Hello everyone from a newbie from Prorasolandia! I have been reading about wet shaving for the past 4-5 days, waiting for my Amazon packs to arrive (the razor had to come all the way from Britain)! I decided to try safety razor, after about 15 years of cartridge shaving, which was always an annoyance/chore and i was always trying to find ways to postpone it. Usually multiblades would tug my hair and give skin irritation when going ATG (reason for which i pretty much stopped trying to shave ATG since i was 18. At the end, this turns out that was a good thing, from a dermatological point of view). I think the main reason i thought to try wet shaving now, is that it's a way to also remember my father that passed away and he was wet shaving all his life, but never tried to dissuade me from my "Gilette multiblade mania". He had what i now believe was a Gilette TTO, but unfortunately my mother seems to have thrown it away after his death. So i wanted a TTO too, because i thought it was a very smart idea. I saw the Weishi at Amazon, at the same price as EJ DE89 (15 EUR). I googled and found that the Weishi is milder than the DE89. To the point that some people were saying that you can't shave, it doesn't cut, one guy in youtube video said "I am not really sure i am shaving", however, i TRUSTED this man, who seemed to me to really know his stuff and went ahead: I also have been avidly reading random things about shaving by googling things and watched some beginner videos from "mantic99". So, ordered the Weishi 9306 FL (long handle, chrome plated) and 100 Derby Extra blades, which i read are considered the least aggressive out there, to the point that some people say they are dull. Dull is good for me, because i have a very sensitive skin, although very slick and what i think to be tough whiskers, although not very thick. When i say slick and sensitive skin, to the point that i 've had several girlfriends, envious of my skin. At the end, while waiting for the Weishi to arrive, and reading more, i also ordered an EJ 89 knurled Handle Amazon Edition (DES89KNBLAMZ) and 100 Astra Super Platinum Blades, because i read they are sharper. The non knurled handle DE89 costs like 10EUR less, but i read many people complaining about it being slippery. In a classification, i found Weishi at aggressiveness 1/10 and DE89 at 3/10. So i figured, i may as well have a dull and a sharp blade, worst case scenario, i can put the Astras in the Weishi and the Derby at the DE89 and make them about the same. Unfortunately, my shaving bowl has still to arrive, same with a Palmolive menthol shaving cream and an omega 48 pro boar brush (which here it's called the "Omegone" aka the "big Omega"). But the Weishi and Derby did arrive and i just couldn't wait. So i ran to the supermarket and i grabbed the only shaving cream they had, a dust covered, blu proraso ("for all beards") and the ONLY brush in the supermarket (and i mean only, as in 1 left there probably forgotten for years), a Proraso which turns out that it's ALSO the Omega 48 rebranded (the handle says Omega), at 5 EUR (the one from Amazon is like 6.5 EUR). So here are is the "armory". I weighted the Weishi and it came at 75g without the blade. One heavy razor, for someone coming from plastic razors! I ordered the long handle, because i thought it would be more natural for someone who is used to plastic, cartridge models. And i think i was right, by pure instinct, my 2 fingers went exactly to the point of balance, although, i ended up using all 5 fingers to ensure a sure grip (pinky below the tip). I shaved for the first time at 16:00, i just couldn't wait. Now, my lather, had problems. It didn't have almost any bubble, but it lacked volume, although i added a bit more than almond size quantity. I kept mixing with the brush for like a minute, but i just couldn't make much of it and much thick lather. Maybe it needed more water, maybe more cream, maybe it's because my shaving bowl isn't here yet and i had to use a mug and the Omega brush is really HUGE and i couldn't move it around the mug easily...anyway, i used what i could... Result: NOT a single nick. Minimum irritation on 2 spots on the base of the neck, less than what i get with multiblade. I didn't even have to make "short strokes". I could pretty much go from ear height to jawline with a single stroke and from jawline to end of neck with another stroke. My fears that i would bleed and such, were completely unfounded. The razor movement wasn't slick, probably because of my modest lather, but i had no problem whatsoever to finish a shave that it's not BBS, but i don't aim for BBS, since it would require ATG (which is bad for your skin). I got a shave, on par or slightly better than with the multiblade. Which is fine by me! I wouldn't call it "smooth shaving", i could hear the whiskers being cut and i don't think the movement of the blade was very slippery, but it did the job and i am still a newbie. I was like 10 seconds, trying to decide if i should use left or right hand to shave my left cheek. I ended up using the right hand. I also have some doubt about whether a 75g long handle razor was the right choice or a bit unweildy,but at the end, again, it did the job. Oddly, my skin right after shaving, was feeling like having more drag compared to