DE noob needs advice

[hack]

Greetings,

For the past couple of weeks I have been using a Merkur 23C with Derbys and Personna red Israelis after careful prepping and watching the youtube instructional videos. Mostly I've used MWF or TOBS rose cream during this time. On the good side, only one small nick during this period--not statistically any greater number than with my cartridge razors. On the downside, even after three passes, still not quite as close as my cartridges.

I would like a more aggressive razor/blade combo without running the risk of mortal wounds. Given this track record, am I ready for Feathers? If not Feathers, then what is another choice for a more aggressive blade? Also, are there more aggressive razors that you would reccommend?

Thanks!

hack

[tvphotog]

Are you doing an ATG pass as well?

[unshaven]

Two weeks newbie and just one nick ? You must be doing something very wrong.

[hack]

Yup, ATG and XTG. Lots of steam, lots of prep, very soft beard, very careful shave, no nicks . . .

[MotoMike]

I can not get a good shave with the reds. the Derbys are better but to me seem dull when new. My current blade of choice is the Crystal which I use in a Merkur Progress and numerous vintage Gillettes.

both your blades are forgiving, but won't do it for me. I bet if you get a sharper blade your results will improve.

[swafa]

If I leave the razor on my skin and let it slide with its own weight and the lubrication of the lather on the skin. Don't get a close shave.

If I press the razor slightly into the skin, very slightly, I get a close shave.

You could expermint and see if this works for u.

[stobes21]

Greetings,

For the past couple of weeks I have been using a Merkur 23C with Derbys and Personna red Israelis after careful prepping and watching the youtube instructional videos. Mostly I've used MWF or TOBS rose cream during this time. On the good side, only one small nick during this period--not statistically any greater number than with my cartridge razors. On the downside, even after three passes, still not quite as close as my cartridges.

I would like a more aggressive razor/blade combo without running the risk of mortal wounds. Given this track record, am I ready for Feathers? If not Feathers, then what is another choice for a more aggressive blade? Also, are there more aggressive razors that you would reccommend?

Thanks!

hack

Gillette Swedes, Wilkinson Swords, and of course the feathers are all considered to be sharper or more aggressive. I agree with MotoMike that Crystals are sharper than Derbys as well.

As for razors, adjustables are a good way to play with aggressiveness. Merkur gets a lot of praise for the progress, and the gillette fat boy and the slim have a lot of followers as well. There are other options of course, but those seem to be the most popular choices around here.

Personally, I just picked up a Fat Boy over on the 'bay. Watch the BST here though, when they come up here you generally get better photos, better descriptions, and better prices than over there. They just don't come up much, and don't stick around long when they do. Good luck.

[alb]

I really like my Merkur Progress (actually, what I have is a Mergress, but it was born a Progress). An adjustable allows you to choose a range of aggression from very mild to Stephen King novel as desired.

[tvphotog]

I agree with MotoMike that Crystals are sharper than Derbys as well.
As for razors, adjustables are a good way to play with aggressiveness. Merkur gets a lot of praise for the progress, and the gillette fat boy and the slim have a lot of followers as well. There are other options of course, but those seem to be the most popular choices around here.

+1

I would try a Slim or Fatboy at a 4 setting. They'll allow you a bit more aggressiveness and you can go higher. A more aggressive setting doesn't mean more cuts or irritation if you keep it at the correct angle. It will just give you a more exposed edge to cut whiskers. I find that it's far easier to shave with a more aggressive setting.

You can then add a Feather if you need a sharper blade. For me, Crystals are fantastic, the Feather is just too sharp for me.

Best,

Jay