It may be too much pressure on the blade which is normal for most people to do and or overall technique. I honestly would wait til yiur face heals and try a go with little to no pressure. Also certain combos can be very bad for me getting almost like results you had. Once you find a few excellent combos with razor/blade youll be in heaven.
i would say 10-12 shaves. its not that im giving up, i just think this the BIC is so much faster/closer shave.
Your situation was not too different than mine. I was using a EJ89. I got the bumps, irritation and cuts. I was frustrated but I was determined to learn this. Three things turned this around for me. (1)Shave Oil added to my routine of Proraso cream (2)No more ATG on my neck unless it's a special occasion (3)I started using a ball handled Gillette Tech. I now use a bunch of different razors and I'm happy I stuck with it.
Let me ask you, is there any razors (carts, SEs, Injectors, Bic disposables) that dont require to use those steps?
Exactly like me, I started with EJ89 and my shave was average. After 3 month I got an Tech and boom, found my life razor, getting excellent shaves and enjoying it. Yes, shaving with a DE takes a little bit of time, at least in the beginning but you can get a very good BBS after a while when you master the whole process and find the combo that works for you.
- Not everyone likes to use Shave Oil. I notice the difference without it. - The Tech taught me technique. I can use an open comb confidently now, though I still favor closed.
I think sticking to one razor may be a better idea than constantly rotating them. Your muscle memory have to adjust and readjust again and again .
Avoid shaving against the grain for while. Make sure your face prep is adequate, such as after (or in) the shower.
True, but the same could be said about the Gillette SuperSpeeds DE razors–and yet some folks struggle initially with them.
work on your angle. I know I was going too steep at first. You want to be as flat as possible while allowing the blade to cut the hair.
From my own experience: I started with a Merkur 34c and could never get it dialed in right. Always had terrible razor burn. Ended up going with a 1949 Super Speed and it changed my whole experience. As many others have said, this is a YMMV game...but all of the blades you mentioned don't work well for me. You might fare better with something in the Gillette family, such as 7 O'clock (Blacks or Yellows) or Astra Green (my personal daily choice) might be a good place to look. Send me a PM if you want to try a couple of those and I'll send 'em your way.
Excellent advice. You might search the forums for GD Carringtons 30 day rule. It's guaranteed to help.
I don't use a Bic, they ripped the hair out of my face. I used a Braun that cost a pretty penny but gave me a really good shave really quick. I'm 2 weeks into the DE and I will admit my Braun gave me a much better shave (at this point in time) but there is a learning curve involved in this. I've learned quickly that if you want to shave in 3 minutes DE isn't the way to go but.... it's not about the speed of the shave. It's the 'ritual' involved. To me it's the enjoyment of all the preparation before the shave, during and after. Once the proper technique is figured out all else should fall into place. I don't think 2 weeks of shaving is a fair amount of time to give up.
I'm only three months in and I have to say with my starter set I'm just settling into a combo that actually works in getting a great shave that's close and comfortable. Their is such a wealth of advice and no question is ever considered silly. I promise you the help of the experienced shavers got me through to a point where I can shave well. Now I can start playing around with things. Hope you stick with it.
I Would try Astra SP blades. They are sharp and smooth and can be had cheap on Amazon. I bet that along with getting your lather nice will help a bunch! Don't give up yet you just haven't found the combo right for you yet!
