First DE shave- I didn't like that...

**SaveFerris** · 01-22-2007, 06:20 PM

So I got my blades in today and gave my DE a try.

First impression- give my the mach 3 back. I didn't enjoy that at all.

I don't really know what to say... I cut myself more than with the mach 3, my face burns even after my aftershave(that doesnt happen often). Even with a few passes it didn't get me as smooth as 1 pass with the m3. It just seemed like a big pain in the rear, rather than the enjoyable Zen-like shave you guys have talked about.

I'm gonna work with it for a while to see if I get better with it, which I imagine/hope I will... But in all honesty that was a horrible first impression.

**Scotto** · 01-22-2007, 06:25 PM

Kevin, learning to shave with a DE takes a bit of time and practice if you are used to a cartridge razor. A couple of thoughts:

Prep, prep, prep. Nothing is more important. You might want to post your details so we can help out here.

Angle, angle, angle. Practice shaving a bit of the hair on your arm to see what the best angle is. Keep the handle of the razor as horizontal as you can get it. Otherwise you are just scraping your face.

No pressure. take your time, let the razor do the work, and practice reducing the stubble over a few passes.

Start with a N-S pass or two and leave it at that. You won't have a great shave at first, but it will give your face a chance to get used to the new regimen without suffering through razor burn.

Last, and most important, ask questions!!

**Leisureguy** · 01-22-2007, 06:26 PM

The first shave can be a bit rough, it's true. Here are the things to watch/change:

a. Try another blade. Either another from the pack, or (if that doesn't work) another make. Guys have very different reactions to different makes of blades.

b. Make sure your prep is good and your beard is fully wet, with a lather that's thick enough. (Sometimes not enough shaving cream isn't used---experiment.)

c. The usual problems are too much pressure and too steep a blade angle. You want very light pressure---just the weight of the razor---and the blade should be almost parallel to the skin, so that it cuts the stubble at almost a right angle. Obviously, as you skin curves this way and that (under the chin, down the neck, etc.), the angle the razor must take to keep the blade close to parallel to the skin being shaved will change. But keep a light touch.

Don't despair. At least, not yet. Give a few days, and pay attention to how it works.

**SaveFerris** · 01-22-2007, 06:53 PM

Hey guys, thanks for the tips.

I definitely plan on trying a blade different than the merkur next time, probably the Israelis.

I'll also definitely practice a bit with the angle as well.

As far as my prep goes... I got in the shower before shaving and tried the conditioner thing. After washing the conditioner off I just let the water get really hot, about as hot as I can stand and just ran my face back and forth in it. Got out right after that and didnt dry my face. I whipped up some Proraso green. I'm pretty sure I got a decent lather with it. The other day when I went by the Target to get some Proraso, I got home and wanted to try whipping some up for the fun of it, so I did. I thought it looked a bit "soupy" as I've heard it referred to as. So today I made sure to really whip it up good for like a minute straight and it looked much better, real creamy.

I rubbed that in good and shaved with the grain the best I could. I did that twice, then did an across the grain. Called it quits after that.

**Mottern Man** · 01-22-2007, 07:06 PM

Try taking the conditioner away (conditioner makes hair stronger IMHO) and just go With The Grain. It may help.

**Bahamianlvr** · 01-22-2007, 07:18 PM

I'm still new to this as well and my experience has been nothing but pleasurable. What I found that worked for me was a glycerine preshave followed by a full lather, putting a hot towel on my face for ~5 min, lathering again and then shaving. Also, I am still only going N-S and plan on doing that for at at least another two weeks to make sure my face gets used to the new method. This is the first time I am using a blade on my face as well. I hope it works out for you.

**vespergo** · 01-22-2007, 10:25 PM

it sounds like you're pushing the blade in too much. light touch and proper angle should get you much closer to that zen experience.

**chop-chop** · 01-22-2007, 10:50 PM

SaveFerris,

The water in the shower that was "as hot as you could stand it" water, combined with the menthol in the Proraso Green may have been over-kill for your face... especially if your have sensitive skin to begin with. Try just washing your face as you normally would, and see if that makes a difference.

