DE razor beginner

masterboy123

I have been using Gillette 5 Proglide razor. However, noticed recently it is not giving a perfect close shave anymore, especially around chin and neck area (maybe my beard is getting tougher with age).

I am willing to try a real razor with a blade.

Found this on amazon :
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B077MLWYWF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_mbWpEbHGKZZ98

Is it worth a try?

Thanks everyone.

Fingers Mcginty

Very cheap....seems to get good reviews though.
I've been using this one for the last 10 years or so

https://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-progress.html

Fantastic quality.

masterboy123

Thanks.
Merkur is over 50 euros. I would like to try something bit cheaper in the beginning as it may not be my cup of tea.

Fingers Mcginty wrote: »

Very cheap....seems to get good reviews though.
I've been using this one for the last 10 years or so

https://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-progress.html

Fantastic quality.

BelovedAunt

This is one of the best beginner razors and the price has dropped recently:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-Amazon-Exclusive-Knurled/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=de89&qid=1581243172&sr=8-1

furiousox

That Edwin Jagger would be a great buy for you OP.
Try starting off with a good all rounder blade like the Gillette Astra (smooth and sharp but not too sharp)
I suppose the main thing is to be patient, as DE shaving takes a bit of getting used to.
I tried DE shaving for the first time about five years ago, my neck was raw and irritated afterwards and I just could not get into it so I gave up.
I tried again about 18 months ago and now I love it, no way I would ever consider going back to 5 blade razors.

www.shaving.ie is a very good site to browse through.
Geofatboy has some good DE instructional videos on youtube too.

I'm using a Muhle R89 with Astra blades, I sometimes use Feather blades which are a bit sharper.

Nothing like using a brand new blade that costs 10c instead of 4 euro!
Hopefully you'll find shaving becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.
I love hearing the blade rasping along the beard, it's like having a barber-shop shave every time!

masterboy123

Thanks so much.

Is this heavy weighted? And it says short handle, will it make it difficult to shave? Regular and long handle are unavailable.
Also does it have option to different strengths for an aggressive shaving?

BelovedAunt wrote: »

This is one of the best beginner razors and the price has dropped recently:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-Amazon-Exclusive-Knurled/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=de89&qid=1581243172&sr=8-1

masterboy123

Do you also recommend this Edwin Jagger?


Edwin Jagger Amazon Exclusive Kelvin Chrome Plated Knurled Handle Double Edge Safety Razor https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_i_yn-pEb85PDVRY


How about Wilkinson sword DE blade? Available for 5 euros in Boots.
And how often do you change the blade?

furiousox wrote: »

That Edwin Jagger would be a great buy for you OP.
Try starting off with a good all rounder blade like the Gillette Astra (smooth and sharp but not too sharp)
I suppose the main thing is to be patient, as DE shaving takes a bit of getting used to.
I tried DE shaving for the first time about five years ago, my neck was raw and irritated afterwards and I just could not get into it so I gave up.
I tried again about 18 months ago and now I love it, no way I would ever consider going back to 5 blade razors.

www.shaving.ie is a very good site to browse through.
Geofatboy has some good DE instructional videos on youtube too.

I'm using a Muhle R89 with Astra blades, I sometimes use Feather blades which are a bit sharper.

Nothing like using a brand new blade that costs 10c instead of 4 euro!
Hopefully you'll find shaving becomes a pleasure rather than a chore.
I love hearing the blade rasping along the beard, it's like having a barber-shop shave every time!

furiousox

Yeah that Edwin Jagger would be ideal, you may not need to ever change it.
Some razors have shorter handles some are longer, its all about trying everything out and finding a combination of razor and blade that suits you personally.
That's part of the fun!

I found you got used to the shorter handle quite quickly.
Blade use varies, some people use a fresh blade for every shave.
I generally change the blade after 3 or 4 shaves myself.
4 shaves would probably the maximum you would get from a blade.

100 Astra blades might cost you about 15 euro in total.
That would do me for a year!

masterboy123

Product comes with 5 spare blades. Would these be good for first try?
Also, a silly question, how do you remember which of the 2 sides of the blade you have used?

furiousox wrote: »

Yeah that Edwin Jagger would be ideal, you may not need to ever change it.
Some razors have shorter handles some are longer, its all about trying everything out and finding a combination of razor and blade that suits you personally.
That's part of the fun!

