First DE shave in the books!

[ScottGoodman]

I did some research and decided on picking up a DE. I chose a razor here in the classified's, a Fat Boy...shoe kinda fits. I gave it a first dance today and found the shave interesting, yet disconnected. I did a three pass shave like usual and the alum block told me I either had the setting wrong for me, used too much pressure, or both as I got a bit of tingle/light burn all over. I look forward to more shaves, different blades as I learn this contraption. Hoping to have a "go to" for when I am doing a "splash & dash" shower and shave, nicked myself twice in the last two weeks due to being in a hurry. Funny being a noob again...

[Obie]

Shooter,
One step at a time, my friend. Most of the straight razor rules apply to the double edge razor: low pressure, proper angle, and so on. Another important point is to refrain from excessive strokes on the same spot. Be economical and more strategic with your strokes. The reason for the nicks is probably because, somewhere in the shave, you change the angle, and you add more pressure without realizing it. Keep your wrist locked as you shave to maintain the same angle. Yes, one step at a time. At least you're starting out with a fine razor. That's something. Stay with it.

[BobH]

I am using a Fat Boy also with Astra blades and slowly worked up to the point where a setting of 6 is about right. Going to 7 was too much. Lucked out on the blades as I did not try any varieties. That razor gives me a fine smooth shave. I'd sure go along with what Obie has said.

Bob

[MJC]

Are you using the Astra Platinum (Green) or the Astra Stainless (Blue)? Before I crossed to the bad side of the playground with the Str8 Gang they had been two of my favorite blades - with the Blue Stainless slightly in front of the Platinum. Both great.

[thebigspendur]

Luckily, with a DE the learning curve is much shallower and faster. You should be getting perfect shaves in short order. The most complicated thing I found with a DE was matching the razor with the right blade.

[BobH]

That would be the Platinum green box.

Bob

[MJC]

Send me your mailing address and when I get back home next week I will send you some of the "Blues" to try...and a few others....let me know if there is anything you don't want to get...

Mark

[ScottGoodman]

I didn't nick myself with the DE, I did with a straight when in a hurry. The weird part for me was that I couldn't necessarily "feel" the blade on my face, that's what I meant about feeling disconnected. I could only feel the natural weight of the razor's guide bar. Tyler included Schick (sp?), Derby Extra, and Wilkenson Sword blades with the razor, my first blade to use was a Schick. My being a total noob at this, I didn't even know which one to start with. My friend Obie recommended a few blades, so I'll order some up here in the next day or so.

[Obie]

Good show, my friend. Stay with it. The DE can be a sweet shave.

[ScottGoodman]

Second shave in the books. I backed the razor down to setting #5 and did a three pass shave. Shave was as good as an average straight shave, however much faster. This is what I was looking for & I'm only in my second DE shave. I am very pleased with the results & most appreciative of the advice. The DE will not replace my favor of the straight now, but as the years pass and my hands give more problems...the future has yet to be seen.