Steps taken before using a DE

[jaffacake2000]

B'coz DE's are ultra sharp, and for some who have less time and need more time getting used to (-- im one of them, i admit --) but heres what im doing:

starting off with all the less dangerous razors and working my way up:

first go for sensor excel, then mach3, m3 power, turbo, Nitro, quattro, fusion 5 blade.

Then go through all the wilkinson range, eventually proceed to a DE and finally maybe settle with a cut-throat.

I dunno, why is it i feel when i go into Boots, to try out every razor there is on the shelves including all the disposable varieites?! including DE's. Maybe coz im new to wet shaving or im on those who get glamourised by packaging and advertising. hmm.

At the moment i see a DE quite somthing to still approach properly before going through the rest - maybe coz the DE doesnt have an angle and the other razors have built angle you already hold, or with the DE the blade is not only super ultra sharp to cut you but also more protuding and first timers require the correct technique and some delicately be very carefull.

[With The Grain]

...

[mpisarcik]

i would have to disagree with your post. Whats more dangerous, one blade or 5? the Fusion can do much more damage to your skin (like rash/burning/ ingrown hairs) than the DE can. I would use the Sensor for a while (1 month) and then proceed right to the DE. Thats what I recently did, and I have yet to nick myself with my Merkur Long Handle. So far- smoothe shaving for the most part. You'll spend WAY to much money on cartridges and these stupid multi-blade setups when you could be spending it wiser on new shaving gear, like balms, creams, and brushes.

Just my opinion.

[castlecraver]

You're being way the heck too patient and timid. If you do anything before switching to a DE, I recommend going through the preshave, brush & cream process just as we would before using our DEs and then shaving with whatever razor you've been using before. You'll be impressed with the results.

Still, the learning curve on a DE isn't as steep as you think. Unless you get something particularly aggressive like a Merkur Slant Bar with a fresh Feather inside, you'll be fine. Just go for it. You'll be glad you did, and that whole "patience" thing will dissove quickly.

[19george]

Still, the learning curve on a DE isn't as steep as you think. Unless you get something particularly aggressive like a Merkur Slant Bar with a fresh Feather inside, you'll be fine. Just go for it. You'll be glad you did, and that whole "patience" thing will dissove quickly.

Ditto. I Switched to a DE with my first wet shave, and immediately had a closer more comfortable shave, without making a bloody mess of my face (unlike the Fusion:9898: ). DE's aren't that difficult to handle, just find the correct angle and don't put any pressure on the razor and you'll be fine.

If you don't already have one I'd recommend a Merkur HD. Load it up with a milder blade (say a Merkur or Derby), and you'll be alright. You're just putting your face through more agony. None of the crap cartridge razors can prepare you for a DE anyway.

[htownmmm]

What you are suffering from is called RAD- Razor Acquisition Disorder.

But rather than spend(waste) your money on poorly designed razors, listen to the advice posted earlier. Stick with the Gillette sensor or tech, then move into the DE world.

Once you have your technique down, shifting to the DE will be a piece of cake.
Besides, the money you save now can be spent in other ways later! Resistance is futile! :wink:

Marty

[Elmo]

I switch back and forth between a DE and the sensor excel. The excel is faster but the DE yields a better shave

[jaffacake2000]

finding the correct angle, ie place the head of the razor on your face (handle perpendicular to your skin) and lower the handle until the razor starts to cut.

dunno, maybe im bit dumb but this is exactly what im trying to acheive successfully

[PalmettoB]

At the moment i see a DE quite somthing to still approach properly before going through the rest - maybe coz the DE doesnt have an angle and the other razors have built angle you already hold, or with the DE the blade is not only super ultra sharp to cut you but also more protuding and first timers require the correct technique and some delicately be very carefull.
The angle is the technique you have to learn, but a DE like the Gillette super speed or the Merkur Classic is very forgiving, at least I have found that to be the case, and others here and on other threads have said much the same. I know my first time wasn't scary at all. And had a lot less burn than an electric!

I'd agree with Marty not to waste a lot of time and money "working your way up" to a DE. Just go for it, and then if you think you need more time, go back to a Sensor for a while. But the multi-bladed mulcher is just what you say...pretty packaging. All show, no go!:thumbdown

[jduffy]

And the Gillette Tech is even more forgiving. The angle and technique is a skill that like any other skill requires practice. Sure you'll have a funky shave or two in the beginning or even after several shaves. But through some trial and error you'll get some amazing shaves and try to repeat what you did correctly.

I also find that I'm able to do some parts of my face better than others. This is after about 2 months of shaving with a DE. Some spots still sort of confuse me but I'm getting better and better with every shave I take.

