Razor advice!

Just started to use a safety razor after years of torment with the multi-blade, and so 2 weeks ago I bought a starter set for £25. The kit included:

• Weishi 9306-E Double Edge Safety Razor
• Proraso 100 ml Pre-Shave Cream & 75 ml Shaving Soap
• Pure Bristle Shaving Brush
• 15 Double Edge Blades - Astra, Wilkinson Sword & Derby Extra

Now some of the youtube videos I have seen mention the Merkur 43C, but before I get it are there any other razors which are better. And are there any disadvantages to the Merkur 43C ?

If there is any particular shaving cream I should, then let me know! I'm currently using some skin treatment to dis-lodge some in-grown hair, which is a result of bad shaving with a multi blade.

Welcome to SRP. I prefer the Merkur brand, but that's just personal. Some prefer the older Gillette twist to open or three piece razors.

Hi Aledj,

When ingrowns are the issue, it will become more important to limit the number of passes over an area. I started w/ a DE after the last ice age, but strongly prefer the str8 now. 'Had alot of shave bumps that didn't appear to be ingrowns, but when I went to a single pass shave for other purposes, the bumps left and haven't returned.

On Soaps/creams, most guy get all light headed over some intoxicating smell (perfume). In broad terms (there's alot of crossover), the creams will have lots of moisture, the (right) soaps seem to give alot of facial protection. Sensitive skin and heavy beard seem the toughest target to hit w/ a good lather. Obie is the guy I'd pay attention to. For a single product, The Provence Sante has been the best of his recommendations I've tried. If you don't mind the 'some assembly required' approach, this uber recipe is the only thing I've seen clearly improve over PS. http://straightrazorpalace.com/soaps...er-recipe.html
Provence Sante Verlaine Shaving Soap Refill
'Hope it helps. Have fun.

I started DE shaving with a Weishi razor, as well. I used it for a while before deciding to get another, which was an old Gillette adjustable. I used the Gillette for a year or two before purchasing a Merkur Progress. I absolutely hated the Progress and quickly sold it; it was way too aggressive (which I've heard the newer ones tend to be) for my liking. I have no direct experience with the 43C, but I do know that you cannot go wrong with an old Gillette. I hardly ever use mine on any setting other than 1, and even then the highest I've ever gone is 2.

Creams, soaps, and brushes are such a YMMV kind of thing that you just have to try a few to find what you like.

Thanks for the welcome guys, and also the advice! I will have a look at the Gillette ones.

Just had a shave and made the mistake of too many passes, now my neck is burning a little. Problem is because some of the hair grows side way under the skin then out, I try to shave it closer. I have some cream stuff that I was given yesterday to get the hairs out, but I think after having the in-grown hair for so long I may need more aggressive treatment. I seem to get the best shave when I not shaved for two or more days, bust shaving day after day just gives bad results.

I should add that I had razor burn from my DE for a while until I figured out how to shave my face. Most of the vids that you see on YouTube show people doing a WTG pass as straight north to south. My WTG passes are all over the place: straight down on my face, straight up on my lower neck, and then outward and down from my jawline down to where I stopped the upward passes for my lower neck. Keep at it, and remember that if it hurts while you're shaving that you're doing it wrong and need to change the direction that you're moving the blade.

I does not hurt when shaving but when I have stopped, so not too sure what I need to do. I start by shaving south all over, then east/west and then north. My face feels smooth all over which is great, just I can see the in-grown hair which is never nice.

You mentioned that you had several different blades to try, but you didn't say which you were using right now. The blades you use can make a huge impact on the quality of your shaves. I found that my skin and beard responded better to sharper blades, and I only use Feathers with my Gillette. If you've only tried one kind of blade, I'd recommend giving the others you have a shot to see what you think. Once you have a month or two of shaves under your belt and have your technique down, you might consider giving the Feathers a try. They're arguably the sharpest DE blade you can get, but they aren't very forgiving and I don't recommend them for beginners.

I tell you what, I'll go through my DE stuff when I get home and put together a sample pack of blades from what I have laying around and send them your way. Just shoot me a PM with your name and address.

I used an Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razor and was/am really satisfied with it. I don't think I could get another which is better than that. What I mean is that probably you can get a lot of very good safety razors, do not worry much about the brand.

But do worry about the blade itself. Just one example: I use/d Derby DE blades and they perform very well - for 1=one (only one) 3 pass-shave (I mean not in general, only for me). After that, they still seem to be sharp, but it is uncomfortable to shave with them, basically I can't do the ATG pass during the second shave, it is VERY uncomfortable.

