you ten cents apiece!
I agree with most of what has been said and will add, you should start with short controlled strokes.
As stated:
- No pressure - this is the best advice. Just use the weight of the razor. Razor weight is what I think differentiates different razors the most.
- Experiment with the blade angle to find what works for you.
- Keep the angle as consistent as possible, esp when going around the jaw bone, chin, Adam's apple and other curved areas.
- Try different blade brands. Get a sample pack or 2.
- Short Strokes
- TAKE YOUR TIME.
There are no definites here. Everyone has different skin and beard. What works best for me, may not work for you.
My favorite DE shave (at the moment) is my Merkur 34C with a Wilkinson Sword blade.
Good luck and shave on.
Doug
After proper prep as in soaking your beard and using a good soap or cream, as you know Hydrating the beard is important. Start with the razor handle level with the floor and gradually bring down till you hear the blade cutting on the whiskers (about 30 degrees) Start out with No pressure (the mission is well weighted).
Personally I shave ATG but it is advisable to start out WTG till you get to know your razor. Finding the right blade to match up with the razor is best by getting a sample pack of a variety of blades.
Well did my first shave last night with it. All went well except for the blade is far less forgiving than a straight considering I a few less zits when I finished that a straight doesn't usually disturb.
The first blade I tried was a med prep. The edge felt smooth and the shave was close. I did my normal wtg then xtg passes. It was a little difficult to get some spots that I have no problem with with a straight, which I found amusing but makes sense since its been a year shaving with only straights. I found I need to be more prodigious with the skin stretching with a de otherwise I would get a little burn.
All things considered I think it went well and despite myself had an enjoyable shave. I thought that maybe the de could replace the straight if I'm running late and need to quickly shave, but I'm going to need more practice as it took twice as long as normal to get a 2 passer done.
Thanks for the help guys!
Glad to hear it went well. When I first started using DE razors I always found them overly aggressive on my chin. After a few months I realized that it was a problem with blade angle. Keep track of tough spots and pay extra attention to blade angle and pressure when shaving them. Some DE blades can be extremely aggressive (cough.. Feather....) but once you get the hang of it you might prefer an aggressive blade.
Cheers,
Danm
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 :w :overkill:Quote:
Originally Posted by Badgister
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 :D
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.
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.Quote:
Originally Posted by Wayne1963
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.
Second the motion on SE razors.Quote:
Originally Posted by Badgister