So after spending a couple of weeks using a cartridge razor and brush lathering, I finally ordered and received a DE. I was only going to do one pass originally, but it went so well I did 3! Got a pretty close shave, with almost no irritation. Best shave on the closeness/irritation front I've ever had, counting electrics. Anyway, list of equipment so far: Edwin Jagger DE89l (It's so shiny! A little smaller than I was expecting, but great balance.) Tweezerman Brush (Broke in after a week or so) Blade Sampler (used Derby Extras) ToBS Avocado (Lathering great, mild smell) Only issue I ran into was that I had a hard time telling when I had the angle right. Anyway, I wouldn't have tried this if it weren't for the info on this forum, Thanks Guys!
That is a great set up you have, although I did not care for the Derby blades, but if they work for you that is cool. Thanks for sharing your progress!
I struggle with this, too. I've been trying Mantic's exaggerated "put it flat on face then set the angle" technique when I stray too far. Seems like the sound will be a pretty good indicator once I get my ears and shaving technique calibrated with each other.
Awesome!! I absolutely love the TOBS Avocado, and have recently tried the Lavender as well .. they are both great scents.
I agree with the "put it flat on your face and set the angle" to get started. Once you start to get the hang of it, the sound of the cutting whiskers will tell you when the angle is right. Remember; try for no pressure except for the weight of the razor head. You're on the road to success.
Just tried the persona reds, worked way better for me. Got an incredibly close shave, and little irritation. I'm also getting much faster at both lathering and using the razor. Good times!
Those IP Reds are quite forgiving. If you like those you may also like Crystals and Dorco 301s. I find these all work especially well in my DE86, which is very similar to your DE89. Congratulations on your excellent set-up and fine start.
couple more questions: How many shaves does a blade last you guys? I'm only getting two, and noticing a drop in quality in the second, such that I didn't want to try a third. How do you store your razors? I'm thinking that I'm storing mine wrong, possibly it isn't drying out right, and I think that would explain why I'm getting so few shaves. Right now I have it sitting head down in my lathering cup, both dried out. Advice? Thanks again!
what brand blade are you using. some blades suck they aren't even good for one shave. as far as storage I store mine upside down on my shave bowl or stand them up. also don't wipe it dry. shake it a few times. I find that 7 oclock yellow, Iridiums and feathers last long 3 to 4 shaves.
Five shaves, easy. I hand strop all my DE and SE blades prior to the first use and after every use. That, in effect, dries the blade out. The blade then goes into a different razor for the next shave. The razor gets a wipe down with the towel, then up on my rack or to rest in a mug. All are head up, but that doesn't make a difference because they're dry.
Three shaves with most blades, one shave with Bolzanos, 12 or 13 shaves with Gillette 7 O'clock Super Platinums and five shaves with store brand ASR blades. That is out of around 40 different blades. You may get different results, though. There isn't a "right" number of shaves you should be getting per blade. When the shaves start to suck, then its time for a new blade. I store my razors in the medicine cabinet, but shake them a few times to get the water out before putting them away. Most blades sold nowadays are stainless, and I have yet to see one rust.
