Hey guys, I have been lurking over here for the last couple of days and I just ordered my first razor from Amazon. I ended up getting the Edwin Jagger De89lbl. One of things that I haven't figured out what kind of blades to get. I am pretty new to this type of shaving. I have been using Schick Hydro for the longest time and decided that I need to find something different due to the look and the amount of ingrown hair I get. What would everyone recommend?
Welcome Chef. I would suggest a sampler pack with something like some Derbys, Astras, Personna. That way you can find which one fits your needs the best. There are a ton of blades out there and it may take some time for you to find the right ones for you. I also suggest visiting the review section (located at the top of this page) then click on razor blade reviews. You can get a lot of info there.
Welcome to TSD! This is the best wet shave board on the planet! While not preferable for me, there are people out there that report good shaves from the DE blades found at Walmart or Dollar General. Those will get you started. Consider getting a sampler pack of blades. The TSD store sells them as do many other vendors. Check the Master Sticky List for great resources related to our hobby.
Thanks for the suggestions... It seems like alot of people are suggesting Voskhod blades work good, do you guys know where I can get them. I want to get a few to try out before getting stocking up. Also how often do you guys change your blades, every shave?? or it all depends on how thick the beard is.
Welcome to the Den. Currently, a lot of people are singing the praises of the Voskhod blades; however, most members have not used them, so it isn't fair to say that they work for everyone. They aren't bad and you can get them from Razor Blades and More. Blades are very subjective - one person's great blade is anothers "meh" and another's trash. How long they last, how well they shave, etc.. depends on many variables including your technique, your razor, your prep, etc... The phrase YMMV is very true around here. Your Mileage May and will Vary. You will find a terrible blade works wonderful in a different razor and your best blade tanks in a new razor you acquire. That is why we suggest sample packs to start off. We also suggest that new DE users start with some solid brands that are not known for being super aggressive. They won't last as long and may not shave as close, but they will be a better choice while you are learning. These types of blades Derby, Crystal, Personna, Dorco ST-301 can be found in many sampler packs.
+1 to everything above. :happy088 I just found my new favorite blade again tonight! Which will happen the more you sample new blades to discover what works best for you. ...AND WELCOME TO THE SHAVE DEN! :signs046
Welcome to The Shave Den! A great community of guys and gals that enjoy wet shaving, I hope you enjoy your stay! While its not required, how about you hop over to the Newbies Section and give yourself a proper introduction thread, I'm sure you'll receive many warm welcomes from the friendly folks of this community.
The YMMV is defiantly true, most people who use a Merkur Futur and have reviewed it say about stting 3 but I like mine slightly higher. If you have thick hair I suggest avoiding derby, I have thin hair but I find after 3 days they go dull.
Thanks for the welcome guys...Razor finally came in and I am looking forward to the shave today. I have about 5 days worth of scuff so it should be interesting.. Steve_1933...thanks for signature...i am watching the youtube videos and learning before I attempt to shave today.
The youtube videos are great for learning the correct technique. Hang in there with the blades. I have been on the search for the correct blade for the past few months and just settled on one yesterday. The sampler packs are a must. And a styptic pencil or alum bar, because some of those blades will definitely NOT be for you. At one point I was ready to throw in the towel and go back to my Schick, but in the end it was worth it.
I'm very new to DE razors myself, so I know what you're going through right now. I got an Edwin Jagger DE89L about a week ago. It came with a pack of Derby blades, and I ordered a 100 Sharks because I read some really good reviews on them. My first 2 shaves, I killed my neck! I was sure hoping that it got better. The biggest advice I can give you is twofold. First, shave VERY lightly and make multiple passes and reapply shave cream/soap etc. in between passes. Second, try to give your face a couple of days to heal if you've got a problem with rash or ingrown hairs. Then when you shave, at least at first till you get used to the way a DE shaves, only use a blade no more than 3 times and throw it away. After you get your face and/or neck back in shape, then start gradually seeing how many shaves you can comfortably get. Only going 3 shaves and then changing to a new blade was the best advice I ever got. Using a really sharp blade, at least for me, helps keep it from jumping, skipping, and snagging my skin. Good luck and welcome to the board. I'm really liking it and learning a lot. You've already gotten a bunch of good advice, mine is coming from a noob! Hope it helps you find your OWN technique. BTW, I just used the Voskod blades this morning and loved them. Best yet! YMMV!
Thank You!!.. I was about to post feedback after shaving twice. And after reading your advice I need to get a different set of blades, just need to figure out where I can get small amounts of blades instead of 50 or 100. I don't think Derby blades are good for my face. I have had nothing but rashes all over the neck and its a really bad shave, my wife described it as "did you even shave??". I guess trying different set of blades and take it easy is probably the best thing ever. This morning I put a little bit of pressure to get a close shave and I think that was a bad idea too as I still have rough shave, but had more cuts then the first time I shaved. I am going to see where I can get some blades to try out and then see the progress. What kind of a soap is everyone using. I am using the Old Spice Lather Shave Cream.
Pressure is a bad thing!!! It is a common misconception that if the blade is pushed harder you will get a closer shave. Wet shaving is about gradual hair reduction, no pressure, letting the blade and the weight of the razor do all the work. Instead of applying more pressure, make sure you are going in the proper direction for your hair growth, especially on the neck area. I know my neck hairs grow in 5 directions, I have just learned where these different areas are and have adjusted my shave routine accordingly. Also, make sure your lather is slick and cushioning, it will also help in getting a nice close shave.
Tony speaks the truth, well, a lot of everyone above has. But coming off of the hydro, I bet pressure is your problem, NOT the blades. You have developed years worth of crappy habit that you need to shake. That habit is pressure. As soon as you get off the pressure, you will find a much greater level of comfort, even if the blade isn't your favorite. No pressure for you!
