Bloody nightmare lol

I have been shaving electric for years, found this forum, found my grandfathers old Gillette DE (dated J-4) and have ben using it for a few days.

I have been using strokes similar to what my barber used with the straight on my neck. Short soft multiple strookes that advance in whatever direction.

My neck is nicked all to hell and although I am getting a very smoothe shave, my face is all broken out.

Underneath my jaw and chin is the hardest area to get to. Ill go in every direction possible, i hear the sound of razor cuting hair but I still can't remove everything. My neck is all broken out.

I don't know if these are what are called razor bumps, but they are like (and please pardon the following description) a cluster of pimples in the areas of irritation.

I am wetting my face with the hot water, using a shaving soap, keeping it lathered good.

I quit the disposable multiblade wet shaving long ago because of the irritation but Im hoping it will pass.


Im thinking that if I remain on the wet shave, that I will do well to condition my face for the straight. I did get a straight (not shave ready) but have put it to my face at different angles and am seeing that it is going to be considerably more difficult.


I don't see how people can get their face done in only two passes off a DE.

Im also using generic blades.....does that shed any light?


Any thoughts or suggestions?



Eric

My Recommendation is do not try for a completely clean shave to start with. If you go over a spot 10 times you are doing more damage than good.

You must first get good technique otherwise no number of passes will give you a decent shave. If under the chin area is the only place giving you fits try some different skin stretching or try different angles with the razor until you find the way that works for you but I would never go past 2 passes. I found for me anyway more than 2 passes and I that is when the razor burn sets in and the ingrown hairs are more prevalent.

If you are getting major bumps I would hold off on shaving a couple of days until the skin has time to heal and then work at getting your technique down in a methodical way. With every day or every other day shaves of a pass or 2 only until you get the technique down that works the best for you. Like any skill worth learning it takes time.

Definitely rest the skin several days to let it heal before trying again. In the meantime, maybe order a blade sampler pack, or at least some blades that most people regard as decent (sorry, can't recall which those would be).

Next, when experimenting with the angle of attack, start with the handle held pretty much perpendicularly to the skin, then slowly lower the handle towards the skin *just* until you're cutting whiskers. Learning this angle is key, because at the right angle, a DE razor should cut a properly prepared beard with almost zero pressure against the skin.

Finally, while you're still in the steep part of the learning curve, I'd focus more on getting a passable shave with as little irritation as possible, like Troggie said. Go for a closer shave only once you can do that consistently.

Hi Eric,

Yeah, this DE thing can be brutal in the beginning. That's especially true if all the points for achieving a good shave aren't followed correctly, which may be the case here. Plus, coming from using an electric is gonna be even more challenging at first.

You will need to learn things like 'prep', lather making, razor technique, and will also need to rebrain yourself into not trying to rush through the shave. Heh, that can be a surprisingly difficult habit to break, but it's all a part of the package. Take a look at the shaving videos Mantic has put together on youtube. That'll help a fair bit, but nothing will take the place of practice.

Figure on it taking about a month for things to start coming together. After that the improvement will be faster and the shaves more enjoyable.

You have an adjustable razor? If so, then it may be a slim from 1964. All Gillettes from 1964 are J types, so that's true of any of the others. Slims are very common types from that year and work well for many people.

The beginning is the toughest part, but it's rewarding when shaving actually becomes a kick instead of a pain. It will be even more of a difference to you because of your non wet shaving back ground, and even more rewarding.

If I was you, I'd stop hurting myself and read up on exactly what's up with this goofy 'hobby'. I can tell you from personal experience that you'll need each of those points mentioned above to perform correctly..........as in all at once. Many times there's some slight damage done to themselves by new DE shavers, but nothing like what you described.

Martin

Oh...one other important thing: Don't change razors or blade types for maybe 2-3 weeks or so. By then you'll have an idea of how to compare the next blade or razor you try to the last.

Are you using your grandfather's blades? What brand of blades are you using?

First of all, thanks everyone for the tips.
Please understand also, I am a cynic so the subject "Bloody nightmare" was an exaggeration.

