So, I've been going at the DE shave for about 7 months now. I'd like to think my technique has improved significantly and am realistic enough to realize it has a ways to go before I settle on something "I call my own". That being said, I'm looking for some advice on either a new razor or technique to help move the process along. Trial and error can be an uncomfortable process. My beard is coarse, and thick enough to make an ape jealous, but it comes with a sensitivity, especially on the neck. I have tried to do my homework and read as many threads and forums as I could find on the subject of DE shaving.
My current regiment includes Taylor of Old Bond pre-shave oil and shave cream. I typically use a Muehle R89. I do the typical three pass shave (which turns into 5 or 6 passes in some areas) and some of the j-hooking, diagonal strokes, and buffing in the neck and chin areas. I've tried long strokes, short, overlapping, slow, medium... etc. For most days I have settled on slow and short and seem to get the best results. The irritation of constantly going over the same areas tends to produce more razor burn and weapers than I would prefer (though it should be noted I tended to get the same with cartridges as well). I try to make it a point to use no pressure, but sometimes it takes a little on some of the rough spots.
Now the point... I was thinking perhaps the R89 is too mild. I tried a R41 but the close blade to skin contact seems to make the razor burn way worse with far more weapers.... though it does shave incredibly close. I was thinking perhaps a Merkur slant (opinion seems to be a matter of preference... kind of a love/hate) or wondered if anybody had any experience with something like the Executive Shave Braveheart. I don't mind spending some money, but I have to keep it in reason... a $200 Feather or ATT probably isn't in the foreseeable future. I am open to other suggestions. Or maybe it still is technique?
As a last note, i continue to try new razor blade combinations and shaving products... some with more success than others. I do get DFS and BBS results, just with a lot of irritation. I have found that nobody I know seems to share my fascination with shaving so I thought I would turn to the experts. Thanks.
My current regiment includes Taylor of Old Bond pre-shave oil and shave cream. I typically use a Muehle R89. I do the typical three pass shave (which turns into 5 or 6 passes in some areas) and some of the j-hooking, diagonal strokes, and buffing in the neck and chin areas. I've tried long strokes, short, overlapping, slow, medium... etc. For most days I have settled on slow and short and seem to get the best results. The irritation of constantly going over the same areas tends to produce more razor burn and weapers than I would prefer (though it should be noted I tended to get the same with cartridges as well). I try to make it a point to use no pressure, but sometimes it takes a little on some of the rough spots.
Now the point... I was thinking perhaps the R89 is too mild. I tried a R41 but the close blade to skin contact seems to make the razor burn way worse with far more weapers.... though it does shave incredibly close. I was thinking perhaps a Merkur slant (opinion seems to be a matter of preference... kind of a love/hate) or wondered if anybody had any experience with something like the Executive Shave Braveheart. I don't mind spending some money, but I have to keep it in reason... a $200 Feather or ATT probably isn't in the foreseeable future. I am open to other suggestions. Or maybe it still is technique?
As a last note, i continue to try new razor blade combinations and shaving products... some with more success than others. I do get DFS and BBS results, just with a lot of irritation. I have found that nobody I know seems to share my fascination with shaving so I thought I would turn to the experts. Thanks.
