Wet shaving!

I am using this http://www.ebay.com/itm/Merkur-33C-...567633?hash=item25bf144911:g:B5kAAOSwOVpXclho

It is good, has smooth slide. Probably need to order some better blades, Gillette Platinum blades aren't that good.

 

I had my Sicilian barber give me a shave the other day to see what shaving with a straight razor is like.

He muttered to himself in Sicilian and then said
"Hmm, your skin cuts at just a touch of the razor."

After he mopped up all the blood, I found the shave wasn't so good, but that might be the anemia talking.

Sticking with my Gillette Mach3 for the moment, but if you guys have some advice, I'm good with my iron and B12, so let me know.

 

Yes! Absolutely my experience with the Philishave!

I'd just never thought of it like that before.



(Perhaps we could add something like as the hive buzzes with a single intention, to cover electric.)

.

 

Another AS-D2 man here. I like feather blades and if anyone is looking for blades that work well with the razor Voskhod, Polsilver Iridium and Crystal Israeli Personnas all work pretty well with it. It's a fickle razor for sure.

I also have a variety of brushes, soaps and creams but my Simpson Harvard H4 + D.R. Harris Lavender Shaving Soap and generally my go to combo.

 

If you're not already wet shaving with a brush and cream or soap, it's worth doing even if you never switch to a safety razor. So start with that.

Then, if you want to try a safety razor, I would suggest starting with an adjustable razor because you can make it as mild or as aggressive as you need. Otherwise, use a mild razor such as a Parker. (I can also see a case for a moderate razor such as a Jagger or a simple Merkur.) Under no circumstances, try a slant razor as your first razor.

Your choice of blade will depend on many factors: skin type, technique, razor, cream/soap, local water. One general rule worth knowing is that milder razors tend to work better with sharper blades, and aggressive razors with duller blades. It's synergistic. But, at the beginning, you probably want to stay away from sharper blades and use something in between mild and moderate such as Astras.

If you do stick with cartridges, at least buy a good handle: the weight increases your control and reduces tugging which causes irritation. Look for one with some knurling on the edges to help your grip. It could be harder to find a handle for Mach 3 cartridges than for Fusion cartridges.

 

My transition from dry/electric to wet shaving was necessitated while living overseas 10 years ago and my electric dying due to a voltage converter issue. My routine since then has been to wet my face, apply some shave lotion, then use a cheap triple blade from the local grocery store, with-the-grain shave with a little against-the-grain cleanup on my jawline, once a week. Max twice a week.

You weirdos intrigued me into trying some new stuff and today was my first attempt with a Feather Popular. Same process except for razor/blade. One pass with the grain cut my face to shreds. I'll admit some user error may be at play here with new equipment, but this wasn't just nicks like I'm used to. Lots of issues below the jawline. I have a baby face apparently.

I'll give it another couple tries and see how it goes, but otherwise this thing and the extra blades are going into the cupboard to save for the trick or treaters.

 

Awesome thread!

I'm new to the wet shaving scene with just receiving my first DE razor set (Merkur #180) for Christmas from my girlfriend. Very much enjoying the process so far!

I picked up a sampler pack of blades to try out which has some Astra's, Derby's, Merkur's, Wilkinson's, and Feathers. So far I have only used the Astra's and Merkur's and have preferred the Astra's. Next up will probably be the Derby's and I will be staying away from the Feathers for a bit (I did make sure to pick up an antiseptic pen though).

Edit: For those considering making the switch I will say a Safety Razor is actually very easy to use! I wasn't sure the first time I used it, was slightly worried, but after using it a few times it is very easy and a very relaxing process. Take your time and enjoy the shave just like your grandfather would have!

 

When I am not bearded, I use an Edwin Jagger DE89bl, which is their standard DE with knurled handle. Badger bristle brush, its only pure badger because I am used to having a beard and don't respect my face. As far as soaps, I am not too discerning as long as it smells nice; sandalwood is a regular favorite. I generally shave with the grain, but touch up the goatee-zone against the grain due to density and speed of growth.

The way you hold the razor with a DE safety is significantly different from a modern multi-blade razor. Especially if you are accustomed to the mach3 style stuff, which promotes shaving akin to pulling a sled behind you. Safety razors put the post orthogonal to the plane of the blade, which requires different dexterity. I suggest a VERY light touch and use multiple small strokes instead of long steady pulls across the desert of your baby face.

 

Feather blades are too sharp for beginners. Stop using them. Instead, buy a blade sample pack from West Coast Shaving (or Amazon) and see what works for you. Start with mild blades such as Derbys, or moderate blades such as Astras.

It sounds like you're accustomed to shaving in two passes: with the grain and against the grain. From what I remember, I used to shave that way too before I switched to single blades. The first thing you need to do is to determine what direction(s) your beard grows in. It could grow in different directions on different parts of your face, or two directions on your face and a third below your jaw line. Look in the mirror at the stubble and rub the tips of your fingers across the all the areas.

Then start by shaving only two passes: with the grain, followed by crosswise in the same general direction of the grain. If your hair grows down and away from the center of your face, the crosswise pass would run sideways and away from the center of your face. After you master two passes, you can add a third pass: crosswise against the general direction of the grain. That also would be sideways, but towards the center of your face. Don't shave against the grain till you've learned how to shave with the grain and crosswise in both directions.

All shaving is beard reduction, not beard elimination. Shaving with a single blade requires multiple passes. There will probably still be light stubble on your face after the first two passes. The end result of multiple passes with a single blade should be a closer shave with less irritation than shaving with a cartridge razor. But you will need to practice several times a week and to shave with patience. If you have more time in the evening than in the morning, shave in the evening whilst you're acquiring the technique. Best luck!

 

"I wouldn't suggest this razor to a newbie, even though it's mild - the lack of weight requires a conscious effort to avoid using pressure, and that's hard to do when you're starting out. It doesn't need pressure during use - you just need to let the razor do the work." (source). This was likely my exact problem. Applying too much pressure given I'm used to the sled pull as @aufmerksam mentioned. I also don't grow facial hair very quickly, hence the once-a-week shave (only doing one pass with short strokes with the grain), so I was starting with more than I should have. I'll try another couple times with the Feather blade and then maybe get a sampler pack in.

 

I am newer to safety razor land, and @Claritas advice is the best for beginners. The concept of beard reduction is the goal. Patience and some experimentation go a long way. I wish I read this advice six months ago. I have read through this whole thread and just like audio, you guys offer excellent advice and suggestions.
My suggestion for newbies the Dorco Prime starter set. Their handle and blades are milder and a great value.

 

I also think this Zen-master level advice I wish I read prior to using a safety razor.

 

Can we PLEASE keep the relativistic/subjective nonsense out of this, and just agree that the O2 of shaving is "the best":


EDIT: this is a joke, see below.

 

Oh! I meant it purely as a joke. As in: unlike the debates about psychoacoustics and how tf can we ever really prove that stuff, you can tell the difference in someone's shaving needs by literally looking at their face. I chose the pink, two-blade disposable bic because deep in my dark heart I know it can get the job done when nothing better is at hand.