So if you do not know your face and happened to go ATG unintentionally with a not-brand-new blade... it can be the problem.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by myersn024

You mentioned that you had several different blades to try, but you didn't say which you were using right now. The blades you use can make a huge impact on the quality of your shaves. I found that my skin and beard responded better to sharper blades, and I only use Feathers with my Gillette. If you've only tried one kind of blade, I'd recommend giving the others you have a shot to see what you think. Once you have a month or two of shaves under your belt and have your technique down, you might consider giving the Feathers a try. They're arguably the sharpest DE blade you can get, but they aren't very forgiving and I don't recommend them for beginners.

I tell you what, I'll go through my DE stuff when I get home and put together a sample pack of blades from what I have laying around and send them your way. Just shoot me a PM with your name and address.

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Thank you! (Pm sent) The blades I have are:

Wilkinson- Which I am using at the moment.
Derby- Tried this one already
Astra- Not yet tried
Donco- Not yet tried


After shaving most of the hair today, I found there were some spots left. So (and I think I made a mistake here) I just damped the area and shaved. Should I just keep applying the shaving cream, until I have got rid of all the left over areas?

Yesterday I was given some glyco creams which stings like hell, so might just use it before a shave and at the end of the day.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by szarvi

I used an Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razor and was/am really satisfied with it. I don't think I could get another which is better than that. What I mean is that probably you can get a lot of very good safety razors, do not worry much about the brand.

But do worry about the blade itself. Just one example: I use/d Derby DE blades and they perform very well - for 1=one (only one) 3 pass-shave (I mean not in general, only for me). After that, they still seem to be sharp, but it is uncomfortable to shave with them, basically I can't do the ATG pass during the second shave, it is VERY uncomfortable.

So if you do not know your face and happened to go ATG unintentionally with a not-brand-new blade... it can be the problem.

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I take maybe 4 passes to get the main bits cut, but i'm still left with some missed bits. And because of the in-grown hairs i'm unsure when to stop shaving, if you see what I mean.

And if an admin could move this thread, as I put it in the wrong section- thanks.

Check your PMs. It looks like you left the state off your address.

AledJ,

For the razor, I would suggest the Edwin Jagger DE 89BA11 Barley Chrome. The Merkur 34C is also a good razor. I have both, but if I had to choose between the two, I would take the Edwin Jagger. It is slightly milder than the Merkur and the shave silkier.

After trying scores of blades, I have settled on Gillette 7 O'Clock "SharpEdge" in the yellow packets, Derby and Personna "Reds." I also have Feather, but I find them good for only one shave — for me, anyway. My other top blades are the Super Iridium, but they are hard to get, and I guard my stash within a perimeter lined with claymore mines.

For soap, my friend Pinklather is correct: Provence Sante Verlaine is superb. It costs around $10. What's more, any shaving soap named after the great French poet Paul Verlaine is okay with me.

If you need more help and advice, please don't hesitate to send me a personal message.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

AledJ,

For the razor, I would suggest the Edwin Jagger DE 89BA11 Barley Chrome. The Merkur 34C is also a good razor. I have both, but if I had to choose between the two, I would take the Edwin Jagger. It is slightly milder than the Merkur and the shave silkier.

After trying scores of blades, I have settled on Gillette 7 O'Clock "SharpEdge" in the yellow packets, Derby and Personna "Reds." I also have Feather, but I find them good for only one shave — for me, anyway. My other top blades are the Super Iridium, but they are hard to get, and I guard my stash within a perimeter lined with claymore mines.

For soap, my friend Pinklather is correct: Provence Sante Verlaine is superb. It costs around $10. What's more, any shaving soap named after the great French poet Paul Verlaine is okay with me.

If you need more help and advice, please don't hesitate to send me a personal message.

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I will check out the razor you have suggested, thanks!

Any tips on how to get the angle right so that I don't do more and more passes? And can too much soap on the face prevent the blade from cutting? And maybe a novice question.........but do different makes cut differently?

Thanks all!

Had a look on Amazon and found this, but it says its a DE89bl not the DE89BA11.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AledJ

Had a look on Amazon and found this, but it says its a DE89bl not the DE89BA11.