the canned foam i use. Again, probably my lather i guess. However, after applying aftershave, my skin feels smooth like with the multiblade. I did WTG, XTG, WTG, with minor touch ups. I could even insist in one point more times (with no lather), without cutting myself and no irritation! I even managed to shave the moustache area, which always gives me problems, without problems. All i have to say at this point is: I AM NOT GOING BACK TO CARTRIDGES!!! The Weishi proved PERFECT beginner razor for me and i even had it fall by accident from 1.50m high and it survived. I know the DE89 is prone to rupture from such heights due to the "zama" or "zamak" (?) alloy. The Weishi didn't blink. Even though my boar brush didn't have the time to break in, i left it for like 1 minute in hot water and the pleasant feeling alone of putting the lather on your face with the brush is enough to throw cartridges in the bin. I think i will continue with the Weishi and Derby, to take more confidence The BAD thing about wet shaving: It's advertized as being better for your wallet. I think this is true on theory, but not in practice... I think it becomes like an addiction, as i have already started hoarding blades, creams, there are soaps i have eyed and i am already at 2 razors...
Welcome to the Shaving Den. Sounds like you found a great razor for yourself. It will get even better with time. Sent via mobile
Welcome. The Weishi is a good razor. I have a 9306CEL as well, and it shaves almost _exactly_ like a flare tip SuperSpeed. I can give no hints on the lather or cream, but the brush will need a mild break in period. Two or three uses may be enough to get it moving. I will say that I haven't had a lot of luck with the Derby blades in a SuperSpeed or clone. The Derbys seem to work best (for me) in a Tech-type razor. The Astras, however, work great! However, it all boils down to DSDF (Different Strokes for Different Folks). You have to work out the best blade for your razor, and razor for your face. I'm glad you had the same experience I have always had - that the single edge is much easier to control and receive a good shave. Spend a month with that razor, and you might want to look at a vintage SuperSpeed - shorter handle, but much the same head.
Well, i don't know if it's great in an absolute scale, but as a beginner, i am very happy! I was prepared for a bloodbath. Instead zero nicks. So, maybe after a year, i will think that the great razors are others, that the DE89 is better, but for my first steps, i will always be greatful to the Weishi. Thank you. I have in deed read about boar vs badger vs synthetic and i read that boar bristles split and become smoother with use and that also absorb water, so i guess i can expect it to get better. I don't know if i made some mistake with the quantity of water or cream about the lather, but next week the normal shaving bowl should come and i hope to make some better. The Omega brush is HUGE and i couldn't move it around well. I am actually starting to think that maybe i need a smaller, maybe synthetic brush, because smaller would be more manageable and here i have high humidity and i read boar takes much time to dry, while synthetics dry quickly. But, as things stand now, i have 1 Proraso boar used and another Omega boar yet to come with the next Amazon shipment, so i guess it's better to stick with the same tools until i can get the hang of it, before i change brush. I also read about Weishi pretty much copying the old Gilettes, but i don't think i will be buying vintage razors. I think i will stick with new razors. If after experience i see i really like the Weishi, i will certainly buy one to keep as spare. About the Derby, yes, i have read reviews in Amazon and did some googling and people either love or hate them. The problem is that i don't have experience with other blade yet, so i can't judge them. I can't say that they "glided" on my face. The cartridge glides better, when it doesn't tug my whiskers. But, i don't know if i should blame Derby or my poor lather. So, we will have to see. I also did no preparation. Just dipped the brush for 1 min to hot water and splashed my face with hot water. No preshave creams or anything. About control... With all 5 fingers on, yes, i didn't have any control issue, even though the razor was heavy. With the cartridge, i can also make long strokes, but usually, at some point they tug. With the Derby, i make long strokes, it didn't tug, didn't feel smooth either, but it cut everything. Basically, i can due 2 stroke shaving. 1 until the jawline and 1 from jawline to end of neck with no problems. And i had a 2 1/2 day growth. I am curious to see how the Astra will go, but i think i should stick with Derby until i am sure that i don't nick myself. I kept to the general advice "no pressure, let the weight of the razor do the job and move the shoulder not the wrist" and it worked just fine! I am not sure if the shave i got is considered "DFS" by you experts, but it's on par or better than my "usual" shave and it's perfectly passable. Let's say it's BBS WTG. I am SO HAPPY i tried wet shaving! This can only go better! A friend of mine told me that i am crazy and that i should simply use Gilette Pro Fusion for "comfortable and easy shave". I now certainly don't intend to.
