Waiting for the dive

quattromori

quattromori

Joined
May 7, 2011
Messages
3,426
Hi everybody,
this is my first post on this subforum (although I've been around BF for some time, especially on the Traditional subforum). Honestly, I admit I never really took a decent look on this subforum...till a few days ago. So this is a kind of introduction, and a way to thank you guys for the feedback that you will surely give me.
So, back to shaving...
I was never really satisfied with it. And recently this feeling has grown bigger.
I don't shave every day. Sometimes, I do shave daily, other times, I prefer to grow a few day's beard. It just depends. As the majority of people out there, I use (at least so far) the common disposable razors or cartridge system...and I'm not happy with it.
It's not that I can't achieve a decent shave with them. When I shave daily, I don't really have troubles. Or, at least, I get by with that. But if I spend more than two days without shaving, I'm in trouble.
Multibladed cartridges don't work (and I'm sure I don't really need to tell you why...you know it much better than me). So, I've been wondering about a change.
Some time ago, I wondered about using a straight razor, but in the end it didn't seem too comfy nor easy to maintain. And I has completely "forgot" DE razors until this subforum brought them back to my sight. Of course I had always known about them...I just hadn't thought about using them :rolleyes:
So, I read a couple threads here, and started to look for one.
I live in a small place, and I knew from the beginning it would not be an easy find. So I thought I'd just ask for some feedback here, and buy it online somewhere.
But luck was on my side. A couple days ago, I was talking with my father on the topic, and he suddenly reminded that he might have one of those razors somewhere...a gift someone had given him long time ago...and we started searching. Until we found it.

image-4FFF_4F9B1C63.jpg


image-F10D_4F9B1C63.jpg


So tomorrow I will probably give it my first try. This is, more or less, the setup that I will be using. I assume it will take some time to get used to the new thing, and maybe I will have to look for better blades (I only found these ones, but we'll see if they're fine, or if I should find something better). I'm also curious to know what model of Merkur is this one. It is adjustable...but I'm not good enough for that yet.
Thank you in advance for all your feedback. Somehow, I feel that, starting from tomorrow, I'll be a part of the gang :)

:cool:
 
That would be a Merkur Futur, a very good adjustable razor. I don't use one but a few other members here do so I hope they stop by and give their view and suggestions for you.
 
Good razor, like Gumbi I don't own or use one either. Those blades aren't bad, I don't know what you have available in your neck of the woods, but maybe a sampler pack of blades. The Feather blades are the sharpest and not for everyone, and Derby blades the dullest, again not for everyone. I recommend starting with some middle of the road blades like red Personnas, Astra Superior Platinums, those Gillettes fall right in there too.

Rule number one, no pressure! Let the weight of the head of the razor hold it against your face. Take multiple shaves to get smooth, not more pressure. Place the head against your face with the handle sticking straight out and slowly rotate it down until you feel the blade just touch your skin, that's roughly the angle you want and a good place to start.

Practice making lather, if it doesn't look right try more product. That tube or cream will last you maybe 6 or 7 months!

I practiced without a blade two or three times before I put a blade in, no shame is wanting to preserve your blood!


Enjoy!


-Xander
 
Thank you for your feedback!
I have no trouble in making lather, since I've been using cream or soap with a brush for the last few years.
As for technique, I know it will take some time to get the feel, and thank you for the advice. Also, the razor is much heavier than disposable ones, so I'll have to get used to that too.
As for blades available here, I have no idea of what I can get here outside supermarkets. But then, there's still internet so that won't be a problem in the long run. I will start with what I find here, then time will tell. :)
Thank you again :)

:cool:
 
I hope you don't like those blades because you can't get 'em anymore.

The razor is a Merkur Futur which is what I use. I like it very much. Start out setting it F-stop f/2 (I call them F Stops for Futur stops).

