First Week of DE Shaving

[DeusVult]

So, I've had 3 shaves with my Merkur 34C, with an Astra blade in place. I'm using Williams soap, and a decent boar brush from Parker. My very first shave with the DE was last Saturday. I had my morning shower, and then basically followed the steps in one of the shaving videos.

I had my soap, as I've had for a while, in a sort of rocks glass. I got a little glass bowl from the kitchen and after loading my brush, did the lather in the second bowl. It worked fairly well, but I know I need more practice. I had built lathers before, but not in a separate bowl. I had been doing it on top of my soap in the rocks glass.

The shave was acceptable. I'd say it took me about twice as long per pass as with a disposable. I relathered once and had a second pass. Both I did as I've done in the past with a disposable, some WTG, some ATG and some XTG. Not much ATG though, because I was afraid I'd slice off a piece of lunch meat. Some of my face was BBS, but most was just socially acceptable, or whatever. I can say that it was nearly as good as I ever did with the disposable.

I had one significant nick on my nostril. It happened because I wasn't paying attention and just kind of let the razor go a little limp in my hand while I was looking at the progress on the side of my face.

I had gotten some L'Occitane en Provence aftershave balm with my blade assortment, single serving:

http://usa.loccitane.com/FO/cade-aft...c=ProdCustLike

I did not like the scent at all, too feminine for me. Very disappointed I smeared that stuff on. It seemed too greasy as well.

My second shave on Monday, I had no nicks or any sort of bleeding, but I don't think I got quite as smooth. Under my chin/upper neck was the least close, but that's always been the case when I shave. My cheeks, and surprisingly, lower lip to over the chin, was almost BBS.

This time I had made my lather in a stainless steel "pretend" toy bowl that I stole from my girls. It's about the right size for this, but my lather was too loose, too sudsy looking. I think I had too much water. I need more work with this aspect. The shave was ok though, as I said. My Astra blade still very sharp. When I got done, I had a very respectable pile of stubble in my sink.

I picked up some Nivea sensitive skin aftershave balm. I'd used this stuff before, and I really like it. It's worth a try for anyone who's not used it.

Third shave was Wednesday. I went back to making my lather in my rocks glass, and got a little firmer lather. But, I really didn't have enough. I tried doing some face lathering, but didn't have great success with that. The shave turned out fine though, better than Monday's. I think my shaving technique is getting better, even if my lather is inconsistent.

I picked up some Aqua Velva and splashed that on afterwards. Pretty good burn on a couple of spots, but no lasting irritation. Liked the scent quite a bit. My dad, God rest his soul, used this and Skin Bracer, as well as Old Spice. He always used an electric razor though, after I was old enough to know anything. Anyway, it took me back.

Followed the AV with the Nivea again. This combination, I think, will work well for me. I do have issues in the winter with dry skin, so I'm hoping that the Nivea will do me some good.

Tomorrow will be shave #4. I am considering trying a new blade after using the Astra three times. I didn't get any tugging, pulling, scraping, or any bad feelings with the Astra. Anyone can give me a suggestion from my choices from my sampler:

[icedoverfire]

I would go with the 7 O'Clock Yellows (Gillettes). I've had good experiences with them, but YMMV. I would also keep an eye on how much water you're adding to your lather - too many bubbles usually means too much water.

- ice

[ackvil]

I would go with the Sharp and save the Yellow Gillettes and Feathers for last. I have not tried Treet blades yet so I won't comment.

One comment, however. As your technique improves you will find that blades that you thought were terrible suddenly become better. It's not the blade - it's how you are shaving. So don't fall into the trap that you have to try every single blade out there. The first thing you have to work on is your technique: building lather, preparation, blade angle, no pressure. Once you have mastered these, then blades can make a difference. However, a great blade in a shaver who doesn't have the skills won't result in a great shave.

[Luc]

Sharp or 7 o'clock are a very good choice.