Thread: 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