Thread: New to DE / Saftey Razors- Need some insight. What razor/cream/ blades/aftershave?

I have been using half a DE blade in my shavette and I have used the Gillette 7-o-clock and the Astras (among a couple of others.) I get 3-5 days worth out of the Gillette and Astra. The Gillette is smoother and nicer, but the Astra is sharper and may last a shave or two longer. My wife normally gets in a leg shave as well with the same blade as I use. I normally do 3-5 passes per shave without shaving my chin or mustache. Hope this helps.

I wouldn't necessarily try a sharper blade. Early on in your shave experience it is sometimes best to go with a less sharp blade (sometimes more forgiving for bad angles and too much pressure). I'd maybe try the derby's and try to keep the routine consistent until your technique improves.

Originally Posted by KidFrost

Day 3:

Again today I chose to go with my Edwin Jagger mated to a Gillette 7 o clock as you guys suggested I stick to. I also used the same soap and lather.

Also this time I stuck to a 3 pass shave .. but after the first pass I started to get some serious tug and pull and subsequent bleeding ( little patches of blood spots, which I treated w. my new styptic) I knew I hadent changed my angle or tecnique, nor was I trying to speed up the process. So I decided to change the Gilette 7 oclock blade out (that i have only used twice or 6 passes) with a brand new one and the results were supurb, while I still had some irritation from the previous blade the new one worked nicely.

I did change one thing about my routine, since I ran out of the sample pack of Edwin Jagger aftershave lotion, yesterday I dropped by the local pharmacy and grabbed some Nivea "cooling" aftershave balm, and today I used it.. Much to my approval. At first b.c. of my open wounds It burned but it was soon followed by a very soothing cooling sensation which calmed my face down from the shave. Nivea gets 2 :thumbsup:.

Now, Have you guys ever heard of someones beard chewing up a blade in two shaves? Of only a days worth of growth each time?

Should I maybe switch to a sharper blade? if so what would you guys suggest?

Heres whats in my sampler pack from Obie:
Derby Extra
Dorco platinum- Stainless Blade
Astra Superior Platinum
Personna Platinums
Murkur Super Platinum

or should I order up some Feathers?

Thanks guys

-KidFrost

Hello, KidFrost:

I think the problem is more with your technique than your blades being dull. Those blades are all sharp. The Dorco 301s are the mildest, but quite smooth. The sharpest and smoothest are the Gillette "Yellow Packs" and the Personna "Red Packs." Astras are sharp, too, but I don't think they have the smoothness of the "Yellow Pack." If using the proper technique, you should not get any of those cuts.

Let's step back and examine what's going on:

1. Do not push the razor. Both straight and double edge razors are temperamental, with their own minds, and they don't take kindly to being pushed. Lay back and take it easy. Make sure you stretch the skin.

2. Hold the razor somewhere in the middle of the handle, slightly more toward the tip, and let the razor's weight do the work. Hold it as if you were holding a feather. The Mergress is especially heavy, and a great shaver, I might add, but she needs respect. Set it on 2 and proceed with caution. The Edwin Jagger is pure silk, especially in the Gillette "Yellow Packs." The tugging can be a dull razor, but in your case, I am quite sure is more technique than anything else.

3. Hold the razors generally at an approximately 20 to 30-degree angle.

4. For the next few days shave north to south only, and only two passes until you get the true feel of the double edge razor and the double edge blade. Be careful in the neck area, the mustache and the chin. Careful about how you place the razor on the face. Many cuts occur at that time. Also, do not let the razor rest on your face. The razor needs to be moving at all times.

5. Make only one stroke on a given spot; then move to the next spot. Only one stroke. Excessive strokes on the same spot will give you razor burn, especially when doing three passes.

6. Eliminate the Merkurs — they might work for you when you refine your technique. I don't think you need to move up to Feather blades yet. They are great blades. Right now you need to experience the others through a proper razor technique before moving on. I get a great shave with any of those blades and in any razor, from a vintage Gillette to Edwin Jagger, Merkur, Feather and Pils. It's technique. Yours will come, but you must be methodical and refrain from pushing the razor.

You should be able to get three shaves from each blade. I change blades after three shaves, and my Assyrian beard is heavy.

So let's start all over again, but this time concentrate on the following:
a. Be methodical.
b. Be patient.
c. Don't push the razor.
d. Only two north-south passes. Limit your strokes in each area.
e. Stretch.
f. Properly prepare the beard.
g. Rinse with warm water followed by cold. Apply Super Witch Hazel With Aloe Vera. Here's a link for you:
Thayers Natural Remedies Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera 12 fl oz Liquid - Swanson Health Products

Stay with it. You're almost there.