It is a very simple razor, very easy to clean, and works well. I bought mine because I read someone complaining that the Futur is not a good razor for comparative blade evaluations since everything shaves well in a Futur. If you're a utility-shaver -- as opposed to a hobby-shaver -- why would you not want a razor that works well with a wide variety of blades?
 
Well, I don't know in the US, but I can assure you that I can get plenty of those blades here...actually, they're more or less the only blades I could find so far :)
Thanks for the advice on the setting by the way. I was wondering about that :rolleyes:
Time will tell how I end up shaving. But I have this feeling that this new (to me) system will work better.
Thanks again :)

:cool:
 
DE shaving isn't for everyone, but I think if more people actually tried it before dismissing it there would be a lot more of us out there. For some really good shaving advice with video tutorials, do a YouTube search for Mantic59. His videos are a great resource for new DE shavers. Welcome to the club
 
Yes, I think so too. If a person gave a legitimate 3-4 attempts at DE shaving before deciding on what style of shave he liked best. He would see a decent, close shave and not go back to what ever he was previously using. DM
 
Hi Quattromori,

I've been using a Merkur Futur for six months now, and I love it. It is a very aggressive adjustable DE razor, and most people I know (myself included) don't go past setting 4. In fact, I don't go past 3.5 for my first pass. For my ATG pass, I dial it down to 1. But it is a fantastic razor, and you will be very happy with it. It's a heavy brute, but that's a good thing, since it gives you good control and lets you really use the weight of the razor to do the cutting (rather than applying pressure).

One bit of advice: always be very, very, very careful when twising the head to adjust the setting and when replacing razors. The way to adjust the Futur when you are first starting to use it is to grip the sides of the head firmly with a towel and twist. Only when you are 100% familiar with the resistance of the twist should you begin doing it with your bare hands, and be especially careful when your hands are wet. It wouldn't take much to accidentally slip while twisting and run a finger on that bare blade, giving yourself a nasty cut.

I like using Feathers and Astra greens (Russian).

Cheers and feel free to ask any questions.
 
Hi guys,
and thank you for your feedback and advice. So yesterday I had my first shave with the Futur. I have to say, I wasn't expecting much from my "first time": as for any manual activity, I know it takes some time and practice.
Either way, it didn't go bad, at all.
Basically, I followed the same routine that I used when I shaved with cartridges. I had a 3/4 day beard (deliberate choice to test the razor). I can't say I'm totally happy, but I wasn't expecting to be. Still, I'm happy enough to look forward to the next shave.
Being the first time, I paid huge attention while positioning the blade and adjusting the razor (I followed Gollnick's advice and set it at #2). I realized I need more time to get used to the weight of the razor, and to get familiar with the "angle" between handle/blade and skin. Apart from a couple of small "bites" in my moustache and neck, I had no trouble. I made one pass along with the grain, and then one towards it.
The very good thing was the quality of the shave in those areas where I had no problem in the "approach angle". That's why I will give it more time to improve my skill and develop a new muscle memory. When I will be able to achieve the same results all over my face, then I will be totally happy, but even now I guess I won't really go back.
Meanwhile, my barber told me about a couple of places which serve professionals (barbers and so on), so eventually I may go there to look for alternatives (blades and razor), but for now I'm not changing anything till I improve (now it's too early to decide what to look for).
Thanks again for your help!

:cool:
 
It will take a bit of time, but you should grasp it very quickly. The biggest rule in DE shaving is no pressure, let the razor do the work. To figure out what angle you need to be at, place the razor, without blade on your arm, and rotate it till the safety bar and top cap both touch the skin. Take note of that angle because that is where the razor works best.

Shave prep is very important too. It softens up the beard and makes your face ready for the task at hand. Lightly pull the skin on your face, it helps make the hairs stand up, and your face a smoother play ground for the razor. Pulling it too tight is not good, just enough to do the job.
 
