I've been a wetshaver for like 2 months now. By switching to DE razor, a good shavingcream, badger hair brush and a A/S balm I do now experience a much nicer shave and can for the first time ever shave every day. But there's still one minor problem. I just can't shave ATG! Let's take the neck for example. If I go south to north under my chin I end up with like hundreds of nicks and cuts. As I remember, I could do this when using the M3? I use very short strokes, close to no pressure at all but I can't get it going! XTG is no problem at all and do actually gives me close and nice shaves but it feels like it can be just a little better. Maybe not for everyday use but you know, when that special event is upcoming and so on... Please! Tips? Ideas?
If you're really absolutely positively sure you're not using any pressure at all, then it is all about the blade angle. The head of the razor needs to be *almost* flat against your skin. You're trying to bring the blade in as shallow as possible, so it meets the beard at almost a 90 degree angle. If your blade angle is too steep, the razor edge is just skipping across your face, and that's how you get nicks. I feel your pain, literally. It really took me a while until I figured out the proper blade angle. Once I did, the quality of my shaves took a quantum leap forward. I shave ATG all the time, now, and can do it without nicks, cuts, or much razor burn at all. Even on my neck. Concentrate on your blade angle. Flatten the head of the razor out as much as possible. I hope that helps.
I agree with the blade angle as Tommy noted. This was a big problem for me early on and angling the blade especially on the sensitive parts such as the neck helped tremendously. Also, let us know the type razor you are using. A more agrressive razor might be your culprit along with the blade. There are certain razor/blade combos that work better with certain individuals.
Well I will give it a go this evening. It could actually be it when i think about the angle. I use a Merkur Futur. around level 1-2 and have tried with both feathers and merkurs own blades.
Futur is fine and the setting is good. Merkurs make the pros bleed and if your skin is right for feathers....same thing. You really need a forgiving but still sharp blade. Red Personna, 7 oclock, or Dorco 301 come to mind. Red personna or 7 oclock probably best bet. If you have sensitive skin as I do.....the feathers might not be for you. I can use them with good results but prefer a blade I dont have to concentrate to use. My personal favorite as of now is the 7 oclock which are very cheap.
Okey. I've been looking around a bit for more type of blades but the range isn't that big here in europe from what i can see. I have to do some searching for more sites that have international shipping. Thanks anyway!
www.westcoastshaving.com has a good sampler and www.razorandbrush.com also has a very good selection. You have to contact Giovanni at R&B over the phone but he is very pleasant and is based in Italy I believe. The shipping is cheap regardless of where its coming from b/c it will be in envelope. A few folks from Sweden on here as well so they might be able to chime in or even send over a sampler to try. Good luck and let us know. Glad you arent getting discouraged b/c we all have been there. Trust me.....I went straight to feathers and was upset b/c i just bled all the time Its much nicer now I think the 7 oclocks would suit you the best hearing about symptons though. Work on the angle as well though.
Alright that sounds great! I can actually live with these blades and they are giving me a better shave with just the XTG pass than the M3 ever could do. Never seen that site before. I will contact him as soon as possible. Thanks alot to all of you!
here is another source on your side of the pond. http://connaughtshaving.com/razorblades.html the 7 oclock sharp edge (yellow box) is getting a lot of praise recently
Add the Astra Superior to your list of blades to try. It's my alround favorite and I judge blades primarily by how they perform shaving ATG. If I don't shave ATG, I can use almost any blade.
The blades will make a huge difference. I am another big fan of the yellow 7 o'clocks, but each person finds each blade works a bit differently for them. I think that a sampler is a great idea. Also, take it very slow and use no pressure on the razor. I can not do ATG every day or I start to get burn. Maybe it would be worth doing a couple WTG passes most days, and reserve ATG for when you want that extra close shave. Also, never do ATG as your first pass. That is asking for trouble.
Seems like a samplepack is the way to go. I'm aware that ATG is for those special times. But it is good to have the possibility Connaught shaving isn't more expensive in shipping than if I buy something online here in Sweden if I don't get it all wrong. The bad(?) thing is that they've got more stuff than just blades. :drool
I just made an order for 50 of the 7 oclocks and shipping was only about $3 USD. As long as it fits in an envelope you are good. They do have a lot of goodies also!
I had that ATG problem. I solved it with WTG, XTG, Opposite XTG, and then if I want ATG. For me best blades for BBS shave are Derby Extra. brgds
Just made a test. I think it's 50% technique and 50% a blade issue. I found out that I'm using a too aggressive angle and when using a proper one it went alot smoother. So a sampler pack is going to be ordered! Stay tuned!
Tips? Ideas? Don't shave ATG, just try more WTG or XTG (you know the passes that don't make you donate blood). Also try different blades and check you AOA (angle of attack).