The Weishi is an SS clone, and people who say it's garbage are either prejudicial or ignorant. It performs like a fifties SS and is easy to learn as a new convert. Welcome and good luck!
Welcome to the Den @Shave Fu, from Central NJ. A couple of observations. You may have been better served by getting a blade sampler pack rather than making a 100 blade purchase. You also at this point may want to try a cream/soap sampler pack. Then head over to the 30 Day Rule/Focus thread and audition blades for your razor. Also you may find the right cream/soap. You need to remember that what works on someone else's face may not work on yours.Good luck!
Thank you! I 've read conflicting things about the Weishi. Some said "it tries to clone the superspeed but doesn't shave like one". There are 2 youtube guys that pretty much trash the Weishi too, but like i said, i trusted the "Mad Scientist of Wet Shaving" and now i am glad i did. Ironically, i think that the Gilette SuperSpeed (with no blue or red tip), was my father's razor. From what i can remember. Thank you for the advice. In deed, i saw in Amazon some sampler packs. But, reading the reviews in there, there were those saying that a beginner should start with sampler pack and those who were saying that it's better to stick with 1 blade until you master the technique and get used to the razor. So, at the end, i thought to follow a middle ground. So i ordered 100 of the dullest blades (Derby) and 100 of sharper blades (Astra). I know Feathers are the sharpest, which is why i avoided them. I don't know if i will like both Derbys and Astras, but, at least now, i know that i can shave with Derby. Maybe Astras can be more enjoyable, but, i can shave with Derby alright. The good think with my skin is that it's very smooth. No imperfections, nothing. So, as long as i have some kind of lubrification, i think anything that isn't too sharp, will glide on it, good enough to avoid nicks. I bet i can DE shave even with canned foam. A very sharp blade may nick me, because the skin is also soft. After i get used to Derby and Astra, i will surely buy a sample pack! Soaps and creams, you bet i am going to try, although i am not so crazy about some super expensive soaps. But something within 10, maybe 15 EUR range, i am willing to try. One that i really want to try and that here is also fairly cheap is "Cella" soap. Many Italians swear by it and buy it in 1 kg items, cut it to pieces and use the pieces as refill. I 've read raving reviews in the local Amazon, people saying that it has nothing to envy to the best foreigh soaps. But, i thought to start with creams, because i thought they would be easier. So for now, i have Proraso blue cream and have Palmolive menthol coming in next week. For starters. I also have to try of course the Proraso soap, since here it's sort of "must have" for beginners, it's a sort of national shaving soap and it costs like 2 EUR. When i master the lather making with cream, i will start with soaps and i think Cella and a non menthol Proraso will be the first on my list. I 've also heard of Tabac, TOBS, D.R. Harris, Arko and here there is also one called "Acqua di Parma", which goes for something like 50EUR, but i don't think i will try that and i 've heard people saying that compared to Cella it's not worth not even half that price.
Welcome to the Shave Den. This is the best place to get acquainted to the vast and expanding world of wet shaving.
