Just Got Done With My First DE Shave

**happyshaves** · 03-04-2011, 04:12 PM

Hey guys, I just got done with my first DE shave, and I have to say I'm very happy about it.

I started off by taking a shower, then got a decent lather going. I wouldn't say it was perfect, but ok; I have used a mug & brush a few times before, but it's been a while. Then of course, I moistened my face a bit & applied the lather, which went on pretty nicely. After that, I got to work with the first pass. I don't think my angle was perfect all the time, and I may have gone a little fast, but all in all it was pretty good. I'm simply amazed that all it takes is one blade to get a smooth shave.. I would've torn my face to shreds had I used a single blade disposable/cartridge (could somebody explain what exactly the difference is??). I then did a second and third pass. When I did the "up" pass (shaving upwards), I had a little difficulty keeping the angle where I wanted it, but that wasn't bad either. I then rinsed my face & applied some aftershave.

This shave, while it wasn't perfect, is by far one of the smoothest, closest shaves I've ever had. I'm pretty sure with more experimentation to see what methods/products work best for me, I'll get even better shaves but I'm very happy with how this first shave went.

Best wishes everyone!

**Eric V** · 03-04-2011, 04:16 PM

This shave, while it wasn't perfect, is by far one of the smoothest, closest shaves I've ever had. I'm pretty sure with more experimentation to see what methods/products work best for me, I'll get even better shaves but I'm very happy with how this first shave went.

Bravo!

A single blade disposable razor has an inferior steel blade. From my readings, I believe they are just as sharp to begin with but degrade quickly. Like probably in the middle of the first shave. The weight of the DE razor itself helps with a better connection between blade and beard. You can feel it in your hand and on your face.

**Sledgehammer39** · 03-04-2011, 04:23 PM

Congrats on a job well done

**touchdowntodd** · 03-04-2011, 04:38 PM

congrats

**happyshaves** · 03-04-2011, 04:47 PM

Thanks guys. I was really impressed with how well it went for being my first time. This sort of experience really makes me want to shave daily, whereas I normally would shave a couple times a week at most because carts & disposables tore up my face; they're boring as can be to boot.

Thanks for the explanation. I wondered if there wasn't a blade quality difference. The weight difference I hadn't thought about, but I can see where it would make a difference because you wouldn't have to apply so much pressure.

Cheers!

**happyshaves** · 03-04-2011, 05:50 PM

I forgot to mention I'll have the DE my friend from work found for me tomorrow. She said she cleaned it up a bit and that it looks pretty decent. I'm really excited because she said it says Gillette on the bottom! From what I know and the description she gave, it sounds like it could be a Fatboy. She didn't remember the letter & number on it, so I'll have to wait to find out.. either way I'm excited, and for two bucks, there's really not much lost either way.

**BigFoot** · 03-04-2011, 06:02 PM

Originally Posted by happyshaves

I forgot to mention I'll have the DE my friend from work found for me tomorrow. She said she cleaned it up a bit and that it looks pretty decent. I'm really excited because she said it says Gillette on the bottom! From what I know and the description she gave, it sounds like it could be a Fatboy. She didn't remember the letter & number on it, so I'll have to wait to find out.. either way I'm excited, and for two bucks, there's really not much lost either way.

Congrats on that 1st shave. They just keep getting better and better. I wish you luck on that razor being a FatBoy.

**pal** · 03-04-2011, 06:12 PM

Good Show!

**DunEdinRanger** · 03-04-2011, 06:20 PM

Glad you enjoyed that first shave! It really does get better from here on out.

Did I miss what blade you used?

Any chance on photos being uploaded of that $2 razor?

**18pars** · 03-04-2011, 06:39 PM

It only gets better. Be careful it can be addicting.

**drews50** · 03-04-2011, 07:13 PM

Each shave just gets better. Enjoy

**rbnorman** · 03-04-2011, 07:18 PM

Originally Posted by Eric V

Bravo!

A single blade disposable razor has an inferior steel blade. From my readings, I believe they are just as sharp to begin with but degrade quickly. Like probably in the middle of the first shave. The weight of the DE razor itself helps with a better connection between blade and beard. You can feel it in your hand and on your face.

+1

**happyshaves** · 03-06-2011, 01:55 PM

Well fellas, unfortunately the razor isn't a Fat Boy. It is, however, a decent looking 1973 Gillette Superspeed Silver Tip. For two dollars, not a bad haul lol. Nothing amazing, but it seems like it should work well. I may not be able to get Barbicide and Scrubbing Bubbles for a little bit, poor college student that I am, but I'll try to post a pic or two once I get back to my dorm and have my laptop handy (I'm spending the evening at home). It's nothing astonishingly mint-looking, but I don't plan to sell it so it's no big deal to me.

**HarleyEnthusiast** · 03-06-2011, 02:14 PM

Congrats on the shave man, and the new/old razor.

**BlackBard** · 03-06-2011, 04:32 PM

Welcome aboard B&B. Hope you enjoy the ride. Keep the Gillette for a while. You might try it and like it. It could be the beginning of a whole collection.

**namonarpos** · 03-06-2011, 09:36 PM

Congrats on the great first shave! As a fellow "my first shave was amazing!" person, I've got to warn you - be as attentive to your next few shaves as you were for the first one. Rushing through a second shave after a great first one is a surefire way to get cut (speaking from experience here).

Good luck!

**happyshaves** · 03-07-2011, 05:57 PM

Namonarpos,

Very good advice, thank you. I think I did go a little faster than I should have on my second shave yesterday, which I had actually told myself not too, but I think I got a little cocky. Nothing worse than slightly irritated skin and a tiny cut or so, but still not great.

Thanks for all the kind comments gents!

**happyshaves** · 03-08-2011, 07:57 PM

An update and an answer to a question or two:

Things seem to be getting nicer and nicer bit by bit. Tonight was my fourth shave, and I really felt like I was enjoying the process. Sure, there were a few minor things that could have been better, but learning is part of the fun.

I think my ingrown hair issues (on my neck mostly) are going away, based on tonight's shave. It's so nice to be able to shave with little to no bleeding.

While I didn't think this hobby would be a life-changing experience, the further along I go, I think it is making a wonderful change in my life. I've been blessed to be a lot more aware of enjoying simple, quality things than a lot of guys in their late teens (for example: I love pipesmoking; not too common amongst nineteen-year-olds these days), but this has made me aware that something as everyday as shaving can, and should be an enjoyable experience. I have a feeling a lot of young people would benefit greatly from taking a little more time to enjoy these sorts of things, and life in general.

I'm really looking forward to trying more soaps, razors, blades (for my first and second shaves I used the blade that came with my Merkur; unfortunately, I forgot to bring the Feather blades I bought with me when I came back to my dorm this week, but I picked up some blades at Walmart which seem ok; thankfully, I'll be home this weekend, and will have a week's vacation to fit in some really nice shaves), brushes... ah shoot, another addictive hobby! At least I'll have a smooth face

Cheers!

**Laney1566** · 03-08-2011, 08:54 PM

A wet-shaver is born....
Have a cigar!!!!!

**The Count of Merkur Cristo** · 03-09-2011, 11:16 AM

happyshaves:
First of all, I think Congrats are in order on your first DE Shave.

It sounds like you are well on your way to (besides being enrolled in the fictional, sacred and utopian Order of Shavedom), excellence. As always, we're here to assist you in your DE experience.

Christopher

"A razor can't be sharpened on a piece of velvet." Anonymous