Hey guys, Been checking out TSD for a couple of hours now, thought I might as well register, since it looks like I'll be visiting regularly. Nice community you've got going on here. What brings me to TSD? Glad you asked Been shaving with a DE for over 6 months now. Love it! Originally got into it because I couldn't stomach anymore how much I was spending in blades for my Mach3. Have to shave almost everyday, face and head (curse those family genes!). My hair is thick and the skin sensitive, prone bumps and burns. So I would go thru blades pretty often. Eventually, I came across an article on Lifehacker.com about DE razors and it's benefits. After a little bit of more research, thought I give it a shot. Got a Gillette SS from the in-laws (who knew they could come in handy ) and went to town. Within the week all razorbumps and irritation went away. Now I'm forever hooked! Actually enjoy shaving now. However, the only "problem" I'm having is the closeness of the shave. In order to have a clean shave last thru the day (my hair grows fast, EXCEPT for the top of my head...urghh), I lather and shave 2-3 times (WTG - XTG - ATG...sometimes get away with WTG - ATG). Which takes a long time (shave in shower BTW). Anywhos, was looking into adjustable DE razors and/or different blades, and stumbled upon TSD. Got severely sidetracked! Sorry for the long winded intro, been a very boring day at work today. The Equipment: Razor: Gillet Superspeed (from the '50) <-- Like the weight and feel Blade: 7 A.M. Platinum <--Have no complaints, but maybe a different blade will help Cream: TOBS Sandalwood (wife's fav) & Advocado (mine) <-- Love these creams Brush: Tweezerman
Welcome to TSD!!! Sounds like you've gotten a good start on your own. Hopefully we can help you fine tune things. When you say you lather and shave 2 - 3 times - do you re apply the lather inbetween each pass (time)?
Welcome to the den. It takes 3 passes for me to get the closeness that I want. With more aggressive razors, I can get the job done with 2 sometimes. DE shaving is not faster than cartridge shaving but more enjoyable for me.
wellcome to the TSD. you will find the guys very helpfull in every area of wet shaving not forgeting the lady which takes care of your,skin with her wounderfull colonge,s welcome and have fun with shaving.
Yep. Lather, shave, repeat. I've tried thickening up the lather, watering it down, letting it stay on my face longer (face is really soft afterwards!). Also in the blades dept., I might add that I've tried another blade, don't remember the name, but it was an Israeli brand. Only had two of them, but it didn't seem to make a difference. Which is why I'm thinking maybe trying a more aggressive (is that the term?) or and adjustable razor. Do like my Gillette SS tho.
What blade are you using now? You might think about a blade ampler pack before you look into getting a new razor. Or do both!
Do you have razor in particular that you'd endorse? Wo tongyi. I concur. It would be nice to shave a couple of minutes off the time tho. (full pun intended, like I said, I'm bored.) I will never go back to cartridge. Thanks everyone for the help.
:signs046 Waves from Wisconsin I could never get a good close shave with a SS. Great razors, but just didn't work well for me. 2-3 passes seems average with most any razor. I use New and Old style OC razors with the Astra and Feather blades and it works for me. ducks the stuff being thrown by the SS crowd
Welcome to TSD, I hope you enjoy your stay! I see like most of us you have turned a daily chore into something enjoyable. :happy088
Welcome to the Den! You'll find a ton of advice and opinions around here. I'd suggest an adjustable Gilletter, there are several models and for me, they're all great. I like using my SS razors too, but adjustalbes are nicer. I also like really sharp blades (Feather, 7 O'Clock) Becauxe I get a closer shave with less irritation when using them. Have fun here!
Man you guys post fast. methinks I'll take Special K's advise and get a sample pack 1st. Allow time to look into the adjustables more. TONS of info to process. Thanks for advice and for the welcome.
Welcome to TSD! I love my '57 Superspeed, but not with a 7am blade. The 7am is VERY mild IMO, and doesn't shave close enough. I'd go for a sample pack. Some blades I like in the SS are Astra Superior Platinum, 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge (yellow), LORD classic, and Dorco ST301. Try to get at least a couple of those in your sample pack.
I think you will be better off going with the sample pack 1st. I would suggest 7 O'clock Super Platinum (Black), Iridium Super, Feather New Hi-Stainles. Here's a link to a thread with a list of a bunch of vendors that offer sampler packs. Nice thing about the adjustables is that you can make them as aggressive as you want.
