First DE shave

**RJ2k12** · 05-15-2012, 04:14 AM

Just tried out my first DE razor, a cheap Timor twist to open type. Obviously my technique will will need working on, but it was one of the worst shaves I have ever had (in the best part of 30years). I tried to vary the angle slightly from the recommended 30 degrees, but even after 4 passes it was very far from a close shave.

I got no nicks or cuts, but it just didn't seem able to shave close. I didn't want to try further passes or apply too much pressure as it felt like the skin was getting sore. Out with my usual Gillette multiblade cartridge which finished off to a nice clean smooth shave.

As it's the first pack I've bought, came with Mitchells shaving soap, pack of Lord and a pack Personna Platinum blades, I tried both but didn't improve the shave.

I already have an Edwin Jagger DE89 on order, so I may wait until this arrives before trying again.

Any advice is appreciated.

**Sledgehammer39** · 05-15-2012, 04:19 AM

Welcome Aboard! Checkout Mantic59 on youtube, he has great tutorials on the DE shave.

**Artistik** · 05-15-2012, 04:27 AM

Welcome to B&B!

**NickCutlip** · 05-15-2012, 07:08 AM

Welcome to B&B !!

**mblakele** · 05-15-2012, 08:43 AM

Welcome to B&B!

Take a look at Getting_started_wetshaving on the wiki, and watch some mantic videos at http://youtube.com/user/mantic59.

**echotron** · 05-15-2012, 08:55 AM

Originally Posted by RJ2k12

Just tried out my first DE razor, ..... was one of the worst shaves I have ever had.

GREAT! Now the only way is UP!

First, Welcome to B&B and the Wonderful World of Wet Shaving!

I started using DE & SE razors about 1 year ago after almost 40 years of shaving! So we have something in common - like a lot of us here have - in that we all were newbies in the Wet Shaving World!

You have already overcome the biggest hurdle - the first DE/SE shave! Putting that metal to skin for the first time can bring a little anxiety, right?

Now with all that said, all you have to do is keep on shaving with your Timor until the great DE89 arrives ... watch mantic's videos on youtube and relax & enjoy your shaves!

Experience makes the world of difference ... in a few weeks, you will be wondering why you waited so long to go DE/SE shaving!

The SECRET is to keep on wet shaving ... and keep the Positive Attitude going!

Wish you the best!

**rebos** · 05-15-2012, 01:02 PM

helpful info on blade angle here: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...lp-for-newbies

Welcome Aboard.

**warhawk** · 05-15-2012, 03:07 PM

Hi RJ: Welcome 2 B&B. Glad that ya joined us. U are gonna love your EJ razor. Keep us posted.

WARHAWK

**Oblique Human** · 05-15-2012, 03:48 PM

Welcome to B&B!

First shaves are seldom remarkable. Stick with the new regimen, it will get better. Your blades are fine, Timor is not an awful razor but these considerably more affordable razors are best tackled with a bit of experience under the belt. The EJ89 you're awaiting delivery on is considered a good beginner razor.. Remember not to apply any excessive pressure, just let the razor glide over your skin under its own weight.

**RJ2k12** · 05-21-2012, 11:15 AM

Few days with my DE89, it's a definite improvement over the Timor. Still not a great shave but better. Seems like the Lord blades are far better than the Derby blades. Finally got a shave where I didn't have to finish off with the Gillette cartridge razor, not quite a good as it could be but just about good enough.

I have found that using either the Mitchells shaving soap or the Edwin Jagger natural shaving soap always seems to leave the skin slightly sore, even though they produce a pretty good lather/foam. I've tried this morning with my usual canned Gillete shaving gel and got my best DE shave yet with no nicks, cuts or soreness. I might stick with the gel foam for now as it's giving me a far more comfortable shave.

**Rjacklin** · 05-21-2012, 11:23 AM

My guess is that you are not properly lathering the soaps that you are using. Being a newer member to this community I can recommend that you work on your lathering technique and make sure that you have enough water and soap to give your lather a nice slick base. Also, hold your razor at the bottom like you are throwing a dart and let it do all of the work. Continue to practice and it will get better. The hair on my face is like wire and my Slim, some Razorock, and a Astra cut through it like nothing. Make sure you are also using a good brush and really work the lather into your face to lift the hair and soften the beard. Welcome!

**mandoman** · 05-21-2012, 11:25 AM

congrats and Welcome to B&B

**Prof. Moriarty** · 05-21-2012, 11:28 AM

Welcome to B&B

**linty1** · 05-21-2012, 12:06 PM

Hi and welcome to the forums!

**Threeme2189** · 05-21-2012, 12:36 PM

Welcome to the forums!
If you are getting worse shaves with the soap than from the canned stuff I think your lather is just a bit too dry, or maybe too foamy.
How does it look? Is it bubbly and frothy, or dense? Does it have a nice sheen to it?
Most agree that a good lather should have very tiny bubbles, and look like a good meringue or whipped cream, and have a nice shine to it.
Can you maybe post a pic of the finished product?

**RJ2k12** · 05-21-2012, 01:30 PM

Thanks for the replies.
The soap seems to make a nice dense foam similar to what I've seen in the various videos on youtube, but just doesn't seem to lubricate as well. I do try to re-apply and not let it dry out.
This is the brush I use http://www.connaughtshaving.com/omega40.html

**eizan70** · 05-21-2012, 01:48 PM

Welcome to B&B

Can you outline your shaving routine for us? Pre shave as well as post shave can make a big difference in how your shave goes. Pre can make the upcoming shave much better. Post can assist in the healing and getting you more prepared for the next days shave.

**Whilliam** · 05-22-2012, 01:45 AM

Welcome to B&B. Enjoy the company. Enjoy the shaves!

**RJ2k12** · 05-22-2012, 01:10 PM

I don't have too much of a routine, I usually fill the bowl with hot water and leave the soap soak in it while I shower. I use the brush for a couple of minutes to make a thick lather with the soap, which I then work into the face. I don't have the time or will to spend all morning on preparation, pre or post, just want a nice clean shave!

**eizan70** · 05-22-2012, 04:29 PM

Anything you are able to do to soften and hydrate your beard will improve the shave regardless of razor DE or cartridge. If you cannot spare any time in prep. Try applying hair conditioner or a preshave oil in the shower and let soak in while shower, takes a couple seconds. Leave it on and apply shaving soap/cream right over. It may help a little, this in combination with the other recommendations regarding blades, razors and techniques may improve our experience.