Thread: Four pass shaving?

I dont have much experience with other DE's. The Merker 39C is the long handled slant. It's my first DE razor but I think I am getting on top of it with the feather blades. I'm looking to experiment more with other DE razors as a lead up to perfecting the straights. I'm looking to buy a couple of new DEs and pick up a couple of old ones that seem to lurk in just about every antique shop. That way I can try a few different razors and types of shaving experiences.

Originally Posted by MrSmoooth

I dont have much experience with other DE's. The Merker 39C is the long handled slant. It's my first DE razor but I think I am getting on top of it with the feather blades. I'm looking to experiment more with other DE razors as a lead up to perfecting the straights. I'm looking to buy a couple of new DEs and pick up a couple of old ones that seem to lurk in just about every antique shop. That way I can try a few different razors and types of shaving experiences.

I'm sorry, I didn't realize we were talking about safety razors. I was talking about my experience with a straight razor.

I love the 39C and Feather blades, but that's an aggressive combination. I usually use a slant with either Medical Personna or Astra blades.

What I do with safety razors is one pass. I do one side in all directions then do the other side. It's heaven compared to all the irritation I experienced with cartridges and disposables, not to mention a much better shave.

I don't see the use of a safety razor as a "lead in" to straights. If you want to master the straight, use the straight. What I generally do is straight shave when I have more time and use a safety razor when I'm pressed for time or if my face is irritated.

I disagree. I feel DE razor shaving is a great intro to straight edge razor shaving. It's a great intro to undertstand razor shaving in general. You can learn all about hair growth patterns, brushes, shave creams and soaps, pre-shave products and technique, lathering technique, post-shave products and technique.

Straight razor shaving takes some practice to do correctly so I take my time and progress slowly and thoroughly, enjoying the journey. When I have time I just do my cheeks, and what areas I can acomplish safely with the straight. What do you then do with what's left? Use a nice DE to finish!

When I need quicker shaves the DE razor is perfect for a closer and smoother full shave. At least better I feel than the other alternatives. I feel my face is getting more used to razor shaving also. Also the DE shaving area complements straight razor shaving within the broad area of wet shaving. It's cool to collect beautiful looking, historical and even new DE razors and experience the different way they feel and shave. Then you have all the different blades to try also.

If the straight razor shave is really the nirvana of shaving I'm looking forward to getting there and experiencing all sorts of razor shaving on the way.

Is there a need for 4 passes? Yes if you are going for your marriage.
I thing depends from your skin and your DE (open-closed comb) style
I do the 4th pass only when it is time to test a new shaving cream or soap.If you have left a lot of hair after 3 passes and you expect from the 4th to solve the problem i thing something goes wrong with your razor blade or generally speaking your shaving technique.