got a DE razor, some questions for those of you who use one

[xSauronx]

Ok Ive read several of the DE razor threads over the last few months, and Ive always hated shaving so I thought Id give this a shot. Ive been using a mach 3 since I cant remember when.

I got a merkur razor, a shaving starter kit and a sample pack of blades from westcoast shaving, and did my first shave yesterday. I kinda like it, but I was wondering how often do you guys change your blades and how often do you shave?

If you use them more than once, how do you clean the blade and store it? Just loosen it a little and run some hot water over it and leave it on the razor handle or what?

Also, if you have any tips or any suggestions that youve discovered since you started, feel free to speak up. I might end up liking this once I get the hang of it

 

[LilPima]

Golf clap for the lack of face cuttage!

 

[NetWareHead]

As you shave more and more with it and come to know the feel of a newly sharp blade versus one that has seen some wear and tear, then you will know when to change it. Instead of cleanly shaving the hair, you will notice the razor tugging and more downward pressure has to be applied to shave effectively. You might also cut yourself easier. Dull blades happen to irritate my face more than razor sharp ones. I have a rule that I shave 6 to 8 times and then the blade gets chucked. You can also feel an in-use blade and then a new one and if there is a noticeable difference to the sharpness, change it.

Cleaning and storing are a different story depending on what your razor and blades are made out of. I have a straight razor that I wash with hot water when I'm done shaving. This way the razor stays hot after I towel dry it and helps evaporate any remaining water. I have a DE-type razor where the blades rust if kept inside the handle, due to the handle's ability to trap water inside it. I just pull the blades out and in a hour or so slide them back in when fully dry. Usually carbon steel stuff rusts whereas stainless steel won't.

 

[abaez]

I pretty much change it after two, maybe three times. They are so cheap it's not a big deal to me.

 

[MovingTarget]

I change about every 2-3 shaves. I could go longer, but my skin is rather sensitive and gets irritated easily. As you get more practice and master the proper techniques, you should have a little less wear/tear on your blades, but I dunno if it will make a difference. As far as storage goes, just rinse with hot water and leave on the razor. It won't hurt it. Really, the only maintainence that requires effort is maintaining the shaving brush, if you don't use the stuff in the can.

 

[Quiksilver]

As far as blade usage it will differ from person to person and brand to brand. I can get about 5 shaves on average per blade (as long as they're decent) but for say Feather blades, I can probably get 6 or 7 out of those. Other people might just not care as blades are cheap will just toss the blade after 2 to 3 shaves. Really you should change the blade when it starts to feel like its tugging a lot or your nicking yourself a lot.

For cleaning and storage, I usually just take the razor apart and rinse each piece off using straight hot water then place them in the open inside a little bowl I use to whip up some lather. With my shaving brush I just do the same but then I shake dry it as opposed to wringing it out or similar.

 

[drinkmorejava]

I toss them after two shaves, flipping the blade in between. I normally only shave twice a week though, so it's pretty rough when I get around to it. Believe me, it won't be hard to tell that it's dull...it won't be a pleasant experience anymore.

Tips:
*don't keep your extra blades in the bathroom, the humidity isn't all that great for them
*use a light touch
*use the right angle
-->DE isn't anything like a safety razor; you can't just press it against your face and expect it to work. You'll tear your face up regardless of it being sharp or not.

 

[xSauronx]

thanks for the input
i only nicked myself a little today, second time, i really just need to get the hang of getting the right angle down. Ive had to make 3 passes with lather to really get a decent shave, and still finish off with my mach 3. ill get used to it before too long

 

[bozack]

1. Change blades about every week worth of use - shave every other day
2. Clean by running warm water over blade, if needed loosen head to get hair out - leave it in handle and place handle on side with short edge of blade up
3. Try different angles and get some Aqua Velva after shave lotion...cheap and good.

 

[foghorn67]

I generally use it twice, flip it over for another two shaves. My skin is really sensitive and I don't think it will handle more than 4 shaves per blade.

