Working on technique

[Kohai999]

Got to the bottom of my inventory of Mach V blades, and didn't feel like purchasing any more for the moment, because I must have 30 assorted boxes of blades, including 1 sleeve of Feathers, and 1 sleeve of Bic.

First day back to shaving with the Feather blades was a disaster, chewed up both sides of my face.

Using a very nice Gillette Black Beauty. The setting(5) had too much blade sticking out and the tension on the blade wasn't correct.

Got everything dialed in nice now, and haven't had much blood at all since.

Remembering the basics.....short strokes, pay attention to angle. I use Jack Black Beard Lube with beard oil, or use my Rooney 3/2 brush with some Classic Shaving cake soap if I feel like it.

You cannot be in a hurry when you are using a Feather blade.....word to the wise.

Best Regards,

STeven Garsson

 

[BobbyH]

The biggest thing that helped me deal with Feather blades in a DE was becoming proficient with a straight razor. With a straight razor the proper angle and "no" weight on the blade is critical. When I applied that to DE shaving using a Feather blade in a Gillette Fat Boy set @ 9 became possible with no blood shed. It also depends a good deal on what DE the Feather blade is used in. Milder DEs are obviously easier than more aggressive ones but you still have to mind your Ps&Qs. Yea, rushing a shave is never a good idea with any blade but especially so when using a Feather blade. I would not under estimate the value of a good lather made with a brush and a good soap/cream either.

Bob

 

[unit]

I am more of a fan of straights than DEs, but I believe some basic principles are the same for both.

Essentially, modern razors have taught generations of shavers that they can be careless, wreckless, and use WAY too much pressure and the only punishment they might get is irritation and less healthy skin.

DEs and straights require technique and preparation. Once you get those things figured out and polished to your particular needs, you will likely be getting better results than the Mach V ever gave....pehaps you already know this.

Sounds like you have some nice gear. Feathers are definately pretty high on the sharpness scale...some guys never get warmed up to them.

 

[Remzy]

been using straights for the last month and the first time was "OK" but my skin hurt like a mofo afterward because i used canned foam and that stuff is rubbish, ive since made my own barber soap using glycerine base soap and lots of good-for-the-skin products and clay in it, it does the world of difference!