Making the move to a DE razor

[Bryf50]

For the past few years I've tried every crazy Gillette/Schick razor on the market. Mach 3, Fusion ,Proglide, Quattro, Hydro. They all left me with a shitty shave unless I applied way to much pressure leaving me with irritating razor burn. So I guess all that's left to try is DE.

The best guide I found with this one. http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/

From their recommendations so far in my cart at Amazon I've got the Merkur HD #34C, a 60 blade sampler pack, Taylor shaving cream, and this Edwin Jagger brush. I know theres some DE users hare. I know its probably not the best but do this decent setup to start with DE shaving?

 

[kamikazekyle]

Good idea on the sampler pack. Different skin types like different blades. Though I'd try to grab a pack of the Feather Platinum blades (yellow package: http://www.amazon.com/Feather-Razor-...f=pd_sim_bt_16). I've found that they're the sharpest by far and have higher QC on their blades than something like Derby. Derby blades can be decent, though it can also be a crapshoot if you get a blade that's sharp or dull. Ditto on Shark blades. Merkurs are good blades that aren't as sharp as Feathers, but retain the quality control.

Anyway. You really can't go wrong, per se. I use a cheap $13 Feather razor with a plastic handle. I find it gives me a better shave than the $90 adjustable blade angle Merkur I have. Different creams, oils, and soaps might suit you better (I use Poraso, for example).

Best bets are to (1) don't use any pressure. Shave with oh so light a touch until your skin gets used to the change. (2) shave after a shower/bath or soak your face a bit with a hot/warm rag to soften up the bristles. (3) if you have sensitive skin, use either lotion, an aftershave (ie Bump Patrol -- works good for me and you only need a very little), or both. (4) Take your time until you get used to things. (5) if you have loose skin, pull it taught. (5) And get a styptic pencil for the inevidible cuts.

EDIT: Another site to look at is classicshaving.com. They usually have reasonable prices and good selection (though tend more towards high end at times). They're also very repituble as a seller.

 

[RedString]

I switched over about 6 months ago to an Edwin Jager razor. Forgot which one (was about $35 on Amazon). Bought a pack of the top rated Razors on Amazon as well.

Best purchase ever. The razors were great, very sharp, and very cheap. You get something like 3 or 4 packs of 5 for $7. Compare that to paying $14 for what like 3 Gillette heads?

As far as the razor, the Edwin Jager is very nice, great weight. It's kind of light for me, which I like - it feels to me like I have more control over the razor this way.

Honestly I don't understand the scare stories you see of people making the switch. It's really not that bad of a change at all. Though i've never been a quick shaver, and I've only cut myself like once in my whole life. Just read a quick guide and never look back, safety razors > all.

edit: Big tip though that I didn't realize at first. It helps to be fluid with your swipes and quick. It's easy to be kinda hesitant and too slow when you're getting use to a safety razor. This will cause a lot more irritation and more 'catching' of the blade if you go way too slow. Of course making sure you apply hot rag long enough (or shower) and using decent shaving cream will help reduce this irritation - but shaving in sure fluid swipes and not going too slow will help most of all. Though I use sh!t cream...

 

[Bryf50]

Cost aside, is the shave a big improvement over cartridge razors? Really what I'm worried about is getting a close shave without razor burn and bumps. Something I haven't been able to do with the Gillettes.

 

[RedString]

Cost aside, is the shave a big improvement over cartridge razors? Really what I'm worried about is getting a close shave without razor burn and bumps. Something I haven't been able to do with the Gillettes.

For me, eh the closeness is pretty much the same. Smooth is smooth. But the difference is that it takes fewer swipes to get there and this ends up causing less irritation. If you haven't tried it with your other razors, a big part of reducing this irritation is making sure you prepare your hair before hand (hot water) and use decent creams. Oh and many people swear by a good boar badger brush.

 

[mcveigh]

try different blades. everyone likes something different. I like feather blades but they are too sharp for me, I feel like they take off some skin with each pass. it just left my skin too sensitive. my favs are the merkur blades and maybe derby second.
also try proraso shave creme, I love it and it's cheap.

bath&body works sells it under their own brand as well
http://www.amazon.com/CO-Bigelow-Pre.../dp/B002L03N74

 

[the DRIZZLE]

Cost aside, is the shave a big improvement over cartridge razors? Really what I'm worried about is getting a close shave without razor burn and bumps. Something I haven't been able to do with the Gillettes.

