What a difference!!!

[phnotav]

I'm about a month into DE shaving and I thought I'd give a synopsis of my story so far..

Started off by buying an Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razor that came with 5 derby blades.
Using a cheap wilkinson sword brush, I made a lather using 'Taylor of Old Bond Street' sandalwood cream.
The result was messy and very very painful.
Rather than go back to electric shaving, I decided that this was a skill I WAS going to learn. I was determined to shave old school!

I bought, Proraso pre/post shave cream, and an alum bloc.

I trawled through these forums, trying to glean every bit of info I could, asked a few questions, but mostly read the excellent advice from you guys.

I learnt to map my hair growth, and figure out what WTG, ATG and XTG meant for me!
My technique got a little better, and I decided to try different blades. I decided on 'feathers', and whilst there was element of fear that these would completely slice my face off, I lathered up and began to shave.

These were a lot better than Derbys, but I was still getting a fairly bad shaving rash on my neck and jaw line. A few nicks here and there, but generally really good.

I bought Palmolive shaving cream and Nivea ASB.

It's worth noting, that I was shaving at night before bed becuase it gave me all night for my face to recover from any mistakes I was making. I learnt that when you guys say 'no pressure' you mean NO pressure!

I bought witchhazel solution and aloe vera gel.

I saw somewhere on here a recipe for homemade pre-shave oil, and decided to try that.

I bought almond oil, jojoba oil, grapeseed oil, tea tree oil and made up a brilliant pre-shave oil.

Although my shaves were getting better, I still knew I could get a less painful shave with my electric razor, but as I said - I was determined not to let this beat me, so I decided to change blades again.
I wasn't convinced about the difference blades made, but as you guys always say - YMMV.
I bought Astra Superior blades, and some Proraso sandalwood cream.

Aha! Now this is better!
The Astra blade, (although not as sharp as feather), seems to glide a lot better and didn't irrate my skin.
The proraso (sandalwod) cream is very good, and smells nice.
I'm still getting a slight red rash that goes away after a hour or so, along with some red spots.

I bought Tendskin solution.

This morning (yes, I shave in the morning now), was my third shave with the Astra blades.
here is my combo:

edwin jagger de89
Astra Superior blade
proraso sandalwood and shea butter cream
(homemade) pre-shave oil
cheapo wilkinsword brush
splash of witchhazel
small amount of aloe vera
either - a moisturiser or proraso pre/post shave cream

I'm actually quite chuffed with the shave I get now, and realised that I'm actually enjoying all of this!!

I still have some work to do on my technique, and I need to work on eliminating that rash I get, but I know I'll get it.

I suppose the next thing I need to buy is a decent badger hair brush, but for now the cheapo is doing a good job (I think). My reasoning to the wife about saving money is wearing a bit thin, seeing as I seem to be always buying something for my new 'hobby'.

Hopefully this can encourage anyone who is thinking about reverting back to the electric or mach3 - keep at it!! Don't let it beat you!

Also, I massive thankyou to all the contributers who give such excellent advice and information on these forums.

[Early8Q]

Nice report. I wonder if a softer brush might help reduce your burn somewhat? I am looking forward to trying out that new Proraso Sandalwood and an Astra as well. Keep on!

[warhawk]

Phnotav: Top of the morning 2 ya & welcome 2 B&B. Enjoy your DE journey. I know I am.

WARHAWK

[Sledgehammer39]

Sounds like things are coming together for you, congrats!

[SteveWY]

It will just get better and better from here on. Enjoy! Welcome to the B&B community!

[Snargle]

Excellent progress report...and welcome to B&B. Thanks for sharing the details of your journey. It will be a great help to other newbies seeking shaving Nirvana!

[Whilliam]

Super post. Thanks for all the great detail. Your shaves will just continue to get better and better.

[pipskicks]

"Astra Superior Blade" is funny, but it's actually "Astra Super Platinum" probably which differs from "Astra Stainless Steel" but I think the Superior Platinum is a tad better.

[eth]

"Astra Superior Blade" is funny, but it's actually "Astra Super Platinum" probably which differs from "Astra Stainless Steel" but I think the Superior Platinum is a tad better.

Since we are so corrective, it is appropriate to point out to you that the Astra family actually consists of Astra Superior Platinum and Astra Superior Stainless.

Astras are great blades, I need to try my SS some day.

[pipskicks]

Since we are so corrective, it is appropriate to point out to you that the Astra family actually consists of Astra Superior Platinum and Astra Superior Stainless.

Astras are great blades, I need to try my SS some day.

Lol at least I got the SS right, Superior blade is right though for me :)

I found the SS to be underwhelming, I grabbed a couple from a friend's sample pack and I think I like the SP better, but I think they could be almost interchangeable, except that the SP is around $9 on Amazon now and the SS is $15...

[syngent]

Great to hear things are working out well, and just think theres still so much to look forward ahead of you

welcome to B&B