I just bought a DE and i have no idea where to start. I haven't gotten it yet but does anyone have any pointers? Do I throw away the blade after each use? How do I clean it? I've been using a straight. Is it the same? Pointers would really help.
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I just bought a DE and i have no idea where to start. I haven't gotten it yet but does anyone have any pointers? Do I throw away the blade after each use? How do I clean it? I've been using a straight. Is it the same? Pointers would really help.
If you can shave with a straight, Kooray83, you'll be just fine. Use a light touch and don't try to finish the job in one pass: beard reduction is the name of the game.
The big problem with DE in my opinion is blades: find a really good one and just watch the manufacturer discontinue it. This has happened to me a couple of times, so, older and wiser, I now have a stockpile of 1000 or so blades which I know to be reliable. You would do well to seek out a sample pack and find out what suits you as blade choice is very personal, for specific recommendations I think there are a few useful threads here. A decent blade should be good for a minimum of 3 nice shaves ... if you find something that gives you 5, buy a lot.
As regards cleaning, do what you deem necessary. Some people will just run the razor under the cold tap, others will disassemble the whole thing, clean it and dry it. If the razor is a twist to open type, I think it's worth leaving the doors slightly ajar while it dries, but don't forget to retighten them when you next shave, mind you that's not a mistake you're likely to make more than once.
Hope that helps you to get started.
kooray,
Mantic59 has a number of videos on YouTube about DE shaving...Consult those. They will give you lots of useful information about different types of DE razors as well as their use (ie. blade angle, durability of blades, maintenance, etc.)
Here is one of his videos...Enjoy...
YouTube - How To Shave With A Single-Blade Razor
Hello, Kooray83:
Both Arrowhead and Jhenry offer excellent advice. Yes, watch the videos. And to stress their advice: Keep the pressure light. Rely on the razor's pressure, which is all you need.
Shave in passes for methodical beard reduction. Try not to go over the same spot too many times, because that's one way of getting razor burn with the DE. For blades, I use Feather and Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge (yellow packs) blades. I have used Derby and Personna, too, among many others, and they are okay. I change blades after three shaves.
Concentrate on your preparation with a good brush, soap or cream, and plenty of water. There are videos on the proper method of making lather, too. Please watch them.
If you have any questions, please post them and you'll have your answer in no time. Good luck to you.
Regards,
Obie
obieyadgar.com
Purchase a sampler pack of blades from www.westcoastshaving.com
You will need to do some experimenting before finding the right combination of razor and blade that suits your beard.
All good advice being given here, especially concerning blade samplers. What razor did you buy? Remember that not all DEs are the same, and many also feel that blade performance will vary depending on which razor is used. This, of course, is not an issue unless you have a bunch of different razors to rotate as I do. Personally, I have found that the Astra Superior blades are among the best at working well in a variety of razors, and are the only ones I use. Being as inexpensive as they are, I use one for three shaves and then toss it. Life's too short and blades are too cheap for bad shaves.
I am the opposite, as i find that astra blades dont seem to shave very well.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingPostal
I am fairly new to DE shaving but so far i have found Feather blades to be the best, however i think they are over priced. I really enjoy Derby blades as they shave well and are cheap.
One piece of advice i would give is make sure you use small short strokes.
And thus was invented the acronym "YMMV". ;)Quote:
Originally Posted by Brantd
kooray83,
If you've been shaving with a SR, and been fairly successful, you'll have nothing to worry about when switching to a DE. I'd been shaving with a straight for quite a while before I picked up a DE for the first time, and it was like I'd been using one for all my life. It's fairly easy, just do your homework - ie research on the various shaving forums - and you'll be just fine.
You will get one to +21 shaves from a DE blade. The numberQuote:
Originally Posted by kooray83
depends on the blade, your whiskers and the phase of the moon.
When it is dull remove the dull blade and tuck it in the slot on the
back of the fresh blade container. Do not just toss it in the trash...!
Not all fresh blade containers have a slot for dull blades. You can
buy or make a container to safely store your dull blades.
Clean it under running hot water at the end of your shave. There
is no need to remove the blade from the razor. You might open
the razor half a turn so the water flows better and lather and whiskers
wash out better. Some DE shavers open differently so the half
turn and rinse does not apply to all.
There are good and great DE blades out there. A sample pack is
a good way to try some. The cheep ones at the local drugstore
are always worth a try and if you like them -- super.
