Thread: Breakouts with safety razors?

Which DE are you using and what blades are you using in it?

You wouldn’t think it, but different DE razors are more or less aggressive than others as are the blades you can choose to use in them. Combine that with the large number of razor/blade combinations and skin types and beard coarseness, you can see that finding the right combo for you might be a challenge.

My first modern DE was a Merkur 34C. I still use it a lot and through experimentation I have found that Gillette Silver Blue and Wilkinson Stainless blades work well for me in that razor. It took a while for me to find that combination. I also have a Rockwell with interchangeable heads for which I am still searching the best blade.

Many online vendors have blade sample packs that allow you to try out 5 blades each from different manufacturers. That may be an option you might want to try.

In the meantime, if you are using a good slick shaving soap or cream, remember that you shave the lather, not the whiskers. It’s a light touch and adjust the angle so that you can just feel the blade slicing the whiskers. GO SLOW AND GO LIGHT. If you don’t get it as close as you want, shave in another direction.

I'm of the school pressure is the key. Too much (and it doesn't take much) and you'll have grief. If your angle is right and you're using a quality soap or cream then pressure is probably the culprit. If it were a skin issue any shave appliance would cause issues.

I think given your most recent experience with a DE that I would agree with what's been said so far. Definitely check the pressure, likely you're pressing harder than you think. Also check your blade angle; coming from a straight you'll no doubt be aware of how important the angle is, but the angle also isn't the same as with a straight. As DZEC pointed out, finding the right combination of blade and razor is essential; if anything, the blade you're using is too aggressive, maybe try a milder one.

Finally, check your lather. This might be an area where coming from a straight is doing you a slight disservice. For a DE, you generally want your lather thicking than you would have for straight shaving. If your lather is already super thick, give using a thinner lather a go to see if that affects things.

Originally Posted by ppetresen

I think given your most recent experience with a DE that I would agree with what's been said so far. Definitely check the pressure, likely you're pressing harder than you think. Also check your blade angle; coming from a straight you'll no doubt be aware of how important the angle is, but the angle also isn't the same as with a straight. As DZEC pointed out, finding the right combination of blade and razor is essential; if anything, the blade you're using is too aggressive, maybe try a milder one.

Finally, check your lather. This might be an area where coming from a straight is doing you a slight disservice. For a DE, you generally want your lather thicking than you would have for straight shaving. If your lather is already super thick, give using a thinner lather a go to see if that affects things.

I'll definitely keep all of this in mind. I might try to switch up soaps next time. Maybe go to Taylor of Old Bond street. Pretty easy lather.

Mostly. Angle like said and light touch. I can get as good a shave from a DE as. Straight. But that’s my secret , feather light strokes

Originally Posted by DZEC

Which DE are you using and what blades are you using in it?

You wouldn’t think it, but different DE razors are more or less aggressive than others as are the blades you can choose to use in them. Combine that with the large number of razor/blade combinations and skin types and beard coarseness, you can see that finding the right combo for you might be a challenge.

My first modern DE was a Merkur 34C. I still use it a lot and through experimentation I have found that Gillette Silver Blue and Wilkinson Stainless blades work well for me in that razor. It took a while for me to find that combination. I also have a Rockwell with interchangeable heads for which I am still searching the best blade.

Many online vendors have blade sample packs that allow you to try out 5 blades each from different manufacturers. That may be an option you might want to try.

In the meantime, if you are using a good slick shaving soap or cream, remember that you shave the lather, not the whiskers. It’s a light touch and adjust the angle so that you can just feel the blade slicing the whiskers. GO SLOW AND GO LIGHT. If you don’t get it as close as you want, shave in another direction.

I used a Lady Gillette that I had bought my wife a few years ago to try. The blade was a brand new Gillette Silver Blue. I did get a sample pack with a bunch of different blades in it. I'm thinking it might just be an angle situation. I use good soap and the shave itself felt really good.

Originally Posted by dewey81

I used a Lady Gillette that I had bought my wife a few years ago to try. The blade was a brand new Gillette Silver Blue. I did get a sample pack with a bunch of different blades in it. I'm thinking it might just be an angle situation. I use good soap and the shave itself felt really good.

IIRC the Lady Gillette razors have a long handle to make it easier for women to shave legs, under arms, etc. That might have caused the angle problem talked about earlier. A DE with a shorter handle will make it easier for you to control the angle on your neck and chin.

If the shave soap is an issue, I strongly urge you to try Baume.be. It was formulated by someone who has very sensitive skin.