Hi all - Been lurking on the forum for a bit and thought I'd share a few notes (and questions) 3 weeks in.
I've been using a Phillips electric razor for years. Truth is, it gives me the closest shaves I've ever had. The issue is finding the Nivea cartridges that go with it. They seem to be getting more difficult to find, and I considered going back to cartridge shaving. That brought me to the Harry's site, and eventually links to this obscure thing called "DE" shaving.
After doing some research, I decided on a Edwin Jagger DE89, Proraso cream (eucalyptus) and a "cheap" badger brush. I didn't want to spend too much to start. I also ordered a sample pack of blades. This was all though amazon.ca.
It took me over two weeks to even get somewhat comfortable with the process. When I started it was a 30 minute process. I've managed to get it down to about 15 now without rushing. At the start I was worried about slicing an artery (I know, silly). But I did manage to get the sink water fairly pink a few times. I had keep remembering to ease up on the pressure. In fact, I came up with acronym to remind myself ... PSA (Pressure, Stroke, Angle). Right now I'm doing WTG and XTG. I've started doing ATG on parts of my neck (more on that below).
There are good days and not so good days. The not good days I went too fast and, well, that's where the sink gets pink. Some days I didn't do a good job of checking afterward and felt the stubble in patches. I find the Derby Extra blades don't really agree with me. Lots of nicks. The Astra SP and Personna Red work well. I just started with a Gillette 7 O-Clock and I think that's been the best yet.
My questions are ...
1. What is considered a BSS? Is it when I feel with the grain after a shave? If so, then I'm getting pretty close shaves. If it's feeling against the grain then I need to practice.
2. What's the best method to shave on the jawline? I'm right handed, so can do a decent job on my right side. The left side takes a lot more work, and I repeatedly have to go over that part of my face many times even to get something half decent. I'm following Geofatboy's method of shaving (the neck) north to south on the first pass, then south to north on the second. It's that bony part of the jaw I'm having difficulty with. Any pointers would be appreciated.
Other than that I'm enjoying the experience. I did switch to the Nivea Sensitive shave cream - $3.29 at Walmart! I was surprised to see that price in Canada. The Proraso is ok but I'm finding the scent a bit medicinal.
I've been using a Phillips electric razor for years. Truth is, it gives me the closest shaves I've ever had. The issue is finding the Nivea cartridges that go with it. They seem to be getting more difficult to find, and I considered going back to cartridge shaving. That brought me to the Harry's site, and eventually links to this obscure thing called "DE" shaving.
After doing some research, I decided on a Edwin Jagger DE89, Proraso cream (eucalyptus) and a "cheap" badger brush. I didn't want to spend too much to start. I also ordered a sample pack of blades. This was all though amazon.ca.
It took me over two weeks to even get somewhat comfortable with the process. When I started it was a 30 minute process. I've managed to get it down to about 15 now without rushing. At the start I was worried about slicing an artery (I know, silly). But I did manage to get the sink water fairly pink a few times. I had keep remembering to ease up on the pressure. In fact, I came up with acronym to remind myself ... PSA (Pressure, Stroke, Angle). Right now I'm doing WTG and XTG. I've started doing ATG on parts of my neck (more on that below).
There are good days and not so good days. The not good days I went too fast and, well, that's where the sink gets pink. Some days I didn't do a good job of checking afterward and felt the stubble in patches. I find the Derby Extra blades don't really agree with me. Lots of nicks. The Astra SP and Personna Red work well. I just started with a Gillette 7 O-Clock and I think that's been the best yet.
My questions are ...
1. What is considered a BSS? Is it when I feel with the grain after a shave? If so, then I'm getting pretty close shaves. If it's feeling against the grain then I need to practice.
2. What's the best method to shave on the jawline? I'm right handed, so can do a decent job on my right side. The left side takes a lot more work, and I repeatedly have to go over that part of my face many times even to get something half decent. I'm following Geofatboy's method of shaving (the neck) north to south on the first pass, then south to north on the second. It's that bony part of the jaw I'm having difficulty with. Any pointers would be appreciated.
Other than that I'm enjoying the experience. I did switch to the Nivea Sensitive shave cream - $3.29 at Walmart! I was surprised to see that price in Canada. The Proraso is ok but I'm finding the scent a bit medicinal.