New DE shaver

[DRG1990]

Hey everyone,

First off, what a great site! I recently turned 20 and received some traditional shaving supplies as a gift. I never had much problems with my previous set up (Fusion and canned goo), yet i became interested in DE shaving.

My set up is:
Merkur Futur
Rooney silvertip
TOBS rose
Derby and merkur blades
Alum block

I am three shaves deep and loving it. Yet all three times I have "felt" my shave afterwards (it burns). After my third shave I could see razorburn on my chin. After doing some research on this site I came to the conclusion that it was probably due to pressure and possibly the blade. I recently ordered a blade sample pack and it should arrive later this week.

Also, my prep is done in the shower with warm water to soften the beard.

I guess I am just looking for some advice on how to relieve the burn so that I cannot "feel" the shave.

[DE Shaver]

My first reaction is that you are using a little too much pressure. Your conclusion is probably the correct one, so lighten the pressure a little and this should deal with the razor burn. Are you using and aftershave balm or aftershave? If not, I would recommend that you use one, which will help.

[DRG1990]

I am using a moisturizer but I dont have an aftershave in rotation. I just use alum block and then moisturize becuase it seems to dry my face out a little.

[mretzloff]

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

What is that Futur set on? You may have it too high.

Do not shave for a day or two to give your face time to heal. You should not feel anything after the shave. Your main cluprit is probably pressure and the angle you are using.

Go slow and watch the pressure and angle. Good luck!

[DRG1990]

Futur is set on 1; and will be until i get all my technique down. I was thinking about giving my face a rest before my next attempt. Thanks.

[kg4ghn]

A day or two between shaves does help while getting your technique down.

Also, I used a Merkur blade the other night for the first time. I would go back to cartridges again before I would use another one. Crappy shave, and huge amounts of weepers and razor burn from a super mild Gillette Tech!

[pal]

Welcome to B&B.

[Wheater]

Welcome. I echo the comments about the Merkur blade. Though I expect that it is your technique that needs to improve the most (it is for all newbies), a better blade would also help.

Best of luck on your DE journey. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

[GDCarrington]

Welcome to the good ship B&B. Take a stroll on the promenade deck and enjoy the voyage. :thumbup1:

Always remember, relax but be vigilant when you shave!

[DunEdinRanger]

Welcome. I echo the comments about the Merkur blade. Though I expect that it is your technique that needs to improve the most (it is for all newbies), a better blade would also help.

Best of luck on your DE journey. Feel free to ask as many questions as you like.

+1

Although I do use a Futur wide open at 6.5, not everyone is that daring.

I too suspect you're probably using too much pressure. Maybe you should try practicing hold the razor, without a blade, and going through the motions of shaving?

Also, please remember to use a towel when changing the blade.

[MRast01]

Welcome to B&B!! Hope you enjoy it here. Great advice already.
+1 no pressure and blade sampler. It does take time to learn your technique, but give it a little time and you'll get there.

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

The weight of the razor is normally enough to shave. Setting the Futur on 1 is best for now. Take your time and don't force anything.

The razor blade sample pack is the best next step!

[ridgerunner]

Welcome to the B&B.

[rm71]

Welcome to the forum.

[ackvil]

Welcome to B+B.

One thing you have to be careful with DE shaving is to make sure you are not putting any pressure on the blade. Let the weight of the razor do the work. To assure this I use two fingers and my thumb to hold the razor very lightly. I hold it as lightly as I can without it falling from my hand. I

[kwsher]

A lot of good advice thus far - Welcome! Pressure is a good area to concentrate as well as blade angle - you may be scraping more than cutting. I would also make absolutely sure that your lather prep is solid.

Good luck!

[franstjohn]

Welcome to B&B!

I agree that pressure of the razor is probably responsible for the razor burn. I own and use a Futur and it is a great razor. I am sure you will get years of pleasurable use from it. However, it is a heavy razor with an oversized head and I suspect may be a little hard for a new wetshaver to control. If you are able, I would suggest you look at one of the lighter Gillettes on the BST forum here or consider the purchase of a Merkur 23C or similar mild razor.

Good to have you with us. Don't forget to write.

[LukeDuke]

Welcome to B&B!

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!