Then again, I just started a month and a half ago, which means even with close shaves that don't irritate, I have a lot to learn compared to those old school folks that ditched the Sensor/Mach system years ago.

 

[Dangerer]

Run down one side, rinse, flip over and use the other side. I started using a merkur DE razor at like age 17 and I have soft baby skin. Yeah i'm hardcore i know

 

[roid450]

I'm seriously considering this. I'm tired of the double blade disposables and had a quick look on google.

Found this http://x794977.stores.yahoo.net/mervisdoubed.html

Does it HAVE to be a merkeur or some specific brand? or will that suffice? I imagine any "double edge" razor would be good but maybe there's something better about the merkeur?

 

[drinkmorejava]

Originally posted by: roid450
I'm seriously considering this. I'm tired of the double blade disposables and had a quick look on google.

Found this http://x794977.stores.yahoo.net/mervisdoubed.html

Does it HAVE to be a merkeur or some specific brand? or will that suffice? I imagine any "double edge" razor would be good but maybe there's something better about the merkeur?

woah there, you can get one for $30 that will suit you just fine. Personally, I use a Merkur Classic
http://westcoastshaving.com/in...cPath=8&products_id=28

 

[ViRaLRuSh]

I use a Merkur Classic as well, with Derby blades. Been going solid with this setup for about 7 months now.

Is a useful site

 

[xSauronx]

Originally posted by: drinkmorejava

Originally posted by: roid450
I'm seriously considering this. I'm tired of the double blade disposables and had a quick look on google.

Found this http://x794977.stores.yahoo.net/mervisdoubed.html

Does it HAVE to be a merkeur or some specific brand? or will that suffice? I imagine any "double edge" razor would be good but maybe there's something better about the merkeur?

woah there, you can get one for $30 that will suit you just fine. Personally, I use a Merkur Classic
http://westcoastshaving.com/in...cPath=8&products_id=28

i got the heavy duty, even if i dont like it more than the mach3 at least itll be cheaper in the long run

 

[abaez]

Randomly off topic - I had a weird dream last night where I stole Michael Phelps' money at a resort and managed to get away after fleeing into bear-infested woods.

Turns out I was shaving and my mom knocks on the door and tells me Phelps is here to see me and we fight in the restroom and he cuts my face up with DE razors lying around. I think that part of the dream was because of this thread.

He still didn't get the money though .

 

[acheron]

Originally posted by: drinkmorejava
-->DE isn't anything like a safety razor; you can't just press it against your face and expect it to work. You'll tear your face up regardless of it being sharp or not.

uh? a DE is a safety razor.

safety razor = not straight razor.

 

[MedicBob]

Originally posted by: abaez
Randomly off topic - I had a weird dream last night where I stole Michael Phelps' money at a resort and managed to get away after fleeing into bear-infested woods.

Turns out I was shaving and my mom knocks on the door and tells me Phelps is here to see me and we fight in the restroom and he cuts my face up with DE razors lying around. I think that part of the dream was because of this thread.

He still didn't get the money though .

If you want to touch his "naughty bits" just say so. No reason to create a story.

Getting more interested int shaving items.

 

[BrunoPuntzJones]

Go get some mineral oil and fill up a cup and leave your razor in it when done. Your face isn't going to destroy a steel blade, corrosion and mineral deposits will. You should be able to get a dozen or more out of one with proper blade maintenance. Then again, they are cheap.

I prefer Feather blades. Very sharp. Very.

 

[drinkmorejava]

Originally posted by: acheron

Originally posted by: drinkmorejava
-->DE isn't anything like a safety razor; you can't just press it against your face and expect it to work. You'll tear your face up regardless of it being sharp or not.

uh? a DE is a safety razor.

safety razor = not straight razor.

lol, good point, I suppose I meant cartridge razors.

 

[MrMatt]

**googles DE razor**