Once a month or once in six months clean your DE with an old toothbrush
and detergent to remove soap scum. Rinse in very hot water...
Attachment 3835721 shaves, or 21 passes? This sounds like King C's sales pitch back in the day:Quote:
Originally Posted by niftyshaving
http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/a...y120/01-16.jpg
Which changed dramatically to only 3.65 shaves per blade by 1950:
http://i944.photobucket.com/albums/a...ey120/04-5.jpg
LOL.... when I was 18 me thinks a DE would last me a month.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingPostal
You can fill in the blank -- was that 31 shaves kid or just one given
the fuzz face I was then.
Today I get 3 to 5 out of a Feather and 2-3 nice shaves out
of a Derby depending on how good my lather and prep is.
Wallmart DE blades continue to amaze me.
How long you can use a blade depends on any number of factors. Ultimately, the choice about when to change your DE blade will be based on your own experience and preference.Quote:
Originally Posted by niftyshaving
I usually get anywhere from 7-14 smooth, close shaves from a DE blade. Then I replace the blade. Here is a link to a so-called "Razor Blade Safe" to dispose of used DE blades:
Vintage Blades LLC*::*Safety Razors & Blades*::*Safety Razor Blades*::*Razor Blade Safe
Happy shaving...
I've bought the 1954 (Z1) Gillette SS DE Razor. Which razors should I get.Quote:
Originally Posted by GoingPostal
I would also like to thank everyone for all the advice. Can't wait to try it out when i get my DE and razors.
Get a sampler pack if you have to order blades on the internet.Quote:
Originally Posted by kooray83
There are many good DE blades. The nice thing about
DE blades is that they all fit. And do not ignore the ones
in the local drugstore or grocery. They are all good
some are better... so try some.
Kooray83, for what it's worth, I think you've bought the ideal razor to start with, well done.
Agreed. A Super Speed is the ideal starting point for a vintage DE, IMHO. From this point, you can go milder (Tech, Blue Tip SS), or wilder (open comb, adjustables).Quote:
Originally Posted by Arrowhead
Now you just need to find the blade that works best for you, and as has already been stated, sample packs are the way to go. Something to remember is that it always pays to revisit a blade after your technique has improved because sometimes a blade that you didn't really like while still in the learning process will shave a lot better than you remembered. This is how it was for me. I barely remember using an Astra Superior during my sampler pack days and had chosen Derby as my blade of choice, however, there appears to be some serious QC issues with Derby, and I was getting too many bad blades and bad shaves. I kept reading good things about the Astras, so I gave them another try, and have since stocked up on over 2000 of them.
Check out mantic59's channel on Youtube some great videos on wet shaving with a DE
If you rinse it out and shake it dry, now do you prevent rusting under the blade? Do u have to take it apart each time?
I doubt that you'll use a blade long enough to ever see any rust, and the modern blades are made from coated (usually platinum) stainless steel so they're not as prone to rusting as the old carbon steel blades. Personally, I pat my blades dry between uses and then clean and dry the razor before putting the blade back in -- but I'm really anal about keeping my razors clean.Quote:
Originally Posted by salazch
Hello, Salazch:
After use, I wipe the razor gently, making sure I don't touch the blade inside the shave head, and let the razor air dry in the rack. Since I change blades every three shaves, even with my usual Feather and the 7 O'Clock "yellows," the blade does not stay long enough in the razor to do much damage.
I shave with a straight razor, of course, but I do keep my double edge in rotation just to keep up my skills with it. Also, I use it when in a rush. After each blade change, I wash the razor with soap and water and use my little brush to further remove any gunk from the shave head.
Regards,
Obie
I just rinse mine with hot water and dry the exterior surfaces with a towel, being careful of the edge. When I change blades I inspect and maybe clean a bit if necessary. Haven't had rusting problems yet.Quote:
Originally Posted by salazch
I haven't found significant rusting on the edge with regular use, by the time the blade is ready to go it doesn't have enough corrosion, the edge wears down from shaves before that point. As an unintended experiment I used the broken in half DE blade mock razor once, let it sit in my bathroom for about a year and a half and then inspected the blade's edge. It was corroded enough, in some parts severely, to warrant replacing. But that was a long time exposed to humid conditions. Much of the blade was not corroded at all so they seem to be pretty stain-resistant.