I found you got used to the shorter handle quite quickly.
Blade use varies, some people use a fresh blade for every shave.
I generally change the blade after 3 or 4 shaves myself.
4 shaves would probably the maximum you would get from a blade.

100 Astra blades might cost you about 15 euro in total.
That would do me for a year!

furiousox

That's the beauty of the blade, it doesn't matter.
You just shave, rotate, shave, rinse and repeat.
You don't need to pay any attention to which side of the blade you're using.

EDIT: Yeah those Derby blades aren't bad, worth a try.

masterboy123

Great.
So i will try it out.
One last question, could I use the shaving foam instead of gel and brush?

furiousox wrote: »

That's the beauty of the blade, it doesn't matter.
You just shave, rotate, shave, rinse and repeat.
You don't need to pay any attention to which side of the blade you're using.

EDIT: Yeah those Derby blades aren't bad, worth a try.

BelovedAunt

masterboy123 wrote: »

Thanks so much.

Is this heavy weighted? And it says short handle, will it make it difficult to shave? Regular and long handle are unavailable.
Also does it have option to different strengths for an aggressive shaving?

I found the short handle grand. The is only one setting on that razor but you could use something like Feather blades for a more aggressive shave. Also I would recommend Proraso green shaving soap. I messed around with twenty differents creams and soaps but I find that one the best.

furiousox

masterboy123 wrote: »

Great.
So i will try it out.
One last question, could I use the shaving foam instead of gel and brush?

Yes of course!
I use Gillette skinguard shaving gel with my DE razor and it works a treat.

Fingers Mcginty

If you're getting into the whole de shaving you should forget about that stuff from the can and go for the whole experience and try a proper soap . You won't look back once you try it.

masterboy123

Thanks everyone!

Krombopulos Michael

Personally I went for a Merkur Progress razor with Feather DE Blades and I love them

https://www.shaving.ie/products/merkur-progress.html

https://www.shaving.ie/products/feather-hi-stainless-platinum-razor-blades.html

Also check out this guys channel for DE shaving tips and techniques. Think he had an account on boards for a while.

https://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

zweton

BelovedAunt wrote: »

This is one of the best beginner razors and the price has dropped recently:

https://www.amazon.co.uk/Edwin-Jagger-Amazon-Exclusive-Knurled/dp/B00K6Z24SK/ref=mp_s_a_1_1?keywords=de89&qid=1581243172&sr=8-1

Just ordered this after reading through this thread, always wanted to give them a try! So basically once it arrives its of to use with a shave cream? Im sure if I like it I will branch out and try the soaps etc.

run_Forrest_run

a wealth of knowledge over here..

masterboy123

Arrived today.
Wish me luck

Krombopulos Michael

masterboy123 wrote: »

Arrived today.
Wish me luck

Looks well. Just take your time with it. Place the round top of the razor onto the skin, the slowly rotate until the blade makes contact.

Expect an odd nick here and there until you get the hang of it.

Best of luck

barney shamrock

That's a lovely razor, absolute bargain at that price.
Let us know how you get on.

uck51js9zml2yt

I buy my blades from Eastern Europe on eBay. Cheep as chips

masterboy123

Which ones?

Daxton Rhythmic Beachcomber wrote: »

I buy my blades from Eastern Europe on eBay. Cheep as chips

Buddy97mm

There are lots of videos and instructions about shaving with a DE razor, but for me two things are key:

1. You need to adopt a different angle with the DE razor compared to a cartridge, with razor at maybe a 30 degree angle to face, rather than pretty much parallel to face for a cartridge. You will find the best angle for you with trial and error.

2. Be sure to use minimal pressure with razor, it should glide over your skin with no pressure. Any pressure will cause Nick's land cuts.

Krombopulos Michael

You can audibly hear the hair being cut with a DE razor and it's very satisfying.

masterboy123

So just tried it now for valentines night

The sides were done very well. But area around moustache and chin didn't work effectively and I ended up using Gillette 5.

I have thick beard at chin and moustache area.

Any suggestions? Maybe I need sharper blade?