Thank you again guys.
A light pull sure helps on some areas (I learned the trick long ago). As for pressure, on my first shave even the weight of the reazor alone seemed too much pressure :D but it's just a matter of time till I get confident with it. I'm deliberately leaving 3/4 days between shavings; I want to test the razor on the same beard length (the one that I had troubles with, when I used cartridges). So on wednesday we'll see what happens.
As a sidenote, I'm starting to believe that this kind of shave is really growing into me. Yesterday I entered a big store selling all osrt of products (soap, shampoo, perfumes, and so on) and found a disposable plastic razor with a set of five blades. I'm sure it had been there since a long time, and I've been in that place many times, but I never noticed it. Might be a good alternative when I travel though :p
Again, thank you for your suggestions. I will update this thread with more feedbacks and chronicles :)

:cool:
 
The plastic razor could be a Gillette 7 o'clock Permasharp from India, but it goes by a couple of other names, like Gillette Rubie Click!, as well depending on where you live. I hear it shaves well and would make a decent travel razor.

As for DE razors being able to handle extended growth, I have been known to let my beard grow for over a week when I get busy and my DE razors handle it with little no problems. And if they do clog up a bit all it takes to clear them is to loosesn the head a bit and rinse them out. It may be harder to do with your Futur, but it can be done.
 
When you have extended growth, just remember the concept of "beard reduction." Don't try to shave yourself clean of a week's growth in one pass. This is where an adjustable razor is handy as you can dial it way down for the first couple of passes and then return to your usual setting for a pass or two more to finish up.

The "no pressure" mantra gets overstated in my opinion. Obviously, it's false; some pressure is required lest the razor fall to the floor. But, it is a light touch which is in contrast to multi-blade cartridge where one bears down with considerable pressure. Constantly shouting "no pressure" just creates a lot of -- well, how shall I say this? -- "pressure" for the beginner. Just relax, use a light touch, and you'll figure it out.

To learn about angle, use whatever means you are comfortable with, perhaps your old cartridge razor, to shave a small area on your non-dominate forearm. In a day or two, you will have stubble there. Whip up some lather and use your DE to shave the stubble. As you do so, hold your arm up horizontally in front of your eyes and you will actually be able to see the blade as it cuts and see the effect of angle. Now you can visualize what is happening on your faces as you shave.
 
unky_gumbi,
the disposable razor I saw is sold here in Italy under the Wilkinson brand, but I guess it can't be much different from the one you are referring to. I'm just considering it as a travel option.
Gollnick,
thanks for your reply. I never try to shave myself clean in one pass after a week of beard growth. Sometimes, with longer beard, I even trim if first with an electric razor before actually shaving. But either way, you can't approach a few days' beard with cartridges. There's really no way to get out of it clean. With DE razor, I see it as more than achievable.
As for pressure, to me it's mainly getting used to the weight of the razor. In the areas where I can actually "lay" the razor on my face, I feel like that's enough pressure. Not so much with cartridges, as we all know.
The "problem" with approach angle is due to the fact that the blades on cartridges are set at some angle (compared to the 90° of a DE razor - I'm referring to the angle between the handle and the blade), so I just need to renew my muscle memory. I'm sure it's not going to take much time (feeling the "touch" and "shave" on my cheeks and neck is a pretty good guide).
Thank you again guys :)

:cool:
 