With every shave you'll make improvements in your technique, and you'll be more relaxed about it. This can be a very pleasant experience, if you allow it to be that way. "Don't Worry... Be Happy!"

chop-chop

**SaveFerris** · 01-23-2007, 05:21 AM

chop chop, with my mach3, it was always my standard procedure to let some REALLY hot water run over it for a while. That seemed to really soften it up.

There was a big difference for me when I shaved with the mach3 when I would just wash my face in the sink and when I'd let the hot hot shower water run over it.

Still think that's over kill though?

**Tinzien** · 01-23-2007, 06:35 AM

Originally Posted by vespergo

it sounds like you're pushing the blade in too much. light touch and proper angle should get you much closer to that zen experience.

+1

This happened to me when I started using a DE (a Merkur HD) after years of using a commercial cartridge razor. Once I learned to lighten up and just let the weight of the razor do the work I was pretty much golden.

My first shaves were "eh" in quality but after two weeks I was getting near BBS to BBS shaves with a minimum of fuss.

**redbike** · 01-23-2007, 06:40 AM

Originally Posted by SaveFerris

Hey guys, thanks for the tips.

I definitely plan on trying a blade different than the merkur next time, probably the Israelis.

It's definitely worth experimenting with different blades. I started with the sampler pack offered here by letterk, and it was very helpful to be able to identify which blades worked for me. It sounds like the Merkur didn't work for you, though blade angle and prep are also strong possibilities as problem areas. I started with the Swedish Gillette blade and it continues to be my favorite - it gives me very comfortable and very close shaves. IMHO it is a great starter blade.

The advice you received earlier about lowering your expectations initially and focusing on technique is something we all went by until things clicked. It'll happen for you too.

Good luck; don't give up yet.

jim

**chop-chop** · 01-23-2007, 07:07 AM

Kevin,

Whenever things don't work for me, I try to look at everything that I'm doing that maybe be preventing me from being successful... no matter what it is that I happen to be doing. Here, we're talking about shaving with a DE blade.

The Gillette Mach3 razor is a very forgiving razor. The head is moveable, so even if the person shaving has poor technique (angle), it will still yield a decent shave, because the M3 is compensating for having a poor shaving angle. So, when we cut ourselves with an M3, we must really be way off the mark... or, the blades are dull... or, both.

Why did I change from the M3, and start DE shaving? 1) To avoid the cost of replacement blades. 2) To avoid the negative aspect of M3 blades... for me, it was ingrown hairs... particularly on my neck. 3) Because I learned to shave with a DE razor... so, returning to my shaving "roots" was comforting.

Were my first DE shaves BBS? Heck no! Were they horrible? Again, no.

What's the biggest realization that I've had since coming back to DE shaving? I needed an adjustable blade razor to meet my shaving needs. With a fixed head DE razor, the "setting" is what it is, and it's too open for me. I have fairly sensitive skin, and what I consider to be a fairly light beard.

What was the last DE razor that I used prior to getting sucked into the marketing hype of multi-blade razors? A Gillette adjustable razor. So, here I am... back to my roots!

All I'm trying to say here is that you ultimately have to find what works for you. We're all merely offering suggested to help you to achieve your goal of BBS shaves. Keep in mind that "Practice does not make perfect... practice makes permanent."

Just keep at it, and I'm sure you'll get there, Kevin!

Cheers!

chop-chop

**jbc** · 01-23-2007, 07:21 AM

Came to DE for similar reasons with some minor differences. The cartridge shavers were what got the whole irritation and cutting started. They were harder on me then the DE has ever been. Also i look at it this was DE blades are actually a lot more common then cartrige ones are and you don't need to be concerned if you have the right make and model. Any make and model will do.

I was on a cruise last year

(was still with the electrics at the time - big mistake

) I noticed that the DE blades were always around lurking in the background while the cartridges were sort of hit more miss. In a central american port of call all they had was the DE blades, cartridges were no where to be found. Tells you something about DE blades when you travel expecially outside the US.

