First DE shave - I'll get a lot of flak for this

I know I may get some slack for this first shave but I was itching to try it. I ordered shaving cream, a brush, and some other items from BullGoose but couldn't wait any longer. Impatient. I figured it would be a great way to compare my shaves against the products I use.

Stuff: Nivea Moisturizing Face Wash in the shower (it tingles). Alloy Shave Gel (available only through club membership) and Alloy After-Shave, followed by Dolce & Gabbana Light Blue cologne.

Equipment: Gillette Super Speed 1966 with a Gillette 7 O'Clock blade.

My first pass went well but I noticed some small red blood spots under my chin. I didn't feel a thing. Very smooth shave. I was trying not to use any pressure since I am a Mach III user, but I caught myself sometimes pushing a little against my skin.

So far so good.

My second pass I got a little fancy and went against the grain. On my face it wasn't too bad. Under my chin was a challenge but I did it. More blood. But I don't really see any nicks. I think it is serious irritation. No big deal.

I rinsed off with cold water for a couple of minutes and then applied the Alloy After-Shave which always seems to cool off my face and skin and stop most of the bleeding. About 5 minutes later I ran my hand on my face and noticed areas that weren't very well shaved, i.e. not close.

I am going to experiment with this and my Merkur 38C and then compare to the more serious shave cream, brush, and mug way of shaving. I can only improve my shaving going forward.

I included a pic just viewing pleasure. I really enjoy some the many high quality photos on the "Shave of the Day" section on this site. Maybe I'll add mine, although I run the risk of a few good jokes!

No flak from me. Congratulations on a good start with improvement lying ahead.

There are plenty of DE guys in the SOTD forum, nice pic too BTW


I did have to edit the title on this one no harm no foul

Shave On !!!!

Paul, it sounds like a pretty typical first safety razor shave to me. You might consider going only with the grain for the first several shaves to get the hang of things first and to avoid unecessary irritation. Keep at it and take your time. Nice superspeed btw! I have a blue tip superspeed and it's one of my favorite shavers!

There are many good ways to shave. But the only shaving methods that will get you flak around here are electric face chewers and multi bladed cartridges. I think almost all straight razor users will admit to having the odd DE in their shaving rotation.

PaulCam,

I am very happy that you enjoyed the shave :)

I now include a safety razor shave into my weekly routine, mostly with vintage SE razors; I find the change most enjoyable !

Using a safety razor also gives us an excuse for even more RAD :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

Quote:

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Originally Posted by PhatMan

PaulCam,

I am very happy that you enjoyed the shave :)

I now include a safety razor shave into my weekly routine, mostly with vintage SE razors; I find the change most enjoyable !

Using a safety razor also gives us an excuse for even more RAD :)

Have fun !

Best regards

Russ

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Thanks Russ.

PaulCam,
I think once you start whipping up your lather with soap and a brush, you will start having some fun, and as a result, enjoy shaving even more.

Were you using a new blade, or one that just came in the razor? it sounds like your blade wasn't sharp. Try a brand new one next time. If you are still having trouble, try a different brand of blade.

Oh, and using shaving soap, as opposed to that junk in the can will give you a marked improvement.

I use a safety razor on occasion when I need to shave and have no time. I find it to be a nice shave but not at the quality of a good straight shave. There is a learning curve, but you can get a very nice shave.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gigmaster

Were you using a new blade, or one that just came in the razor? it sounds like your blade wasn't sharp. Try a brand new one next time. If you are still having trouble, try a different brand of blade.

Oh, and using shaving soap, as opposed to that junk in the can will give you a marked improvement.

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Most goo in a can can be improved with a brush. Take 1/4 of what you might use
on the palm of you hand and then work with a wet brush (shake most water off the brush)
then face lather. Take the soapy hand and rub your face, rinse the hand and
then work the lather rich brush on your face a little or a lot depending on your
mood. Too many folk get bad clues from commercials that just slather lather
then shave. Since a commercial is short it cuts out the full one to three min
soak and even lather, rinse, relather cleaning process that some of us need.
By cleaning the whiskers and skin the whiskers soften for the razor and
the skin gets clear of gummy oils and stuff. Too long and the skin gets
soft, not long enough and the whiskers do not soften to the blade.

If the 1/4 bit of lather dries too quickly or just does not look cool enough
there is nothing keeping you from adding more...

As a kid my Mom had this "squeaky clean" thing when hair is clean
you can get it to squeak. That squeak thing is a clue that hair changes
and cleans when shampooed. Remember that oil on a blade kills the
HHT as does oil on hair.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Gigmaster

Were you using a new blade, or one that just came in the razor? it sounds like your blade wasn't sharp. Try a brand new one next time. If you are still having trouble, try a different brand of blade.

Oh, and using shaving soap, as opposed to that junk in the can will give you a marked improvement.

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New blade.

Nice job, keep it up and you will improve your technique in no time at all, remember with blades that some are going to be better for you than others and whilst you are starting and your technique is improving then even the same blade one day will be sweet, the next horrible so keep and open mind and practice makes perfect.
Sam