Hello from Ontario, Canada!

**new936** · 05-16-2012, 10:14 AM

Welcome fellow Ontarian!

**linty1** · 05-17-2012, 03:23 PM

Just had my first DE shave! It went well, no nicks or cuts!! I did the four pass shave, but without the ATG bit (so three pass) It was hard sometimes getting the right angle going around jaw line and down the neck, I would feel it slide/skip over if it slid over the top. I realized it takes a bit of a shift in mindset, it's like the difference between a shower and a bath. Both get you to the same spot, it's just how you get there.

Questions: when I was done.. I rinsed the razor the best I could (still a bit of sludge underneath the blade) and put it on the counter to dry... is that ok? Or do you disassemble the head and wash it good and dry each part?

And how do you know when a blade has run it's course? A blade should last, I read, around 2-3 shaves... right?

Fun times!

**Carlo A** · 05-18-2012, 09:15 AM

Originally Posted by linty1

Just had my first DE shave! It went well, no nicks or cuts!! I did the four pass shave, but without the ATG bit (so three pass) It was hard sometimes getting the right angle going around jaw line and down the neck, I would feel it slide/skip over if it slid over the top. I realized it takes a bit of a shift in mindset, it's like the difference between a shower and a bath. Both get you to the same spot, it's just how you get there.

Questions: when I was done.. I rinsed the razor the best I could (still a bit of sludge underneath the blade) and put it on the counter to dry... is that ok? Or do you disassemble the head and wash it good and dry each part?

And how do you know when a blade has run it's course? A blade should last, I read, around 2-3 shaves... right?

Fun times!

Congrats on your successful first shave, Evan! The jawline and neck areas are the most sensitive to deal with - it's only a matter of time and practice before you excell in those areas.

Btw for me, I get easier, smoother, and problem free shaves if I wait 3 days for my stubble to grow. In contrast, if I shave every other day, I will almost always get weepers, irritation, and pimples. So if you get these problems, give your skin a few days to recover before returning - it might be the same for you. It isn't always about technique, prep, and lather quality.

In terms of rinsing the razor, I run hot water (fast stream) briefly all around the blade area. This dissolves the gunk well. Do not dissassemble it - no point in doing that. After i'm done rinsing it, I blow a bit of air (my breath) at the blade and the surrounding area - I find that I can remove alot of water that way. At the end, I lay my razor down on the shelf. I haven't had a problem so far.

Ok, to my knowledge, a blade's lifespan depends on many things such as stubble softness/thickness, blade/hair temperature, and blade quality. My blades usually serve me approximately 5-10 shaves (roughly). YMMV. You will eventually feel that the blade does not glide as it did when new. New symptoms may appear such as redness (rzr burn), irritation, more weepers and nicks, blade skipping. In a nutshell, it will loose sharpness and dull out, resulting in poor performance. Again, YMMV.

P.S.: Did you see the thread on my coat hanger brush holders?

Enjoy your future shaves and keep us posted with your feedback.
Cheers.

**linty1** · 05-20-2012, 09:14 AM

THanks Carlo, the astra sp blade was good, it worked for me and I'm almost hesitant to try any others... but I took apart the razor after 2 shaves and put in the derby. I'll use it probably tomorrow. I see astra blades come in boxes of 100... lol that's enough to last for almost 2 years! For the 12$ or so input, it sure beats the proglides, and even the mach 3 price wise.

Is there a corner of these forums where Mach 3 ppl still exist? I have some extra cartridges I won't be needing.

**Carlo A** · 05-20-2012, 10:40 AM

Originally Posted by linty1

THanks Carlo, the astra sp blade was good, it worked for me and I'm almost hesitant to try any others... but I took apart the razor after 2 shaves and put in the derby. I'll use it probably tomorrow. I see astra blades come in boxes of 100... lol that's enough to last for almost 2 years! For the 12$ or so input, it sure beats the proglides, and even the mach 3 price wise.

Is there a corner of these forums where Mach 3 ppl still exist? I have some extra cartridges I won't be needing.

Good for you, mate! I'm glad you're enjoying the Astra (kudos to Nova316). As time progresses, you'll know better what you like - I'm also still learning.
Be careful about ordering a large quantity of a certain brand: although Astra is good, other brands like feather, bluebird and 7o'clock can be better for you.
Kind members on B&B have warned me about not purchasing a large amount of a certain brand - instead, it is recommended to get a variety pack. That way, you won't be locked with one kind, and it's more fun to try out other brands.

In terms of a Mach 3/cartridge razor section on B&B, I don't know if there is one. You'd have to find out the long way and research it.

Cheers bud.

**Nova316** · 05-20-2012, 01:24 PM

Glad to see your working out well with the new DE razor,
Welcome over to the other side haha

Just keep searching for different brands of razors and keep trying it till you know for sure that they are your match. Razor blades also feel different in different razors I sent you the Astra cause they seem the most consistent in all my razors I use
I see that you got a brush and cream, your working your way up one step at a time

**Carlo A** · 05-20-2012, 02:25 PM

Originally Posted by Nova316

Glad to see your working out well with the new DE razor,
Welcome over to the other side haha

Just keep searching for different brands of razors and keep trying it till you know for sure that they are your match. Razor blades also feel different in different razors I sent you the Astra cause they seem the most consistent in all my razors I use
I see that you got a brush and cream, your working your way up one step at a time

Just curious, what razor did you give Linty1?

