Check one newbie with some questions

[Big.Dave]

Hello Chaps,
I've only just started shaving with a safety razor that I brought after I visited the Gentleman's shop in Hungerford.

I picked up a Merkur 23 Safety Razor I liked the grips on them
I also brought a Edwin Jagger English Shaving Brush - Medium Ivory Super
Some proraso pre shave cream
Trumpers Limes Shaving Cream Pot liked the smell
Trumpers Limes Skin Food
and an Osma alum block good for nicks
I when a bit mad and got a bottle of Cologne Truefitts Limes Cologne.

So now for the questions when putting the blade in the razor does it matter which way up it goes? I have some personna blades if thats any help.

Also I watched the video by mantic59 on youtube he reccomends shaving straight down when you first start for me on the cheeks thats ok nice and smooth but my neck hates it I'm feeling the burn so I need a rethink what I'm doing, am I right in thinking with shaving there's more then one way to skin a cat.

next question after you have shaved do you strip down your razor to clean it? or do you clean them when it's time to change a blade?

I will be interested to hear your comments.

Thanks Dave.

[Duncanh48]

Welcome to B&B!

It shouldn't make any difference which way up the blade goes, there's no difference, the blade will cut on both sides.

Shaving with the grain (WTG) is ideal when first starting out, this should minimise any irritation, however the neck can be tricky.

It is critical to get the blade angle correct to get a smooth shave. Put the top of the razor head directly against your cheek, with the handle completely parallel to the floor (the blade shouldn't be in contact with your skin at this point), slowly lower the handle until the blade just starts to cut the hair as you move the razor downwards.

Remember minimal pressure, let the weight of the razor's head do the work, don't force it.

Check out the posts on pre-shave prep, for example try to shave after a shower to help soften the hair.

Also worth making sure that your lather is not too dry or too wet, experiment a little to get the right consistency, this will help give you more lubrication and avoid irritation.

I trend to rinse and wipe the razor clean after a shave but will give a it a more thorough clean every couple of days, I have quite hard water and it tends to accumulate a fair amount of soap scum otherwise. You can also give the head a spray or dip into alcohol to disinfect after each shave (use something like isopropyl alcohol).

Good luck!

[Sue]

Welcome to B&B Dave!
Sue

[Big.Dave]

Thank you for the quick replys

I did not know how popular wet shaving was till I begain looking on the net for infomation.

[Greglam]

the only time I take my razor apart is on Sunday when I change the blade.

when I first started I would stroke down on my face as well as on my neck. But that wasn't really getting me anywhere at all on my neck. It was like I hadn't done anything at all. Now on my first neck pass I go up on one side and down on the other according to the grain.

So, yes, there is more than one way to accomplish the assigned task.

Cheers and Happy Shaving!
-Greg

[global_dev]

wlcome to B&B.

i started with face N-S and neck S-N (both are WTG for me), just like i did with carts and that works well for me.

I take my time in clean up and take apart the razor and pat dry everything gently and flip the blade. probably doesn't do anything, but it gives me some extra time...

some nice stuff for a newbie.

[cjspence]

I get more enjoyment out of the Proraso Pre-Shave cream when I use it post shave. The guys here will give you great advice.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[Pumpkin]

Hello Chaps,
I've only just started shaving with a safety razor that I brought after I visited the Gentleman's shop in Hungerford.

I picked up a Merkur 23 Safety Razor I liked the grips on them
I also brought a Edwin Jagger English Shaving Brush - Medium Ivory Super
Some proraso pre shave cream
Trumpers Limes Shaving Cream Pot liked the smell
Trumpers Limes Skin Food
and an Osma alum block good for nicks
I when a bit mad and got a bottle of Cologne Truefitts Limes Cologne.

So now for the questions when putting the blade in the razor does it matter which way up it goes? I have some personna blades if thats any help.

Also I watched the video by mantic59 on youtube he reccomends shaving straight down when you first start for me on the cheeks thats ok nice and smooth but my neck hates it I'm feeling the burn so I need a rethink what I'm doing, am I right in thinking with shaving there's more then one way to skin a cat.

next question after you have shaved do you strip down your razor to clean it? or do you clean them when it's time to change a blade?

I will be interested to hear your comments.

Thanks Dave.

Hi Dave, welcome to B&B from a fellow Brit! :thumbup:

That's a pretty good starting set-up, the Personna blades (from ASDA?) are pretty good...but it's worth getting a sampler pack so you can try a few varieties.

Mantic's suggestion to go downwards on your cheek means you're going WTG (With The Grain). Check how your beard grows on your neck (it's probably fairly wild) and try to go WTG or XTG (Across The Grain) as much as possible...going ATG (Against The Grain) can lead to irritation and razor rash!

