My First DE Shave In Many Years

[Shave Cat]

The DE I purchased through eBay arrived yesterday. I tried a DE many years ago, during my duty in the Navy, but don't remember much about it (the razor, not the Navy). I carefully opened the package to reveal a 1969 vintage Gillette Tech that was obviously well taken care of. A little cleaning with toothpaste and some Flitz metal polish had it looking like new! The handle is aluminum, so the razor isn't all that heavy. Also, the handle isn't knurled in the same fashion as in the photos I've seen. The knurling sort of spirals around the handle in bands.

This morning I popped in a Dollar General Israeli blade and tried 'er out. I finished my shower and lathered up using my Van Der Hagen soap and brush. After allowing the lather to soak in, I put the Tech to my cheek and began a downward stroke, nice and slow. I could hear the razor cutting, but felt no friction. Simply put, I got a good shave without even one knick. I probably need to work on my technique, primarily the blade angle. Although my cheeks were shaved smooth, a little stubble remained on my neck. I don't think it's matter of the razor being too mild or the blade not being sharp enough. Hey! It's my first DE shave in a long time!

I'll be glad to ditch those expensive proprietary cartridges. I can hardly wait to shave again in the morning!

-Clarke

[bjrn]

Congratulations! Sounds like you had a nice shave. Just keep it up, and I'm sure the remains of stubble will soon dissapear from your neck as well. :)

[mantic]

--Mark

[Limey]

Clarke - great first shave and nice razor description!

[indykramer]

Congrats Clarke. You gotta love that Van Der Hagen soap. The best deal in wet shaving available at wal mart.

[RoadKing99]

"...need to work on my technique, primarily the blade angle."
____________________________

Sounds as if you are well on your way.

I too have recently returned to DE. With the flexing cartridges I wasn't much concerned about the blade angle, but with the DE it seems to be what it's all about.

For each changing facial contour you want to determine an optimum angle for the razor. Once that angle is set, I lock my wrist and use short linear motions until that area is shaved. Then move on to the next curved spot and repeat. Light strokes work well for the most part, with carefully applied heavier strokes where needed to get down deeper.

All this is somewhat slower than with the fewer long strokes when using cartridges, but I get better shaves and much more satisfaction from the skill.

[Kyle]

Very cool, and welcome back to wet shaving.

[Shave Cat]

Just thought I'd show exactly what my Tech's handle looks like. I know it doesn't look it, but it's shiny (I promise.).

[ZethLent]

Great to hear your story. I wish you success with everything.

Welcome to B&B

[Ecuador Jim]

The DE I purchased through eBay arrived yesterday. I tried a DE many years ago, during my duty in the Navy, but don't remember much about it (the razor, not the Navy). I carefully opened the package to reveal a 1969 vintage Gillette Tech that was obviously well taken care of. A little cleaning with toothpaste and some Flitz metal polish had it looking like new! The handle is aluminum, so the razor isn't all that heavy. Also, the handle isn't knurled in the same fashion as in the photos I've seen. The knurling sort of spirals around the handle in bands.

This morning I popped in a Dollar General Israeli blade and tried 'er out. I finished my shower and lathered up using my Van Der Hagen soap and brush. After allowing the lather to soak in, I put the Tech to my cheek and began a downward stroke, nice and slow. I could hear the razor cutting, but felt no friction. Simply put, I got a good shave without even one knick. I probably need to work on my technique, primarily the blade angle. Although my cheeks were shaved smooth, a little stubble remained on my neck. I don't think it's matter of the razor being too mild or the blade not being sharp enough. Hey! It's my first DE shave in a long time!

I'll be glad to ditch those expensive proprietary cartridges. I can hardly wait to shave again in the morning!

-Clarke

Ain't it a positive addiction?

[SilkySmooth]

I love the DG IP blades. They're sharp and cheap.


==Tom