First shave with a DE, all i have to say is OMG...

well i just finished my first shave with a DE razor, and i have to say OMG!!!! it was so much better than using those new razors......at first i was having trouble with the angle....it wasnt cutting enough but after a while i got it, one of the first things that i noticed right away was that when i shave with any of the multi-blade razors i can feel the blades literally cutting my skin as i drag it, with the DE i did not feel a thing....it was so smooth i had to keep looking at my face to see if i was actually cutting hair....my face actually starts to get bumps a day or two after i shave so i hope i dont start to get them later on.....but anyways my first shave was EXELLENT, will keep you updated on how my skin is 2 days from now.....

Edit: i just realized that i posted in the wrong section so please move to the right one, sorry.

Well done on making the change. I too was shocked at how good DE shaves can be compared to cartridge razors. Who would have thought something so quaint and old-fashioned could be so much better than the modern equivalent? Actually that's the problem, most people just don't know the secret.

I almost felt guilty changing from using a DE to a straight, but I'm glad I did. It takes some time to learn, but it opens up options to fine-tune the blade to suit your skin - e.g. honing on a coticule or stropping with Chromium Oxide gives very smooth shaves.

Good stuff, and I have no doubt that your shaves will continue to improve.

There is a lot to be said for single blade razors.

i don't think the thread is out of place here, but i'll move it to the DE section as you wish and i'll leave a redirect in the newbie section.

enjoy the change to de

To be honest, I was so shocked at how well the DE worked, despite being old technology, that it made me wonder if a straight would work better.

FYI, it did!!!

That is why I switched to the straight. The DE has not gone to waste however, because my wife uses it instead of cartridge razors now, She likes it a lot better too.

Good job! What's your razor? I found that the DE was a ton of fun to use, as well as giving great shaves.

well it has been 2 days since my first shave with a DE and i am happy because so far i have very little bumps on my face.....compared to before i have nothing, i'm really impressed with the DE, i will NEVER go back to using a multi-blade razor....Thank you all on this forum for providing so much information and support for newbies like me...

i have a feather razor, not the blades, and just bought a FATBOY vintage 1959 Gillette Adjustable from ebay for 25 bucks....

The fat boy is an awesome razor. I use one from time to time when I am not in the mood for my straights (in a rush). Check out the gillette NEW from the 19203 and 1930s. I think those are the best DEs I have ever tried.

Your journey has started and if you are like most of us here, it is far from over...

I had the same reaction going from a cartridge razor to DE...it seemed like it couldn't get any better.

Then I tried an SE razor: a GEM 1912 to be exact....it was better than any DE I had.

Then I tried straights.....even better than the SE.

If I can't make the time for a straight, I will use my GEM, but I prefer the shave I get from straights (even if I use a shavette)

I had my first DE shave today and I have to agree with you entirely. For once I didnt cut myself on the face. The only problem had was inserting the blade, I dropped it on my hand and cut my thumb...oh well

The DE razor that contains the blade is usually heavier than other modern razor designs. For me the extra weight seems to effortlessly move the blade through the whiskers. :gl:

I recently started using a DE and am now looking at straight razor shaving.

I wondered why people gave away the DE in favour of disposables - really good advertising maybe??

Maybe it coincided with foam in a can and was seen to save time?

DE razor feels much nicer - the weight and smooth feel (even before the blade gets to work).

And the Foam in a can is also a bogus deception. Even cheap shave soap and an inexpensive brush will do you better than alcohol whipped petroleum in a can.

So is a DE the same thing as a Shavette?

I should know this.

I was hoping to start with one next week, but my parents said I couldn't use their credit card. Oh well, I'll just buy one of those Visa giftcard at wal-mart next time I'm out.
The anticipation is for the first shave is killing me, lol.


I hope you don't have to be 18 to buy these things..hmm..

Maybe if I don't shave for a few days my parents will buy one for me, haha.

EDIT: Ok. I get it, I double edge is a safety razor.

Kachow.

Gentlemen,

The world was doing fine with a straight razor until someone saw more profit in making something a bit more convenient. Thus came the double edge safety razor, and a good invention, I might add.

Somewhere along the way the corporate world decided there was more money in plastic guillotines that were disposable. Matters became worse, until now when the whole concept of 37 blades in a plastic razor is the best invention the world has seen. Whatever . . .

Also, somewhere along another corporate head decided that a vile foamy substance spit out of an aerosol can is the ultimate in shaving cream possibilities. Whatever . . .

Now the combination of a plastic guillotine with 37 blades and a can of the vile foamy substance are advertised as a marriage made in heaven. Whatever . . .

