New to Forum, A few questions...

[lester]

I've been a wetshaver since the seventies, when the CFC thing started me looking for non-aerosal alternatives. I dug out my grandfather's Old Spice mug, bought some Williams or something and found a new-in-box brush like the little shriveled up thing my grandfather had. It was just sitting on a shelf in a general store in the middle of nowhere and this setup lasted me a couple of decades. Over the years I went from Trac IIs to Mach IIIs. I've been happy with Machs since day one. Then two years ago I found this site, dug out my father's old DE and started my search for the shave everyone on this site raves about. I have since given up with DEs three or four times, now. When I use the DE my face feels burned for the rest of the day. I try to not use pressure but the whiskers don't come off. Being used to a BBS smooth shave with my Machs it's hard to walk away from the mirror feeling like I haven't shaved as is recommeneded on this site. I now have a badger brush, several kinds of blades (got the sampler from someone here), Taylor Lavender, Nancy Boy, C&E Nomad (something I've used almost a decade). I've been experimenting with angles, etc., but still have to finish up with my Mach in several places. I'm tired of paying for the Mach IIIs. But I keep going back to them because the shave is so smooth. And with the creams and methods I have learned about on this site I am getting the smoothest, most enjoyable shaves ever.

So, I have no idea what I am doing wrong with the DE. Any suggestions would be welcome. I guess my biggest gripe is the number of passes it takes to get all the whiskers and the constant burn afterwards.

Before I get shot down about Gels, understand that sometimes I just don't have time to use the brush...

I discovered Anthony Logistics Shaving Gel leaves my face refreshed after a shave, better than it has felt in years, no burning sensation at all. But my razor skips on my face for the first couple of passes. Feels like it could take huge chunks out. The gel seems like it doesn't mix with water and is more like glue. The third pass is great. Anyone have the same problem with this and what did you do about it?

Anybody try Mr. Taylor's Shaving Gel? I was going to try this when I next ordered (was going to get some Avocado, too) but shipping is so much these days I hate to get dud products.

Thanks for any suggestions.

[BroJohn]

Hi Lester --

Welcome to B&B. Interesting story. You may never fully transition to the DE <shrug>, but it sounds like you're doing pretty well.

-- John Gehman

[Mr. Todd]

Welcome friend!

I'm not the best on giving advice because i am sitll ealrning myself... but I find the teachings of Yoda to apply a lot to shaving... and in the case, maybe patience?

[SobBill2]

This article by Mozart made a big difference for me. Take your time and pay attention to the blade angle.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthr...ghlight=mozart

[thirdeye]

Lester, welcome to B&B.
I have not used a gel in years, did the canned goop thing for awhile but found my way back to soaps and creams even before I got back to the DE.
To this day I add a couple drops of alpha oil to my lather and it has helped keep the razor gliding smoothly over my face.
One thing I have found, such as mentioned above, angle is so important when shaving with a DE. That can't be stressed enough.
Also the selection of razors is to me a big thing, some work much better than others for many people. We are all diffrent in this for sure.

Experiment.....what are you using for a razor?

[Silb3r]

Welcome!

Mozart's post is excellent.
Also, pre-shave prep is of the utmost importance--you must wash your face/beard area at least once. The oils that your face produces are naturally hydrophobic and will repel water, but a soap or cleansing gel will act as a detergent or cutting agent and allow your facial hair to actually absorb water, swell slightly, and become easier to cut. Unfortunately gels, creams, and soaps (even the most expensive and high end ones) all ultimately dry out the skin beneath your beard.
You must then realize that the shaving process, whether done efficiently or otherwise, removes a thin layer of skin along with your beard. Hence post shave routine is equally as important--what are you doing after you shave to replenish your skin's natural oils and moisture?

-Michael

[lester]

I use Lucky Tiger After Shave Face Tonic and Lucky Tiger Facial Mosturizer.

[DanOK]

I have to echo Thirdeye, I would ask what kind of razor are you using. I was a wet saver during the sixties and just returned to a DE about two weeks ago. I got out the Old Spice Mug and brush, but ordered a new razor (Futur) and blades (feather). I liked the fact I could dial down the razor as I resumed the lost art. It also allowed me to find the best setting for my face and beard (about 4 for me).

[crankymoose]

Welcome to B&B

I too agree with thirdeye but would take that a step further besides some DE razors shaving better then others some blades also work better then others in some razors, if you can try some variety if you decide it is not for you then you can always sell them on the b/s/t forums

whatever you decide good luck and enjoy

[crichton]

Welcome to B&B!!

[lester]

"I have to echo Thirdeye, I would ask what kind of razor are you using."


I'm using what I think is a 1962 Gillette Fat Boy. It seems to be in great shape. My Dad couldn't have used it too long because I always remember him using an electric. In fact, I got a small whoopin' with the electric razor cord in 1963 (another story, the first and last time I was spanked and I think I deserved it). I've used each of the blades in the sample pack a few times. The Feathers always seemed to draw blood unless I dial the razor down to 3 or 4. The rest (Isreali, Swedish, Derby, Merkur) are fairly indistiguishable from each other.

Thanks for the advice.

[crankymoose]

I think the fat boy razor may be causing part of your problem, they are great razors but they are usually not recommended for anyone just starting with a DE, for one they can be somewhat on the aggresive side and many new shavers mess with changing the adjustment too often and that just throws major inconsistentcy into the equation.

I would try either setting it and forgetting it preferably somewhere low then concentrate on your technique or what also may be a better solution is a fixed head Merkur an HD or a 38c they shave a little different and I think respond better with different blades plus it takes away the guess work of the adjustables. There are also some older fixed head gillettes for sale on the b/s/t trade forums and you can always sell any razor you didn't like.

Now that said I started DE shaving with a gillette adjustable slim and I can get BBS with it in about 3 or 4 passes depending on blade and setting but it took me a while to know the best combo with it, where as the Merkur fixed head models I use were much quicker and easier to find a BBS method. So I kind of learned from experience the hard way as well but like you the adjustable slim was my fathers and I wanted to learn on it first before I bought any more DE razors.