Regards,

Obie

I have scars older than you.....You made some good choices on equipment. You can't go wrong on what you got. I had a super speed and like it alot. I like the Fat boy better, but it is personal preference..But, you know what they say about "opinions"..Every one has one....

Now gather your stuff up, hop off my grizzled lap and go put you big boy pants on...Of course I am just kiddin' you...Just in case you live nearby and are taking up DE's becuse you like the smell of blood....

Day 4:

Best day yet!

Using your guys' advise I am sticking with the same blade and I have read Obies' post a few time to make sure I am following my guidance.

Wintchase.. umm.. are you drunk?

What else can I say, same routine:
Edwin Jagger 89L - Loaded with a Gillette 7 oclock
Mitchells Wool Fat shaving soap
Thick lather
3 Pass shave
Nivea "Cooling" aftershave balm

Used the same blade and payed better attention to my angle. This netted me better results. I ended up with only 1 nick which my styptic stopped instantly.

Today I DID NOT RUSH at all but I did time myself to see what kind of time I am using to get the job done.
I was able to complete my shave, use the styptic, wipe my Jagger down, aftershave, clean my soap cup, brush, and the sink all in about 13 minutes. I dont know if thats good or bad but its quicker than I expected.

Only note:

I do however still get some serious tug in the area between my chin and and the corners of my mouth, this is where my beard grows in the fastest and is the darkest and thickest. I still working on the best way to attack that area i.e. angle and direction.

OOH Almost forgot, Question about preshave prep.

In one of Mantic59's video's he suggests preping your face by holding a hot towel on it and making sure it is completly wet. This is what I have been doing. This is ALL I have been doing to prep.

Good? Bad? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
-KidFrost

Originally Posted by KidFrost

OOH Almost forgot, Question about preshave prep.

In one of Mantic59's video's he suggests preping your face by holding a hot towel on it and making sure it is completly wet. This is what I have been doing. This is ALL I have been doing to prep.

Good? Bad? Suggestions?

Thanks in advance,
-KidFrost

I prefer to have a hot shower before my shave. Sometimes, if I'm really going for a BBS shave, I'll take a shower AND use a hot towel against my face. If you're skipping the shower, just make sure you have the towel against your face for a good one to two minutes at least.

Hello, KidFrost:

Things are slowly beginning to fall into place. Good for you. Here are some thoughts:

Around the chin, stretch your skin, lower the razor angle a bit and shorten your strokes as if you're buffing. Still, here you must be extra careful.

The hot towel works. I always shave after the shower and, therefore, see no need for the hot towel. If you have the time, the towel is a pleasant experience, as well as a good way to prepare the face.

How long it takes you to shave is unimportant — as long as you don't rush it. Your shave is not a race. Shave at your natural pace and the ideal time for you will develop as you're honing your technique.

Regards,

Obie

Hope everyone had a happy ans safe July 4th!

Day 8: 6th shave.

A big thanks! To every one here at SRP!
Again a special thanks to Obie.

Today was wonderful, I had the best shave ever.

I stuck it out last week with the EJ 89L and Gillette 7 O'clock (as I was advised) and was getting better and better shaves.

This week, after letting my beard grow all weekend I decided to change it up and compare results. After having BAD results I left my beautiful Murkur Mergress sit since my first shave. Today however I called upon its services. This time going with a Personna "Platinum Chrome" blade and with the razor set to "2". I also had a few thoughts about my technique over the weekend, and I changed my 3 pass technique. I still used 3 passes but I went 2 passes with the grain and only 1 against and I am not sure wether it was the blade, razor, change in tech. or what but it produced the best shave of my life. The best part is I can still see room for improvement.

I have to say the Murkur blades must not be for me.

I have NO nicks, not one. VERY VERY little razor burn along my jaw bone, where I have been getting burn. Its is the most BBS shave Ive ever had.

So thanks again guys for the pointers and I hope to keep improving.

-KidFrost

Hello, KidFrost:

You are on your way. Congratulations. Keep taking it slowly and methodically. The razor burn along the jawline is probably the result of one too many strokes with the razor. Also, because that is an awkward area, tendency is there to put a touch more pressure than necessary.

The Merkur blades are either liked or hated. Now that you know they don't work for you, put them aside and never use them again. Little by little you'll discover what blades are ideal for you.

Well done, my good man.

Regards,

Obie

Yet again another day of pleasurable shaving.. I intend on staying with it..

I have a few questions on products. I am looking for some more shaving creams. I like the soap puck I have been using but I would like to explore some more products for pre shave prep as well as shave lather, and after shaves. I am sure there are some higher end products that work better or nicer for some people. I would like some opinions and info as to where to buy them.

Thanks guys

-KidFrost