Thread: First use of a DE in next 24 hours...wish me luck.

Okay, finally have the basic things I needed. Shaving Factory DE Safety razor form Sally's Beauty Supply (made by derby), Tri-Coastal White Birch & Tobacco Shave butter with a synthetic brush an using an Astra Superior Platinum blade. Could not find a crystal deodorant to use in place of the alum block that was mentioned could be found a Walmart, but will look for that in the next few days.

I won't be home until much later and would still like to watch a few more videos and practice and map out my movements, prep, do some faux strokes without the blade and lather and check my hair growth patterns before pulling the trigger.

Will let you know, so wish me luck.

Austinoire

Welcome to SRP. I'm not familiar with the gear, but just take it slow, use no pressure remember that we don't get it down to BBS with one pass. Pressure causes irritation, and increases the risk of nicks. So use a light had and two or three passes.

The Multiple Pass Shaving Technique - Straight Razor Place Library

You'll be fine. It's pretty easy. Just relax and go lightly and slowly.
Good luck!


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Dude, that Astra Superior Platinum blade is going to tear your face apart!! I am joking - I am sooo joking!!

If you do as the others has stated, go slow, go light and do multiple passes, with your wet shaving gear, you are going to love it. If it burns, you didn't do one of those things.

As for the Astra's, they aren't bad. I am pretty much a 100% Feather fan at this point, but give some others a shot after using the Astra's for a while. You might find one you like a little better - you might not.

Either way, enjoy wet shaving and good luck!

Alum block is not completely necessary. For nicks and cuts a styptic pencil will do the job nicely.

That Crystal deodorant alum stings more than the other variety of Alum usually sold for after shave use, so be warned. I use the deodorant variety so I know. You may want to hold off using it till you get your shaving technique down pat. Regular after shave will sting enough in the beginning.

Bob

Thanks guys for the sound advice. I completed my first wet shave and while there were no nicks or cuts, there were plenty of errors. Not deterred, but more practice is required. It was brutal, I tell ya, brutal. In the end, got right back and did a third pass ATG and it solved everything (even though I only wanted to do 2 passes ATG).

Live and learn...

If you look around for an old Gillette super speed or adjustable, that would be cool too. If you find them hands on at an antique store, flea market you can judge condition easily. On ebay look carefully at the photos. If it isn't in great condition pass on it. Though some just need cleaning to be excellent, others may have issues.

Also experiment with different blades. Some vendors sell blade sampler packs with the various brands of a couple or few blades in each pack. Some blades work well for some guys but not for others. Every shave will begin to improve as you pick up the technique. Stretching the skin is also beneficial.

Originally Posted by earcutter

As for the Astra's, they aren't bad. I am pretty much a 100% Feather fan at this point, but give some others a shot after using the Astra's for a while. You might find one you like a little better - you might not.

Defo another thumbs up for the Feather DE blades here...... i use one in Merkur 34C and can get lovely smooth shaves!

Ian