However there were nicks all over the place, like upwards of 10, which Im thinking is pretty bad (Think Homer Simpson teaching bart to shave "...and put toilet paper pieces on your neck everywhere theres a nick"

But, the thing that I don't understand that is making the usage of this even more difficult is where the heck am I supposed to put the adjustment?

Two passes only? Man! I guess that takes some skill.


But you know, I did read the tis for beginners where it read "Don't try to shave all of your face" thats pretty hard which I guess takes a bit of self discipline.



I really appreciate all the help. Its pretty difficult because theres the prep, lather, the stroke, the after prep, and the type of blade, the angle of adjustment on the razor, coupled with the fact that I have pretty sensitive skin.

But, all of this is already worth it, chicks dig scars, right?






Eric





Edit:
Im using the generic blades that came from the grocery store. lol

#That probably plays a factor along with the fact that a lot of my irritation could come from cheap grocery store balms and soaps.
Id love to try the soap starter pack and their nice old school aftershaves.

Hiya,

Ok, a couple things. Set the slim on #3, which is a mild yet effective number for many members. You'll hurt yourself less than if setting it to 6-7.

Two passes for a BBS smooth shave is something I can't accomplish. I'm going all different ways in my various 4+ passes, and can't imagine leaving out a few.

What soap/cream are you using, and what brush if you have one. How can you tell if the lather's any good? That's gonna take some trial and error, and is pretty darn important. It's practicing till the stuff is performing as it should be. Bad lather will turn a shave ugly right away.

The very first blade used is no big deal when you're first trying a DE. All you want is something to compare the NEXT blade to.....and so on. After a while you get to figure out what blade fits you best. Main thing is just try one type for a few weeks.....just for that first time. You gotta develop a reference point. In a few weeks when you switch blade brands you'll very possibly find one of em to fit better than the other. Heh, yeah, it can take a little while to find the right one(s).

Martin

i'm sure i'm probably just repeating what has already been said.. but make sure you are using a good angle and no pressure.. a 30 degree angle on the blade makes it look as if the hangle of the razor is 45 degrees from your skin surface.. and whatever you do.. do not apply pressure while shaving.. just let the blade rest against your skin and glide along to remove stubble..

to avoid confusion.. i would suggest a simple north to south pass.. meaning you shave from the top downward.. don't worry about with the grain or against it.. just keep it light and don't expect your face to feel like a baby's bum afterward.. that will come with time..

here's a video to help for now. keep in mind this guy didn't invent shaving.. take what you will and discard what you feel may be nonsense.

YouTube - The Ten Minute Traditional Wet Shave

Eric, I think they've covered pretty much everything. I'd definitely suggest you treat yourself to some quality soap or cream, and go easy on your face for the time being. Chasing the perfectly smooth shave at this stage is likely to be counter productive. Things well get much better before long.

The simple, most common mistake is using pressure. DO NOT PUSH DOWN ON THE RAZOR in order to get it to shave. DO NOT twist, leverage, or even use your whole arm motion to shave.

DO NOT use it like an electric or a cartridge blade.

My son has similar issues. We've tried all kinds of DE's and blades and soap and creams and he has the same deal with the bumps and numerous tiny nicks. I'm not sure there is a solution. In his case he only shaves maybe 2 or 3 times a week. If he had to shave every day it would be a real problem. We use a fatboy now and we've tried just about every setting on it.

Eric,

+1 on the previous advice. IMHO you may be "overshaving' your young face and beard. Focus on preparation with a mild shaving soap or unscented cream. You may have allergies to the ingredients of your soap that you aren't aware of. Next, focus on holding your de at the correct angle, making no more than two passes on your face. Next, use your de blade to shave with no more than five times. Finally, apply some type of astringent (ie. witch hazel) and aftershave balm on your face. Then finish that off with another splash of witch hazel as an aftershave.

See if these suggestions help. Above all, however, refrain from scraping your face repeatedly during one shave in the quest for a BBS shave.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by thebigspendur

My son has similar issues. We've tried all kinds of DE's and blades and soap and creams and he has the same deal with the bumps and numerous tiny nicks. I'm not sure there is a solution. In his case he only shaves maybe 2 or 3 times a week. If he had to shave every day it would be a real problem. We use a fatboy now and we've tried just about every setting on it.