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Some vendors will not use the complete numbering system, from what I gather. Here is the Edwin Jagger barley:
Edwin Jagger DE89BA11 Double Edge Safety Razor, Barley Chrome

Moved this over to the safety razor forum. I have the Merkur 34C & 38C that I'll alternate with for my head shaves. I also use the 34C when traveling.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AledJ

I will check out the razor you have suggested, thanks!

Any tips on how to get the angle right so that I don't do more and more passes? And can too much soap on the face prevent the blade from cutting? And maybe a novice question.........but do different makes cut differently?

Thanks all!

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The general rule for razor angle is 30 degrees. General rule. Beyond that, there are variations. Experiment and see what works best for you. That's a far more reliable test.

Too much of anything is too much. Your lather should not be too thin or too thick. Here, too, you need to play with the amount of water you add to your lather. There comes a point when you feel the lather is too thick and too dry. Of course, this will not work well. Also, lather will not work all that well if it's too thin and water. Experimentation is the only way to get the proportions right.

Different razors will shave differently. But there is more to it. The blade you use will also make a difference. The size of the razor will make a difference in the way you hold it, and that might influence the shave. Some razors, such as the Joris or the Muhle R41 open comb are aggressive. The Feather stainless steel is on the mild side. The Edwin Jaggers, I have found, are slightly milder than the Merkurs. I find them silkier shavers, too. Others will have a different view. But, yes, as a general rule, different razors shave differently. The differences are nuanced, with much influence generated by the blade you use and by your technique.

AledJ, if you haven't watched them, there's a ton of DE shaving videos on YouTube posted by Mantic59. His videos were invaluable when I was starting with DE razors.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

The general rule for razor angle is 30 degrees. General rule. Beyond that, there are variations. Experiment and see what works best for you. That's a far more reliable test.

Too much of anything is too much. Your lather should not be too thin or too thick. Here, too, you need to play with the amount of water you add to your lather. There comes a point when you feel the lather is too thick and too dry. Of course, this will not work well. Also, lather will not work all that well if it's too thin and water. Experimentation is the only way to get the proportions right.

Different razors will shave differently. But there is more to it. The blade you use will also make a difference. The size of the razor will make a difference in the way you hold it, and that might influence the shave. Some razors, such as the Joris or the Muhle R41 open comb are aggressive. The Feather stainless steel is on the mild side. The Edwin Jaggers, I have found, are slightly milder than the Merkurs. I find them silkier shavers, too. Others will have a different view. But, yes, as a general rule, different razors shave differently. The differences are nuanced, with much influence generated by the blade you use and by your technique.

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Thanks for the advice! Had another look for the one you suggested, but can't find a seller here in the UK (will keep looking, closest U could find is this) But if there is anyone from the UK on here, is there a good website for this?

Quote:

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Originally Posted by myersn024

AledJ, if you haven't watched them, there's a ton of DE shaving videos on YouTube posted by Mantic59. His videos were invaluable when I was starting with DE razors.

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Cheers! I will take a look at the videos for some extra tips :)

Had a long look through the forum (some great advice), and have whittled the choice down too these:

Parker 99R Butterfly Opening Safety Razor

Edwin Jagger DE89 - Obie I think this is the one you suggested?

Is there any difference between the two ? I would prefer the Parker just because of the extra length it has, but is the shorter Edwin-Jagger much of an issue?

Advice much appreciated! I may just end up buying both and trying each for a week.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AledJ

Had a long look through the forum (some great advice), and have whittled the choice down too these:

Parker 99R Butterfly Opening Safety Razor

Edwin Jagger DE89 - Obie I think this is the one you suggested?

Is there any difference between the two ? I would prefer the Parker just because of the extra length it has, but is the shorter Edwin-Jagger much of an issue?

Advice much appreciated! I may just end up buying both and trying each for a week.

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AledJ,

The Edwin Jagger 89L you show on Amazon the older lined model. The 89 series I had in mind is the new 2011 design. The new one has a heavier shave head, which I find preferable. It comes in the barley finish, and in the octagonal handle in chrome, faux ebony and faux ivory. I would opt for the 2011 barley finish. I think I gave you the model numbers earlier. The English Shaving Company, Bull Goose and West Coast Shaving have that model.

The Edwin Jagger and the Parker 99R are two completely different razors, in style and shave. I've had both. The Parker is a one-piece, has a long handle, and it is a heavier razor. It is also TTO (twist to open). The shave is mild. The workmanship is also inferior to that of the Edwin Jagger. Don't get me wrong, it is a good razor and will do the job for you.

