DE Shaving Just not for me?

Ok, so a few things. I do have a decent brush and bowl, but all I got is mug shave soap at home. I am pretty decent at whipping up the lather with it, but know there are much better soaps out there. A few people now have said to stick to the cartridge razor, but I really want to stick to DE. If I have to as a last resort, I will definitely consider that. I am getting great shaves and with the fat handle tech and they are smooth. Even the shave is smooth so it's surprising to bleed from it. The blade choice is probably wrong. I have heard bad things about derbys which cut me most and was my first purchase so I have about 90 left if anyone wants some of them. I'd like to keep a pack or two but willing to give away the rest. The dorco ones out of all the ones I tried are best so far but you are right marbert, I could probably do better. Does anyone have a blade recommendation? I know blade is a preference and is different for different skin and beard types, but surely someone has to have something to say on blades? Also, has anyone used sharks and how are they cause I am getting a few next week from a friend.

 

Sir nix alot, I did shave very slow, and blade buffing believe it or not works for me in tough spots and doesn't cause irritation. About how many passes, probably 2-3....MILLION! I guess I am too focused on the close shave but as I have said in other posts, the multiple passes don't make me bleed at all, so I am ok with that, the bleeding starts after the first WTG pass on my neck. But last night was much improvement, not alot of bleeding, extremely smooth shave, and bleeding stopped immediately after shaving so there is hope.

 

I recommend Voskhod's over any other blade, they are the smoothest blade that ever was. Shark Super Stainless is pretty good too. Voskhod blades are also cheap and can be bought at the TSD store or Bullgoose carries them, Razor blades and more also has them.

 

Thanks for the recommend on Voskhod. They sound good. Any other recommendations before I decide what to try next?

 

Sure thing. I have 90 blades left unopened. I'd like to keep a few packs, but I'll send you the rest. Let me know where to send.

Joe

 

Interesting. I'd been told by a few people that whether they're different is highly debatable. Good to know. Thanks.

 

LOL. Glad you are on your way! I am sure that the stuff that JoAnna is sending you will make shaving a whole lot better for you (I hope you realize how lucky you are that she is so generous).

I just had another great shave today. It feels so nice to be clean shaven.

 

I am lucky and appreciate it a lot! I can't wait to try it. And to think I was ready to give up. I have to say, you guys on here are great, and very supportive. I am usually negative about anything, but I started to get a bit negative with the shaving, but I am getting the hang of it now. If anyone knows of some other good videos to watch, please share. I seen the one guy (forget his name) but want to see more.

 

besides mantic you could also check out geofatboy at shavenation. He also is a vendor and a nice guy to boot but his videos aren't quite as fun as mantic's, just formal shaving stuff.

 

That is a true quote.

Blades have a different levels of honing and stropping methods and levels between varying brands under the same company. Some is due to cost factors and some is due to differing machines in different locations and differing legacy methods left by whatever old line company set up the equipment.

 

Hey i still use my M3 when i travel.

 

Ok Joe, I've looked back through your posts and for the life of me cannot find what brush and soap you have, if I missed it I apologize in advance.

Mug shave soap, are you talking Williams brand, Van Der Hagen, or something else?

What can you tell us about your brush? Boar bristle, badger hair, part of a kit maybe?

Have you tried any shave creams, not the canned kind, but something out of a tube or tub that you have to whip up?

 

I've been reading up on this and I see where I was mistaken. The Israeli Personna blades in the red box stand on their own. The Israeli Personna blades in the white box and Crystal blades are arguably the same. Did I get that right?

Sometimes it's tough keeping these subtleties straight.

 

Bill I haven't tried any creams yet. I have Williams mug soap and a brush and bowl set from CVS which I believe to be boars hair. I can't find it on their website so I'll confirm next time I'm in the storer but it's definitely boar or badger.

 

The kit from CVS is boar. Either Burma Shave or Van Der Hagen brand IIRC.

Williams is notoriously difficult to lather for most people in with most waters. Rumors of easy lather with just right water do exist, but I've never experienced it. You might want to consider something easier to use, at least for now. Items you should be able to find locally that work well are Van Der Hagen soap (many drug/grocery stores), C.O. Bigalow Cream (Bath & Body Works), and The Real Shave Company cream (Rite Aid).

The brush from CVS will be a lower end boar, and well it will work it's going to take longer and not feel nearly as nice as a slightly better brush. To avoid the break-in of a boar while you're learning, I'd suggest one of the bargain badger brushes. The Shea Moisture Ultimate Shave Brush from some Target stores is only ~$9 and works great, I use one as my travel brush. The other good choice is the Van Der Hagen badger, which I've only seen online. About $10 and is the best reviewed low-cost badger.

 

Erik, thanks. I am definitely going to look into those today! The Real Shave Company cream I believe Queen of Blades is sending me, but i want to look into the brushes. Thanks for the advice and as you can understand, I don't want to spend a fortune to learn lol.

 

And don't let the low cost ($1.50) of the Van Der Hagen (aka VDH) fool you. It is a fantastic soap.

 

Does anybody have any recomendations as to a soap or gel that I can use without a brush to start?