**doctorsimon** · 01-23-2007, 02:35 PM

I'd suggest you start your DE experience simply.

Simple shower followed by a single with the grain pass to get used to the angle/pressure/lathering thing. Get used to it for a few days.

Then start to add a second pass. A third pass. Different prep techniques. Different creams or soaps. Different blades. Different handles. Trial each one at a time.

For sure when I started the shaves were problematic. I frequently cut myself. I had irritation when I shaved too close or in the wrong direction.

I've not found conditioner on the face to help. I don't remember it causing problems but every memorably great shave did not involve conditioner.

Now though I get great close shaves every time. I don't make foolish accidents. My skin looks and feels so much better too.

Good luck.

**freebird** · 01-23-2007, 06:07 PM

I agree, give the DE time, it's an art, but one that's worth perfecting. The right amount of prep, a light touch and the right shaving angle makes all the difference in the world.

I also started shaving with a DE Gillette and have went to the Mach3. I bought my last M3 blades a couple of months ago, and thought I'd return to DE life, but couldn't find the blades locally(I live in the sticks). So, I'm having a couple of Straights honed (a dubl duck satinedge and a geo wostenholm IXL with horn scales). Where do you guys find DE blades? I know Wal-Mart here has quit carrying the DE blades and also Mug Soap, unless the soap is part of a gift set at Christmas. Suggestions on other stores (K-Mart, Target etc) where I might find them?

**BroJohn** · 01-23-2007, 07:16 PM

DE blades are commonly available in the drugstores (CVS, Walgreens, Rite-Aid, etc) and may be their 'house' brand. In any case, all these house brand blades are made by ASR - American Safety Razor and are unbranded Personnas. They are decent, but they are not quite as good as the Israeli Personnas available via eBay. Also, eBay is the common source for the Derby-Extra, a Turkish made blade that is highly regarded. Check the 'shopping' forum here at B&B. Also, B&B'er letterK provides blade 'sampler packs' and you should acquire one to try the various blades. HTH.

-- John Gehman

**jbc** · 01-24-2007, 06:38 AM

But the first time out of the gate is probably the hardest of all of the times. My first time I turned myself into swiss cheese until forum members read me the riot act and got me on the right path. Now its all smiles and roses. Keep with it, there is an old saying that goes "Nothing good comes easy, nothing easy is good."

**htownmmm** · 01-24-2007, 10:10 AM

1 blade, 1 cream/soap, 1 brush, and 1 month is needed when starting the DE journey. By keeping constant with what you are using, you will be able to learn and notice the improvement in your technique-or lack thereof.

You have been shaving with an M3 for years and it will take some time to 'unlearn' the bad form you were getting away with. Patience is needed(as chop chop pointed out) and will be rewarded. hang in there!

Marty

**SaveFerris** · 01-24-2007, 08:22 PM

Had my 2nd shave tonight... Tried to keep some of the tips in mind. I forced myself to not do any against or with the grain passes. I have less cuts/irritation, and possibly the least close shave I've had ever.

I'm just not getting something... there is absolutely no way hair on my face gets cut when I only use the weight of the razor. I have to push down some to get a shave.

And don't even get me started on blade angle, I have no clue on that. I tried to get a 'steep' angle, but whenever I'd try that, I'd just be whiping off shaving cream.

I don't think I like where this is heading but I'm gonna stick with it for atleast a month or 2.

**SalvadorMontenegro** · 01-25-2007, 12:42 AM

I don't think you can expect an extremely close shave in one pass; I know I don't get one. But since you're still learning and since you don't want to slice up your face, right now it may be best to deal with the one pass and more stubble than you're used to.

When I started, I had similar problems. The concept of multiple passes was completely foreign to me. I assumed I was supposed to get a bbs shave with one pass with the grain. After a week or so of that not happening, I thought, "WTF, I might as well go back to the disposables." It wasn't until I found this place several months ago that I discovered the finer points of shaving with a DE.

I'm still very much a beginner. It takes practice and patience, I think.