Thread: Maybe my last DE shave

I appreciate the thoughts about the equipment, and I may move that way. However, the last two DE shaves have been close, bloodless, and no rash. I have exerted to the orthodoxy of hot water, a light hand, no cold water shaves, no ATG, acceptance of less than perfect. Broke out some GFT Rose, and had a talk with my aggressive self. Plan is to see if this can be replicated steadily. For now st8 is not going to happen. If SWMBO has her way it woll be never, but that's an issue unto itself...I still have visions of. 7/8 Hart. Makes no sense, but it costs nothing to dream...

Should be reverted, not exerted. Auto-correct is not my friend this time...

I use a Feather blade on my DE razors... .I have tried several other brands and always come back to the Feather.
Most of the time I can get a great shave with one pass. If I wait a day, I may have to do two passes.
I have several DE razors... My closest shave is with the Merkur Futur and a Feather blade. I just don't like the Razor as much... the head is TOO big...but it's my best when it comes to shaving close. Then my Merkur Mergress, then Muhle R89 and the pre 2011 Muhle R41. Ahh..and my old but very liked adjustable 1950's - 1960's Gillette adjustable DE razors (very gentle).

For those with sensitive skin I would suggest an old 1950 - 1960's Gillette Slim adjustable with a feather blade, and Taylor of Old Bond Street Sensitive shaving cream.
Just my two cents.....
Like this 1966 Gillette on Ebay

Ahhh.... Just ordered a Muhle R41

Jubilation

Out of 20 different blades I found 6 blades gave a great shave. Merkur super platinum, derby stainless/super stainless, gillette wilkinson sword (I think these are the same as wilkinson sword found at walmart but gave slightly better shave), astra superior platinum, and shark super stainless. As of now the astra were the best blade BBS with a WTG, XTG and, ATG pass zero irritation. Then some were so horrible I swapped the blade before the shave was over. So as mentioned technique and try as many blades as you can. I have found short half inch strokes give me the best shave. I hope you find what you need for a comfortable shave.

Finally cured my heavy handed ways and things have smoothed out. Followed the standard hot shave protocol, followed by a cold water rinse, Thayers, and all is well...My razor is not too aggressive, but I can be. Thanks for all the advice and thoughts!

Ya man, So you a Pro yet? Lol. Just seen this tread

Try different blades...this is so important. I love Wilkinson Swords, but they will not work for everyone. I think the 2 biggest variables in DE shaving are technique and blades.

Originally Posted by bcw

Jagger 89L razor
Jagger badger brush
No scent Art of Shaving Shave Oil
Kiss My Face Scentless Shave Cream
Thayer Witch Hazel
Trumper Skin Food
Wilkinson Sword Blade
Alum Block

i have been enjoying inconsistent results, due to sensitive skin, my own overly aggressive attempts, and capped by a cold water shave earlier this week. My next effort is going to be a standard hot water prep and one or two WTG passes, and perhaps one XTG. Shaving against the grain is not a good thing, even though I did with cartridge razors. Considering going to a straight...My bride is not supportive, but that's my problem. Is a straight, used with judgment a better option. Just a good bit of money to put up, plus a dedication to maintenance. Any thoughts, critiques or support will be appreciated.

I think you, like everyone, needs to decide what kind of a shave you actually need and/or want. All who like a smooth face would like to wake up, wipe a magic rag across our faces and have all our whiskers be gone. Unfortunately, that process doesn't exist, and so like many things, shaving is a compromise.

I have what I would consider a medium heavy beard, with lots of straight pattern areas and lots of swirly sections -- maybe half and half. I am 65 and have been shaving since I was 14 or so. I started with a DE. tried every iteration of blade there was, so it seemed. Spent a fortune (that I didnt' have) 't moving up the ladder -- injectors; early cartridges; electrics; a SR, with NO instruction in the 70's; then the "new electrics"; and each of the cartridge iterations.

I weighed back into SRs once I found SRP and what do you know, with the proper instruction and attention, I can do it! Now I use a DE for back-up.

However, all along, no matter what tool I was using (except electrics) I have always stuck to with the grain, with a neatening up across the grain in the "swirly" areas. Guess what. It got me a shave that would make me presentable for 12 hours and that was good enough for me.

I think DE is a lot easier than SRs to "perfect" and it might be the number or direction of your passes, given your skin type, that is causing irritation and frustration. YMMV!

Before you invest any more, I suggest you evaluate, "How close a shave do I need, and how can I get it with my current tools?" Only then would I move on looking for a BBS shave every day.

JMHO. Good luck!

Good points all. I purchased a Weber stainless DE, and thanks to a kind member of SRP who forwarded a couple of blades including Presonna Med Preps, things are well. The EJ 89 and the Weber are great with the Med Prep blades and some MWF. Standing back and not trying too hard and too quickly makes a difference. Bought a box of 100 of the Med Preps and am not looking back. I appreciate the interest and advice. Sometimes it just takes time...