Trying not to quit

[Eben Stone]

Shaving with a cartridge razor is like taking a shortcut. Unfortunately, for the past 24 years, you've been training your mind to accept this quick and easy shave routine as normal. It's not normal, it's a shortcut. Now you're trying to learn the real normal routine but your mind is fighting you because it seems like taking the long route home.

You're in a battle with your own mind.

You need to overcome the 24 years of damage you've done by quick and easy shaving with a cartridge razor. You have to convince yourself the new way is normal and desirable.

In terms of tugginess, if all else fails, try shaving before showering instead of during or after. Doesn't have to be a regular thing. Try it once and see what happens. Use soap suds as a pre shave and leave it sit on the skin for a few minutes, but otherwise try to avoid exposure to water. That works fantastic for me.

 

[spacemonkey42]

The RK blades that come with the Henson are quite dull, I'd recommend changing up only one thing at a time and that would be my first recommendation. I find that Hensons really like a sharper blade. Try those Feather blades and let us know how it goes.

You've got this!

 

[cpcohen1945]

It sounds like you need to add pressure. Since you're using the Henson, you can ignore all the "no pressure" advice. A razor needs sufficient force to cut hairs. This razor is too light to allow gravity to do the work.

Tugging means not enough pressure. Increase the force you're using and you'll find better results with this razor.

As for shaving taking too long, there is no free lunch. Cartridges are quicker, more expensive, wasteful, and (for some/most people) give poor results. Wet shaving is harder to master, takes longer, and has more inherent risk.

FWIW (I haven't used a Henson) --

In my experience, "tugging" means that my blade is dull. A brand-new Feather blade (the opposite of "dull") has very little drag, as it slices through beard hair. The trick is to keep the pressure on the blade very light, or it will happily slice through skin.

My experience with a 30-gram aluminum razor (RazoRock Lupo Al) is that _some_ pressure is useful. But it needs a very gentle hand.

. Charles

 

[Calyshaver]

In the words of Axl Rose, "all you need is a little patience, yeah yeah, a little patience"

Seriously, patience to find the right razor and blade combo is half the fun and half the frustration of wet shaving. It is worth the effort once you find that perfect personal combination. It's not the kill it's the thrill of the chase (that was Deep Purple I think).

Try some economical razor choices if you can, maybe a $30 Fatip, and grab yourself a blade sampler pack for $5. So a $35 investment equal to about 5 cartridges may be worth the effort.

 

[stivek]

For the last few years, I've tried to break with cartridge shaving. First with a straight razor (way too steep of a learning curve), then about the last 6 months with a DE. I bought a Henson when they had a sale but the blades that came with it seem to be of variable quality and just not sharp enough. Even a good long 3 pass shave with proper prep feels like I'm pulling the hairs out instead of cutting them and if I'm lucky, the best I get is a DFS.

I ordered some Feather blades and hopefully they help. But I'm wondering if a more aggressive holder will help even more?

The thing is, I've been a shower shaver for 24 years. First with a Mach 3, then the Fusion since it came out. In just about a minute flat, and entirely by feel (no mirror), I can get a PERFECT BBS with a single-pass ATG (plus a little odd angle touch up here and there). As long as I'm not trying to shave every day, there is no irritation, tugging, or nicks. I use Shea Moisture black soap ACV and castor oil Shampoo as lubricant. It beats every cream, gel, foam and shave bar I've ever tried and cleans my hair pretty well too.

Even using the DE in the shower, shaving every 3rd day, it still doesn't feel great and takes almost 10 minutes.

I'm starting to feel like the extra expense to stay with the Fusion is worth it. Between speed, comfort and quality of the end result, there is no comparison.

Anything else I should try before I go back for good?

If the shaving for you is a burden that needs to be done in shortest time, then you can't find anything better than cartridges IMO (haven't tried electric shavers).
I prefer to enjoy the process. From the very beginning, as preparing the hardware, to the very end, as cleaning the hardware. The result is not always the expected but nevertheless the joy of the process makes the day ahead. And, there is also the pleasure of learning and trying new stuff.
But sometimes, when the time pressure or the mood will ruin the enjoyment, I take my old Mach 3 and quickly remove that hair from my face.

