Two weeks ago, I got my DE razor in the mail. I was really pumped to finally try out what everyone has been raving about on this forum and other blogs. And frankly, I've been less than impressed. Perhaps, I was caught up in the whole idea of a close and comfortable shave--one like I've never felt before.
I got into "gourmet" shaving about 6 years ago. I bought some Anthony and Crabtree and Evelyn products (including a badger brush). The whole time I'd used my Fusion with relative success--that is while shaving with the grain. But I've been obsessed with that white whale--the comfortable against the grain shave. And the Fusion just couldn't perform. Then I found Mantic59's videos. I was lured into this idea of multiple passes. I even tried it with my Fusion without much success.
So after lengthy study, I bought an Edwin Jagger De89bl. I've tried 3 different blades: Derby Extra, Personna Reds, and Feather Platinums. The feather blades have definitely been the best. But nevertheless, the DE shaving has been a bit of a let-down. Here's why:
1. I still can't shave against the grain. The blade tugs instead of cutting and I shave a layer of skin off with the pass.
2. Even after 2 with the grain shaves (North-south) passes, I don't have as close of a shave as one pass with the fusion.
3. When I shave across the grain to get a closer shave, it becomes increasingly uncomfortable--much more than a fusion across the grain pass.
So help! I'm not ready to give up, but I'm pretty discouraged with the whole thing. At this point, I'd like to have at least a comfortable across the grain shave (although I still hope for that baby but smoothness that only against the grain gives).
Here's my routine:
When: Right after the shower
Pre-shave oil: My own concoction of 2 parts Castor oil; one-part olive oil; with some vitamin E and glycerin.
Shave Creme: Proraso new formulation
Brush: Pure badger hair (Crabtree and Evelyn)
Razor: Edwin Jagger De89bl
Blade: Feather Platinum
Post shave: Cold water; Thayer's alcohol-free witch hazel; Proraso Pre-post balm
I do 4-5 passes:
1-2 passes with the grain (North-south)
2 passes accross the grain (1st towards the nose; second towards the ear)
1 against the grain (only to try to get a closer shave)
A few things about angle and pressure. It seems to me that there's only really one cutting angle with this razor. Anything else (steeper or shallower) and the blade isn't touching my skin. Also, I try to keep as light of pressure that I can muster. But when I do so, the blade is barely getting to my face (read=not a close shave). When I apply any kind of pressure, I'm in the razor burn zone.
Any thoughts, tips, etc. is very appreciated!
Thanks everyone!
Chase
I got into "gourmet" shaving about 6 years ago. I bought some Anthony and Crabtree and Evelyn products (including a badger brush). The whole time I'd used my Fusion with relative success--that is while shaving with the grain. But I've been obsessed with that white whale--the comfortable against the grain shave. And the Fusion just couldn't perform. Then I found Mantic59's videos. I was lured into this idea of multiple passes. I even tried it with my Fusion without much success.
So after lengthy study, I bought an Edwin Jagger De89bl. I've tried 3 different blades: Derby Extra, Personna Reds, and Feather Platinums. The feather blades have definitely been the best. But nevertheless, the DE shaving has been a bit of a let-down. Here's why:
1. I still can't shave against the grain. The blade tugs instead of cutting and I shave a layer of skin off with the pass.
2. Even after 2 with the grain shaves (North-south) passes, I don't have as close of a shave as one pass with the fusion.
3. When I shave across the grain to get a closer shave, it becomes increasingly uncomfortable--much more than a fusion across the grain pass.
So help! I'm not ready to give up, but I'm pretty discouraged with the whole thing. At this point, I'd like to have at least a comfortable across the grain shave (although I still hope for that baby but smoothness that only against the grain gives).
Here's my routine:
When: Right after the shower
Pre-shave oil: My own concoction of 2 parts Castor oil; one-part olive oil; with some vitamin E and glycerin.
Shave Creme: Proraso new formulation
Brush: Pure badger hair (Crabtree and Evelyn)
Razor: Edwin Jagger De89bl
Blade: Feather Platinum
Post shave: Cold water; Thayer's alcohol-free witch hazel; Proraso Pre-post balm
I do 4-5 passes:
1-2 passes with the grain (North-south)
2 passes accross the grain (1st towards the nose; second towards the ear)
1 against the grain (only to try to get a closer shave)
A few things about angle and pressure. It seems to me that there's only really one cutting angle with this razor. Anything else (steeper or shallower) and the blade isn't touching my skin. Also, I try to keep as light of pressure that I can muster. But when I do so, the blade is barely getting to my face (read=not a close shave). When I apply any kind of pressure, I'm in the razor burn zone.
Any thoughts, tips, etc. is very appreciated!
Thanks everyone!
Chase