Kindly give me a straight razor, or a double edge safety razor with Feather blades when I am rushed, lather soap or cream, a badger brush, a styptic pencil, a comforting shave balm, a lovely aftershave, and I am in heaven.

When it comes to a good shave, one of life's great joys, I prefer to remain old fashioned.

Regards,

Obie

I also recently started using my vintage gillette "fatboy" (e2) and was very impressed with the shave,reminded me of the younger days using my fathers,getting the technique down is still a process in the works but im also going to use a SR soon and use the DE as quick pick up shave and the SR as a relaxing shave session.

I also must throw in some props to all the advice and help here at SRP that made me want to go to the comfort of a nice shaving experience. Thank you all

I guess it's about time to take out my collection of DE razors. Its odd,at first i only collected Straights, then got into antique SE safetys, I use to not give a second thought to collecting the newer but still vintage DE's like gillette, but still aquired some with other purchases and family and friends gave me some thinking that was what i was collecting. Have never even considered giving one a whirl as an adult, messed with my dads a time or two when i was a kid i'm sure, can't really remember tho. BUT NOW, cuz of you guys, that's gonna be my next endevor!! I just recently gave an associate at work a couple DE's, cuz he said he really missed using one. He's a few years older than me, and I figured I could hook him up with some since i had no real interest in them, I did however, look them over and kept the choicest one for myself. I am glad i did. Now i'll get to try it out!! I'm sure i even have some vintage blades NIB around here aswell. So I guess I'll get to see how good some my antique razor blade sharpeners I have will work once i've taken ol Gilly out for a spin awhile!! I have the glass, glass ball, belt stroppers, and a slew of others i can try. I feel the glass stroppers would probably be most efficient. we'll see..... Thanks again ya'll, I am tickled I have found this site!:)

That's all I need, a new collection. I am happy to say I have a few still in my posession. the choicest one i mentioned above that i kept,has adjustable settings on the neck. As you twist it, it straightens the blade, making it stick out straighter. any info on the mechanics of these razors would be welcomed, for none of mine come with instructions!!

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Originally Posted by JohnRV

That's all I need, a new collection. I am happy to say I have a few still in my posession. the choicest one i mentioned above that i kept,has adjustable settings on the neck. As you twist it, it straightens the blade, making it stick out straighter. any info on the mechanics of these razors would be welcomed, for none of mine come with instructions!!

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Hi there,

Hey, congrats on acquiring a new 'hobby'..........you must be very pleased. I can offer one or two quick bits of info that may help.

First of all, A good place to start the setting on would be #3, and give that some time to get the feel of. It's a popular number for lots of members, and is on the high side of the mild shave setting. Good for average beards, and easier(more forgiving) to learn on than a higher setting.

Almost all Gillette adjustables will need an extra 1/4 turn to lock the blade in place. Yeah, you'll feel the handle stop turning with light pressure as the head's being closed, and then you'll notice it will go a little farther with a bit more help. This is important! If the blade is loose and starts flopping around...........you get the idea.

One other thing I'd recommend would be to NOT use those vintage blades...at least not until you know what a good blade feels like. It may be those blades are fine, but some of the vintage ones don't hold up all that well. The wrong blade will not give you a true and comfortable DE shaving experience, and you might give up on using a DE only because of using one wrong tool in the shaving arsenal.

If you like, pm me and I'll send out a few blades I and other members like. Another good option would be to order a small sample pack from various vendors, or create your own and just order 3-4 of the more popular blades. Seriously, it will increase the odds of having fun with your adjustable.

Anyway, maybe this will help a bit,
Martin

Got bold today and moved my setting to 3 instead of 2 from yesterday,a lil dinged up on the neck area but survived:) going to use that setting for a few days and get used to it,loved the shave.. down side is i have the blue and white metal gillette razor container with a few blades in there but opt'd to use some blades from the local pharmacy.. going to look into ordering a sample pack and really test it out.

Also Thank You Martin on the good advice im going to use it.Also if i may what blades would you recommend?

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Originally Posted by Deryan

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Also Thank You Martin on the good advice im going to use it.Also if i may what blades would you recommend?

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Hi there,

Sure thing......glad to help out. I have a couple different ways to go, so take your pick.

First would be buying a small sample pack.....no need to get a large one with 12-15 different blades to start with. Right now you just want to perfect the DE technique, and there's 5-6 blades that are the most popular among DE users. I'd stick with those for the time being, since the odds are best that at least one or two of those will work for you.

