The Manly Shaving Thread

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Got my DE89 on friday.

First impressions with Derby blades that came with it are excellent. No rash, irritation or razor burn that I normally experience, particularly on my neck. Ordered the popular blades pack from connaught shaving saturday so will start sampling some others when they arrive.

Feek, thats similar to how I later. I soak the brush in the sink for 30 secs the swirl it around the tub of TOBs 5 or 6 times then lather on my face. Brush holds enough like this for 3 passes.
 
I can't stand the Derby blades, terrible nasty blunt things!

As with all shaving things, this is a very personal opinion, YMMV (and clearly does).
 
I have to agree.

Out of my sample pack so far I like:
Feathers
Gillette 7 o'clocks

I do not like:
Platinum chromes
Derby extras
Tesco own brand :p
 
Derby blades are very forgiving which means that (a) it's much harder to do something stupid where blood unexpectedly appears and (b) you typically have to make one or two more passes for the same result.

Feathers are held in high esteem by B&B and other websites and users for one very good reason : they will do a very good job if you don't rush. IMO, your razor and cream/soap are secondary to the blade and finding one that works for you is really important.

Next, for me at least, would be the cream/soap and then finally the razor itself. I own a few of differing capabilities with different price tags but I always think that the blade is the main difference between an adequate shave and a great shave.
 
Feek said:
I can't stand the Derby blades, terrible nasty blunt things!

As with all shaving things, this is a very personal opinion, YMMV (and clearly does).
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The only issue I'm having is not getting as close a shave on my chin as the rest of my face. Whether this is down to technique or blades I'm not sure bit I will definitely work my way through the sample pack when it arrives.
 
Any advice on shaving particularly sensitive patches? I've got 2 patches, one either side of my Adam's apple, where the stubble just grows every which way and whichever direction I shave it, it always ends up irritated and sore.

Unfortunately I've currently only got low end equipment (Boots DE and Wilkinson Sword soap), but the rest of my face is fine, only these 2 patches give me any bother.

I'll be getting some proper stuff (Edwin Jagger etc.) at Christmas.
 
I still havent figuered out a way to shave twice a week.

I bought one of those Merkur razors, used it once and gave up. Its tore my face to shreds.

At the moment, I know how to get a very high quality shave using a regular gillette, but face is too sensitive to shave more than once a week, which leaves me looking like a tramp by the end of the week!
 
Diesel said:
I'll be getting some proper stuff (Edwin Jagger etc.) at Christmas.
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I think you already answered your own Q here :) You could also look at some soap that is specific for sensitive skin. I use the Proraso sensitive stuff and had no problems since. It could be technique too, don't be agressive just let the razor weight work it, remember every pass of the blade is removing layers of skin. Don't use alcohol based aftershaves either, use a decent post shave soothing balm and always moisturise!
 
opethdisciple said:
I still havent figuered out a way to shave twice a week.

I bought one of those Merkur razors, used it once and gave up. Its tore my face to shreds.

At the moment, I know how to get a very high quality shave using a regular gillette, but face is too sensitive to shave more than once a week, which leaves me looking like a tramp by the end of the week!
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I used it once and did the same thing. The second time I nicked myself twice, the the third time cut free and I have only cut myself once or twice since. Every time I have cut myself since I have been rushing! Take your time and don't press on, let the razor do the work, use your arm, don't bend/flick your wrist.

I guarantee if you master the DE shave your face won't be as sensitive to shaving.
 
opethdisciple said:
I still havent figuered out a way to shave twice a week.

I bought one of those Merkur razors, used it once and gave up. Its tore my face to shreds.

At the moment, I know how to get a very high quality shave using a regular gillette, but face is too sensitive to shave more than once a week, which leaves me looking like a tramp by the end of the week!
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Do a search on youtube for mantic59, has loads of videos covering wet shaving. Will teach you how to improve your technique which would benefit you using the standard Gillete or your Merkur.
 
Captain Planet said:
I think you already answered your own Q here :) You could also look at some soap that is specific for sensitive skin. I use the Proraso sensitive stuff and had no problems since. It could be technique too, don't be agressive just let the razor weight work it, remember every pass of the blade is removing layers of skin. Don't use alcohol based aftershaves either, use a decent post shave soothing balm and always moisturise!
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It's just infuriating that the rest of my face is quite hardy, but these two patches on my neck are an absolute nightmare.

I'm going to work on my technique, but I'm looking forward to a sensational shave on Christmas morning!
 
I cut myself quite badly during my second shave or third shave and quickly realised that it wasn't because I was rushing but it was because I was using a bad technique and more importantly, I was putting pressure on the razor. With a cartridge razor you generally need to use a fair bit of pressure to get a decent shave and it's very forgiving of that.

With a DE razor you do the opposite and use absolutely no pressure whatsoever, just let the weight of the razor head do all the work. Once you've got that mindset, you'll find that it's very rare to draw blood.

Also try not to shave anywhere there isn't lather. If you need to relather two or three times to get a good shave then do it, your initial lathering should make enough for three passes so it's not a problem. Lather is nice and it's better being used on your face than being washed away down the plughole!

If you're using the Merkur blade that came with it, take it out of the razor and throw it and any other Merkur blades into the bin. Merkur make nice razors but really quite poor blades.
 
I shaved last night with a Shark Super Chrome and it was a much better shave than I had previously with a Shark Super Stainless. I got a very smooth shave with just one tiny nick and a miniscule feeling of tightness/irritation using my normal three passes and a touch up. I don't think the Shark SCs will become part of my regular rotation but they're certainly far better then the Shark SS blades.
 
Feek said:
I cut myself quite badly during my second shave or third shave and quickly realised that it wasn't because I was rushing but it was because I was using a bad technique and more importantly, I was putting pressure on the razor. With a cartridge razor you generally need to use a fair bit of pressure to get a decent shave and it's very forgiving of that.
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Oh sure, I meant to put it that the first few shaves I butchered my face for the same reason, my technique was wrong. Now I've fixed my technique though the only times I do nick my skin is due to rushing in the mornings :)
 
Blade sample pack from Connaught Shaving just arrived.

Think I'll try the Feathers shortly.
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EDIT: Just tried the Feathers, so much closer shave than the Derby blades but they're ungodly sharp. Got my first nick with a DE, didn't even notice until I saw the blood, just felt like the blade was pulling rather than cutting.
 
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