Newbie with EJ DE89L, Gillette old type open-comb, and Star DE

[dablues]

This is my first post here! So happy to find you all!

I started shaving with a DE, badger brush, shaving soap, etc., just a couple of weeks ago, on the advice of my father. He said it was more comfortable, and that I would have an easier time dealing with my persistent razor burn on my neck where my beard grows up and towards the ear. He was totally right, and now I've got it down to where I'm incredibly happy with my daily shave.

I started with a Edwin Jagger DE89L, because I saw a lot of people here who liked it as an everyday razor. Super happy with the smoothness and build quality, especially in comparison with my father's open-comb Merkur (not sure which model, he bought it in France. Looks short.). Then, in an antique shop in Ellensburg, WA the other day, I sees me two old DE razors - one, an in-original-box Gillette old type open-comb, and a Star DE closed comb (looks like a Tech, I think), both real brass. I paid way too much, because I'm new to all this, but still happy using something much older than me.

Well, I tried the Gillette today, and I was a little intimidated. I grow VERY fast and VERY thick (French-Canadian genes, I know), and while it took care the beard quickly, it just didn't seem as smooth as the EJ at all. Do any of you have any tips on how to use the Gillette better, or if it's even worth using after the EJ? How about the Star?

Thanks for the help!

[Agravic]

Welcome to B+B!
The EJ89l is an excellent razor for all levels of use. I have found that as my technique improves, the razor 'works better'. Although I have no experience with vintage razors, I suspect the same would be true. Practice, practice, practice...and enjoy!

[Whilliam]

Almost everyone pays too much at some time or other. It's how the game is played.

Welcome. Learn. Enjoy!

[Sledgehammer39]

Welcome Aboard!

[turtle]

Welcome to B&B.

Put the Gillette aside for a few months until you can get consistent close, comfortable shaves with little or no irritation. Work on your shaving technique before you start experimenting with new tools. Until you can be consistent in your shave you will find that you have the same problem with any tool you pick up.

To help mitigate razor burn and cut down on nicks and weepers, you should use your off (free) hand and stretch your skin in the area you are shaving.

Grab your skin at the base of your side burns and pull up for your back cheek area and puff air into your cheeks for shaving around the front of your cheeks.

Grab your throat with the flat of your hand below your lather an pull down for your neck and throat, moving your hand around as you shave to stay below your razor.

Grab your cheeks and pull back to stretch your chin.

You can make silly faces to help stretch areas that are hard to reach

If you find you have a difficult time holding where you have lathered, rubbing your fingers on an alum block will give them enough grip to hold on to a wet or lathered area

Your skin does not need to be pulled "snare drum tight" just taught.

This will help your razor glide over your skin instead of bunching it up in front of the blade as you move it.

[NickCutlip]

Welcome to B&B !!

[dablues]

Thanks, everyone! I will give it a few months and follow turtle's advice about stretching skin. Thanks!