 

[Above The Tie]

FWIW (I haven't used a Henson) --

In my experience, "tugging" means that my blade is dull. A brand-new Feather blade (the opposite of "dull") has very little drag, as it slices through beard hair. The trick is to keep the pressure on the blade very light, or it will happily slice through skin.

My experience with a 30-gram aluminum razor (RazoRock Lupo Al) is that _some_ pressure is useful. But it needs a very gentle hand.

. Charles

Of course it could be that the blade is dull, but if a new blade doesn't fix it then it's something else. After a decade helping customers use their razors, we've found that new users in particular are afraid to add pressure and that can result in tugging, skipping, and pulling. We definitely do not believe in the "no pressure" mantra.

 

[Alex Jr]

Of course it could be that the blade is dull, but if a new blade doesn't fix it then it's something else. After a decade helping customers use their razors, we've found that new users in particular are afraid to add pressure and that can result in tugging, skipping, and pulling. We definitely do not believe in the "no pressure" mantra.

Exactly this. Specially with the Henson.

The “no pressure” thing for me is a sure way to get a horrible shave.

As a matter of fact, most of my rare nicks come from a split second mistake where I ease the pressure and not the other way around.

 

[Rob72]

I learned with a TracII, and used it for 20-odd years. Yes, I had BBS, 3 pass shaves, quick, no muss no fuss. I always had stubble by 1000 a.m. (before bed shaver), and lots of in-grown hair. Certainly not everyone's experience will be the same.

My wife bought a vintage Valet travel set, and I tracked blades down. After 3 weeks of bloody mess, I got the hang of it, and it was eye-opening. BBS lasting 10+ hours, no pushing the razor down to make sure it did it's job ("pressure" depends on your tool), much cleaner skin. It took some learning, but well worth it!

YMMV. My suggestion would be a mid-weight razor and a mid-range blade. Vintage Gillette Slim adjustable (covers most all of the bases. Start around 3) or a RazoRock GC72 and a blade sample pack.

 

[ErkRusselReserve]

You can convert a Flexball cart to DE! I recommend it for the first pass then second pass with DE:

DE Gillette Super Click featuring Fusion Flexball- something old, something new

The concept of the AP Penny Shaver really rocked my mind. Single edge shaves taking advantage of the decades and millions of engineering hours in the Fusion Flexball system? Wow, that sounds amazing and I ordered it immediately. However, the carts took a dogs age to arrive. During that time I...

www.badgerandblade.com

 

[ErkRusselReserve]

Also, if you already have a Henson, try the 100 pack of king C Gillette on Amazon. Lots of other blades to try as well. But these are engineered to do well for everyone:

Amazon.com

 

[taiga]

Can I ask why you decided you want to switch to DE shaving? I can see that you are very content with the results after using your Gillette cartridges. I on the other hand would have never joined B&B if I was getting perfect BBS shaves with cartridges like you seem to be.

I switched because I was tired of the lousy irritation-full shaves I was getting, and I was in the search of a solution. Before I switched to DE, I also hated shaving with cartridges, it was a chore that I wanted to finish as quick as possible. But by switching to DE (and hopefully soon to straights) I not only greatly reduced my irritation, but I also found a newfound love and hobby in the process of shaving.

If you are looking to solely save money, it definitely could be done, as long as you don't fall into the rabbit hole which so many of us have fallen into. I think it may be worth a try getting a DE that is often recommended to beginners (ex. Merkur 34c, Rockwell, Razorock gamechanger) and sticking to that single razor, and perhaps using the same gel/cream, and switching different blades every so often. Keep the parameters strict and get used to the razor and blade combo.

Henson is often cited as a very YMMV razor. I tried the aggressive option for about 2 months... and sold it. Just too much tugging. Many members cite the fixed angle of effectiveness on the Henson as being an issue to them. If you were to buy a "classical" DE (ex. Merkur 34) that angle of effectiveness is greatly increased, and in theory the shaves should come easier as there is more leeway.

 

[blethenstrom]

For the last few years, I've tried to break with cartridge shaving. First with a straight razor (way too steep of a learning curve), then about the last 6 months with a DE. I bought a Henson when they had a sale but the blades that came with it seem to be of variable quality and just not sharp enough. Even a good long 3 pass shave with proper prep feels like I'm pulling the hairs out instead of cutting them and if I'm lucky, the best I get is a DFS.

It has been repeated above, but why break with cartridge shaving if it is working well for you?

