First DE Shave after 28 years.

[Fwapp]

Hi!

I've been wet shaving since I was 12, thanks to my Dad buying me a Wilkinson Sword cartridge razor when I started. Since then, I've mostly used Gillette (M3, then Fusion) with a minor dabble in electric. I've always had to be careful when shaving, as I don't have a tough growth of beard, and I'm prone to razor rash under my chin. It was only a couple of years ago that I started shaving every day (I'm 39), as before then, you didn't really notice. The only time I've not shaved for a week (on a 5 day mountain walk) I came back looking like the bottom half of my face was slightly out-of-focus, rather than a member of ZZ Top!

Anyhow, a couple of weeks back, having moved back to the M3 razor (It gives me a better shave than the fusion), I was looking for a cheaper supply of cartridges, and saw an article on DE shaving. The economy of it really did appeal, plus the fact that I'd end up with better quality skin was a plus.

So to cut a long story short (think - new shiny things - do research - evaluate soaps and razors, you know what I mean ) I shelled out £21 and received a Parker 89R, Derby blades and TOBS Sandlewood soap. I already have a bristle brush, but that might be relegated to my travel bag!

So last Saturday evening, I went for my first DE shave, and came out very impressed!

First off, I did a good ex-foliating in the shower, cleaning out my day old beard ready for the shave. Whilst showering, the new razor and my brush were sitting in a bowl of hot water.
Out the shower, and I start on making a lather up. Shook out the brush, and swirled it around on top of the soap, until it picked up what looked like enough soap. Moved to the now empty hot bowl, and started swirling, to build up a lather. Worked on this for a while, but I think I need more practise (hard water area) to get it peaky. Worked the lather into my beard for a good minute or so, noticing that none ran off my face, so good on that part.

Righty oh, then! I picked up the razor, held it as described in the articles, and trying to overcome the feeling I was about to lop my head off, I placed it gently to my face and started under my sideburns. The first thing I noticed is that you can really hear the stubble being cut and secondly, that there is no tugging on your facial hair! That is very nice!

The first pass was really about getting used to how the blade feels in my hand, and how it feels on my face. I had a feel after I finished, and noticed that the most prominent stubble was on my chin, and under it. But, I decided to do a second full pass, so went ahead on that. Feeling a little more confident (still had my head connected to my body, so all good so far!) I was a little more bold in using the razor. It was I was shaving under my chin that I got First Blood. A very small nick, with no pain at all. I should have stretched a bit better there.

I had a good feel around, and really should have stopped there, but spurred on by how smooth my cheeks and mouth were, I decided to try and get the same under my chin. I did achieve that, but at the expense of getting razor rash later on. I also got a few bumps to the side of my chin, which died down after a few hours.

Anyhow, when I finished, I cleaned my face with cold water, and applied a moisturiser. My face had never felt so smooth, clean, and apart from the mentioned rash and bumps, comfortable. My wife was really impressed, and thought it was well worth the effort, over normal cartridge.

So, I've learnt a lot from my first DE shave, and will carry on. I've found loads of tips since then, and will be doing more reading, and welcome any advice and suggestions you may have.

The one thing that I would say to anyone contemplating DE shaving is stop thinking and start doing!

[Zarba]

Hi!

I've been wet shaving since I was 12, thanks to my Dad buying me a Wilkinson Sword cartridge razor when I started. Since then, I've mostly used Gillette (M3, then Fusion) with a minor dabble in electric. I've always had to be careful when shaving, as I don't have a tough growth of beard, and I'm prone to razor rash under my chin. It was only a couple of years ago that I started shaving every day (I'm 39), as before then, you didn't really notice. The only time I've not shaved for a week (on a 5 day mountain walk) I came back looking like the bottom half of my face was slightly out-of-focus, rather than a member of ZZ Top!

Anyhow, a couple of weeks back, having moved back to the M3 razor (It gives me a better shave than the fusion), I was looking for a cheaper supply of cartridges, and saw an article on DE shaving. The economy of it really did appeal, plus the fact that I'd end up with better quality skin was a plus.

So to cut a long story short (think - new shiny things - do research - evaluate soaps and razors, you know what I mean ) I shelled out £21 and received a Parker 89R, Derby blades and TOBS Sandlewood soap. I already have a bristle brush, but that might be relegated to my travel bag!

So last Saturday evening, I went for my first DE shave, and came out very impressed!

First off, I did a good ex-foliating in the shower, cleaning out my day old beard ready for the shave. Whilst showering, the new razor and my brush were sitting in a bowl of hot water.
Out the shower, and I start on making a lather up. Shook out the brush, and swirled it around on top of the soap, until it picked up what looked like enough soap. Moved to the now empty hot bowl, and started swirling, to build up a lather. Worked on this for a while, but I think I need more practise (hard water area) to get it peaky. Worked the lather into my beard for a good minute or so, noticing that none ran off my face, so good on that part.

Righty oh, then! I picked up the razor, held it as described in the articles, and trying to overcome the feeling I was about to lop my head off, I placed it gently to my face and started under my sideburns. The first thing I noticed is that you can really hear the stubble being cut and secondly, that there is no tugging on your facial hair! That is very nice!

The first pass was really about getting used to how the blade feels in my hand, and how it feels on my face. I had a feel after I finished, and noticed that the most prominent stubble was on my chin, and under it. But, I decided to do a second full pass, so went ahead on that. Feeling a little more confident (still had my head connected to my body, so all good so far!) I was a little more bold in using the razor. It was I was shaving under my chin that I got First Blood. A very small nick, with no pain at all. I should have stretched a bit better there.

