Thread: 1 Shave with a DE and I'm ready to quit... Help!

I tried feathers and still have not tried them again. Face hated the experience. I have used other blades w/o issue-Wilkinson's, Merkur, Gillette, Derby and some others. I want to try the feathers again but they scare me.



Oh yeah, post 666

You should try a less deadly blade, like a Derby, or Astra. Feathers have some animosity to them, not for beginners. Trust me, I have scars to back up my claim!

Originally Posted by Silents

Any idea of where Derby blades fall into the sharpness scale? I got a pack as a bonus, but never tried them.

They're probably the dullest of them all, but I like them, they work for me. It's like shaving with a Feather that you've used 3 times already.

I personally like the Derby blades when I use my DE. Feathers are my first choice than Derby's. Derby's are lot milder than the Feathers, you might just want to try them on your next shave. Good Luck!!

I have recently been in the same state of frustration as you. Same razor. I was trying too many variables. I settled on a standard hot water prep, AOS pre shave oil, Trumper cream, Jagger brush, Wally World Wilkinson Sword blades, and considerably lightened my touch. Alum and Thayers. Things have improved. I have used Derby blades and am not a fan. I have no SR experience, but in my case it was the operator and not the equipment. Maybe a less aggressive blade will serve you better.

I have no doubt that most of my issue is operator error. Im just looking for a more forgiving blade to help this operator on his journey to becoming proficient. Thanks to everyone that responded.

Silents,

Shaving with the double edge razor can have its many pleasures. To begin with, you have an excellent razor. The Edwin Jagger DE 89 is as sweet as they come. Obviously, as you and others have noted, your problem is mostly technique. The blade cannot be ignored either. Let me add my thoughts:

1. Economize your strokes. In other words, don't go over the same spot multiple times, because you are asking for razor burn. Do one stroke per spot and move on. Don't forget you have several passes, I assume three for you, to take care of that spot.

2. Beware of your angle. I shave at an approximately 20-degree angle. Obviously this various from spot to spot. Still beware of your angle.

3. Pressure is a killer. Keep it light. Don't forget, the straight and the DE shaves share many similar characteristics.

4. Stretch. No, not everywhere, but in most places on your face.

5. Avoid shaving against the grain. Some skins cannot tolerate against the grain.

6. Finally, find a milder blade. The Feather is a great blade, but it is not for everyone. Try Polsiver Iridium blades, Gillette 7 O'Clock "SharpEdge," Perma Sharp Super or Personna. The Personnas are not as sharp as the others, but they are mild and sweet blades.

Don't give up on your DE razor. It can come in handy. I shave about 98 percent of the time with the straight razor, but I am still fond of my DE razor, and especially of the Edwin Jagger.

I've only tried wilkinson sword and Astra sp blades in my EJ-89. Both work extremely well for me, when I occasionally shave w/the DE. I got wicked razor burn the 1st time I tried a DE as well, but then went with NO pressure, just the weight of the razor and can easily do a 3 or 4 pass shave now with no irritation.

JC

Consider a large Sampler Pack like I got. I'm going through them 2 blades at a time. There is a big difference in some of the blades.

I started with an EJ 8911 a few weeks ago. The first shave was brutal with rough spots and irritation, but started to improve with the 2nd. As stated by others, technique is where it starts. I also have concluded that my face doesn't like the Derby blades and my scalp doesn't like the Feathers. So far Shark blades have been my favorite. Don't give up and don't be afraid to experiment!