Guys, Just wanted to say I'm a little disappointed. I wanted to start shaving with a DE Safety Razor and it was not what I thought it was. I perform a total of 3 passes (with/across/against) the grain and it not a close shave at all (for me) plus I started to develop small bumps / razor burn which I never had before. I tired using multiple blades: Merkur/Personna/Wilkinson/Derby (Personnas were my favorite). In the end, it still not as close as my BIC disposable which works fantastic on only 2 passes vs. DE I need 3 and still not as close. I am going to try some more blades this week I will have soon a 5pk of feather and some Dorco's. If none of these wow me, I think I'm done with DE safety razors. I am glad I gave it shot though, I not using my hand to lather the shaving cream (gillette shave gel in can). Im using real old' school shaving and latering it with my badger brush. Maybe shaving with DE Saftety razor is not for everyone, but I'll stick around the forum to see whats up. Steve
You didn't say what razor do you use? Also the lather quality is a major factor to consider together with a very good preparation routine. Please provide us with more details in order to try to help you.
What your going through is the newbie learning curve, your not keeping your angle in check. It takes time to master DE shaving and only you can decide if you have the patience to persevere.
Lots of variables. If you let us know your pre-shave routine, that could be a major factor. Also, as stated, the razor type and the quality of the lather. Have you looked at any of the excellent videos available? They are really helpful. I hate to see anyone give up.
Agree with what's been said, and I want to stress that there is a learning curve. You have to get your technique down. If you just grab a DE and go all willy nilly like you do with a cartridge, it's not going to work. While learning you need to go slow, be mindful, and work on technique.
You're not alone. I really don't care for DEs. After using SEs and injectors I don't think I will ever use them again. I got decent shaves from a SS (shaved with one for years) but mechanically SEs and injectors are more robust and just much more comfortable to use. Frankly, I think DEs are badly designed. The blades are paper thin and can be very unforgiving due to blade flex on some razors. Here is a picture of the "correct" angle for a DE from the B and B wiki. As you can see that blade is merely scraping hair off not cutting it cleanly like an SE. Furthermore I hate the loading on them... Three piece is a chore. And TTO Gillettes are fragile. The build quality is nothing compared to a TTO SE such as the Micromatic razors. I know DEs work for many but they're certainly not for everyone.
That's right, it's always YMMV, for me it's mixing lather. Once in a while I mix lather but I get better closer shaves with canned cream. Aces!
Were you using it flat against your face? The angle is nothing like a DE... It's hard to believe anyone could have trouble with that super mild razor....
Yes, I was aware of the angle. The first shave was okay, but the second one... ouch! My face was red for some 6 hours. I just did not give it another try.
Well I am 55 years old. I started shaving with DE when I was 15. Then switched to BIC for some 30 years. Lately, shaved with DE for about a year. Back to BIC and occasional DE shaving.
Glad you found your perfect shave, and another example of how YMMV is so true with shaving. Those single blade Bic's more rip the hair out of my face than shave me. I'd sooner shave with pruning shears lol....
For some 35 years I only used BIC. I was back to DE a year ago. It is hard to say what is wrong, BIC just works better than DE in my case.
