First wer shave with a DE razor.

ChrisJS1

ChrisJS1

Joined
Feb 23, 2012
Messages
132
Hi,

So I started a thread some days ago and the topic got a little hijacked by the subject of DE shaving. The DE shavers convinced me to put down the mach3 and try out a DE razor. So I mentioned it to my wife in passing and as it turned out she had a DE razor that belonged to her father, a Gillette. So I go online and order a sampler pack of blades and a pretty cheap soap, brush, and bowl combo. The shave I get, as far as closeness is concerned, is unparalleled. I did nick myself slightly and it does take twice as long to shave, however, I think I am going to convert permanently.

Does anyone use eucalyptus oil or any other products associated with wet shaving?

If anyone has any advice to offer a DE/wet shaving noobie please share. Thanks

Chris
 
Sometimes I will use Jojoba oil as a pre-shave. I put the bottle in the sink with my brush and scuttle so it is nice and warm.
 
Chris, This is great news. Don't worry about the speed, this will increase just learn the method, proper angle of the razor and enjoy your shave. The rest will come. DM
 
There are several eucalyptus pre-shave oils (i.e., Anthony Logistics, Caswell-Massey, etc.).

I've stopped using pre-shave creams/oils. One, I didn't find them very beneficial. Two, having sensitive skin. . .the what I thought was a great prep step was actually doing more harm than good.

My advice. . . .

1. Work on your technique. Don't be afraid of using different razor angles. You'll know when you hit the "sweet spot". . .your strokes will seem magical and effortless.
2. Get a good soap. It will surprise you how effective quality soaps are. Keep in mind, quality doesn't mean expensive. There are some great, cheap soaps.
3. Until your technique improves. . .stay away from shaving ATG (Against-the-Grain).
4. There will be days when technique, razor blade, and or prep will not go as planned and you look in the mirror and ask, "What The. . . . ?" So, the most important advice. . . .ENJOY YOUR SHAVES. A new day is on the horizon and you control the process.
 
I agree a quality soap/cream, does not mean expensive, goes a long way to making an enjoyable shave. I use to use the Poraso Pre Shave, but stopped using it because I found that it didn't make that much of a difference. My go to soap/cream is Poraso green. It is not necessarily a cheap soap, goes for about $10 up here, but it is easy to get a good lather from. I really liked the lather I got from Col. Ichabob Conk, and a large puck is under $10 here, but I had a problem with the scent of the puck I bought. I got their Bay Rum, and loved the smell, but within 5 minutes of opening the packaging my sinuses blocked solid. I tried using it 5 or 6 times after that, but every time it was like having a bad head cold:( Too bad really because the lather rivaled the Poraso, and the scent was 100x better
 
I don't use a pre-shave, just a shower, or without that, I just keep my face wet for a couple minutes then lather (I'm not very patient) Take your time, as your lathering and technique improves, you'll also find a blade that works for your face, and a number of uses, there are no hard rules for how long a blade should last. (everyone has a preference, and its not entirely all branding) I use Thayers super-hazel witchhazel as an aftershave, but again, whatever works for your skin possibly what you are already using. ( I switched from the gunk I was using before because I didn't much like that the smell would sneak up again during the day, and it was probably industrial waste!) A great soap to try is mitchels wool fat, it can be a bit of a challenge in very hard water I'm told, but I've never heard anyone say anything really bad about it. It's not everyone's favorite, but it is consistent across the board. (provided you don't mind rubbing sheep oil on your skin!) but try whats available to you. I've also DE shaved with shave oil, its not the best feeling, but it has worked well for me while traveling.

One last thing, if you find you are getting razor burn on a certain patch of skin, take a day or two off shaving to let it heal up, sometimes a mistake can haunt you for a while even though your technique has improved, but a day's healing does wonders.
 
I'd suggest not switching blades razors or soaps at first. Stick with the same thing at first and just work on your technique. Also a very good soap that is easily found is Van Der Hagen. I personally use the VDH soap as my main soap.
 
As said take your time, pick a new blade and learn to know your Gillette. After daily practice I now take half the time to get a perfect shave and it's effortless. We can read other's comments and techniques all day, but in the end it's us that has to figure out what works. Now it's easy to pickup a new razor and easily determine what works and what doesn't. It becomes fun after that and I've gotten used to that special time with me every day...and my wife likes the resulting smooth face! :)
 
ChrisJS1 said:
If anyone has any advice to offer a DE/wet shaving noobie please share. Thanks

Chris
Click to expand...

Whenever you switch to any shaving method, you have to allow your face to adjust, so dont let the little nicks bother you. What I've learned with DE shaving and straight razor shaving, preperation is key. Never rush, take the time to prep those whiskers.
 
Mantic59 has some good, entertaining videos on youtube as well. Take your time and enjoy.

Jordan
 
I'm down the same road, just maybe a few steps ahead of you, so I have no real suggestions to give you...but I'm glad that you are enjoying the change. The guys on this subforum have been of great help to me.
The only advice I can give you is to take your time.
When I started DE shaving, I was surprised of the quality of the shave I got, even on the first shaves. Then, as weeks passed, I realized that things could get much better. I'm sure I'm the least skilled shaver here, but I'm far better than six months ago, which is already great.
So, enjoy your new path :)

:cool:
 
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