First DE Shave yesterday with EJ87: Thoughts?

[Big_Tex]

My razor shipment was in fact delayed due to some issues unknown with the good ol US Postal Service. So, I just yesterday got to enjoy my first DE razor shave. My initial thought was “Sheesh, I hope I don’t slice my fingertip off trying to put the blade in this thing”…but after that, it was all good. I found it slightly difficult to angle the razor correctly. At first all I succeeded in doing was pushing shave soap around with the safety guard. But eventually I got the angle correct. Did a WTG then ATG on my upper cheeks, and a WTG only on my neck (I have a beard). I read on here and other places that I should only do WTG on the neck area at first to avoid razor bumps…so that is what I did. It was amazing to me how I didn’t feel the stubble being cut at all. Even with the sharpest cartridge razor, you still feel that very slight tug and hear that “skkkrrch!” sound that lets you know your whiskers are being removed. With this razor, not at all. It was pretty amazing and gave me more respect for how darn sharp those blades are.

Anyhow…it was a great shave. Not the closest, but I feel good about my first time and know it will only get better with practice. I didn’t draw any blood, so that’s a plus. It is almost 24 hours later, and no shaving bumps or irritation so I guess I did ok. I love it! I love my razor, and I love the whole experience. Also, I don’t know if I’m doing something wrong or if the brush just sucks…but I’m really not digging the Van der Hagen brush anymore. Time to acquire a new one methinks…not sure if I want an EJ or one of those pretty ones from Whipped Dog.

Here's the humble little setup:

[Agravic]

Sounds like you did very well.
It only gets better with practice .

[duokun]

Have. You been using the brush long? Because brushes generally need to be broken in a bit.

That being said, the badger brush I have from Larry at whipped dog is fantastic.

[Griffo]

Nice one. sounds similar to my first shave with the DE86.

It does get much better - just over a month in and now I'm getting some great comfortable shaves with the DE86 although I didn't get on with the Derby blades.

also like you I think I need a better brush than the £5 Wilkinson Sword one I'm using.

good luck going forward with it.

[AirForceMX]

Great start! Pretty soon you will have a Texas sized shave-cave like the rest of us! It is a well known fact all the Texans on B&B have the coolest shave dens!

[Mr B]

Great to hear someone else starting the with EJ89. LOVE it!

[ateace]

Nice job - congrats on a successful shave.

The EJs deliver top- notch results for me nearly every time.