I ordered some Feather blades and hopefully they help. But I'm wondering if a more aggressive holder will help even more?

The thing is, I've been a shower shaver for 24 years. First with a Mach 3, then the Fusion since it came out. In just about a minute flat, and entirely by feel (no mirror), I can get a PERFECT BBS with a single-pass ATG (plus a little odd angle touch up here and there). As long as I'm not trying to shave every day, there is no irritation, tugging, or nicks. I use Shea Moisture black soap ACV and castor oil Shampoo as lubricant. It beats every cream, gel, foam and shave bar I've ever tried and cleans my hair pretty well too.

Shower shaving with a DE is certainly doable and there are some shower shavers here on B&B, but the majority I would say are not. Looks like you can shave very quickly with your cartridge and I assume then that you do not get any irritation from it, unless like you say you do it every days. Do you get any skin issues like ingrown hair etc with your cartridge razor?

If pure speed is what you are after DE shaving may not be for you. It will not be quite as fast, but it certainly is a much more enjoyable time. It sounds like you are more utilitarian shaver and there is nothing wrong with that. You just want to get it done. Please correct me if I am wrong here. You can shave pretty fast with a DE as well, just not that fast.

You can get to the point where you can shave one ATG pass with a DE as well and there are some that do here on B&B. However, it does take working up to that. Most likely you cannot start there without adverse skin issues. Using a DE razor does take some time to learn and like some have suggested it might be better to learn outside of the shower, either before or after. Once you have nailed down your technique you can try all kinds of things. It will take a handful of months of regular shaving before you get somewhat accustomed to it and also your skin used to the new way of shaving.

Even using the DE in the shower, shaving every 3rd day, it still doesn't feel great and takes almost 10 minutes.

I'm starting to feel like the extra expense to stay with the Fusion is worth it. Between speed, comfort and quality of the end result, there is no comparison.

Anything else I should try before I go back for good?

Again what is your goal? Cost savings while maintaining your speed? That might be challenging to accomplish with DE shaving. My advise is mirroring what has been said before. If you do indeed want to learn to use a DE. Learn before or after your shower, take your time, do not jump around and try this and that in quick succession. Stick with one setup for a bit until you build some skill and technique. There are just too many variables and you will struggle. You own a razor that many here on B&B like and will most likely be fine to learn with or you can get a different razor, but stick with it for a while, go through the process and you will get there. It is not going it be an instant BBS, but take one step at a time and you will get there. It is a fun and interesting journey. Enjoy it and have fun.

 

[catchacoolbreeze]

I would look in the forum for threads that have "mindless" or "autopilot" or "auto-pilot" razors.

There is nothing wrong with staying with a fusion. It may not be worth the time, expense, or irritation of testing razors and blades.

If I could get perfect BBS in one pass Atg with a fusion... I would run from this forum like a bat out of you know where.

 

[Rudy Vey]

Don't let you fool you regarding cost savings with shaving with a DE razor.....this is a rabbit hole, unless you stick with something like a vintage Slim or Fatboy. DE Blades are very cheap compared to a cartridge, true. However, eventually you want then a different razor, and then another one....and quickly you have dropped a couple grand on a few DE's...while the cartridge handle is always free.
I am goimg to make a recommendation here for a great razor for DE blade: get a Rockwell 6S! This razor is about $120 max (right now on sale for $108 from the maker directly), and it comes with three reversible base plates that gives you 6 different shaving settings. You will find one that is great for your beard/skin conditions; mine I get at the #2 plate. Get a hundred good blades and you are set for a year (if you shave daily and use a blade 3-4 shaves). I just did a test with Dorco Prime blades, and got super shaves up to 11 uses of the same blade.
But then you might do the same as I did, get another razor, and more blades: "OH great, Pasteur's has 200 Feathers for something like $36 or so", and here it starts down the rabbit hole, but, I have to admit, it is a fun trip.....my problem is only the lack of space in our tiny bathroom.

 

[RGBlack]

It has been repeated above, but why break with cartridge shaving if it is working well for you?


Shower shaving with a DE is certainly doable and there are some shower shavers here on B&B, but the majority I would say are not. Looks like you can shave very quickly with your cartridge and I assume then that you do not get any irritation from it, unless like you say you do it every days. Do you get any skin issues like ingrown hair etc with your cartridge razor?