I had a good feel around, and really should have stopped there, but spurred on by how smooth my cheeks and mouth were, I decided to try and get the same under my chin. I did achieve that, but at the expense of getting razor rash later on. I also got a few bumps to the side of my chin, which died down after a few hours.

Anyhow, when I finished, I cleaned my face with cold water, and applied a moisturiser. My face had never felt so smooth, clean, and apart from the mentioned rash and bumps, comfortable. My wife was really impressed, and thought it was well worth the effort, over normal cartridge.

So, I've learnt a lot from my first DE shave, and will carry on. I've found loads of tips since then, and will be doing more reading, and welcome any advice and suggestions you may have.

The one thing that I would say to anyone contemplating DE shaving is stop thinking and start doing!

Welcome to B&B! You'll find lots of great advise and help on spending your money on shiny new toys!

I'll only add that you should try some Witch Hazel as well. It's a great toner, dirt cheap, and does wonders for razor burn. There's a good reason it's been used for over 100 years. It works.

[drews50]

Congrats on your first, in a long time, DE shave. And welcome to B & B. The shaves continue to get better. Enjoy.

[TinsleytheTerrible]

Welcome to the world of wet shaving, where shaving is no longer a chore and showering is just the thing you do to prep a shave!

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard, glad you joined us..

[ackvil]

Welcome to B&B and back to DE shaving.

[Optometrist]

The one thing that I would say to anyone contemplating DE shaving is stop thinking and start doing!

Welcome to B&B!

You couldn't be more right!

[Edward 1689er]

Welcome!

[Greyfox]

Welcome to B&B. ...and Congrats.

[mftoms59]

... It was I was shaving under my chin that I got First Blood. A very small nick, with no pain at all. I should have stretched a bit better there.

Correct, in addition to stretching with your free hand slightly lift chin facing forward when doing under the center of jaw, lift and turn the side being shaved toward the mirror.

I had a good feel around, and really should have stopped there, but spurred on by how smooth my cheeks and mouth were, I decided to try and get the same under my chin. I did achieve that, but at the expense of getting razor rash later on. I also got a few bumps to the side of my chin, which died down after a few hours.

How was your Razor Pressure, Pay Close ATTENTION to NOT applying PRESSURE, subconsciously most new shavers will apply MORE pressure trying to eliminate the stubble, BARELY HOLD THE RAZOR TO YOUR FACE keep the pressure MINIMAL. I would recommend only 3 pass shaves (WTG, WTG, XTG) for the first month while learning and improving Razor Technique.

Anyhow, when I finished, I cleaned my face with cold water, and applied a moisturiser. My face had never felt so smooth, clean, and apart from the mentioned rash and bumps, comfortable. My wife was really impressed, and thought it was well worth the effort, over normal cartridge.

I recommend using an Alum Block after the shave while cleaning your Equipment and sink ~5 minutes, then rinse off and apply your favorite scented splash.
The alum is a GREAT learning tool, a Pleasant Tingle where Proper Technique/ Angle/ Pressure was accomplished and an intense "HELLO" Tingle where you need to improve those skills.

So, I've learnt a lot from my first DE shave, and will carry on. I've found loads of tips since then, and will be doing more reading, and welcome any advice and suggestions you may have.

The one thing that I would say to anyone contemplating DE shaving is stop thinking and start doing!

What Hardware are you using; Razor, Brush, Blade, Welcome to B&B Great Members Offering Great Advice

[airmech]

Welcome aboard!!! Within this site you will find such a repository of knowledge that will never be able to use it all and the greatest people in the world!!!

[mattymatt]

Welcome to B&B! It is amazing how much my shaves have improved from the first try. It will only get better from here.

[Eric V]

Welcome to the B! Read, Learn, Shave, Share!

[mandoman]

Welcome to B&B

[Fwapp]

Guys, thank you for an awesome welcome!

Well, I'm sitting here in glowing satisfaction, fresh from my second DE shave (early start tomorrow).

I stuck to 2 passes this time, and I must admit that the second pass felt like it did little, although I feel pretty smooth. I did leave the patch under chin that was aggravated last time, to give it time to heal fully. I just need to take it easy until I get the hang fully. I paid more attention to reducing any potential pressure this time, and it seems to have paid off.

On the witch hazel suggestion, I wash my face of suds and then have a cold water wash to close the pores up. Do I use the witch hazel then? Sounds like it'd be a good idea in these early days, as is the alum.

[BlackBard]

Guys, thank you for an awesome welcome!

Well, I'm sitting here in glowing satisfaction, fresh from my second DE shave (early start tomorrow).

I stuck to 2 passes this time, and I must admit that the second pass felt like it did little, although I feel pretty smooth. I did leave the patch under chin that was aggravated last time, to give it time to heal fully. I just need to take it easy until I get the hang fully. I paid more attention to reducing any potential pressure this time, and it seems to have paid off.

On the witch hazel suggestion, I wash my face of suds and then have a cold water wash to close the pores up. Do I use the witch hazel then? Sounds like it'd be a good idea in these early days, as is the alum.

Welcome aboard B&B. Hope you enjoy the ride.

Looks like you are off to a good start. Practice and patience will pay off with better and better shaves.

As for the witch hazel, I use it as a splash, following a cold water rinse, after my face has dried. Then I let the WH dry and apply some after shave balm.