The Edwin Jagger will give a bit more aggressive shave. It's also a three-piece. The workmanship is exquisite. The handle is shorter on the Edwin Jagger, but I never found it a problem. Nor have other fans of this razor. Of course, if you like the handle longer, the razor heavier and the shave milder, then go with the Parker.

Yes, you could buy both and try them out, but they are keepers and will give you variations.

Thanks for your advice again! Yes i do have the 2011 model number, and will check those sites out. Ill go with your suggestion, and see how it goes.

Spent a few hours reading posts and watching vids, and from my next shave i will no longer use my wrist.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AledJ

Thanks for your advice again! Yes i do have the 2011 model number, and will check those sites out. Ill go with your suggestion, and see how it goes.

Spent a few hours reading posts and watching vids, and from my next shave i will no longer use my wrist.

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Remember that not all vendors will list the full model numbers. All will identify the razor by "barley."

My Edwin Jagger DE 89BA11 Barley Chrome is on its way! Can't believe it took me so long to to shave with a safety razor :) Where as shaving was a chore and never pleasant, my skin can finally breathe :) Just working on a few in grown hairs, which should be sorted with the solution i'm using!

Quote:

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Originally Posted by AledJ

My Edwin Jagger DE 89BA11 Barley Chrome is on its way! Can't believe it took me so long to to shave with a safety razor :) Where as shaving was a chore and never pleasant, my skin can finally breathe :) Just working on a few in grown hairs, which should be sorted with the solution i'm using!

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Good show, my good man. You're on your way. That is a great razor. For razor blades, I suggest the Gillette 7 O'Clock "SharpEdge" in the yellow pack, Derby and Personna "Red Pack." Or get a sampler pack and give it a try. Finding the right blade for your razor and type of beard takes a bit time of trial and error until you settle on what works best for you. That's the fun part: the experimentation.
Good luck.

Quote:

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Originally Posted by Obie

Good show, my good man. You're on your way. That is a great razor. For razor blades, I suggest the Gillette 7 O'Clock "SharpEdge" in the yellow pack, Derby and Personna "Red Pack." Or get a sampler pack and give it a try. Finding the right blade for your razor and type of beard takes a bit time of trial and error until you settle on what works best for you. That's the fun part: the experimentation.
Good luck.

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I will order a sample pack and try them out :) myersn024 has been kind enough to send me some samples too, so plenty to try and find the best one for me! Tomorrow I will be using the ASTRA Superior Platinum blades, they were with the starter pack I bought.

Tried the Atra blades but did not get one with them :| Might have pressed too much or too many passes, i'm not too sure. I then used Crabtree & Evelyn after shave balm, but now have a rash/razor burn so won't be using that again. Back the shaving school :( Any idea how to get rid of the rash? Also used this, but will work on getting the right texture.

Aled,

Not every blade will work with your type of razor, beard and skin. Trial and error are the best teacher. Keep trying and you'll find the right blades.

Keep the razor pressure light. Let the razor's weight be the only pressure you need during your shave. Also, limit the number of strokes over the same spot. You can get away with that with the straight razor, but the double edge is not forgiving in that respect. Try no more than two strokes on each area you shave, preferably one. Remember, you're shaving in passes. With each pass you'll reduce your beard.

Perhaps something in the balm you use does not agree with your skin. Stop using what you have and order a bottle of witch hazel. This particular one I like to call The Magic Potion:

Thayers Natural Remedies Medicated Superhazel with Aloe Vera 12 fl oz Liquid - Swanson Health Products

After the shave, rinse with tepid water, apply alum — if you use it — and then rinse off with cold water, dry your face and apply the witch hazel. Stop right there. If you don't use alum, rinse your face with tepid water to wash off the soap, then cold water. Dry your face and apply the witch hazel. Don't use the fragrances for a while and see what happens.

Sound advice again! My skin is super sensitive so I think an alum block would cause more harm than good. I think I still have bad habits form the multi-blade, and like today I saw I spot I had missed and went back over. With the next shave I will keep to one stroke over the area, and also work on the soap lather as I think was also an issue. Might have to order the product you suggest from the US, as no UK stores seem to have that particular one.

FWIW (I'm late to this thread) --

I bought an EJ 89 Barley a few months ago, based on Obie's (and others') recommendation. It's a great razor -- all my other DE's gather dust.

IMHO, it's more aggressive than the Weishi (which gives a very mild shave). So if you're using any pressure with the Weishi, be sure that your touch with the EJ 89 is _much_ lighter!