You will definitely get less irritation with a DE. How close you get with a DE depends on your skill level and how thorough you are with it.

 

[xSauronx]

You will definitely get less irritation with a DE. How close you get with a DE depends on your skill level and how thorough you are with it.

yeah, it took me a little time to get used to it, coming from a mach 3

i primarily switched due to cost, but i also like the shave i get. glad i switched a while back

 

[Sluggo]

I made the switch in May and am glad i did it.

Videos: http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

I bought a Edwin Jagger razor, I like it quite a bit: http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-D...3255829&sr=8-1

For me, the Derby blades that came with it really sucked, I bought a sampler pack of blades, and Astras are my favorite so far. http://www.amazon.com/Astra-Superior...3256113&sr=1-1

For a brush I got the cheap Tweezerman brush on Amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-280...3256193&sr=1-7

I started with the Proraso soap in a tube and still have some of it, I also bought a small deal of soap to take on a trip http://www.amazon.com/Colonel-Conk-W...3256349&sr=1-1 that I like pretty good too.

 

[waggy]

yeah you have to get a sampler pack! i can't remember off hand the brand im using now but they are great. they are in a red package each razor packaged separately.

only think gi remember is they are not made in the US. i want to say Israel but not 100% sure


found them. http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Red-Personna-Israeli-Double-Edge-Razor-Blades-100-Blades_p_19.html

 

[lxskllr]

The razors are also works of industrial art. Collecting vintage razors is a cheap hobby, and you may find the perfect razor that way.

 

[waggy]

The razors are also works of industrial art. Collecting vintage razors is a cheap hobby, and you may find the perfect razor that way.

my favorite razor is a Gem jr. it was made in 1912. i love it. just finding blades for it are a pain in the ass (single edge). I got it from a guy who collected razors for cheap (he got another one in far nicer shape).

edit http://www.etsy.com/listing/69030371/gem-safety-razor-gem-junior-safety-razor here is the razor. they are great.

 

[lxskllr]

edit http://www.etsy.com/listing/69030371/gem-safety-razor-gem-junior-safety-razor here is the razor. they are great.

Very cool. Little bits of American/world history almost anyone can afford :^)

 

[Born2bwire]

Cost aside, is the shave a big improvement over cartridge razors? Really what I'm worried about is getting a close shave without razor burn and bumps. Something I haven't been able to do with the Gillettes.

The closeness is pretty much the same for me. But it does give me a good shave that I can do everyday. Usually with a cartridge razor I could give myself the same shave but it was rougher on my face.

As for the razor, I have had a few of the Merkurs. I would say that the Edwin Jagger DE89L is a better razor for about the same price as the Merkur HD. The build quality is much nicer though I don't know about the grip though. I have the Muehle R89 which has a knurled handle but the same head (but costs much more for those of you in the US). The DE89L has a lined handle which may not be as rough but I haven't really heard any complaints.

The big thing is technique, using a light touch and proper angle. Actually, what I do these days is not shave with shaving cream or anything. I just splash water on my face. It isn't as slick but I have a better feel of the razor so I do a better job on the angle. In the end, I still don't get any nicks or irritation. I'll probably go back to using soap when I feel I have the angle down better on this razor.

 

[flvinny521]

I am a DE user as well. I use a Merkur razor with Personna blades, and alternate between a few different creams (Proraso is my go-to choice for normal, everyday shaving). I found that I get much less irritation, bumps and cuts when I use cold water during wetshaving.

I throw a glass of ice in a sink full of water while I shower, and then use that water to lather and rinse my face in between passes. It seems counterintuitive, but for me and many others, it just works better.

 

[Jaepheth]

I currently use one of these myself:

But I probably need to get a DE as well; for when I'm in a hurry.

Also, it's a PITA to go across the neck with the straight edge razors.

 

[crownjules]

I don't even use the boar hair brush anymore since doing all that leads to a 20 minute shave and I don't want to take that long. I just lather up in my hands (I use the Kiss My Face mint shaving cream) and that does just as good a job.

VVVVV: Will give it a shot next time I need cream. I like sandalwood smell a lot.

