Thread: Worst safety razor shave of my life

My first shave ever was with a Gillette Super Adjustable TTO ("Black Beauty") and I believe a Personna 74 blade. It left me looking like I had been sorting wildcats all morning. My dad took one look at my face and knew what the problem was without even looking at my razor. I hadn't twisted the doors all the way down for that last 1/4 turn or so, and so my blade gap and exposure were off the books. Since then, anytime I have had a rough shave from any sort of replaceable blade razor, I check the blade mounting and any adjustments available. Also, for damage. Stops and tabs and other bits get bent or broken. Blades get installed incorrectly. SE blades in particular can have individual blades that are defective. Try a new blade and really look close at your blade gap. Also, concentrate on your shave angle, the angle between blade and skin. Try to keep it only high enough to shave, and no higher. Stretch your skin good, too.

I seldom use anything but a straight razor but on the rare occasion I use either a cheap shavette, one of my gold plated Gillette adjustables, or more commonly a Schick Injector. For just a quick shave or a shower shave I can't praise the G or E type Schick enough. Plus they are cheap as dirt and the Chinese Schick blades are not bad.

Good points.

Safety razor doesn't mean that we should hurry and not pay attention.

I had a less than stellar shave first I tried a Micromatic - I think the angle is different or something that I didn't realize (could be the blade too I guess). I put it away, tried again after some time and got a wonderful shave. I still use a MM Open Comb on a regular basis. Change the blade for a new stainless coated one, and go slow .. you may be pleasantly surprised

Originally Posted by GaryG

I had a less than stellar shave first I tried a Micromatic - I think the angle is different or something that I didn't realize (could be the blade too I guess). I put it away, tried again after some time and got a wonderful shave. I still use a MM Open Comb on a regular basis. Change the blade for a new stainless coated one, and go slow .. you may be pleasantly surprised

The best blade for me in a GEM are Personna Gem stainless steel PTFE coated blades. They are sharp and smooth shaving. As always keep the head of the GEM razor almost flat on your face as they do not shave using the typical DE angle.

Bob