First DE shave & I'm hooked

**Chicago** · 07-20-2012, 02:00 PM

I sucked it up and did my weekly shaving ritual on Sunday, same as I always do...Trader Joe's Honey Mango Moisturizing Shave Cream (a step up from the Gillette can 'o blue goo I was using before), Gillette Fusion ProGlide cartridge, followed by a wash with Anthony Logistics Glycolic Facial Cleanser. Not the best regimen, but I figured it was as good as it was gonna get. On Wednesday, my neck was still burning and red...that was the last straw.

I hit Google, found this treasure trove of shaving-related info, and ordered an Edwin Jagger DE89L, an Omega 63171 badger brush, the Personna red 10-pack, and a tube of Prorasa Red. I realized I hadn't considered aftershave, so I scored up a bottle of Aubrey Organics bay rum aftershave while picking up a few things at Whole Foods. Then I came home, grabbed a bowl from the kitchen, and very nervously gave it a shot.

Holy crap, I'm sold. Went WTG only, two passes, applied no pressure, and absolutely loved it. Sure, my neck was a bit of a bloodbath, but not any worse than it always was with the Fusion ProGlide, or the Mach3 before that. I'm sure with a little practice (and a lot of styptic pencil), that'll get better. Also, the big difference is that, unlike with the cartridges, the burning went away after 5-10 minutes, and now I feel like a million bucks.

Did my first DE shave come out BBS (as you guys might say)? Not even close. But it came out reasonably close...I actually like the look (BBS makes me look like a 12-year-old), and might keep doing the two-pass WTG thing. I look groomed, I'm not in pain, it only took 4-5 minutes longer than cartridge shaving did, and as an added bonus, shaving with a real razor, and a brush, and splashing on some proper aftershave when you're done...it really makes you feel like a real man, doesn't it? Not a bad way to start the day.

My only problem now is figuring out what to do with a dozen Fusion ProGlide cartridges.

**Agravic** · 07-20-2012, 02:08 PM

Welcome friend!
The joys of wetshaving will continue to grow

. I have been using a DE89L as well, and am trying out different blades. It only gets better each day.
As others have said in the forums, keep practicing, and learn from the advice of others. My two cents - Alum is your friend...use it. You'll find you won't need a styptic as much, and any razor burn related phenomenon will quickly subside.
Watch carefully for signs of RAD....don't fight it. It's all good.

**rxonmymind** · 07-20-2012, 02:22 PM

Congrats! Looks like your off to a great start. It only gets better.
Cheers!

**Attila** · 07-20-2012, 02:31 PM

Hi Chicago, welcome to B&B! The biggest difference going from those cartridges to DE shaving is that you have to get used to using much less pressure. Almost none at all. You should be letting the razor's weight do virtually all of the work. I have the same razor and it is considered to be a mild one by most experts. So if your technique improves it should be very comfortable for your skin. Do some reading in the tutorials area by all means but the biggest thing is don't press down and take it slowly in the beginning. As your technique and skill improves the BBS will come in time. Don't rush it. For myself, I don't even shave ATG on the bottom half of my neck. only WTG. I do ATG on the upper half of my neck only. I have gotten to the point now where I can do XTG on my face and get a comfortable BBS shave most every time with no weepers. Good luck and enjoy!

**Timogen** · 07-20-2012, 03:20 PM

Welcome!

**NickCutlip** · 07-20-2012, 03:30 PM

Welcome to B&B !!

**Dennard** · 07-20-2012, 05:45 PM

Welcome to the forum!

**linty1** · 07-20-2012, 06:02 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**Klopstick** · 07-20-2012, 06:04 PM

And always remember, those extra few minutes shaving belong to *you*. Enjoy them, then bask in the pleasure of a good shave the rest of the day.

**Jordy** · 07-20-2012, 06:10 PM

Welcome to the world of DE shaving in time the Good BBS shaves will come, for now take you're time and learn you're hair growth thats the key to learning how to have a great shave well one of the keys and the right pressure and blade angle, well Im sure you will learn start slow and work you're way along to many years of smooth shaving.

**Sledgehammer39** · 07-20-2012, 06:12 PM

Welcome Aboard!

**huntingdan** · 07-20-2012, 08:02 PM

Welcome to B&B!

**Viseguy** · 07-20-2012, 09:03 PM

My face always used to hurt with Mach3. Real blades and razors are SO much better! Welcome to B&B.

**InfernoOrangeSS** · 07-20-2012, 09:18 PM

I had my first DE shave today as well. I can say I think I am going to like this as well. I am hoping with more and more practice I will get better.
Congrats from a fellow newbie!

**telephony** · 07-20-2012, 09:41 PM

Welcome Chicago!

Looks like you are off to a good start. Keep reading the threads here and practicing. I have been at it for almost two months and between practice and tips from fellow B&B members, been getting some mighty fine shaves! Bye Bye CAN!

I assume you are from Chicago??? If so, you really need to stop at one of the Merz locations and check out their large selection shaving gear. Not quite as good of a selection as Pasteur's in NY, but better than most everywhere in the country. I copied their information below.

Merz Apothecary
4716 N. Lincoln Avenue
Chicago, IL 60625
773.989.0900

Merz DowntownPalmer House Hilton
17 E. Monroe Street
Chicago, IL 60603
312.781.6900

Enjoy!

Tele

**Alucard73** · 07-20-2012, 11:47 PM

Welcome!

**Pipe Novelist** · 07-21-2012, 02:03 AM

Welcome to the boards!

I have been DE shaving for about a week and a half now, and I am totally loving it. As time goes on, razor angle, lack of pressure, blade and cream/soap preference are all things that will come known to you. I am by no means an expert, but I have been getting some great shaves with my DE and they aggravate my face a lot less than those cartridge blades. As everyone else has said, it only gets better from here.