Shaving daily or every other day irritation.

**Lokro** · 04-12-2010, 09:47 AM

I made the move to wet shaving with a safety razor about six months ago. I have read a ton on techniques and pretty sure I am close to having that part down. No pressure, 30° angle etc. I shave after I shower.

Now if I go 4 days to 7 days and shave I have no irritation and just love this style of shaving. When I have to shave daily or every other day, which I would prefer so I do not have so much stubble to almost looking like I'm starting to grow a beard, I get some major irritation and spots on my neck will bleed a little. This didn't happen back in the mach III days if I shaved every day. When I have to shave often I am not happy with the move to classic shaving.

Could it be technique issue? Should I try another brand of blades? I have only tried one so far. Since the cost of blades are reasonable I will change them about every third shave.

I'm currently using Taylor of Old Bond Street cream with a badger brush and a bowl. Merkur "Double-Edge" SS Platinum Blades (Only kind I have ever used). Merkur "Classic" Safety Razor 33C. I do think this could be a weak link I'm not sure. I didn't want to spend too much when I made the move for the off chance I didn't like it.

Would like to get some feedback on how to make this classic shaving enjoyable every day over waiting to shave so my face isn't so irritated. I tried to shave every day for two weeks to get my skin use to it with no luck.

**JaDo** · 04-12-2010, 09:56 AM

How many passes are you doing? Is your neck the only area that gets irritated when you shave daily/every other day?

You could try just doing WTG (with the grain) on your neck. However, the hair growth patterns on your neck could make it tricky to determine what is with the grain and what is against the grain. You could also put a little more time prepping your neck.

Hope some of this is helpful.

**Lokro** · 04-12-2010, 10:05 AM

Most irritation is in the neck. That is where I will bleed a little too. I normally do two passes WTG and two ATG. Going just WTG the shave is not very close at all.

**Stubblefield** · 04-12-2010, 10:09 AM

Originally Posted by Lokro

Could it be technique issue? Should I try another brand of blades? I have only tried one so far. Since the cost of blades are reasonable I will change them about every third shave.

I'm currently using Taylor of Old Bond Street cream with a badger brush and a bowl. Merkur "Double-Edge" SS Platinum Blades (Only kind I have ever used). Merkur "Classic" Safety Razor 33C. I do think this could be a weak link I'm not sure. I didn't want to spend too much when I made the move for the off chance I didn't like it.
.

Probably a little of both, to be honest. The technique will come with time, and if you take some time to experiment with blades you may find one that works a bit better for you. The only weak link in your setup might be the Merkur blade.

As you experiment, I would change only one variable at a time, and keep your current shave schedule, only adding shaving days once you are irritation free.

Hope this helps.

Dex

**Lokro** · 04-12-2010, 10:11 AM

Thanks Dex. I think the first thing different I will try will be some different blades and see if that doesn't help a bit.

**sodajerk** · 04-12-2010, 10:13 AM

Welcome!!

I have not used them, but many folks that have are not big on Merkur blades. My suggestion is to get some Derbys and Feathers. Use the Derbys first. The other thing I'll suggest is to find some Kiss My Face cream and try it. KMF is inexpensive and easily found in most cities.

What irritation I experienced was 99% due to my too dry lather. Water is important so make sure you've found your optimum amount. It might be more or less than you are using now - just try different amounts and see what happens. With my lather and touch right, I think I could shave all day without any irritation! I've stopped counting passes, anyway! ) Good luck!!!

**Lokro** · 04-12-2010, 10:17 AM

I was just going to ask for advice on what blades to try next and Feather was one brand I was looking at. Since the price of blades are not bad at all I will probalby pick up some Feather and Derby at the same time to give them a good use and see how things go.

The place I have been buying my stuff from online only carries Feather but not Derby. Anyone have some links to a place that sells Derby?

**brentaar** · 04-12-2010, 10:39 AM

What is your shave routine?
Do you use an Alum block?
Do you use any sort of shave oil?
...Aftershave?

**Permit** · 04-12-2010, 10:55 AM

I get irritation when I shave ATG two days in a row and therefore I shave every other day instead. I had this problem with my cartridge razor (and my electric wet shaver) as well..

However, last week I tried shaving three days in a row, which worked (no ATG on the middle day, normal shave on the third. I seem to have the same problem as OP when my beard is short). Next week I will try again and then I will try ATG on the second day. I use Feathers and I strongly believe that they might be the reason why I was able to pull off three days in a row without any noticeable irritation.

**Uncle Erik** · 04-12-2010, 12:56 PM

I've never been crazy about Merkur blades. YMMV, of course, but you owe it to yourself to try a sampler pack. You might also think about trying an adjustable razor.

**Lokro** · 04-19-2010, 04:56 PM

I wanted to give an update for anyone that may have the same problem and find this thread. I got my order of feather and derby blades two days ago. I tried the feather blades first with some back to back shaving. Was some mild irriation but nothing like the Merkur blades. Now that I have something to compare it was like the Merkur were pulling the hair out of my face and these feathers are cutting it. I have a good feeling once I give my face time to adjust to the new blades I will have little to no irriation. After a month I will probably give the derby blades a try. I am hoping for good results from the derby blades too, I really like the price of those blades!

**DougK** · 04-19-2010, 05:08 PM

Good move trying a different blade. I didn't have much luck with Merkurs myself; things got a lot better when I switched to Personnas and then improved again when I switched to Feathers. It sounds like you have your angle down but I also noticed that you said:

Originally Posted by Lokro

Most irritation is in the neck. That is where I will bleed a little too. I normally do two passes WTG and two ATG. Going just WTG the shave is not very close at all.

May I suggest a single WTG pass, followed by an XTG pass and then one ATG pass? This might help you get a closer shave while decreasing the irritation, especially when going ATG, which can be rough on your face if you overdo it.

**Wheater** · 04-21-2010, 04:38 AM

May I suggest a single WTG pass, followed by an XTG pass and then one ATG pass? This might help you get a closer shave while decreasing the irritation, especially when going ATG, which can be rough on your face if you overdo it.[/QUOTE]

I agree with Doug. When I want a really close shave I do WTG, XTG, and then ATG. In recent days, however, I have been doing WTG, WTG, and XTG (mostly South to North) on my neck. This still gives me better than a DFS on my neck without as much irritation.

Best of luck in finding what works for you.

**Seraphim** · 04-21-2010, 08:13 AM

The Merkurs were super-rough for me too. I went to Feathers, and it was worlds better.

stubble trouble · 04-22-2010, 05:01 AM

I was just reading this thread b/c I have the same problem. It was like if I had some solid growth, my shave was different (less irritating) than if it was just light daily stubble. Anyway, my blade sampler came yesterday from WCS along with my Alum Block. Getting ready to give it a go with the Derby's. One other thing I have added is a gentle pre-shave application of baby oil (x 1) to optimize moisture/lubrication under my Col Conk's. Guess I can use the Merkur blades for minor surgical procedures around the house if that proves to be the main culprit.

cheers,
Scott