The learning process has been fun. Can't stress enough the importance of good prep. The more effort you put into it, the better your return in terms of a smooth, irritation free shave.

Good luck.

[Keith5698]

As a recent newcomer to shaving with a DE, I can understand the concern of switching to a DE. It can be intimidating if you don't understand what you are trying to do, and rush into it. However, I started using a DE about 3 weeks ago after reading tons of great advice here on technique, lathering, prep, etc, and it has gone very smoothly (pun intended :wink: ). Of course, just like anything you are trying to do for the first time, there is a learning curve. For me, I waited until a weekend morning to start, so I could take my time and focus on what I was doing. You'll be surprised how quickly you'll pick it up. So in ending, I would agree with the posters above and say just go for it. You'll be glad you did.

[Edcculus]

Yea, I definately agree with everyone else on this. Its not as bad as it sounds! A DE isnt necessarily "super sharp", it just has one blade. It is called a safety razor for a reason. The worst you could do is get a few nicks. I've been DE shaving for a week with absolutely no nicks. I also think its pointless to work your way up through cartridge razors, becuase there isnt any paticular "skill" per say to using one.

Like some others said, if youre scared or intimidated, use a Sensor for a while. Get some shave cream and a brush and get making lather down. When you feel you have a handle on this, try out a DE.

[msandoval858]

You can do it!

:biggrin:

[jaffacake2000]

ok im gonna go for it, just when i feel the time is right.

how do i know how to 'glide the razor gently over the skin without putting pressure?' does putting pressure on mean when i actually try push the razor hard into my face for that closer shave when im not getting a close shave?

is it basically, you put the razor on your stubble, (not on the skin of the face) and pull down slowly?

does the same pressure rule apply for cartridge shaving?

...And, so far, i've seen 2 people with scars/keyloid tissue. One under the skin and the other at the bottom of the neck, is that the result of incorrect/careless or slipped DE razor shaving? (thats one of the thing that scares me) never want a life long scar like those even with a cartridge. (Already have one those scars on my arm after i got cut by a piece of glass) but having it on my face is something totally different.

[Jim]

Read this (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4018) It explains it thoroughly.

[ada8356]

Chicks dig scars so shave with abandon.

[Agent86]

Chicks dig scars so shave with abandon.

Nice. :smile:

[Larry C in Texas]

Now I understand. The guy is talking about shavin' his privates. It all makes perfect sense now. This is something to approach with great caution.

YMMV.

[Bakerloo Line]

The most important part of DE shaving is the prep.

The multi-bladed Gillette razors and their kin allow you to be a bit more lax in this regard, what with the lubra-smooth strips and whatnot.

[crackstar]

a good DE, a sharp blade, a steady hand, and dedication always pays off.

Jeff

[BroJohn]

Jaffe -- The Sensor really is the only decent cartridge razor. If you're goin to ease into wetshaving, I'd recommend you learn lathering and basics with the Sensor, then when you're comfortable, migrate directly to the DE. You'll be miles ahead.

-- John Gehman

[chop-chop]

jaffacake2000,

I can understand your reluctance to jump into it. However, if you are a bit cautious, about the worst thing that can happen is you won't get a clean shave. If that happens, re-lather and take the same approach. Maybe change your angle... just a touch... or, just make a second pass. Eventually, you'll find your angle. You'll hear and feel your beard being cut. About the only thing that takes time is whipping up your lather... and, that's somewhere between 30 seconds and a minute. You'll know when it's right.

Have you watched Mantic's YouTube videos? That's a great start!

As msandoval858 said, "You can do it!" :biggrin:

chop-chop

[bearbeard]

Much easier than you would think it is. Jump in head first!

[doctorsimon]

Boots sell two DE razors and blades -- their own brand and the Wilkinson brand. I'd buy one of those and get started. The Wilkinson is quite safe, you'll find it hard to have a serious accident with the thing. They also sell a brush and cream pack for about a tenner, made my men-u. The brush is boar hair, pretty horrid but a start. The cream is quite different to the 3Ts, Harris, et al, but it works. Don't forget some moisturiser, even Johnson's baby moisturiser will do.

Just get used to running the blade down, don't do any more passes with it. Listen out for the blade cutting the hairs, it makes a lovely sound like a really fine crunch. When you are happy with this start to spend a little more money on better handles (£20-30 for a new Merkur), brushes (£30-50 for a badger hair), creams/soaps (£10 for a tub), and blades (£10 for 100 Derby blades off ebay for example) As your budget allows.

Purchasing lots of gillette/wilkinson handles/cartridges is not going to help you learn to use a DE. I am only suggesting you can dip your toes in for less than £15 at your local Boots store.