Thread: Disposable blade nicks?

To get into straight razor shaving, I bought a disposable blade razor. The issue I'm having isn't until after I shave. After rinsing away the excess soap and whiskers, I notice that my face looks like it was scratched by tiny claws. They're not cuts and they don't hurt, but it makes it look like I shaved with a rock on some days. I'm not sure if this is something to do with the brand of blades I'm using or if it's because of lack of experience. Any help is much appreciated.

Hard to say for sure but I would think it has to do with the brand of blades. If it is one of the type that uses a broken in half DE blade, those are much more difficult , IMO, to shave with than a normal straight razor. More difficult to shave without a nick I mean. If it is the type that takes a single edge blade than it is still more difficult than a regular straight but not as bad as the ones that use the 1/2 DE blades. I have tried a Personna disposable SE blade in an old Weck 'straight' shaver and found it to be rough on my particular skin. I'd say if you have a source of magnification, eye loupe, microscope, check your blades for micro chips.

They are the DE blades broken in half. I'll have to take a closer look at them and probably switch to another brand just to try what else is out there. I'm still in the process of getting my first actual straight razor, so hopefully when I do,the shaves with be much smoother.

Originally Posted by Csnyder

They are the DE blades broken in half. I'll have to take a closer look at them and probably switch to another brand just to try what else is out there. I'm still in the process of getting my first actual straight razor, so hopefully when I do,the shaves with be much smoother.

They should be worlds better, once you get the technique down, and assuming a quality shave ready razor. The DE type are less forgiving when it comes to the technique. As you've no doubt read, there are big differences in how DE blades feel between one person and another. In the 'old days' the Feather was the shapest but I don't know what the preferred blade/blades are nowadays.

Shaving with a straight razor that uses replaceable blades requires much more attention to the amount of pressure used in the shaving stroke. If the blade is new, no pressure whatsoever is required. If I were you, I'd reduce the shaving angle and eliminate any pressure used in the stroke and see if you notice a difference. Good luck! Shaving with a Dovo Shavette or Feather disposable can go very well, but pressure has to be eliminated or you'll pay a price for those close shaves.

I have definately noticed how pressure affects my shave with disposable blades. I'll use a blade that is getting dull and replace it after the shave. Well when the next shave comes along I'm used to the dull blade and apply too much pressure to the new blade and boom, blade sinks right into my face lol. Each blade seems to have a different life span so maybe I'm just using some of the blades for too long.

When I first started 2 months ago I had the same issue. I have found that my lather was the real culprit as I am using the same set up as day one (blades, soap, brush, and shavette) but my lathering ability the past week or so has taken a quantum leap and I no longer have issues. Not saying that is your issue but its worth a thought.