Maybe my last DE shave

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.

Nothing wrong with adding a straight to the arsenal but be aware that the learning curve is larger than that of the DE. I would work on getting satisfactory results with the DE before jumping out of the frying pan into the fire if I were you. Analyze what the problems are in your DE technique and correct them. When you are well versed in prep, lathering, skin stretching with the DE try the straight. Just IMHO .... :gl:

Couldn't agree more with Jimmy. There is a big difference between DE and cartridge - as much to do with angle and pressure as anything else. If you have not yet mastered this and are not getting a close and comfortable shave, re-visit the advise on preparation and post shave routines and maybe take another look at videos.

I don't think a straight will be your answer at the moment. Also if I were you, I wouldn't consider shavettes as a cheaper alternative to straights - just in case you did have this in mind.

Good wisdom given above. :tameshigiri:

Grateful for the collective wisdom. I'm an only child, so patience is a struggle. Just finished a "by the book" DE shave. Once WTG, and one XTG. No blood. No rash. No itch...yet. I appreciate this forum or wailing wall in my case. Going forward by the numbers!

Now go buy a beautiful old straight from one of the guys that restores them :) I usually cut myself much less with a straight than with a DE. It's not always as close with a straight - but it is infinitely more satisfying :)

Have you tried different blades? I know swords did not work for me at all.

I agree, there are better blades out there. Try a blade sampler and I'm sure you'll get better results.

I have tried Derby blades which did not serve me well, and one other which left me with a bad experience. Bad enough I have forgotten the name. I have not tried any of the Feather Blades, 7 O'clocks and the like. Actually, the Wilkinsons have been quite forgiving and okay. I am honored that you are gracious enough to give me an equipement out. My best guess is that this is an operator issue. I do plan to get a sampler pack, and start working with changing one variable at a time. I appreciate your time and interest. Face is in good shape tonight. I lack patience. . .among various other virtues.
bcw

The best overall DE blades i have used are Astra superior platinum, cheap and good, didn't like the Derby blades either. A light touch is needed, let the blade and razor do the work. Less passes while you learn helps too. If you do progress to a straight, i doubt you will ever look back. ( not sure if progress is correct term, some would say regress?)

How long have you been shaving with a DE?
Learning the pressure/angles/stretching/prep&lather thing does take some time. When I started I was using the same pressure and strokes from the cartridge..the burn was worse than the nicks.

It's like learning to play the clarinet - in the beginning the output is kinda scary...but it does get better, quickly.

Good luck...

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Originally Posted by bcw

Grateful for the collective wisdom. I'm an only child, so patience is a struggle. Just finished a "by the book" DE shave. Once WTG, and one XTG. No blood. No rash. No itch...yet. I appreciate this forum or wailing wall in my case. Going forward by the numbers!

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Only children unite! We're people too, with shaving challenges.

You might try a Gillette SuperSpeed or Schick Krona razor, which are milder, if you continue to experience irritation. These are vintage razors that are fairly easily obtained through the classifieds here (none are available as of this writing) or ebay (schick krona razor | eBay). I'd look at the one for $18.50, which is a fair price. You can also get a blade sampler pack from various online vendors so that you can try various brands.

Here are examples of the Gillette SuperSpeed Gillette superspeed | eBay. I think the Krona is a little milder than the SuperSpeed, which is why I suggested it first. SuperSpeeds are more popular, probably because the bread and butter of Schick's business was injector razors. (I had an injector once and it really irritated my face.)

I'm a devoted straight razor shaver, but it took me two years to master it to my satisfaction (it takes most people less time). I love doing it.

But what I think you need to do is find a way to get a close, comfortable shave first. For me that was the DE razor.

I moved on to straights just because I was always fascinated by them in movies, etc. But as I said, I recommend that you find A way to get the job done first.

I, too, have a fascination with straights. I used to watch my grandfather shave with his, and I also remember his sharing other uses for the strop...At his death, my grandmother got rid of them, and I mourn that. Wish I had them. The De shave yesterday was good. Lots of conflicting thoughts about stretching skin using a DE, blades, etc. I'm working on the virtue of patience...The only child would like a 7/8 quarter ground Hart, but that is on the back burner. Thanks for the input. Shouldn't be,this complicated to remove whiskers from one's face...

Quote:

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Originally Posted by bcw

I, too, have a fascination with straights. I used to watch my grandfather shave with his, and I also remember his sharing other uses for the strop...At his death, my grandmother got rid of them, and I mourn that. Wish I had them. The De shave yesterday was good. Lots of conflicting thoughts about stretching skin using a DE, blades, etc. I'm working on the virtue of patience...The only child would like a 7/8 quarter ground Hart, but that is on the back burner. Thanks for the input. Shouldn't be,this complicated to remove whiskers from one's face...

