My first shave with a DE razor

[oldspice]

I just used a DE razor for the first time and I had trouble finding the correct angle to hold it at.

I got a small cut on my chin and some irritation on my neck. I was holding the razor with hardly any pressure at all. Maybe I was rushing the shave, I don't know.

I used a brand new Derby extra blade and a brush and Proraso.


How can I improve my shaves with the DE razor.

I hope it gets better

[AJP]

Not wanting to teach you to suck eggs, especially as what do i know? I'm as much of a newbie

The best advice i can pass on at the moment? Go onto youtube, search "Mantic59" and work your way through his video tutorials! If a picture paints a thousand words....his videos paint a million!

Then the guys here will be able to give you other pointers!

Cheers
Tony

[Pumpkin]

There's a very useful thread here by doesnotcompute that might help you visualise the angles a bit better.

Lots of us have had problems with the neck...it's often an issue with grain direction.

You only need to start worrying about the cuts if they don't stop with a styptic!

[saltypete]

Good advice given above. If I may add something, it would be practice, practice , practice. Did I mention practice?.
You won't get a great shave first up but if you follow the advice given here and keep at it, the results will come, guaranteed.

Pete

[Mark T]

Welcome to B&B. It takes a few shaves before you get the angle that works best for you. It took me about two weeks to get a BBS shave. I haven't nicked my head or face in a long time. Go slow, enjoy yourself. Watch the Mantic59 videos too.

[DESkydiver]

Also a N00B to B&B and to DE razors. I too had issues with angles… I had heard you place the razor perpendicular to the face, with the top resting on your face and the handle 90 degrees from your face, then rotate down until you feel the blade begin to catch. Then I also heard you hold the razor parallel to your face and rotate up until you feel the blade begin to catch. This last tip was more problematic for me as I received more nicks. After watching the videos already mentioned and some more practice I finally got the angle that works for me after about a week.

I keep reading advice to be patient, take it slow and easy, buy quality products… the list goes on, and if you are impatient, it can become a bit expensive both in facial hardships and out-of-pocket.