Freshman college student who's new to DE razor shaving, about 2 weeks in. Loving the experience, even if I still have yet to experience a shave without at least a nick or two -still beats the hell out of using a cartridge. Mainly glancing around the den to try and hunt for tips on how to improve the general experience (and maybe once not have to break out the styptic pencil). I currently use a Merkur 23C "Long Classic" razor with relatively cheap and unheard of Laser blades -when I was home for Thanksgiving I had the chance to use Gillette blades and the shave was almost exponentially improved, so I'm hoping to break out a sampler pack and try my hand on a few more brands once I go home on my long break for winter. Considering the time it would take for better blades to arrive here at school would make the effort of ordering them practically useless since I leave in two weeks, I'll be working with these blades for another while. Do any more experienced guys have any tips for reducing nicks/burn when using blades that, as far as I can tell with all my two weeks experience, are too dull? I've already eliminated my XTG pass on my neck, because I just found there was no way to do it with them without getting angry red lines moving across it (for the record, I started out doing three passes, WTG, XTG, and ATG. I know everyone recommends for newbies to not add in ATG until later, but it's what I always used with cartridge razors, and I just decided it was worth getting a bit smoother to risk a few nicks here and there). Also, any recommendations for shaving cream to use with my shaving bowl/brush? I currnetly just have a standard shaving soap in it, but I've been toying with the idea of purchasing either Proraso from a tube or TOBS from a tub and seeing how those work for me. Maybe it would help produce a lather that would smooth the process for me a bit. Anyway, can't wait to explore the forums more and get further into this little hobby. Thanks for all the tips, guides, reviews, etc.
Welcome Liam. I have some questions with built in guidelines. 1. Do you shave before or after showering? After is better to allow face hydration. 2. How many shaves are you trying to get out of a blade? If it is more than 3 then get another blade. 3. Do you use a good shaving balm? You should definitely use it after shaving and maybe at evening time before sleep to moisturize your irritated skin. (Nivea makes a great balm). Proraso is an excellent shaving cream. With all this said, when you get your sampler pack there is one more thing you must continue to develop, your technique. I have a rule of thumb which worked for me when I started and has worked for others. It is called the 30 day rule. What is the 30 day rule? THE 30 DAY RULE. Find a razor, then a blade that will not cause issues with your face (that may take a few different blades in a sampler pack to find a suitable choice or it maybe the first out of the gate) and select a soap or cream that is easy to generate good lather. Once you find those, and it may take a couple of weeks to find this combination, order a quantity of that blade enough for 30 days, and then spend 30 days using nothing else until you build up your technique. (Note that only one brand blade is used for 30 days after each blade in the sampler pack is tested to make the decision on the blade brand to use for 30 days.) The 30 day clock starts when you have the right blade for you. After 30 days, change one and only one variable and work for another week then change another after another week. At that point you should be able to make better decisions because your technique is now in place. This will help you to avoid buying too much gear and stuff too soon without having the technique down to enjoy it all. Oh, and one more thing... Welcome to the Den. We know you'll fit right in. So grab yourself a comfy chair, and give our threads a spin! Burma Shave
Welcome, Liam. Follow everything GDC said, the key word being: Technique. It comes only with time, it comes only with practice, it comes with only with patience and probably won't come without a little pain and blood. But it does come.
to TSD Liam..... It sounds like you are doing well with your shaving so far. Practice and patience are key to a great shave! I also went ATG from the beginning and seldom get nicks or any other kind of irritation. A large blade sample pack is a very good idea when you can get one. There is no big hurry as long as your technique is good, but a blade sampler will definately open you up to many other options to fit your face and improve the quality of your shave...
Welcome man, nice to have you here. Proraso is a very popular product here. Personally, I don't like it because it has too many things to irritate my face. But nonetheless, everyone who can use it usually has success with it. Musgo Real is another great cream that I really enjoy, so are the creams and soaps that Joanna sells here at the TSD store. I also agree with the sample pack recommendation. It took me awhile to find the blade that works for my face, but once I did; my face has appreciated me making the switch.
Hi Liam, welcome to The Shave Den! Glad you enjoy your DE shaving. Since you come from cartridge razors: keep in mind to use no pressure. And you're right about wanting to try a blade sampler pack. Follow GDC's advice, be patient and you'll get there. Happy shavings!
...to The Shave Den family! Be sure to stop by The Shave Den "Master Sticky" thread to familiarize yourself with the rules and different areas of The Shave Den!
Liam, a warm Welcome to the Den from Singapore! A lot of advice has been given already, so I will abstain on the front.
Welcome to The Shave Den! Wal-Mart has Wilkinson Sword double edge blades 10 for $1.76 Worth trying until you get a sampler pack. Shaving creams can provide a better lather for folks just starting out. Generally locally available shaving creams in the US include; CO Bigelow (Proraso) @Bath & Body Works The Real Shaving Company @Rite Aid Kiss My Face @ many stores, including grocery stores, that carry health foods
Hello there Cleveland! I'm from Cincinnati originally. Just moved to Pittsburgh about 7 months ago or so. I drive to Cleveland all the time. Nearly every week usually, except for right now. Everyone above gives great advice. I'd highly recommend trying some of them out! Your shaves will only get better with time and practice. Have fun and enjoy yourself.
