Thread: Brand New to DE

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.

Originally Posted by GoingPostal

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.

I am the opposite, as i find that astra blades dont seem to shave very well.

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.

Originally Posted by Brantd

I am the opposite, as i find that astra blades dont seem to shave very well.

And thus was invented the acronym "YMMV".

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.

Originally Posted by kooray83

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.

You will get one to +21 shaves from a DE blade. The number
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...