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Hi there,

I may have a solution for your son. I'd suggest trying the TTO Feather Popular DE razor for an extremely mild and comfortable shave. If that razor doesn't fit his face then probably nothing will.

It's an inexpensive but surprisingly well built razor for the money (about $15 or so). I used one with a few different blades, and it tamed the Feather right down. Yep, it's a very mild razor and it's not one to use with a heavy beard. The shave itself is a good one, but it's not as close as other more aggressive razors.

Matter of fact, if you purchase one and it doesn't work out, I'll buy yours. I wouldn't mind having one of those around. It's sorta fun being able to pay so little attention when using a Feather blade. Even those are somewhat forgiving in this razor.

Might be worth a shot. It's also possible the more rounded fatboy head may not agree with the boy, and the Feather profile might be better.

Martin

Thats probably what ive been doing, expecting the same quick shave that I got from the electrics.

Now im a couple of days into wolly mammoth mode, waiting for my face to heal haahahahahaha.

I really appreciate all the tips and im going to watch that video right now!

Man Im 30 and im going to have to end up with my pop all over again.



hahaha



THanks again

Eric

another DE you could try that has a nice mild shave is a Schick Krona. If you would like I have an extra one that I will be happy to send it to you to try if you like just PM me if your interested.

Well you know I have to say that in my experience thusfar, the members here seem to be very nice and generous! One member offered a free hone and now a razor.

I think this is really a great place full of great people.


But I wanted to answer some questions.

Im using this VDH shaving kit from the grocery store that has soap without an ingrediant list and a boar bristle brush.

http://www.vdhent.com/images/shave-kits1.jpg

WHen I shaved with the modern gillette, after a few days, the bumps dissappeared. Hopefully, Ill be fine soon.


Thanks again to everyone who has been so kind to answer my questions and offer their advice, so that I don't cut my jugulars.

Oh, I think I was shaving with the setting on 9 and then a few days later I bumped it back a bit to around 6 maybe (hope I didn't bump it from 1 to 6 thinking it was 9) so...yeah lolol. Reevaluating the settings.




I also found a longer razor with stars on it, a gilette i 1 I think it may have been a woman's razor, perhaps my grandmothers, though it was in with my grandfathers stuff. Its pretty clean also, I might take a photo of them.....like yall haven't seen enough DE's on here lol.

Thanks again!


Eric

So I let my skin rest for a couple of days...I set the DE on 3 and kept thinking to myself....2 passes, 2 passes, 2 passes only. I don't yet see how this is posible. I got a FGS (fairly good shave) but still needded to use my electric to finish the job.

I did quite a bit better thinking about no pressure, interestingly above my upper lip i got almost the perfect shave so Im happy about that.


I should clarify that I don't wear a beard or moustache.

I had some rough edges around my neck but I think everyones advice is starting to help. I realize that Im not going to get it in a few days, but still 2 passes I think requires some skill. I got my sideburn area pretty smoothe in one direction, but closer to my chin, I think i need to pass ATG, and the stubble is thicker there.

Im making nice progress, spending more time on the pre have post shower face prep. I don't think that Ill be experincing the rashes indefinately due to the shave so thats nice.

Then I read the thread What is BBS? which I think has a lot of good advice, just shoot for a socially acceptable yet pretty good shave and not chase the BBS.

This forum is a great resource and everyone here is very supportive.


Eric

Well Trog,

I got your razor and have been using it the last 2 days.


Do any of you have a similar problem?

Im shaving, and I go with, across and against the grain, I hear the scrapes, im stretching, latered. Im doing post shower face prep with hot water and using the brush to massage the stubble.

I CANT DO ANYTHING WITH THE BOTTOM OF THE JAW AREA.

Its like no matter what I do, I can't get a smothe shave.



Now, my skin is sensitive, but ive become less of the scyptic pencil pusher these days. Today I barely had any nicks.