**Nova316** · 05-20-2012, 05:03 PM

I gave him a brand new L6
I think I primarily bought it to help someone along get into DE shaving a while back and this was better time than any
Just one of those razors that you see and work well and can easily help someone get on there feet
I PIF'ed all my other razors away pretty much down to 4 razors now and one SE
Tempted to get into straights tho haha

I know I have one more razor in my drawer somewhere that I can put into a surprise newbie PIF

**linty1** · 05-20-2012, 10:14 PM

Nova, pmed you.

**Carlo A** · 05-21-2012, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Nova316

I gave him a brand new L6
I think I primarily bought it to help someone along get into DE shaving a while back and this was better time than any
Just one of those razors that you see and work well and can easily help someone get on there feet
I PIF'ed all my other razors away pretty much down to 4 razors now and one SE
Tempted to get into straights tho haha

I know I have one more razor in my drawer somewhere that I can put into a surprise newbie PIF

I like the handle on the Lord L6 - a definitely good value razor. I shaved with an injector straight for more than a year - it was cool at first, but a safety razor is so much more convenient in terms of grip/storage/blade change. If you wanna get into str8s, i think it'll be worth it if you do the real thing (stropping/honing). Check out http://whippeddog.com/ for some refurbished razors (apparently some top quality service there).

**linty1** · 05-21-2012, 10:31 AM

Hey, tried the derby's today... seemed about the same in terms of amount of scrape/tug/pull, but I did notice I had to go over a spot on my cheek a few times. Oh and I got my first cut going atg under my nose. I actually didn't feel it when I did it... but after I rinsed and dried, I started to feel it sting, like a papercut. I will try and derby a few more times, as the "go over the spot a few times" thing might just be a technique issue. Oh and I found that instead of filling a mug and shaking my razor in that, if I filled the sink and shake it in that instead, it gets the gunk off better, as I can shake it further/with more vigor.

Carlo - I had a look at that whipped dog site... those are some nice prices! Cool for sure.

**Carlo A** · 05-22-2012, 03:57 PM

Originally Posted by linty1

Hey, tried the derby's today... seemed about the same in terms of amount of scrape/tug/pull, but I did notice I had to go over a spot on my cheek a few times. Oh and I got my first cut going atg under my nose. I actually didn't feel it when I did it... but after I rinsed and dried, I started to feel it sting, like a papercut. I will try and derby a few more times, as the "go over the spot a few times" thing might just be a technique issue. Oh and I found that instead of filling a mug and shaking my razor in that, if I filled the sink and shake it in that instead, it gets the gunk off better, as I can shake it further/with more vigor.

Carlo - I had a look at that whipped dog site... those are some nice prices! Cool for sure.

Hi Evan,
Keep using the astra and derby for a good while so you can get a more accurate analysis of performance. As far as I'm concerned, you're going along the right track - keep up the good work. Enjoy the long journey, and don't rush to the destination

, if you know what I mean.

Ya, whipped dog is known among us B&Bers - seems like a cool guy.

**linty1** · 05-26-2012, 07:16 PM

Hello, again, the shaving is still going great, I find I can go quicker now. I have a question, looking around the forums, when people say "more aggresive" does this mean closer shave with less passes? The Merkur Progress seems to be a popular one, although I have read there are issue with the head and blade lining up right. Does anybody know the dial/setting "equivalent" in a Lord l6 to a Merkur Progress? (and lower number means... more agressive? Or less aggressive?). Those custom Mergresses look sexy. I think I'm beginning to understand the "RAD" itch LOL. How do you guys fund your DE "hobby"?

Nova: did you get my package yet?

**linty1** · 05-28-2012, 05:58 PM

Oye... today was less sucessful. I got too cocky and went too fast and lopped off some lip.

**Carlo A** · 05-30-2012, 01:58 PM

Originally Posted by linty1

Oye... today was less sucessful. I got too cocky and went too fast and lopped off some lip.

Hi Evan,
I hope you didn't loose too much blood. You live, you learn - but be careful man.
I always have and will be treating the blade with respect (regarding its sharpness).

Here's something to cheer you up:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/81088-Post-your-shave-dens!?p=4164874#post4164874

My shave den is posted on page 148. The dens posted on that thread are a must to see - really impressive stuff on there.

Cheers.

**linty1** · 05-30-2012, 05:54 PM

@Carlo - wow... you have a huge collection of product! And is that the Merkur Futur I see there? What do you think of it? I was looking at that one and the Progress.

And you are right, I just went to quick that time, today I went slow and careful and got a great shave.

**Robert193** · 05-30-2012, 06:18 PM

Hello from Quebec...fendrihan's has great shaving products and excellent service..no association with company...

**Nova316** · 05-30-2012, 06:23 PM

Hey Linty
Thanks I got them today actually
Did you get my wonderful card full of blades? Haha

Hope shaving is doing well for you, seems like your progressing with AD quite well :)
I just got into straights.... shouldn't have lol

**bpire2002** · 05-30-2012, 06:29 PM

Welcome to bb

**linty1** · 05-30-2012, 07:12 PM

Originally Posted by Nova316

Hey Linty
Thanks I got them today actually
Did you get my wonderful card full of blades? Haha

Hope shaving is doing well for you, seems like your progressing with AD quite well :)
I just got into straights.... shouldn't have lol

Lol yes I got your package, it looks like it might have taken you a few hours just to take and affix all those blades one by one! Uh oh... what happened with you and the straight? Did you slice yourself?