Hi All. I've been wet shaving for about 3 weeks now. Still getting the hang of it. So far no major cuts , burns or rashes. Still not getting as close of a shave as a Gillete Fusion but aI'm ssuming it will get better with techique and different blades. I'm currently using an Edwin Jagger De89bl and have been using Derby Blades and Wilk Swords (so far these are better for me). I just purchased the Super Obnoxious Sample Pack and wondering if you all could recommened a pecking order to start with? More info about me. I thought I had sensitive skin but after reading the forum, I no longer think so. I do have a quick growing, thick/full beard and have to shave daily (except on wekeends). I'm using a Badger Brush and have the following creams; Real Shaving Co., Proraso, RazoRock, Col Conk (Soap). Shave after showering. Personna Lab Blue (10 blades) Merkur Super Platinum (10 blades) Feather New Hi-Stainless Platinum (10 blades) Crystal or "Israeli" (10 blades) Derby Extra (5 blades) Wilkinson Sword (5 blades) Gillette 7 O'Clock SharpEdge (5 blades) Astra Superior Platinum (5 blades) BIC Chrome Platinum (5 blades) DORCO Platinum ST-300 (10 blades) DORCO Platinum ST-301 (10 blades) Red Pack Israeli (5blades) Lord Platinum (5 blades) Sharp (5 blades) Shark Super Chrome (5 blades) Shark Super Stainless (5 blades) Nacet Platinum (5 blades) Super-Max Stainless (10 blades)
To be honest I would just pick a brand at random, and give each one a few weeks worth of shaves to find out which blades work best for you. Any of us can make a recommendation where to start - but only your face will tell you which works for you. Also keep in mind that feathers are ultra sharp, and very unforgiving to errors compared to other blades
Yep. 1 - Take one blade out of each package - leave the wrapper on the blade, of course 2 - Toss those single blades into a brown paper bag 3 - close bag and shake 'em up 4 - close your eyes, reach in and grab a blade 5 - use chosen blade for at least three shaves 6 - repeat steps 3-6 until the bag is empty
Alas, you will never again have as close a shave as you did with the Fusion. The Fusion, and by extension, all other recent cartridge razors actually do lift the hairs before they cut them. Of course this leads to ingrown hairs and other assorted problems. (which Gillette fails to mention in their ad campaigns.) In time you will achieve a very good, very close shave, with no irritation, redness or burning. Steve's method of choosing a blade is actually a pretty good one. It's best if you start wet shaving with no preconceived notions about which blades are better, sharper or cheaper than others. Click on the link in my signature for more advice, and welcome to The Shave Den!
I'll only add that should you find that things are rough with one of your random selections, it may very well be the blade, so don't give up on DE razors because of your initial experience. That applies with all blades when starting out (ie, don't judge all of DE shaving based solely on your initial experiences).
...and of course, don't throw out blades you find horrible right now. As your technique (and razor collection) improves go back to the blades you hated months ago. You may find that one of them is your new favorite. If you still hate it though, toss them without a second thought.
...unless they're Blue Birds, in which case you can go ahead and place them directly in the blade bank upon receipt. Just kidding, there's a small chance you'll be pleased with Blue Birds. And also that you'll be struck by lightning tomorrow.
Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
A couple years ago on a trip I had to pick up and use a Mach 3 because my bag went to a different city than I..... Wow...I never notice so much tugging and pulling....and that week I never got as close a shave as with DE's or Injectors.... You're doing the right thing...just give it time....and enjoy the ride....have fun with it.... It's funny...I was using a Fusion when I picked up a Ming-Shi and a pack of Perma-Sharp Supers and got the best shave right out the gate....threw the Fusion away later that week and haven't looked back....I was lucky...now several years later, those Perma-Sharp Supers are still my favorite DE blade....To grab your favorite blade right off the bat like that was pure luck...I should have bought a Lottery ticket that day aswell...lol Just for grins...I'm trying to compare the Perma-Sharp Supers to your list.....hummm...maybe close to the...., naaaaah, not gonna do it...I think Steve's suggestion sounds good to me...have fun with it and good luck....
I would Also recommend to read the very helpfull articles on this subject: http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/education/double-edge-shaving/48-choosing-the-right-blade.html http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/education/double-edge-shaving/269-double-edge-razor-blades.html
I figured these would be another well worn, opinionated rant about which blades are better. Instead I found that these are well researched, well written articles. I don't always agree with the info posted on shaving 101, but these are solid. The first article is a real gem.
This is probably a very good method. our good friends Eenie, Meenie, Miney & Moe are very useful in picking blades from your sampler.
Sounds like you're off to a great start. The EJ is a great razor, very mild shaver. Enjoy your experimenting with the blades. Welcome!
welcome to the den, did u get your sampler from amazon? i been asking all the older folks at work and getting a random pack here and there to test out
...to The Shave Den family! Be sure to stop by The Shave Den "Master Sticky" thread to familiarize yourself with the rules and different areas of The Shave Den!
