Just had my first DE shave. Equipment used: Gillette Tech with Wilkinson Blade Boar Brush Mama Bear Orange Orange Shaving Soap Witch Hazel Nivea After Shave Balm Took a nice hot shower, washed face with Nivea Face Wash. Lathered face and kept hot towel on it for about three minutes. Rinsed off and relathered. Shave wasn't very smooth, blade kinda dragged/skipped/bumped. I used no pressure whatsoever and did two passes with the grain. The final shave was ok, not really smooth, but I wasn't really trying for smooth on my first shave (I was pretty nervous, paramedics were on hold!). Beard feels like a really quick electric shave, which will be ok as I learn. Anyways, just wanted to check in... really like the process of the whole thing.
You might try a different blade if you didn't like the Wilkinson...different blades in different razors will run differently on your face Everyone starts somewhere. I personally just had my first DE shave on Friday, performed my third shave earlier tonight and I'm already getting better and seeing a difference compared to my cartridge razor. Keep at it, hone your technique and you'll be BBS in no time!
I wouldn't worry about BBS while still learning, it could lead to cuts and irritation. It's best to keep your variables to a minimum and focus on proper technique. Good luck and happy shaving!
Don't try to be too agressive. Let the razor and the blade do the work. There is probably nothing wrong with the blade. Just take your time and work on your technique. Great shaves will come with time and practice. None of us learned over night. Only your regular use of a DE will improve your results.
That is most likely due to your lather. Practice making lather. Use your hands to feel the slickness to find the sweet spot for that particular soap. Anyway, :happy096 and Congrats on your first DE shave!
Congratulations on making the leap to a DE razor. I second JoAnna's input on the lather. Most bad lathers have too much water or not enough product. Start with a drier lather and add water a drop at a time until you get something that feels slick and protective when you rub it between your fingers.
Thanks for the update! +3 on the lather issue. It sounds like it was too dry. I like to start with a brush that has most of the water shaken out and then add the water back in to the bowl a few drops at a time. There is a point where you will feel the resistance of the lather release and the sticky sound changes pitch and that is when I know my mix is almost where it needs to be. The good news is that you get to shave again soon!
Sounds like you did a great job for a first DE shave! You'll quickly learn to firmly control that skipping/dragging sensation without using pressure. Too light a touch can result in skipping as well. It was helpful for me to think of lathering up and shaving a balloon...the lather has to be nice and slippery to prevent the blade from digging in while dragging...and though you obviously can't use any pressure, you still need to maintain gentle but firm control of the razor to prevent the hopping, skipping action that can nick the balloon as the blade touches down. Also, since the name of the smooth shave game is progressive whisker reduction, once you gain the confidence to hit those whiskers using a few passes in different directions you'll be amazed at the difference. No mention of nicks or razor burn...sounds like you're off to a better start than most!
Update after third shave: Still using same equipment. Decided to try an XTG pass today, in addition to my 2 WTG passes. Very nice on the cheeks! My neck still needs some work, very afraid to add any pressure due to previous shaving issues, so it is still rough, but I'm liking the progress. Thanks again for the great board!
Sounds like you're still doing great! Better the pressure is too light than too heavy, for sure. The XTG pass will make things a little smoother, but once you add the ATG (or if you want to avoid direct ATG, a diagonally upward and across the grain pass from rear lower jaw area toward the eyes and nose) things get really smooth. But even then, you'll need to do a light "polishing pass" to get certain leftover rough patches. You really are learning fast!
Sounds like you're getting there, and you have been giving lots of very good advice. The advice I always like to give new wetshavers is the one Anthony hit upon: First and foremost enjoy the shave, the close smooth shaves will fall into place.
remember you are going for a reduction on each pass. Not trying to cut smooth on one pass. So reduction, reduction, reduction. By the time you reach the 3rd pass,you should be pretty smooth. If it still isn't working out right, try a different brand blade in your razor. You just have to hit on what works for you.
Please please remember to let the weight of the razor be the pressure, especially with a Progress. I have one, and have from time to time toward the end of the line for that blades usefulness, applied a bit of pressure to finish the hard to get areas and have 9 times out 0f 10 gotten nicks or weepers from doing so. Keep working on the lather to get it thick and slick. Maybe even use some olive oil or glycerin as a pre- shave treatment to assist in the glide. Congrats on what you have accomplished so far. It will only get easier, better and more satisfying from here on out.
One way I assure a good lather is to take plenty of time to thoroughly face apply whatever you whipped up in the mug. This way, any imperfections in the mug lather get fixed "on the face" and the lather is fully worked into the beard.
