Not sure if DE suits me, need some help

[thatbrian]

I just had my 4th WS and I’m getting a bit discouraged. Here are my problems if anyone has some advice I would appreciate it.

Rig: Derby Blades, Gillette SS, C&E Soap and brush, Anthony pre-shave oil.

Even though I have used a new blade with each shave, I feel like the razor is no match for my beard. It almost bounces off! I do eventually get the whiskers cut but it takes many, many passes after which by face is screaming! If I only did 2-3 passes with the grain, as recommended here, it would look (and feel) like I didn’t even shave.

Also, I am in this for the good shave and not the 45 min of aroma therapy like some here are. I never knew what razor burn and ingrown hairs where until I started wet shaving! Sure I had some irritation at times and my shaves were not BBS but it didn’t cost me an arm and a leg and it didn’t take me forever to shave.

I really had my hopes up that WS would work well and now I’m not so sure. I’m thinking about keeping the good creams, pre-shave oils and witch hazel and going to a Gillette Mach III.

I am willing to put more time in to see if things get better, but if I recall correctly, the definition of insanity is doing the same thing and expecting a different result…

Thanks for any and all help

Brian

[woodbane]

Brian, could you give us a little more information on your preparation and shaving routine. It certainly sounds like you have a good enough rig to get a good shave so let's look at what else could be contributing to a poor shave.

Also, try not to be discouraged. 4 wets shaves means you are still in your infancy!:biggrin: I've been wet shaving for about 3 months now and only in the last month have I seen the appearance of regular, smooth, irritation free shaves as my technique has reached a decent level.

Also, just a thought, but I know that the Gillette SS is a pretty mild razor. If you have a really tough beard you may need to try something like a Merkur Heavy Duty with a slightly more aggressive blade, maybe a Merkur or even a Feather blade (gasp:eek: ).

Now don't get all in a panic!:wink: While these blades are certainly sharp and have a fearsome reputation, I find them to give me an irritation free and smooth shave in my Futur. That said, I reiterate my earlier statement, you need to get your technique down to begin with.

I have no doubt the other fine gents on this board will be all over this post like white on rice!:biggrin:

[Jim]

Hey Brian


I feel like the razor is no match for my beard. It almost bounces off! I do eventually get the whiskers cut but it takes many, many passes after which by face is screaming!

Check out Kyle's post and Scottos FAQs to start.


Kyle's post (http://www.badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4018)

Scottos FAQ (http://www.badgerandblade.com/index.php?page=faq)

I know you must be frustrated- Don't give up, The problem you are having is almost certainly your technique its not the razor! If you can get a good shave with a M3 then you can get a great shave with a DE.

Keep us informed how you are doing!

[Leisureguy]

Also, some of the thoughts in the long post here (https://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/) might be helpful.

[NMMB]

My advice is simple; don't quit... yet. Most of the members of B&B will agree that a DE shave is superior to a cartridge shave in terms of comfort, etc... but like many things that we consider to be better than their alternatives, it is very possible that you may find the DE a little more difficult and thus it will be necessary to practice and master the art and science of DE shaving. If, after taking the advice prescribed by our senior members re: blade angle, pressure, etc, you find that you are unable to get a comfortable as comfortable as you would get with a cartridge (of whatever variety), then (and only then) should you abandon the DE.

[thatbrian]

I will keep "hacking" away at it. Thanks to all for the input.

I just had the expectation that the DE blades would go through my wiskers with ease compared to disposables. I have Feathers on order so I will give them a try. The other issue is that there are so many variables to this stuff that it makes me a little crazy!

Brian

[NMMB]

I will keep "hacking" away at it. Thanks to all for the input.

I just had the expectation that the DE blades would go through my wiskers with ease compared to disposables. I have Feathers on order so I will give them a try. The other issue is that there are so many variables to this stuff that it makes me a little crazy!

Brian

If by "variables" you mean the dizzying variety of selection w.r.t. creams, soaps, etc I would suggest that you just find something you like and stick with it... you don't need to have a lot of creams/soaps/etc... you just need one of each thing that works for you (well, more than one blade - but you don't need more than one brand)... this may be as simple as a single brush, razor, soap or cream, and an AS product (if you choose to use one).

Also, please don't "hack" away at it... "Gently glide the razor across your face" away at it (:001_smile ) and enjoy it while you do... The DE blades will certainly cut through your whiskers with ease - but it will probably require 2 to 4 passes with little to no pressure. A little slower than a cartridge shave, but (IMHO) a much better shaving experience.

[Jim]

will keep "hacking" away at it. Thanks to all for the input.
I just had the expectation that the DE blades would go through my whiskers with ease compared to disposables. I have Feathers on order so I will give them a try. The other issue is that there are so many variables to this stuff that it makes me a little crazy!


Brian
Not to be to a pain -your follow up response leads me to believe that you have no more insight then when you first posted so we need to find out what it is that you are doing wrong- double your money back its not the razor-if you go back to the sink without more information you will get the same results.Where are you stuck do you think How do you make your first passes- what blade are you using- do you tighten the razor door tightly ect. Lets hear all about it so we can dope it out.

[Leisureguy]

So far as the safety razor itself, not so many variables.

1. Which blade
2. Which razor
3. If adjustable, which setting (start with the lowest = least aggressive)
4. Amount of pressure (light, light, light)
5. Angle (so blade cuts whiskers rather than scrapes them)

Well, that actually IS quite a few variables, isn't it...

[thatbrian]

Thanks Jim,

I'm using Derby blades. You bring up a good point that I just discovered today. I did NOT have the razor door closed tightly! I was afraid to break it so I didn't close it tightly, but today (after shaving) I was playing around and discovered the fully closed position! :blushing:

Thanks for your persistance and concern Jim (and everyone else too)

Brian


Brian
Not to be to a pain -your follow up response leads me to believe that you have no more insight then when you first posted so we need to find out what it is that you are doing wrong- double your money back its not the razor-if you go back to the sink without more information you will get the same results.Where are you stuck do you think How do you make your first passes- what blade are you using- do you tighten the razor door tightly ect. Lets hear all about it so we can dope it out.

[thatbrian]

Yes! :001_smile :


So far as the safety razor itself, not so many variables.

1. Which blade
2. Which razor
3. If adjustable, which setting (start with the lowest = least aggressive)
4. Amount of pressure (light, light, light)
5. Angle (so blade cuts whiskers rather than scrapes them)

Well, that actually IS quite a few variables, isn't it...

[TraderJoe]

Rig: Derby Blades, Gillette SS, C&E Soap and brush, Anthony pre-shave oil.

Even though I have used a new blade with each shave, I feel like the razor is no match for my beard. It almost bounces off! I do eventually get the whiskers cut but it takes many, many passes after which by face is screaming! If I only did 2-3 passes with the grain, as recommended here, it would look (and feel) like I didn’t even shave.


This tells me the pre-shave oil isn't for you, or you are using too much. If the razor is sticking/bouncing off your face, the oil might be the culprit. Or, a dry lather?

[Leisureguy]

And another variable that I now realize can be varied (thanks, Kyle):

6. How you grip the razor.