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When I started straight razor shaving I preferred big "meat choppers" such as the 7/8 because it felt like the razor did more of the work. When I finally reached a comfort level with straight shaving I much preferred the smaller ones (5/8) because I found them more agile. But everyone's journey is different. What I'm saying is, don't be surprised if your preferences change while you're developing your skill. All Hart razors I've seen have a square toe (tip). I personally prefer rounded toes because the sharp corners can bite.

I think shaving became complicated during the past 40+ years with multiblade razors. I started shaving when these monstrosities took over the market and never could achieve optimum closeness and comfort from them. The definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over again and expecting different results. Finally in early 2010 I lost my temper and searched the internet for alternatives. That's how I got into DEs, then straights. It amazes me that I was 54-years-old before I ever tried a DE razor. :thinking:

It took me to age 65...classic slow learner

something no one else has mentioned here (as they are all making very good points about the Learning curve being much larger) is yer comment about $ output to get into SR shaving... I understand the desire for a big beautiful brand new razor, I made that choice when I started about a month ago... However, If I had it to do over again, I would prolly leave the $160 Dovo Inox where it was and go for one of the less expensive but beautiful Vintage Razors available from the members here on SRP... Right now there are some amazing looking shavers available for less than $50!!! take a look at them and see if anything meets yer desires, then maybe start slow while you get better with the DE, shave once a week with the straight, by the time yer excellent with the DE you will likely be competent with the Straight! Good Luck!!

+1 on Murmle's advice. You don't have to put out a lot of cabbage to get started with a great straight. Last I remember Larry had a good starter kit for stolen goods prices, and you can always spend more later.

When I DE shave I use Wilkinson's and they're fair baldes. Not nearly as horrible as some people make them out to be, but not the best either. Locally that's all I can get. The nearest big town has another brand (Astra's I think) at their grocery store, but we never buy groceries there so I can't remember. Point being there are other local blades you can try.

Personally, I didn't really know DE's existed until shortly after I got into straights. They have their pro's...less risk of major cuts, some stretching, some blade angle help, etc. and their cons...mainly that none of the blades I've tried were as smooth as my straights. As a result, when I DE shave, I two pass WTG and XTG. That gets me a good shave with no irritation.

When I straight shave I three-four pass. WTG, XTG, XTG and some ATG. I can do all that with no irritation and get a phenomenal shave...but I have to do the extra work because the straight is long and doesn't get into the hollows around my neck muscles as easily as the DE does. It's a better shave, but it takes a little more time and effort and a fair amount of technique above the DE.

Two paths lie before you...the great thing is, you can take both!

Peace,
Jim

an EJ is a pretty mild razor, so I suspect that isn't the issue. Lather might be an issue. Kiss my Face is pretty good in a superlather, but on its own, but the lather tends to be a bit thinner than what you'll get with Proraso, Elglish creams, and even some of the nicer budget creams like Erasmic and Arko. That said, sicne you use a pre shave oil, I suspect that is enough to at least get by on that front, too (I've shaved with an OCMM using *ONLY* oil and had a dfs, so oils are pretty protective in my experience)

That said, my guess is that it is the blade and or the balde plus technique. One of the more common ways to get irritation i to use a too dull blade, since the natural reaction is to increase pressure to
compensate... Not liking Derby blades doesn't mean that feathers, astras, and such won't be better, because , while Derbys blades have their fans, they are also infamous for irritation with a lot of guys.

Still, if you want to try straights, you should, just don't expect them to make things easier any time soon.

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Originally Posted by Sargon

an EJ is a pretty mild razor, so I suspect that isn't the issue. ...

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I have shaved with a number of different DE razors, SB and OC, and I would not call the EJ mild. If you don't have sensitive skin and your skin is smooth (no acne, moles, scars, etc.) then the EJ is a middle of the road SB razor. If the above is not the case, the EJ, Merkur HD and other medium razors can be very difficult to shave with. Razors have to be evaluated in light of the individual's issues. All users will never agree on a description of a razor, one needs to determine what challenges he has to deal with and evaluate a razor from that perspective. IMO.

Straights are significantly more difficult to use than DEs. I would master the DE before moving to straights, especially if you're just coming off of carts.

I agree with the posts about the razor. Start with a double edge razor that's milder like a Gillette Tech or a Schick Krona. Find one on ebay or do a WTB ad on the forum here and one of us will sell you one reasonably. Once you learn the technique on a mild Tech or Krona, you can start moving up to more aggressive DE or SE safety razors.

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..... :D
Attachment 122667 Like this 1966 Gillette on Ebay
Attachment 122668

Ahhh.... Just ordered a Muhle R41 :)

Jubilation :mexwave::mexwave:

Attachment 122723Attachment 122724Attachment 122725

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.

Quote:

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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.

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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...