If pure speed is what you are after DE shaving may not be for you. It will not be quite as fast, but it certainly is a much more enjoyable time. It sounds like you are more utilitarian shaver and there is nothing wrong with that. You just want to get it done. Please correct me if I am wrong here. You can shave pretty fast with a DE as well, just not that fast.

You can get to the point where you can shave one ATG pass with a DE as well and there are some that do here on B&B. However, it does take working up to that. Most likely you cannot start there without adverse skin issues. Using a DE razor does take some time to learn and like some have suggested it might be better to learn outside of the shower, either before or after. Once you have nailed down your technique you can try all kinds of things. It will take a handful of months of regular shaving before you get somewhat accustomed to it and also your skin used to the new way of shaving.


Again what is your goal? Cost savings while maintaining your speed? That might be challenging to accomplish with DE shaving. My advise is mirroring what has been said before. If you do indeed want to learn to use a DE. Learn before or after your shower, take your time, do not jump around and try this and that in quick succession. Stick with one setup for a bit until you build some skill and technique. There are just too many variables and you will struggle. You own a razor that many here on B&B like and will most likely be fine to learn with or you can get a different razor, but stick with it for a while, go through the process and you will get there. It is not going it be an instant BBS, but take one step at a time and you will get there. It is a fun and interesting journey. Enjoy it and have fun.

I don't think speed or cost savings factored into why I tried it. It was always about getting a better end result and enjoying the process more. And I was genuinely willing to struggle with the latter, while I was learning, in exchange for the former. Kind of like golf, what gets you addicted is accidentally hitting a perfect shot.

But as others have mentioned, I already found how to get the best result. I had just heard so many people say how much smoother and gentler a single blade shave was, so I figured I'd give it a try. Yet to continue the golf metaphor, it seems I was already shooting under par with off the shelf clubs but wanted to try wood ones just because a few guys my age raved about them and the old timers wouldn't stop accusing me of cheating.

You assumed right. No skin issues - except perhaps 1 ingrown hair 2-3 times per year, always in the fold of my neck.

Shower shaving definitely feels better than in the sink. And it is by definition, wet shaving. For one the constant steam means my skin doesn't go cold and the soap doesn't dry up. The shower stream cleans the razor faster and better than the faucet. I also find a higher ratio of water to oil lubricates the skin better. And I can't stand the dribble of stubble water running down my chest after I already dried myself off. Lastly, I can't fathom the people that fill the sink with water and reuse it - I find that ghastly unsanitary.

But I would disagree that I'm a utilitarian shaver. I think that is more apt to the guys who go for an SAS every morning and live in a chronic state of sandpaper face.

What I LOVE is the feel of BBS and my primary concern is how much pain/discomfort there is to achieve it. The main reason I wait to shave every third day is because longer hairs cut so easily, with the cartridge I don't feel a thing.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that my 24h of stubble was roughly equivalent to the result after a double pass WTG and XTG. (Yes, my beard grows so slow that less than 48 hours a WTG pass doesn't do anything)

So logically, the holy grail is a daily ATG shave. With the hope that one or two passes with a single blade is less overall skin scraping than the 5 blades in a cartridge.

So while I believe there is a combination of razor and technique that will achieve the same end result, am I fooling myself thinking it can also do it with less discomfort and irritation?

 

[Quaznoid]

My advice is not to shave in the shower. If you’re gonna persist with it, a cart is going to work better for you. A more economical choice would be a Bic disposable or, as a vintage choice, a Schick injector, which shaves very much like a cart. IMHO, the Schick injector, particularly an E, G or J, is the best razor there is.

As it is, you’re using a very finicky razor and an unforgiving blade. If you want to shave with a DE, get out of the shower, get a Tech or a SuperSpeed, a Personna Lab or Lord blade and practice, WTG only until you get 10 perfect shaves in a row. Then you might try ATG.

Take it slow, PRACTICE, and get out of the shower.

 

[Umma2gumma]

I also would not use a DE razor in the shower.

That said, I think you also may want to try a different razor and blade. I am not familiar with Henson but it may be just too mild for you. Mild razors require good technique to work well.

A cheap way to try is to get a well made yet cheap modern razor with a proven performance. Personally I prefer vintage Gillette Superspeeds, but they are somewhat sensitive to the shaving angle and it took me a while to figure them out.