Arko, as a soap, is about as forgiving as they come. It's also very inexpensive. What puts people in the US off is the odour - it has a mild citrus/lemon scent that many find off-putting. It can also be slightly drying to the skin, which is why after I shave, I use a moisturizing soap, or shave balm. The benefit of getting a vintage SuperSpeed isn't that it's perfect, or any of the various reasons I've seen out there. It's simply that it's nickel plated brass, so it puts up with the damaging environment of soap and water (not kidding) much more readily without having to be constantly cared for. That's it. I do agree with your buying one blade and working with it for a while. For the cost of the Derby, you can put a new blade in each shave until you feel you've mastered how the razor works, and still be ahead at the end of three months. For that matter, a 100 pack of Derby is less than many samplers I've seen.
I am sure it is. In fact, i was wondering whether i should come here or in another forum. But, i like more the sober background of this one, plus, when i was googling i found a page where there was like a sticky with mantic99 videos. So i thought "these ones appreciate a true master, i will register here". Hmm....I don't mind citrus/lemon. I actually like it. I think i dislike more heavy menthol scent, which is why preferred to avoid green proraso cream and ordered Palmolive menthol. I read it's refreshing for summer, but not as menthol heavy as Proraso. I even read Italians saying that Proraso green is annoyingly menthol heavy. I think i 'd like Citrus/lemon much more! Thanks for that! No kidding about soap and water! Here where i live hater is VERY hard (it leaves mineral deposits visible to the naked eye on everything and you have to clean pots with vinegar to take it out, since normal dish detergent won't) and i noticed that the razor after the shave had lost its shine. It was like i had been using it for years. I took the blade out and dried it out with a microfiber cloth, got shiny again. Yeah, 100 Derbys here in Amazon costed me 9 EUR, a 100 sample pack goes for 15 EUR. Which is this one here. So, 3 Derby packs in there (2 Derby and 1 BlueBird, which i read is made by Derby), 2 Astras and aside the Personnas, i haven't read good things about the rest, especially Dorco. So i thought, instead of buying this, i may as well order 100 Derbys and 100 Astras. A low-high mix as far as sharpness goes. Feathers, i know are the sharpest, so i don't think i have any haste to try them. Now that you mention the Superspeed, the Weishi claims to be "copper alloy" with chrome finish. But, i doubt it's as resistant as the original superspeed. If not anything, the doors that open seem pretty thin and i don't have too much confidence on the chrome plating. I wonder, once the chrome plating goes off, does the "copper alloy" rust? Probably yes. I guess i will buy a Weishi for spare sooner or later, if i really like it.
I believe that the 'copper alloy' is a Zamak variation, but I haven't gotten a busted Weishi to cut open yet
Yes, unfortunately, the Weishi alloy situation is still unclear to me. In my local Amazon, they simply make no mention of the material. From googling and Mad Scientist's video above, i learnt about "copper alloy". Alloy implies that it's copper + something else. But what? Zamak, AFAIK, is a zinc alloy, with alluminum as the second higher in concentration element, followed by magnesium and copper. So, assuming Weishi is really "copper alloy", it would mean that it's primarily copper plus something else. So, not exactly Zamak, but who knows how close... I know for sure that i dropped it from 1.50m and nothing broke, so that's good for now. I 've read that an EJ DE89 will most likely not survive such fall... The really bad news, even if it's primarily copper, is that should the chrome finish peel, copper tarnishes immediately with water. So the surface will turn green in no time.
I see you changed your Avatar. Thanks. I was confused. What part of Prorasolandia do you live in? The Weishi is a good mild shaver. Vintage Gillettes are a better alternative IMHO.
Go to www.tryablade.com Russia made is the source you want. Build your own sampler. Make sure that Gillette Silver Blue, Polsilver Iridium, Voskhod, and Astra SP are in the mix. Pick 2-3 more brands and buy 2 blades of each label. Blades are not the most important thing, but I will suggest any Russian DE blade, they are all serviceable. And consider joining in our thirty day focus group to discuss your observations. The thread is filled with expertise on every razor style. This month we have DE, Single edge, injectors, traditional straights and even a shavette or two. We have a lot of fun, and newbies to TSD and traditional shaves are why the thread exists. We deal in all things razor technique related.
If you like Derby, go with it. Comfort should be the key factor in blade choice. Again, techniques are more important than blades.
