So far I've done 2 4 pass shaves on the derbys... didn't like 'em, the yellow gillettes...great first shave, second not so much and the green astras.. lovely first shave, so so second, with the Shark super stainless and green gillettes left to go for round one. I've saved each of the used ones to try for a third run after hand stropping, but as the shaves were all a little rough on the second, I'm a little leary. Oh and I'm using 2xwtg then xtg and finishing with atg and a little buffing, but I think I may be over doing it, as I'm developing a few bumps, but not really and razor burn at least.
If you're getting razor burn, I'd suggest backing off the ATG or at least the buffing for now. As your technique get better, slowly add them back in. Also, if you're just starting out as it sounds you'll want to save at least one of each blade to try again after you've been at this a few months and have your technique down. Personally, I think you're best off picking a blade that works and sticking with it a couple weeks to get your technique at least to the 90% point. But I know that's difficult with all the new things to try tempting you.
I agree. There are no perfect blades, but there are plenty of good ones. If something doesn't work well for you now, do not completely write them off. Just put them in your blade box and revisit them in a few months. You will be surprised what a little time does.
Yeah, right now I'm trying to find that daily blade, when I've made the first rotation through my sampler, I'll pick the one or two that I've had the best experience with and stick with those for a while. and I've stayed pretty consistent with my cream, using a bigelow/kmf mix. its the creams and soaps that'll eventually do me in, as the only thing keeping me from developing an AD is the sheer selection available and my indecisiveness. :ashamed001
Fewer passes may help you at this stage, giving your technique and face a chance to rebound. Perhaps dropping the 2nd wtg and just doing 2 passes (wtg + xtg) for a week or so might help. You can slowly add more aggressive passes when you are comfortable doing so. You also might benefit from more forgiving blades too. I do not consider Derbys and 7-Oclock Yellows to be forgiving types. Milder blades might include IP Reds, Crystals, Lord Platinum, Dorco 301, among others. Starting mild, and progressing into more aggressive blades, razors and techniques in time, worked well for me.
Do you at least find that your shaves are better now than with the multi-blade cartridges and canned goo?
Definitely better than the days of gel and a 16 bladed vibrator, not to mention I actually enjoy it now. I'm not even that bad with the burn and bumps. Just like 2 or 3 on the side of my chin... way better than the fillet o' face when I was attempting to shave with the Feathers in my Parker 22R. If I don't seem to get much better, I'll have to look into the milder blades. At least blades are cheap.
stick it out I agree with the comments on sticking with a comfortable blade while working out technique. This helped me get sorted a lot faster as the variables were kept to a minimum. I used Israeli Red pack Personnas daily and exclusively for a couple weeks then started experimenting once I could consistently get close, irritation free shaves. When I figured this out, then re-visited some blades i didn't like so much before, I found those blades to be surprisingly better. I'm talking about the Derbys. I thought they were the worst in the world; now they are my daily driver. Want a couple Red pack blades to try? they are mild and well-regarded; I've just settled on a better match for me and don't need 'em. PM me if you're interested and I can send you a couple or 4.
