Thread: First DE shave

Originally Posted by Steelstubble

I think I will get that sampler pack. I often say as a joke that I have a woman's skin but its darn near the truth. My skin is very sensitive, which is why I love the smoothness of straights and despise cartridge razors. Also, yes I started out treating it like a cartridge razor which I corrected within seconds of cutting myself. Like straights I have no doubt this is a matter of technique and practice and I'll get this down. Thanks for the help!

I think half of the problem is simply the name "safety razor". It creates the false impression that you can't do any harm to yourself. Good luck.

Originally Posted by gcbryan

I'm not sure what the question is? I find that using the head of the razor and gravity is the best approach rather than more pressure.

You said that didn't work for you and that you use more pressure. What more is there to comment on? If it works for you then that's the best thing for you to do.

If it's not working for you then try less pressure.

Maybe I'm not understanding exactly what you are asking?

I'm not the only person to use a TF&H Carlton so something must be wrong with my technique. On my cheek , there are no bumps from the razor head when I pull down with no pressure. But the area under my lips has a lot of hair density and when I place the razor on the area and pull down with no pressure, the head bounces as I pull it down.

TF&H designed the head and allotted the necessary weight required to get a great shave without needing to exert pressure. But I find it necessary.

Here is where I asked for comments on my technique.

Originally Posted by OCDshaver

It sounds to me like you're experiencing some drag on the razor. If I'm correct there could be two problems. First your angle could be incorrect causing the razor to dig in and grip rather than cut. If that is not the case I suggest that perhaps your razor blade is not sharp enough. In that case you may try a different blade. Generally the razor it self has enough weight to complete the job without adding pressure. But if you're otherwise getting a decent shave without any problems there's no reason to make any changes.

Thanks for the detailed response.
I doubt it's the latter scenario: I use a fresh blade on every shave. I use Feather blades.

Angle could be it I guess. Or maybe a third variable. Lubrication.
Come to think of it maybe the area wasn't lubed too well.

Originally Posted by Steelstubble

Any advice for a straight razor guy who's a noob with DE is welcome.

Two pieces of advice. First, give up the DE and stick with straights. I also tried a DE after using only straights for about a year, and although I got good shaves with the DE, I get better and smoother shaves with straights. I also like the idea of never having to buy razor blades, which is why I tossed the cartridges and switched to straights.

Second, if you want to keep the DE in your shaving rotation, keep practicing. Go slow, take your time, and use little pressure. You'll figure it out.

I find de's are as easy to use as a cartridge and I actually get tore up less. I only use the pressure of the head and maybe just a smidge more. The de still requires a 3 pass shave and angle of head is important to get the closest shave.

Blades are most definetly subjective. I keep giving Feather blades a try due to the overwhelmingly positive reviews but I find them harsh and and the blade life very shirt. For me Derby's seem to be the best so far. Definetly sample blades.

Good luck and have fun.

Regarding having problems with the area of the upper lip...everyone has some problems from time to time in that area.

It's just a finesse thing. You have to be careful or you will cut yourself and sometimes you will cut yourself even when you are careful.

Originally Posted by Steelstubble

I've been shaving for a while with straight razors and decided to give a safety a whirl. Hilariously I tore up my face worse with my new DE then I did when I first tried straights. After finishing I fully suspect I had a pressure issue, I wasn't used to the heavy DE head combined with the straight razor sharp blade. I was using Derby brand blades btw with a custom safety using a Parker head. Very close shave once I was finished but lots of tiny little weepers and cuts. Any advice for a straight razor guy who's a noob with DE is welcome.

If you haven't already, check out Mantic59's videos on YouTube or on his website, The Sharpologist. He really helped me a lot when I started.

I have been using a Merkur 34C HD for a few weeks now, and this is my only experience with safety razors. I have been using Mach 3 razors for years and was use to their pivoting heads and give over minor bumps.
Up to tonight, I have had a lot of irritation and scrapes even after using several different blades. My beard is on the thick side and I have sensitive skin. I have played with the angles quite a bit while shaving, and have found a feather blade, pre-shave oil and (sorry for lack of a better word) watery lather.
I ended up with the smoothest, irritation free shave with out any irritation or cuts.
When I first started using the DE I used the blade at about a 90' angle. Now, that angle has been changed to as level as possible. I find I get the closest, cleanest shave with minimal resistance.

Hope this helps.

I've been using a DE a lot the last few weeks after breaking my arm...
Just like DE skills help when learning the way of the Straight, the reverse is true and the results have been much better than my first try a few years ago.
There is a big difference in the whole YMMV, blade/razor/lather Space & Time continuum thing.
Sample packs are almost a must, I've settled on the Persona USA for most uses. Like the Feather (in the slant) & Astra Blue. I've tried Astra Green, Derby, Dorco and Merkur.

I use a DE every 2nd day (or so) for my head. Have tried the straight for this but find getting the angles right for XTG or ATG around the back are a bit tricky.

Blade experimentation is KEY.
Have tried a sampler pack and then some recommended blades.

The feather work best for me in my particular razor, then possibly the Asco.
Astra of 2 different types always resulted in nicks.
Was recommended to try Polsilver and they were amazingly smooth - so much so I didn't know I'd sliced myself to ribbons until the blood started dripping Maybe I'll get an adjustable one day and try again.

The DE can be fun but may take some time on finding the blade that suits you best.

++ 1 on just using the weight of the razor. It should cut as smooth as your straight with the ease of a pivot head cartridge thingy.

Happy Experimentation

Another thing, Feathers worked best as said before. But, I only did two passes. With the grain and againts the grain. When I was researching before I started with DE razors, quite a few people were saying wtg, xtg, xtg then atg... This tore me up. Two passes and Im good. I shaved about an hour ago and... I just ... cant stop touching myself Hahahaha!