I think that every time the blade goes over an area of skin, it abrades it just a little bit. "Scrubbing" -- multiple short passes over the same area -- might work with a cartridge, but it'll be very hard on your skin with a sharp DE blade (e.g. an Astra or Feather) in an EJ 89. The first pass, your skin gets some protection from the lather. But after that, you're running a blade over bare, drying skin -- not a good idea!

It sounds like you're doing multiple passes, hoping to get every last bit of beard off. And the result is irritated skin. So, FWIW, a prescription for improvement:

1. Use a pre-shave (Proraso, almond oil, hair conditioner) -- something to lubricate your skin under the lather.

2. Do two passes -- not more -- and don't try for perfection. Any hair that survives two passes has earned the right to live one more day. You'll get it tomorrow morning.<g>

As I think about this, it might be worth putting pre-shave on your face before the second pass -- that is:

. . . pre-shave;
. . .. . lather;
. . . . . . .shave first pass;
. . . . . . . rinse face;
. . . . . . . . . . pre-shave;
. . . . . . . . . . . lather;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . shave second pass;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rinse face.

I've never tried that myself; my skin isn't sensitive enough to need it.

Charles

Quote:

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Originally Posted by cpcohen1945

FWIW (I'm late to this thread) --

I bought an EJ 89 Barley a few months ago, based on Obie's (and others') recommendation. It's a great razor -- all my other DE's gather dust.

IMHO, it's more aggressive than the Weishi (which gives a very mild shave). So if you're using any pressure with the Weishi, be sure that your touch with the EJ 89 is _much_ lighter!

I think that every time the blade goes over an area of skin, it abrades it just a little bit. "Scrubbing" -- multiple short passes over the same area -- might work with a cartridge, but it'll be very hard on your skin with a sharp DE blade (e.g. an Astra or Feather) in an EJ 89. The first pass, your skin gets some protection from the lather. But after that, you're running a blade over bare, drying skin -- not a good idea!

It sounds like you're doing multiple passes, hoping to get every last bit of beard off. And the result is irritated skin. So, FWIW, a prescription for improvement:

1. Use a pre-shave (Proraso, almond oil, hair conditioner) -- something to lubricate your skin under the lather.

2. Do two passes -- not more -- and don't try for perfection. Any hair that survives two passes has earned the right to live one more day. You'll get it tomorrow morning.<g>

As I think about this, it might be worth putting pre-shave on your face before the second pass -- that is:

. . . pre-shave;
. . .. . lather;
. . . . . . .shave first pass;
. . . . . . . rinse face;
. . . . . . . . . . pre-shave;
. . . . . . . . . . . lather;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . shave second pass;
. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . rinse face.

I've never tried that myself; my skin isn't sensitive enough to need it.

Charles

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Thanks for your advice! During the week I did try multiple short passes over the area, but after applying shaving cream for the 4th time I still had bits missed. Which is why I think yesterday I didn't take my time, and also pressed too hard. Don't really want to go to work with patchy bits missed. Once my face has recovered I will try again, even if its take me 5+ passes. The youtube videos I have seen say it should take 3-5 passes, but i seem to be different. I'm still trying to figure out which way to shave on part of my neck, as it goes straight down one side. But on the other part of the neck it goes sideways.

My Edwin Jagger DE 89BA11 Barley Chrome just arrived :) But sadly I won't be able to use it for a week...............that after shave cream I bough (no-alcohol) gave me a nasty burn/rash. So letting the skin recover for a bit! In the mean time I have been practicing getting a good lather for the soap.

The Barley Chrome is probably the best looking EJ razor. Like all the EJDE89 razors, it is very smooth, especially when combined with a smooth blade such as Astra SP or Personna platinum.

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Originally Posted by TucoRamirez

The Barley Chrome is probably the best looking EJ razor. Like all the EJDE89 razors, it is very smooth, especially when combined with a smooth blade such as Astra SP or Personna platinum.

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Its super smooth :) Just shaved with it and it a totally new experience, its that good !!!

Obie thanks for suggesting that razor as it is indeed silky smooth!!! Took my time with it and made small strokes, just need a little care on my neck next time! Oh and the 7 o'clock blades you suggested....................love them! Waiting for the blades from myerno24 to arrive, and will try those too! Just need to work on getting those parts where the hair grows very clode to the skin, almost (and it might be) in-grown hair.

Thanks again all!