Weekend Results

[crosswind]

I've been using AOS soap and brush along with a Mach 3 and Fusion for the last couple of years.

I received my Vision on Friday, so Saturday morning I was very excited to begin using it.

After my shower I applied the pre-shave oil and lather as I usually would. I loaded my Vision with one of the Merkur razors that came with it and with a slightly shaky hand began tearing and scraping my face.

No matter what setting or angle I tried, I simply could not comfortably remove the 1 day old stubble from my face, so I followed some of the advice I was given and washed my face and put my new toys away. (Some cuts / Lots of razor burn / irritation around neck area) (Only N-S direction)

To sum it up, not a good experience.

That evening I received my sampler pack from letterk, (very reasonable price, and fast service. Thanks letterk!) and immediately loaded a Swedish Gillette.

Sunday morning same pre-shave routine, reached for the Vision, but for some reason felt a little more confident. I dialed it about two letters clockwise from the stop, and was able to get a pretty close shave. I kept the razor handle nearly perpendicular to the floor and it worked pretty well for the sides of my face, chin, and upper lip area. I found that my neck and jaw areas were a lot more difficult and sensitive, but was able to get a relatively close shave there as well. (No cuts / some razor burn / some irritation) (N-S / cross cut / S-N)

Monday morning, used the Gillette again but quickly became a little to comfortable and gave myself a sizable gash on the side of my neck (wrong angle too much pressure), I took a deep breath and concentrated on my grip and angle. I finished up without any more mishaps. (Couple of cuts / no razor burn / some irritation)
(N-S / cross cut / S-N)

I find shaving with a DE a bit challenging, but I'm definitely enjoying it.

[NMMB]

George,

If you stick with it I'm sure that you'll find that it becomes easier and more effective with each shave (I did). Yes, it does take some practice, but IMO the experience(s) is(are) well worth it.

[Scotto]

The Vision is a hard razor to learn with. If money is not an issue, you might consider putting it away for a few weeks and getting a Merkur HD, Gillette, Progress, etc.

[With The Grain]

.....

[SSLStudio]

The Vision is a hard razor to learn with. If money is not an issue, you might consider putting it away for a few weeks and getting a Merkur HD, Gillette, Progress, etc.

SOUND ADVICE ! listen to this SMART man ! I wouldnt even use a Vision now and Id like to think I have my technique under control ! using 5 different old Gillette razors .

You were very brave trying the Vision.. go for something more simple perhaps even a Fixed DE Razor.

[dustind]

Don't think I would of used the blade that came in the box. And the recommendation to start with an HD or other non-adjustable if your new is wise.

[Larry C in Texas]

I would suggest not using a Swedish Gillette until you have things more under control. I have found the Israeli blades very forgiving and a good match for a newbie like myself. I used Israeli and Derby blades for 6 weeks before I loaded in a Swede, and I was glad I did.

I bet you could learn using the Vision. I have read of other folks starting with it and not getting into trouble. They said dial it down and watch your angle.

Good luck and stick with it. It just takes time and patience and good things will come.

[gc_30286]

i agree with all the above posters. you should be able to learn with that vision, but only if you slow down. patience is a virtue grasshopper. IMHO i simply dont think you are ready to shave with a dialed up vision loaded with swedes or feathers against the grain. almost any one here will tell you this combination is a recipe for disaster even for mid ranged shavers such as myself and is best left to those with more experince. my advice is to dial it down, load it with a milder blade (israeli personas or derbys probably) and stick to with and across the grain passes (i would say only one of each). trying to progress too quickly only slows your learning in the long run. i did just what you did. jumped strait into three passes and never really began to master my technique untill i took some sound advice and started at square one. i still have a long way to go but i am convinced that putting the closeness of the shave out of my mind and concentrating only on technique was the break through on my path to perfecting my shaves.

as always just IMHO

matthew

[crosswind]

Once again, thanks for all the sound advice. The reason I started with the Swedish blade is that I accidently slid it out of the container and couldn't get it back in. I'll throw an israeli in tomorrow and see what happens.

I'll probably pick up an HD this week because I'd really like to see the difference between these and maybe start collecting.

I find that other than the irritation I'm getting at the bottom of my neck the only real problem are the cuts I give myself along the side of my neck (just under my ear). I believe this is happening to me because of poor technique that used to work for me with my plastic shaver. I'm getting these cuts as I set my razor down along the back of my jaw bone in order to shave down to my chin. When I set the razor down the edge seems to bite my neck.

I think of it as feeding the vampire I've brought into my home.

[Leisureguy]

Make sure the butterfly doors are closed tightly: the blade will bend slightly, as it's supposed to.

I would go with the lowest setting for a while.

The Vision works great (with the right blade) if you just let the razor's weight do the work. Obviously, with this monster, you don't want to bear down.

On the upper lip, push your nose aside with your other hand, and come in at a diagonal. That works for me, at least.

I love the Vision and regularly get smooth, nick-free shaves with it, so keep practicing and watch your technique: good prep, light pressure (just the weight of the razor), good blade angle (like a scythe, not a hoe), short strokes, etc.