I've looked at a bunch of different blade samplers offered by different vendors, and I would go with the West Coast 'Choice' package. It's got a good selection of both forgiving blades, and others you need to pay attention to more. All are some of the more popular brands. It has mild ones like the Crystal(also known as the Israeli Personna), all the way up to the Feather, which is truly in a class by itself when it comes to sharpness. Of course, being the sharpest doesn't mean it will work the best for you or anyone.........that's a whole other deal though. No, many members use some of the milder ones with great success, and have no use for the Feather.

If you order that pack, be aware that the LIST of included blades is correct, but the pic is a little different. The vendor mentions this himself, which is a nice touch. All the blades listed are good ones to try early in your DE journey. The cost as of today is $10, plus whatever shipping is. It's got 5 brands (35 blades), which is plenty to get a feel for em.

I've never ordered from this site, but he has an excellent reputation.

I'll give you a ballpark list of 5-7 blades to try if you order em separately. All will work for lots of people, but not everyone. Gotta start somewhere and it might as well be these.

Crystal
Red Personna(different from a Crystal)
Derby

Ok, those three are on the milder side and personally I'd start with one of the first two.

Astra Platinum
Dorco 301

Those last two are sorta in the middle, with a nod going to the Astras as the more popular.

Gillette 7 0'clock SharpEdge
Iridium Super

These last two are really sharp. I've heard of other Gillette blades being very sharp also, but can't remember which ones. I can say both the ones listed are sharper than most. Unfortunately, the Iridiums aren't available right now, but hopefully that will change. I'll include the vendor in a bit. The SharpEdge is one of the more popular blades with DE users who prefer a blade this sharp. I should also mention these two are unusually forgiving, considering how well they can whack them whiskers for some members.

Last blade would be the Feather. I would wait on trying this until you have a good reference point as to what a nice blade for you feels like. By that time your technique will be good, and the chance of success with the Feather will be a lot better.

I can recommend a few places to order blades from if you wanna pick em out yourself. One would be Paul at Connaught, and the other would be JoAnna at The Shave Den. I've done business with them many times and never a problem. Paul is based in England, which may help some members out. Shipping isn't a big deal.....takes 5 working days from the time Paul sends it out.

Whew..........I wish I coulda said this with pictures.......woulda saved them 1000 words........heh. Yeah, blades really are a big thing and will make the difference between a good and great shave. Oh.......jeeez, before I forget. Do NOT order any Merkur blades. It's true that some DE shavers like those, but most don't. Maybe try those after you have experience with some others.

Ok, I think that will do it,
Martin

Here's a couple links:

DE Blade Sampler Pack, Choice [DE Blade Sampler Pack, Choice] - $10.00 : West Coast Shaving, Double Edge Blade Sampler Packs


Razor Blades - Double & Single Edge & Injector + Sensor Excel

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Originally Posted by Utopian

To be honest, I was so shocked at how well the DE worked, despite being old technology, that it made me wonder if a straight would work better.

FYI, it did!!!

That is why I switched to the straight. The DE has not gone to waste however, because my wife uses it instead of cartridge razors now, She likes it a lot better too.

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For me the progression went from DE to SE (via reading posts by Gem fans), to injectors (liking the single, thicker blade) to Feather Artist Club (straight technique to try out, without buying a strop) to straights. Sold the Feather, occasionally use a Gem for neck work, and haven't used DEs in quite some time.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by De Layne

Almost all Gillette adjustables will need an extra 1/4 turn to lock the blade in place. Yeah, you'll feel the handle stop turning with light pressure as the head's being closed, and then you'll notice it will go a little farther with a bit more help. This is important! If the blade is loose and starts flopping around...........you get the idea.

Anyway, maybe this will help a bit,
Martin

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Heed this warning....it did happen to me the other day after reading this post,while shaving with my DE i was getting dinged up alil bit and remembered this part of the post and sure enough i turned the adjustment and it was a bit loose.

Once again the value of advice from here is great!!:tu

Thanks for all the awesome info! i will start with the modern DE blades Then. which ones would be best to purchase from my neighborhood Wally World??

I also have a collection of the antique SE wedge bladed Safteys, I have a Wilkinson 7day set i purchased that was in mint sealed condition(mfg early 1930's),I went ahead a opened her up since i have 3 more that are also in mint unsealed packages. I really enjoy the shave i get from them, and i can even go as far as shave my entire mohocked head. to date my oldest complete SE wedge set is a Kampfe travel in a square tin. I really enjoy stepping into an era that I've never known and exprience a little of that time.