Im noticing on my neck, around the adam's apple, that in every pore there is a white bump. It feels rough lke hair but nothing gets it smoothe. I don't know if this is a razor bump or an ingrown hair.


Im shaving but I feel like if I was to run a cotton swab in that area it would still rip it to shreads.



My question is....

Am I expecting too much out of the DE? Will a str8 take care of this like a de wont?


Eric

1) Make sure your stubble has been wet for at least 3 minutes before you start shaving. After a shower is perfect. Your hair loses 80% of its strength when it is waterlogged.
2) Use your left hand to stretch and move your face around as you shave.
3) Don't use a Gillette adjustable above 4.
4) Only make short shaving strokes.
5) Move the razor with your arm, not your wrist, this helps keep the blade angle right.
6) Zero pressure on the razor. Aim just to remove the lather.
7) Shave with the grain. XIG and ATG are further up the learning curve.
8) Don't aim for a perfect shave, that will only come with practice. Just do 3 passes and be happy with the results.
9) Buy and use some smooth blades.
10) Watch the Mantic59 videos on Youtube. This is the best tip of all.
11) most people who think that they have sensitive skin actually have normal skin.
12) Use a good post shave balm.
13) The Gillette ladies razor is probably better than the adjustable to get you up the learning curve.

There might be something in that lot that helps. Good luck.

Hope it is working for you..

I have been doing wet shaving for almost 9 months and still have issues with my jaw/chin area some days. It takes time to get the technique down that works for you and then being consistent with that technique.

Keep at it as it sounds like you are seeing some benefits already and the shaves will just keep getting better.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by De Layne

Hi Eric,
You will need to learn things like 'prep', lather making, razor technique, and will also need to rebrain yourself into not trying to rush through the shave. Heh, that can be a surprisingly difficult habit to break, but it's all a part of the package. Take a look at the shaving videos Mantic has put together on youtube. That'll help a fair bit, but nothing will take the place of practice.

---

Rushing is one of the biggest problems I've had in both DE and straight razor shaving...it is the cause of almost all of my problems, but after 40 years of disposable shaving it is 'very' hard to change your muscle memory strokes.

Hello,
Last week I ordered a Henkels 9/16 and poor man's strop kit from whipped dog. It came in the mail today.

I am actually pleased with the condition of the blade, and although it was from the 33's list, I was a bit preturbed to find rotting clumps of hair all over it. YUCK. It said it had been cleaned, brushed and sterilized, but there were black gobs of gunky long beart trimmings and I was quite grossed out.

Other than that one aspect, Larry and I had a nice conversation and he has been great to do business with so far. The razor, except for a few places near the pin was clean and in great shape.

I had my first str8 shavetoday and Ill comment on another thread about it, but I didn't nick mself once with the str8. I think was way too scared of the sharpness of the blade, because I think people not in the know have a shock factor when they think about shaving.

I did more nicking with the DE than anything else llollolol. Ill enjoy str8 shaving but just figuring out how to hold it properly on the weak side of the face is difficult.



Thanks to everyone for the suggestions!


Eric

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Rhythmicons

I was a bit preturbed to find rotting clumps of hair all over it.

<snip>

The razor, except for a few places near the pin was clean and in great shape.

Eric

---

I'm confused, was it covered in hair or just dirty near the pins? I know Larry keeps his prices low by doing minimal maintenance, but I have a hard time thinking he would send away a blade that had funk on the edge.

Hey,
Well let me be sure to clarify that Im not spamming Larry or Flaming him in any way. I think that his service thusfar has been great. He spent a lot of time with me on the phone and included alot of information and I have to say I realy think the guy is one of those who truly wants to see str8 shaving come back towards the mainstream.

But there really was quite a bit of DNA on my razor lol. I had to go over it pretty good with an old toothbrush to get all of the beard out of the scales. It was mostly hairs and black soapscum.

It was mostly around the pin and in the scales where the tang/tail are. It took me awhile to get all of it out, and Id still like to take the steel out of there and clean it much better.


Again, no disrespect to Larry, I trust the guy. I think that perhaps I just got the 1/100 razor that had gunk on it.

Eric