Sticking with it, and getting better.

**Kenyth** · 07-27-2007, 09:43 AM

Well, I've pretty much been suffering from slight razor burn since I switched to DE. Every time I go for BBS, I get irritation along with it. When looking close in the mirror, you can actually see where you've removed some skin layers.

The passes and strokes I was doing with the M3 simply don't work for DE. The razor head is bigger and doesn't pivot. I'm having to alter the stroke patterns and really pay attention to the angle while doing the jawline/adams apple area. I can't get directly ATG on these areas, so I'm having to go diagonal.

I figured I'd have the finer points of this down by now. It's a little more challenging than I first thought.

**Prince** · 07-27-2007, 09:50 AM

What kind of razor are you using? Also, make sure not to push down like I always did with my M3. The 1st shave with my DE was horrible. I had red skin for a whole day and couldn't shave for 2.

I'm sure you know with a DE, it's about removing a little bit more hair with each pass.

**Leisureguy** · 07-27-2007, 09:55 AM

You're right: the pivot-head cartridge razor uses a totally different technique than the DE safety razor---and cartridge shavers have to unlearn quite a few habits (e.g., they are in the habit of applying more pressure than is wise with a DE safety razor). And, as you observe, you yourself have to maintain the proper blade angle: the only pivoting is done by your hand.

Another variable that cartridge shavers don't have to consider is the blade. There's a surprising difference between different brands of DE blades, and the recommended course is to get sampler packs of blades so you can try many different brands to see which one(s) will work for you. The "best" blade varies a lot from shaver to shaver, so trying the blades is the only way to go. I recommend that you get both these sampler packs so you can try the broadest range of brands possible:

In the US: here and here.
(In the UK: here.)

In addition, of course, there's the matter of practice, but by shaving daily and paying attention to what happens, along with judicious experimenting, you'll quickly improve.

**Kenyth** · 07-27-2007, 09:59 AM

Originally Posted by Prince

What kind of razor are you using? Also, make sure not to push down like I always did with my M3. The 1st shave with my DE was horrible. I had red skin for a whole day and couldn't shave for 2.

I'm sure you know with a DE, it's about removing a little bit more hair with each pass.

Oh yeah, I know. It's experimenting and trying to get the BBS that's doing it. At this point, I'm having to do four passes and some clean up to get there. Once I find the right angle and stroke direction for the various problem areas, I'll be set and can cut down on the unneccessary passes in certain areas.

To answer your question though, I'm using a Gilette Tech and Derby Blades.

**BroJohn** · 07-27-2007, 11:02 AM

...SNIP!! ...Every time I go for BBS, I get irritation along with it. When looking close in the mirror, you can actually see where you've removed some skin layers.

Kenyth --

It's very important that you do *not* go for a BBS shave. What is important, is that you adhere to good DE shaving practices and seek a comfortable shave. The BBS shave is just a natural outcome of doing all the different parts of a shave well.

-- John Gehman

**biomesh** · 07-27-2007, 11:03 AM

I wouldn't recommend for shooting for BBS everyday or at least wait until you have refined your technique.

I tried tried to get BBS everyday and ended up with irritated skin and razor burn. Save the BBS shaves for when you need them and you will enjoy your shave and results much more.

**Kenyth** · 07-27-2007, 11:32 AM

Ahhh, I'm getting a little overzealous you think?

**fritz** · 07-27-2007, 02:35 PM

Originally Posted by Kenyth

Ahhh, I'm getting a little overzealous you think?

Wellll, maybe a lot overzealous...

I can just repeat the advice from above (because it's the truth!): go first for a comfortable shave, then try to get a comfortable and presentable shave. The BBS will come by itself as a natural part of improving your technique.

One thing I hate to mention, but probably should, just to be sure you know it. Sometimes ex-cartridge shavers continue the bad habit of "overstroking"

, which is shaving over the same spot again and again, without benefit of more lather. It's a hard habit to break, but it's essential that you do. Once the lather comes off, don't shave that spot again until it has lather back on it. Either on the next pass, or sometimes you can just smear a little lather on it with your free hand and stroke again.

**Magnulus** · 07-27-2007, 06:01 PM

Don't go for an ultra close shave. Just do 3 passes to start out. Use a Derby blade and a nice easy razor like a Gillette Tech, Gillette Superspeed, etc. (a Merkur HD is also OK, but can be aggressive too). Eventually you'll get close and closer and it will come naturally in only a few passes. Maybe you'll try a different blade eventually like a Feather when your technique is up to it.

However, multi-blades do shave closer with less "effort" which is one of the reasons they caught on, but they don't work for everybody and have their own drawbacks: don't get unrealistic expectations. It is like comparing an old fashioned push mower with a modern riding mower and expecting the lawn mowing on the old mower to be effortless.