A few newb questions

[robjow]

Hey

Had my first 2 shaves with a DE razor (Progress + Feathers) and they were great bar a few nicks on the neck. So much better than the BIC disposables.

1. After how many passes should I change my blades
2. Can someone explain razor aggressiveness to me.. im unsure what setting to set the progress on

thanks!

[kprincehouse]

Welcome!

I typically change a blade after 3 shaves. That's not uncommon, it seems 3 to 5 is the typical range, but this depends on a lot of factors, such as the blade, your hair toughness, and personal preference.

Note that a "pass" refers to just part of a shave. Most of the time I do a three pass "WTG / XTG / ATG" shave--prep, lather, shave with the grain; rinse, lather, shave across the grain; rinse, lather, shave against the grain. So I would change a blade after 9 "passes"... but blade longevity is usually measured in shaves, not passes.

An aggressive razor or blade is one that give a very close shave, but with greater risk of irritation; a non-aggressive razor or blade is comfortable and irritaiton-free, but may not yield a close shave. Many of us spend a lot of time looking for the best razor and blade combination that gives the best of both worlds. I've never used a Progress, but from what I've read it's highly recommended to start on the mild end. The Progress goes from 1 (mild) to 9 (aggressive), right? I would start at 1, 2, or 3. With adjustables, the conventional wisdom is to set it as mild as you can while still getting a sufficiently close shave. Also, it's easier to refine your technique if you don't change too many variables for the first month or two, so it may be a good idea to start at, say, 2, and not change that around for awhile.

Hope that helps!

[valmara1971]

Welcome to B&B looks like you are off to a good start :001_smile What set up do you have with brush/soap? This can help a great deal with irritation but do not be tempted to mess around too much.

[fidjit]

Howdy Robjow

Another case of YMWV. Number of passes will depend on a whole heap of factors. May take 2, may take 5. If you're on the higher side you'll probably find that the number of passes you did will reduce as your technique gets better. It's whatever works for you.

In terms of changing blades I normally do either 2 with a touchup or 3 with a touchup. I change my blade after 3-4 shaves whether it needs it or not. Blades are cheap !

In terms of aggressiveness, see my sig below. While it's about Vintage Gillettes, the principle remains the same :wink2:

[rm71]

Welcome aboard.

[titan_021]

I replace my blades every three or four shaves, depending on the blade, and I usually do 3 passes (WTG,XTG,XTG). I don't normally shave ATG because my neck is very sensitive, and I am happy with the closeness I get.

I can't comment on the progress, becuase I don't use an adjustable.

Welcome to B&B!

[curtis909]

Greetings and welcome

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Luc]

Welcome!

I typically change a blade after 3 shaves. That's not uncommon, it seems 3 to 5 is the typical range, but this depends on a lot of factors, such as the blade, your hair toughness, and personal preference.

Note that a "pass" refers to just part of a shave. Most of the time I do a three pass "WTG / XTG / ATG" shave--prep, lather, shave with the grain; rinse, lather, shave across the grain; rinse, lather, shave against the grain. So I would change a blade after 9 "passes"... but blade longevity is usually measured in shaves, not passes.

An aggressive razor or blade is one that give a very close shave, but with greater risk of irritation; a non-aggressive razor or blade is comfortable and irritaiton-free, but may not yield a close shave. Many of us spend a lot of time looking for the best razor and blade combination that gives the best of both worlds. I've never used a Progress, but from what I've read it's highly recommended to start on the mild end. The Progress goes from 1 (mild) to 9 (aggressive), right? I would start at 1, 2, or 3. With adjustables, the conventional wisdom is to set it as mild as you can while still getting a sufficiently close shave. Also, it's easier to refine your technique if you don't change too many variables for the first month or two, so it may be a good idea to start at, say, 2, and not change that around for awhile.

Hope that helps!

+1

Welcome to B&B!