 

[robphelan]

for the first several months i didn't use a brush - just hand-applied it. I bought a cheapy nylon brush for ~5 and it works great.

you need to try the Art of Shaving Sandalwood shave cream. can be applied with or without a brush. smells wonderful and leaves your face very clean, not oily.

 

[mmntech]

Resurrecting a necro thread.

I just bought a DE razor. I've used it about three times but I'm not too keen on the results so far. Feels like I'm 14 again and just learning how to shave. Still don't have the technique quite right I suppose. Trying to keep the blade at a 30-45 degree angle. I still nick my neck though. I bought a sampler so I've tried Astra and Gillette platinum blades so far. Any tips how I can improve my technique?

 

[Born2bwire]

Resurrecting a necro thread.

I just bought a DE razor. I've used it about three times but I'm not too keen on the results so far. Feels like I'm 14 again and just learning how to shave. Still don't have the technique quite right I suppose. Trying to keep the blade at a 30-45 degree angle. I still nick my neck though. I bought a sampler so I've tried Astra and Gillette platinum blades so far. Any tips how I can improve my technique?

Right now I think you just want to focus on learning the motions. Do not stretch the skin very much. That will reduce irritation but you won't get as close of a shave. Try shaving in the shower. I find that I don't need any shaving cream but I get less irritation and without the cream I have a better feel for the razor on my face. Just use one kind of blade for now. Try experimenting a bit after you have the technique down. Last thing would be maybe to try to limit the number of passes. You may just want to go with a single with the grain pass for now and use your old razor to clean up.

Honestly though, it just takes practice. So it may be a month before you feel that you are starting to get it down.

 

[TheVrolok]

Resurrecting a necro thread.

I just bought a DE razor. I've used it about three times but I'm not too keen on the results so far. Feels like I'm 14 again and just learning how to shave. Still don't have the technique quite right I suppose. Trying to keep the blade at a 30-45 degree angle. I still nick my neck though. I bought a sampler so I've tried Astra and Gillette platinum blades so far. Any tips how I can improve my technique?

I diced myself up pretty well the first few times I used a DE, you'll get used to it, just keep working at it and remember it's about reduction per pass, not elimination. Use a gentle stroke and reduce your hair per stroke, no need to be bare skinned with one, two, or even three passes.

 

[DestinyKnight]

For the past few years I've tried every crazy Gillette/Schick razor on the market. Mach 3, Fusion ,Proglide, Quattro, Hydro. They all left me with a shitty shave unless I applied way to much pressure leaving me with irritating razor burn. So I guess all that's left to try is DE.

The best guide I found with this one. http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/

From their recommendations so far in my cart at Amazon I've got the Merkur HD #34C, a 60 blade sampler pack, Taylor shaving cream, and this Edwin Jagger brush. I know theres some DE users hare. I know its probably not the best but do this decent setup to start with DE shaving?

You should do fine with that setup. the biggest difficulty with getting a good shave on a DE is learning the technique. The blade sample pack is a good idea, that way you can figure out how sharp of a blade you like. I use the russian gillette 7'oclock in the yellow packs myself.

Originally Posted by waggy View Post
edit http://www.etsy.com/listing/69030371...r-safety-razor here is the razor. they are great.

Waggy, where'd you find decent single edge blades? I have a couple gems but the walgreen blades suck.

 

[TridenT]

Considered switching. The gillette fusion blades literally last me 2-3 shaves before they become quite dull (I'm talking like every 2 or 3 day maintenance type shaves). It's really disappointing. They work pretty nicely for the first 2-3 shaves and then it's just a really miserable experience for the next 15-30 before I switch blades.

 

[Gothgar]

I use a fusion, it seems to work well enough

 

[jme5343]

I used one of these back in the late 90s (?) about the time that Phenomenon with Travolta came out. I think he used one.

For some reason I got away from it and was using Fusions, but almost every time I shaved I ended up with ingrown hairs.

Switched back to DE at Christmas, a Lord razor and Feather blades with a badger brush and puck of shave soap. I don't really like the Feathers, but I'm using the rest of the pack before I buy some more. I take a LOT longer to shave than I did before, but I just get up a little earlier and make it a kind of ritual. I actually enjoy the process of shaving a lot better.