Blades can go either way up (any numbers are irrelevant). I tend to just rinse my razor with the blade in and only take it out when I'm changing blade...no need to handle it unnecessarily. If you're finding you get particularly "clingy" residue (especially with creams) it can indicate you need a (little) bit more water in your lather.

[mretzloff]

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

I think you got your answers above but if you have any questions, do not hesitate!

[Slash McCoy]

A little bit of rubbing around with your fingers will show you which way the grain runs on your neck. For most of us, it does not just run straight down. It may run upwards in some areas, or towards one side or the other. There may be one or more swirls in your beard, where the grain is in a whorl like a whirlpool. Soap up and run your fingertips around and you will be able to feel the directions where you have the most or least resistance to the rubbing.

I don't use a DE every day, so when I do, I usually remove the blade completely, rinse and pat dry, clean and dry the razor, and replace the blade so it is ready for the next time I want it. But then again I still remember when a wet razor blade would be badly rusted the next day if not cared for properly. Modern DE blades are more forgiving.

My suggestion if you are going to use a DE on a daily basis, is rinse well under hot running water, and shake the water out. If you can see crud on the underside of the blade edge, then go ahead and remove and clean the blade, clean the razor, and reassemble.

[Big.Dave]

Hi Dave, welcome to B&B from a fellow Brit! :thumbup:

That's a pretty good starting set-up, the Personna blades (from ASDA?) are pretty good...but it's worth getting a sampler pack so you can try a few varieties.

Mantic's suggestion to go downwards on your cheek means you're going WTG (With The Grain). Check how your beard grows on your neck (it's probably fairly wild) and try to go WTG or XTG (Across The Grain) as much as possible...going ATG (Against The Grain) can lead to irritation and razor rash!

Blades can go either way up (any numbers are irrelevant). I tend to just rinse my razor with the blade in and only take it out when I'm changing blade...no need to handle it unnecessarily. If you're finding you get particularly "clingy" residue (especially with creams) it can indicate you need a (little) bit more water in your lather.

I got all my shaving starting kit from the Gentleman's shop in Hungerford its only a 20min drive from where I live but I will have to have a look in ASDA to see what they stock.

I will be in your neck of the woods in September enjoying my other hobbys Achery (for The Archery World Cup Finals), Single Malt Whisky and if you can recommend any good Barbers shops that do a nice wet shave in Edinburgh I would be able to go for the Hat-trick!!:thumbup:


Also to the you chaps that have replied thanks for the great tips and the friendly welcome:biggrin1:

[rm71]

Welcome.

[ackvil]

First, Welcome to B&B.

My first shave is WTG. For me it is N-S on my checks but S - N on my neck. My ATG pass is S-N on my cheeks and by my adams apple is S-N and the sides of my neck is like an X on the upper neck.

You should map you face and be guided accordingly.

[Barbash]

Welcome to B&B!

[amspratt]

Welcome to B&B. You've got a great setup to start with. The technique is tricky to get down, especially on the neck; it's particularly difficult because everyone does it slightly differently. Ultimately you'll just have to find the way that works best for you. Don't be afraid to experiment and ask questions. Good luck, and have fun!

[Pumpkin]

I got all my shaving starting kit from the Gentleman's shop in Hungerford its only a 20min drive from where I live but I will have to have a look in ASDA to see what they stock.

I will be in your neck of the woods in September enjoying my other hobbys Achery (for The Archery World Cup Finals), Single Malt Whisky and if you can recommend any good Barbers shops that do a nice wet shave in Edinburgh I would be able to go for the Hat-trick!!:thumbup:


Also to the you chaps that have replied thanks for the great tips and the friendly welcome:biggrin1:

ASDA stock the Israeli Personna blades (and Palmolive soap sticks :001_smile), they're usually tucked away at the end of a shelf under the cartridges....I find them a pretty decent standby blade.

I had a really nice hot towel shave (with a Shavette type razor) at a little Turkish barbers near Haymarket (next to GREGGS on Coates Place). There's also "International Barbers" on Leith Walk (about 2/3 way down on left hand side, as you're heading towards Leith), have heard some pretty good reports.

If you want to pay (at least) twice the price, try The Players Lounge (http://www.the-players-lounge.com/prices.php)

[dougr]

Mantic59 is the man:thumbup1:

[pal]

Welcome to B&B!

[Big.Dave]

Welcome to B&B Dave!
Sue

Thanks Sue I'm glad you've given me a welcome I have seen your posts about you and the Big C. My partner survived my Dad did not.

All I can say is make the most of everyday we never know when are time will be up so don't waste it, So take enjoyment out of every thing and look at the little things in life because even they can make you smile.

Never give up!!!

[wazazzle]

Welcome to B&B

[thermographer]

Hi Dave, welcome to Badger and Blade.