New to the DE and checkin' in

[MattK42]

Hey guys,
I just thought I'd post and say "hi." I'm new to the safety razor and thought I could use some advice to get better at using it. I got a Merkur classic and I've been using it for about a week. I have been using Taylor of Old Bond Street: Eton College shave cream. Does anyone else use TOBS that can give me a good idea on how to lather it well? Usually it ends up too thick, but today it seemed too light, as in too full of air.

I've been using the Merkur blade that came with the razor. It has been about a week, but I can still warrant using it because I am not entirely thick of beard yet (I'm 18.) Though, I also have a sample pack that I'm eager to crack into. I haven't nicked myself for several days (yay) but I haven't been getting particularly close shaves either; still getting the angle down and not fully gotten the hang of no pressure. But, then irritation shows up so I must be using some. The irritation has been centered mostly underneath my chin, an area I am having difficulty with, though I am getting better with that since the burn has been less and less each shave. Any advice on shaving the chin? I have issues with the whole chin area. I think I must have a strange shaped chin. I did better today with the no pressure, but it still wasn't my best shave using a DE thus far.

So, HI and thanks for any advice you can throw my way.

[luvmysuper]

Welcome to B&B, we are glad you are here. This is the right place to come to with questions.

Soak your brush for a few minutes, then give it a gentle squeeze to get rid of the excess water.
Swirl the brush on top of the soap for about 30 seconds, there's no need to mash it into the soap, the hairs will kind of collapse a bit as they load up with soap.

With a wet face, swirl the brush around on your cheek, chin and neck to distribute and lather the soap, then finish it up with a nice "painting" motion to distribute it evenly everywhere.

The brush should hold enough for several re-lathers.

Just make sure your face is wet when you lather up again.

[MattK42]

Oh, okay. Would you recommend face lathering with TOBS? I had started that way, but then switched to using a mug. I think the root of my problems is in my lather.

[Luc]

Welcome to B&B!

This should help: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index...ted_wetshaving

[akira7799]

Welcome to B&B!

[mblakele]

Welcome to B&B!

It's possible to face-lather TOBS: that's how I use the St James and the Avocado varieties. You could try it if you think it might help. It's also ok to lather without shaving, if you want to practice.

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Lathers might be helpful. There are some excellent tutorials, with pictures and step-by-step instructions.

[rm71]

Welcome.

[franstjohn]

Welcome to B&B!

Pay close attention to blade angle and no pressure at the chin area, go slow and use short strokes and make sure your first pass is WTG and you will do just fine. If you are having lather concerns, do a separate pass with fresh lather just in the trouble spots.

[Greyfox]

Welcome. Glad you joined us. Enjoy yourself here.

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B!

Pay close attention to blade angle and no pressure at the chin area, go slow and use short strokes and make sure your first pass is WTG and you will do just fine. If you are having lather concerns, do a separate pass with fresh lather just in the trouble spots.

Good advice. And here is a good post that will help you on blade angle.

[mretzloff]

Welcome to Badger & Blade!

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[MattK42]

Oooww, as I discovered today, the problem was the Merkur blade. Irritated myself pretty bad. But, I switch to a Derby and everything was better. Till I got too excited and nicked myself. Tomorrow will be a better shave and closer too, since my face was too sore from the Merkur blade to get enough passes.

[demaro]

Welcome to the group !!