Thread: Any tips for using a DE?

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.

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.