First Post, many questions

[noid182]

Thank you all!
I've gottens some great general wetshaving info here over the last few months, and now I'm taking a trip into DE land
I recently acquired a Gillette DE, about which I know nothing.
It has 9 numbered settings for blade exposure. The top butterflies open by rotating the bottom of the handle. To me, this implement appears to be closer to 50 years old than 100
From what I read here, the more space between the safety bar and the blade, the more 'agressive' the edge.
I've picked up the local rite-aid brand blades and am looking to give this baby a run.
My prefered wet shaving implement has been the str8 for the last couple rounds of being clean shaven.

Should I start out with a more agressive setting on the DE?
Or might I be satisfied with a 2 or a 3 on a scale of 9?

[DoubleE]

Thank you all!
I've gottens some great general wetshaving info here over the last few months, and now I'm taking a trip into DE land
I recently acquired a Gillette DE, about which I know nothing.
It has 9 numbered settings for blade exposure. The top butterflies open by rotating the bottom of the handle. To me, this implement appears to be closer to 50 years old than 100
From what I read here, the more space between the safety bar and the blade, the more 'agressive' the edge.
I've picked up the local rite-aid brand blades and am looking to give this baby a run.
My prefered wet shaving implement has been the str8 for the last couple rounds of being clean shaven.

Should I start out with a more agressive setting on the DE?
Or might I be satisfied with a 2 or a 3 on a scale of 9?

Noid182:

2 or 3 on the Gillette is a pretty tame setting but I would give a shot there and see how it works for you. My beard isn't particularly heavy and I use mine betwee 5 and 7 most of the time. Start low, you can always dial up. You'll be able to tell quickly if you're getting a good shave or not but you want to hone your technique first.

I would read some of the old threads and pick up some tips on using the double edge. Keys are maintaining around a 30 degree angle and don't apply pressure. Let the weight of the razor do the work.

Let us know how it works out for you and welcome to the forum!

Jerry

[Dick Danger]

I use mine set on 9, and I load it with these.