Canadian Noob Question

Hey guys,
Looks like a great community you guys have here. I have been lurking for a little bit but I haven't seen this exact question asked. I have been wet shaving for a little over a month now. I am really enjoying it tho it is more time consuming. I am posting here for some help and guidance. I looking to find the best combination for sensitive skin with a thick beard. Currently I am using derby blades. I find them OK but need to do a second past in the same direction to get a decent shave. I am thinking of trying out the feather blades but I am afraid they we destroy my face. Well, at least this one region one my throat where the grain is the opposite way. Also, looking for a good shaving cream that will help me out. Currently I am using nivea. Also, any balm recommendations? I have real shaving company balm and I think it's good but it's the only stuff I have ever tried.
Thanks

 

Welcome to TSD! Please sign up for the Newbie Give-Away HERE
What razor do you have? I'd get a sample pack of blades. I would avoiding going against the grain on your neck for now, shaving creams? You can try TOBS it's good stuff. Again Welcome!

 

Hi and welcome to the den friend

I have the exact problem you do, sensitive skin and tough beard. I'm STILL learning how to shave it after 2 years of wetshaving.

Everyone will have their own combo of razor and blade that works best for them. But for ME, I have found that I consistently get good close blood free shaves from the following

Razors: any Gillette Adjustable (Fatboy, Slim, Black Beauty)
Gillette NEW Long Comb
Merkur 34C HD

Blades: Voskhod Teflon
Feather
Polsilver Super Iridium
Gillette Silver Blue
Supermax Titanium

YMMV (your mileage may vary)

For creams, any Taylor of Old Bond Street cream is great for the most part, is cheap, and they make one just for sensitive skin, Jermyn Street. I also really like the sandalwood and that's their most popular seller.

Balms, go for Pre de Provence, its shea butter, not too pricey at around 12 bucks, and works great. If you can spend the extra go for L'Occitane balms, Cade scent smells amazing but it's almost 30 bucks.

Good luck and happy shaves

 

I have a Merkur that I got on Amazon. Not sure the model cause it doesn't say on Amazon or the razor.
I will sign up to that give away. Looks cool.

 

Awesome! Thanks for all the helpful information. I will totally check that stuff out.

 

Most all Merkur razors use the same head besides the slants so the only difference is whether it's closed comb or open comb and then the handle. So you should be OK there until the desire to start acquiring more hits you. A good Gillette Slim Adjustable can be had for less than 30 bucks right now on eBay and its solid brass plated in nickel, built to last. Also, forego the ATG pass like Kerry said because until your skill is tightened up it'll tear up your neck, I should know. If you must do an ATG, use diagonal strokes, sneaking up on the grain. It helps.

 

Here's a picture of my Merkur

 

IMO anything is better than derby. Derby tore me up pretty bad. I'd reccomend Voskhod, Feather, or Gillette Silver Blue. But then again, YMMV.

 

That's the 34c HD, the razor most people start out with and a great one. It was my first razor. It should last you for a while.

 

Thanks for the info.
I am currently trying to avoid going ATG but it's so tempting. It's one area on my throat. Going from a inch from chin to the bottom. I flip my razor around and go with grain but the result is a area that kinda looks like I missed a spot. Some days I am tempted to go ATG but it always ends in blood. Would a sharper blade like a feather going with the grain result in a closer shave? Or will it destroy my sensitive skin?

 

Thanks. Will check those out. Too bad I have 180 more blades to go

 

Hi there fellow canuck! Most of the blades we use are really pretty good, even the Derbys. The thing is that a particular blade may not suit your situation. So you should probably try out different blades and see how it goes. Feathers might work and there is really only one way to know for sure. Things will go more smoothly and quicker with the doing..happy shaving and welcome aboard!..

 

Hav

Have you tried going across the grain instead of against the grain? Many men find that their skin is not as sensitive as they thought when they get away from multi-blade or electric razors and start using quality shaving creams and soaps. Definitely look at blade sample packs like those from Tryablade.com Experiment until you find one that gives you a pretty smooth shave, then stay with that brand for a while until your technique improves enough that you can evaluate blade sharpness and smoothness better. Hope this helps and welcome to the Den.

 

Thanks

 

Ya, I have tried going across but my technique isn't refined enough and usually ends in a bit of irritation. I find safety razors less irritating then my Mach 3. Maybe upgrading my cream will help me out.

 

Well you won't really know until you try it. It may be just what you need or too much.

 

Using your free hand to sort of stretch the skin taught as you shave helps too.

 

Will try. Thanks

 

Maybe I'm stating the obvious, but since you have sensitive skin, you may want to stick with unscented soaps/creams. Also, have you tried using a pre-shave oil? They can soften whiskers and reduce razor friction for some folks.

 

Hi! Lots of good advice so far. The one I'll echo is to get a blade sample pack.
Love my 3 Merkur HDs.

As for feathers, no need to be afraid of ANY blade. They are all designed to cut, that's why we buy them. Take your time, pay attention to what you're doing, and respect the blade, no matter what brand it is.