Soldato
I may revisit the Gilette's, I am tempted to get a heavier shaver.
I may revisit the Gilette's, I am tempted to get a heavier shaver.
This does sound like you are applying too much pressure but I always use an Alum bloc after shaving and that may help you.
Also don't discard the Lord blades as when I tried the Derby's with my R89 I thought the were terrible but then after I got the 38C they worked a hell of a lot better and I can now see why they are some peoples 'cheaper' blade of choice.
I can't stress this enough though for everyone, different blades suit different razors and also different people so don't be put off with 1 not so great blade, keep plugging away and you will find a combo to suit yourself
Soldato
I use the alum bloc. I think I am applying too much pressure, plus I think my angle is wrong. Right, my mission tomorrow is to try the Gillette greens again.
Soldato
I have both yellow and green, which do you think is best?
Soldato
Quick update on my DE experience after a couple of months.
I've now settled in to DE shaving and think I've pretty much got the hang of the technique using Merkur 34C and Gillette 7' O'Clock Yellow blades. I'm now using the Bluebeards Revenge Pre-Shave Oil and Shaving Cream, both seem fantastic.
At first I used to get a lot of bleeding when shaving my neck - more irritation rather than cuts but now it seems much better. If I'm just having a shave for the sake of it, I'll just do one pass going downwards, nothing else. If it's a proper shave, say for work I'll do one downwards pass for my entire face, then go against the grain on my neck and across on my face, this leaves it super smooth.
Afterwards I'm using the Bluebeards Revent Post-Shave Balm which feels great. I much prefer it over Proraso.
The switch to DE shaving was really worth it for me - I've saved a fortune, my skin feels much better and my ingrown hairs on my neck have very nearly vanished completely. Have to mention the Shaving Shack too as Dan there has been fantastic answering all my questions.
Would be interested to hear if anybody else sterilises their blades and brush between use? Maybe I'm paranoid but if I cut myself shaving and then use the brush, the blood will go on there. I do rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
I've now settled in to DE shaving and think I've pretty much got the hang of the technique using Merkur 34C and Gillette 7' O'Clock Yellow blades. I'm now using the Bluebeards Revenge Pre-Shave Oil and Shaving Cream, both seem fantastic.
At first I used to get a lot of bleeding when shaving my neck - more irritation rather than cuts but now it seems much better. If I'm just having a shave for the sake of it, I'll just do one pass going downwards, nothing else. If it's a proper shave, say for work I'll do one downwards pass for my entire face, then go against the grain on my neck and across on my face, this leaves it super smooth.
Afterwards I'm using the Bluebeards Revent Post-Shave Balm which feels great. I much prefer it over Proraso.
The switch to DE shaving was really worth it for me - I've saved a fortune, my skin feels much better and my ingrown hairs on my neck have very nearly vanished completely. Have to mention the Shaving Shack too as Dan there has been fantastic answering all my questions.
Would be interested to hear if anybody else sterilises their blades and brush between use? Maybe I'm paranoid but if I cut myself shaving and then use the brush, the blood will go on there. I do rinse it thoroughly afterwards.
Green for me, found them the best....try taking enough time like it feel like you are taking the pee, out of how long it should be taking you, might help the technique a bit, I still do that sometimes as I get some not so good shaves from being lazy.
Taking your time is a great piece of advice, been DE shaving for just over a year and the only times I have really taken a chunk of me is when I've been complacent and 'rushed'.
Interesting, I was looking at both these and unsure which to try next as both review great, might have to give the Bluebeards Revenge a whirl.
I do like the Proraso Sensitive cream though.
Soldato
The Proraso was good, don't get me wrong but it left my face feeling quite sticky to the touch whereas the Bluebeards Revenge leaves it really smooth.
Soldato
Curiosity made me read this thread...darn you all, I was happy in my ignorance!
Will give this a go when my order arrives, my current Mach 3 Fusion spending is around £300+ a year (blades don't last long with me) so this could well be worth it.
Will give this a go when my order arrives, my current Mach 3 Fusion spending is around £300+ a year (blades don't last long with me) so this could well be worth it.
Soldato
Do it! I definitely wouldn't go back.
Soldato
Placed 2 orders over £40 at Shave Shack. Went through cashback site too (cashback just in time to order more blades!)
1 x Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar (I liked the design)
1 x Alum block
1 x Wilkinson Sword 10pk blades (free)
1 x Pure Badger Shaving Brush
1 x Proraso Shave Cream
1 x Bluebeards Revenge Pre Shave Cream (something in the bathroom cabinet needs a skull and crossbones on it)
1 x 10 Feather & 10 Derby Extra & 10 Israeli Blades
1 x Gillette 7 O' Clock (free)
And if I don't take to it, I can still use the brush, block and creams and give away the handle to one of you (with blades...possibly unused)
1 x Bluebeards Revenge Scimitar (I liked the design)
1 x Alum block
1 x Wilkinson Sword 10pk blades (free)
1 x Pure Badger Shaving Brush
1 x Proraso Shave Cream
1 x Bluebeards Revenge Pre Shave Cream (something in the bathroom cabinet needs a skull and crossbones on it)
1 x 10 Feather & 10 Derby Extra & 10 Israeli Blades
1 x Gillette 7 O' Clock (free)
And if I don't take to it, I can still use the brush, block and creams and give away the handle to one of you (with blades...possibly unused)
Soldato
It's quite addictive too! Let me know what the scimitar is like.
Soldato
Had a great shave, albeit not too close with the yellows. Really focused on taking my time and how I hold the razor. Happy happy
Will try the greens next
Good to hear, yes the Yellows are a bit more blunt/ safe.
You know then its not technique really if you feel you got a good shave and the skin is intact lol, the greens will give a noticeably closer shave.
Stay away from the Alum block initially, I think its a bit over used and don't need it really any more, don't think I ever needed it to be honest, if you share right and light enough, a good splash of cold water will do the worth without drying the skin out.
Dont be in a hurry to give anything away, you are NOT going to get good shaves from the first one, in fact it may take weeks with a few breakthrough moment with technique, after some shaves you might even want to though it all in the bin and not bother, its then you must stick with it.
As we keep repeating, use NO PRESSURE ON THE BLADE/ HANDLE when shaving, the weight of the handle is all would be applied to your skin.