I would recommend Baili BD176, as it’s still pretty mild yet is not very sensitive to the shaving angle, is cheap, and a very good performer.

Then get a blade sampler. Blades are very YMMV but many people eventually gravitate to mild razors paired with sharp blades. I recommend trying Gillette Silver Blues, Perma-Sharps, Nacets. Throw in some milder blades like Astra Greens. I am also a big fan of FlyDear blades, they have to be ordered from China but cost little. They are very smooth and easy to get a problem free shave with.

Try that and see if you get the results you want. If not, there’s nothing wrong with using carts.

 

[HellGuapo]

I am almost exclusively a shower shaver. Usually with Cremo or lately Proraso. I keep a Henson Al13+ in the shower but usually use a vintage Gillette of some type, or maybe a Gem. My shaves are not fast unless I want them to be, but they are always comfortable. The Henson is a fine razor and I don’t find it finicky at all. The Rockwell 6s is great too. I use Personna comfort coated and Astra SP. the Feathers I like in the Henson, but not much else. Like most things here, everybody has to figure out for themselves what works best for them.

 

[blethenstrom]

I don't think speed or cost savings factored into why I tried it. It was always about getting a better end result and enjoying the process more. And I was genuinely willing to struggle with the latter, while I was learning, in exchange for the former. Kind of like golf, what gets you addicted is accidentally hitting a perfect shot.

But as others have mentioned, I already found how to get the best result. I had just heard so many people say how much smoother and gentler a single blade shave was, so I figured I'd give it a try. Yet to continue the golf metaphor, it seems I was already shooting under par with off the shelf clubs but wanted to try wood ones just because a few guys my age raved about them and the old timers wouldn't stop accusing me of cheating.

You assumed right. No skin issues - except perhaps 1 ingrown hair 2-3 times per year, always in the fold of my neck.

Shower shaving definitely feels better than in the sink. And it is by definition, wet shaving. For one the constant steam means my skin doesn't go cold and the soap doesn't dry up. The shower stream cleans the razor faster and better than the faucet. I also find a higher ratio of water to oil lubricates the skin better. And I can't stand the dribble of stubble water running down my chest after I already dried myself off. Lastly, I can't fathom the people that fill the sink with water and reuse it - I find that ghastly unsanitary.

But I would disagree that I'm a utilitarian shaver. I think that is more apt to the guys who go for an SAS every morning and live in a chronic state of sandpaper face.

What I LOVE is the feel of BBS and my primary concern is how much pain/discomfort there is to achieve it. The main reason I wait to shave every third day is because longer hairs cut so easily, with the cartridge I don't feel a thing.

But the more I thought about it, the more I realized that my 24h of stubble was roughly equivalent to the result after a double pass WTG and XTG. (Yes, my beard grows so slow that less than 48 hours a WTG pass doesn't do anything)

So logically, the holy grail is a daily ATG shave. With the hope that one or two passes with a single blade is less overall skin scraping than the 5 blades in a cartridge.

So while I believe there is a combination of razor and technique that will achieve the same end result, am I fooling myself thinking it can also do it with less discomfort and irritation?

Thank you for that detailed response. It certainly cleared up a lot on where you are coming from and what your goals are.

It is good that especially speed is not part of your equation. Like has been mentioned DE shaving will take a bit more time at least in the beginning, while learning.

Shaving every third day is certainly not an issue and if that is your routine that is perfectly fine. However, I do not think that you will be able to comfortably shave a single pass ATG on three days worth of growth. I might be completely wrong in that. Getting to a potential BBS with a DE there needs to be one, two whisker length reduction passes before you go ATG. If you try to go ATG too soon you will most likely get irritation.

Yes a single daily pass ATG might be the ticket for you. Now be aware of that you skin will most likely protest a bit if you start doing that. You will experience some irritation. Unfortunately this is part of getting used to it. Your skin needs to adjust to the new routine even though you have been using cartridge razors.

You can certainly shower shave. It might however be harder to learn to use a DE while in the shower. If that is your choice that is perfectly valid. Over time you will be fine. Just keep at it. You will not have perfect result from the beginning. It will take some time. You've got this...

 

[profusion]

Shaving after the shower allows you to focus on it as the task at hand, in front of a big mirror. That's a good way to build your technique and consistency over time.

I also second the recommendation of @Quaznoid for a Schick Injector.