I've been very apprehensive about actually shaving with a safety razor. So, I didn't mind having razor problems. Finally though, with Bill's help (and patience), I decided to push the adjustables-with-issues aside, and purchase a Gillette Tech (Canadian Z2 fat handle). The razor came in today. With my excitement pushing past my fear, I tried my new razor. The first thing I noticed was the sound. It was so very different from a cartridge—more gentle and separate, as opposed to the cartridge-meeting-hair sandpaper-like sound from before. And so if I didn't hear sound, I changed the angle of the head. If I felt pain, I changed the angle back the other way. That was my dance. The shave itself is horrible... patches of hair here and there. But, my goal was to enjoy something new while keeping everything blood-free. I'm very happy I did just that. I'm even looking forward to next time... in a day or two. Bill, thank you again for your help. Thanks to everyone else who helped as well. The Shave Den, with all its members, has been invaluable.
The close shaves will come in due time, but to make sure it is something that you want to continue to do, and is comfortable is the most important thing right now. You will learn your facial hair growth pattern, you will learn the correct way to hold the razor at all times, you will learn what it takes to get a great shave. But if it hurts to do it or is uncomfortable in any way at the beginning, then you would be less likely to continue to do it until it all falls into place, and you realizing that fact is a big step. So while you may have had a horrible shave, the fact that you enjoyed it means that your shaves will get better from this point on. I hope the road (and shaves) ahead only gets smoother for you from this point on, and I'm always more than willing to do what I can to help. Congratulations! :happy096 :signs107
Keep trying nofa, you will improve your technique shave by shave and your shaves will become excellents
That sounds like a great first shave. What kind of blade did you have. If you said I missed it. As Bill said you need anything to help out holla at us. Most of us here have a ton of stuff share. I am happy to help with any samples you might need or the loan of a razor if you want to try something new. Fuzzy
Left out details from my first shave and a few questions: Derby Extra Blade Does it matter which side is up? Is switching the up and down side of the blade okay? Edwin Jagger Medium Best Badger Brush It's funny, I can't seem to keep the lather out of my nose. The Gentleman's Refinery Pre Shave Oil and Shaving Cream I had lurked across the street for awhile. Since there was much praise for The Gentleman's Refinery After Shave Balm, I bought a sampler. I have had much better results with their Pre Shave Oil and Shaving Cream than with my new foray into Kiss My Face Moisture Shave. I decided even with my dwindling supply, the TGR stuff would be a better choice. I really wanted to keep my cream/soap consistent during my safety razor learning phase, but it seems I will be sampling throughout. The Gentleman's Refinery After Shave Balm I'm about to run out of this. I have no comparison, but I really like it. At $40 a 3.4 fluid ounce bottle, I don't know if I can justify buying one. Any alternate recommendations for something similar? Thanks for all the support.
Congratulations on a not totally painful or horrible first DE shave! They all get better from here. Bill's advice was all spot on - enjoy your shaves and the closeness will just come, almost of its own accord. Have fun!
time, practice and a combo of the right razor/blade will get you good shaves. I had thought for a while I wasn't sure if I was gonna get it. Well I'm still doing it and found some blade/shaver combos that worked well for me. A few I like are in case you wanna try'm 40s SuperSpeed and crystal platinums/astra Merkur HD w/ crystal/astras fatboy/slim w/ gillette 7 0clock greeen or yellows