So,
it's been more or less one month since I got hit by the DE shaving bug, and I'm glad to share some feedbacks with you.
First (but you already know it), I'm happy that I took the dive, I thank you for your suggestions, and I think that, from now on, I won't be turning back so you can consider me a member of the club :)
I think I can still improve my pre shave routine, but I've taken a few steps ahead. I'm using the Proraso pre shave cream and I've noticed some improvement in my shave. I don't shave every day but when I do I take some time to do it, and I have to say the whole routine is getting more enjoyable. I don't know if someday I will swap to another pre shave, but so far I'm fine with that so no need to change frenetically. Also, I decided to postpone any change, I want to feel a bit more confident with technique before I decide what to change, and what to keep.
As for lathering, I'm happy with my soap/cream (still the same pictured above), but not too happy with the brush. I think I will soon get a new one; I'd like it to be softer, and keep temperature better. Unfortunately, I can't find any brush here, so I will have to buy it online, and I wait for suggestions (not willing to buy a 100/200 usd brush, but I still want something better. So opinions are welcome.
As for the razor, I can't see myself getting another one anytime soon. So far, I've used my Futur without changing the setting, I'm still at #2 (as Gollnick suggested) and trying to improve my technique before I adjust the razor. I'm getting used to the weight, so the whole process is becoming less goofy and that's a good thing. I still have some troubles in shaving my moustache, due to the shape of my nose and the growth of my beard below it (I always had this trouble while shaving; the big head of the Futur doesn't make it any easier), and have some "weak" spots on my neck, but overall every shave is better than the one before. I reduced it to two passes (three is my beard is longer), plus some "spot shaves".
I'm still using the blades pictured above too - no need to change them so far, they're sharp enough and I'm careful enough :)
As for the after shave, so far I'm not using any product, just splashing cold water. And even if I'm not using any after shave (which I will have to get, sooner or later) I feel my skin way smoother and less irritated.
So, I'm happy, and going on. Thanks for the feedbacks and suggestions. I'm sure you can help me with the brush too.

:cool:
 
I too use to use the Proraso Pre Shave, and I found it helped when I first started, but now I don't use anything other than a hot shower and letting the soap of the day set in for a few minutes. I am sure that it is just that my technique has gotten that much better and I have perfected my pre shave routine.

My first badger brush only cost $45, but they don't offer it in the faux ivory handle like mine any more. I have been very happy with it and use it every third shave. I rotate my 3 brushes giving them a chance to fully dry between uses, don't know if it makes a difference but it doesn't hurt them. My second Badger brush I took the boars hair knot out of my Omega 005 and put in a silvertip knot from TGN, it made for a relatively cheap brush I think the Omega was $15 and the new knot was about $26 shipped to Canada. My third badger hair brush only cost me $10 plus tax. I bought a knot from Lee Valley Tools, not offered any more, and while searching for a handle for it a very generous gentleman offered to make me one. He wouldn't even accept the cost of shipping. All totaled up I got 3 nice badger brushes for under $100 so you should be able to find something the suits your fancy.
 
Glad to hear you are persisting. Mainland Italy will yield you the treasures of Omega brushes! I like Badger for creams and Boar for soaps generally. Another Italian gem is Cella shaving cream, almond scented in a red bowl should be easy for you to obtain.

You might like to try a smaller non adjustable razor as well: an old Gillette from the Bay or a Merkur for instance? I think people talk a lot about no pressure simply because DE razors are far heavier than the modern multiblades/cartridge. Modern razors really have to be 'applied' to the face as they are so light, do that with a DE and you'll skin yourself. It is, I believe, the ANGLE you hold the razor that's key to getting a first rate DE shave.

Thanks, Will
 
Thanks for the feedbacks.
I currently use an Omega bush but I'd like to get a better (softer) one, can't say I'm not satisfied with mine, but I feel like it's time to get something better. It seems that Omega produces a whole lot of brushes, I guess I will choose one in badger and see how it goes. Unfortunately, it's not easy to get brushes here, and it can be alot more expensive than in the US (unfortunately, I don't think US vendors are willing to ship to Italy, although it won't hurt to ask).
As for getting a fixed (lighter) razor...maybe someday in the future I might decide to give it a try. Now I'm getting used to weight, I consider it an advantage to use an adjustable razor. I just need to improve my technique to get the best out of the adjustable settings.
As for th pre shaving routine, I know you might consider it odd, but I always shave in the afternoon or night, and before taking my shower; that's why I thought some pre shave product might help me (along with immersions in hot water).
Again, thanks for the feedbacks guys :)

:cool:
 
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