Thanks everyone

barney shamrock

Recommended practice is to do 3 full passes with the blade (with the grain, against the grain and across the grain)
I tend to do a combination of all 3 in one go instead of three separate shaves.
I also need to go over my chin sometimes with a disposable razor but everywhere else on my face is smooth and ok.
Proraso red (sandalwood) pre-shave is a nice prep to apply before the shaving foam.
I apply Nivea replenishing moisturiser when finished.
What blade are you using?

uncle_sam_ie

Shaving with a DE razor is a lot diffrent from shaving with a modern razor. Angle and pressure are the key. Here is a great beginners video on how to shave with a DE razor.

Also, ditch the can. A shaving brush and soap is better for the skin and cheaper in the long run.

masterboy123

Thanks. It would take more time to shave 3 times in the morning, especially when I am always running late in the mornings

I am using Derby blades, that came with edwin jagger.

barney shamrock wrote: »

Recommended practice is to do 3 full passes with the blade (with the grain, against the grain and across the grain)
I tend to do a combination of all 3 in one go instead of three separate shaves.
I also need to go over my chin sometimes with a disposable razor but everywhere else on my face is smooth and ok.
Proraso red (sandalwood) pre-shave is a nice prep to apply before the shaving foam.
I apply Nivea replenishing moisturiser when finished.
What blade are you using?

masterboy123

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G2W5IZG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_lm-rEbR5W8SC6

Hows this brush and stand?

PaulT21

masterboy123 wrote: »

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B01G2W5IZG/ref=cm_sw_r_other_apa_i_lm-rEbR5W8SC6

Hows this brush and stand?

Interested in this DE shaving experience too but if you scroll down to the comments on that brush and stand, they are not very favourable, shedding and cracking seem to be the problem!

Might be better to pay a few € extra for some better quality make:)

Risteard

masterboy123 wrote: »

So just tried it now for valentines night

The sides were done very well. But area around moustache and chin didn't work effectively and I ended up using Gillette 5.

I have thick beard at chin and moustache area.

Any suggestions? Maybe I need sharper blade?

Thanks everyone

Honestly I think you'll get there with practice.

It took me a while to get the hang of it when I first started. Chin is probably one of the more difficult areas as more curved.

My first time with a DE I nearly cut myself to ribbons.

With regards to blades I use feathers and change after every second/third shave. They're so cheap I don't mind switching then out fairly regularly.

masterboy123

Day 2:
Used it more rigorously today with a good shaving cream.
Shaved chin area twice (2nd time without shaving cream). Results are better today and didn't have to use Gillette 5.

Will order Feather sharp blades for a more aggressive shave.

uncle_sam_ie

PaulT21 wrote: »

Interested in this DE shaving experience too but if you scroll down to the comments on that brush and stand, they are not very favourable, shedding and cracking seem to be the problem!

Might be better to pay a few € extra for some better quality make:)

This is the brush I'd recommend in that price range. It's one of my favorites. Even compaired to the more expensive brushes that I own.
https://www.shaving.ie/products/semogue-owners-club-2-boar-ash.html


For soaps this is one of the best, https://www.maggardrazors.com/product/stirling-soap-co-baker-street-shaving-soap-5-8oz/
If you want something more local these are good, https://www.drksoap.com/shaving-soap/

Krombopulos Michael

masterboy123 wrote: »

Day 2:
Used it more rigorously today with a good shaving cream.
Shaved chin area twice (2nd time without shaving cream). Results are better today and didn't have to use Gillette 5.

Will order Feather sharp blades for a more aggressive shave.

Feather are my blade of choice too, just take your time and with practice your be happy with the results

Daz_

PaulT21 wrote: »

Interested in this DE shaving experience too but if you scroll down to the comments on that brush and stand, they are not very favourable, shedding and cracking seem to be the problem!

Might be better to pay a few € extra for some better quality make:)

100 per cent on this . Avoid the 10/15 euro brushes . They are harsh and just push the shaving cream around rather than gently into your beard

Daz_

I started out on the Poraso products but you learn over time that spending a bit more on quality pays off. Now I use Truefit and Hill shaving cream and i highly recommend it.

masterboy123

What about Taylor of old bond Street cream? High reviews on amazon

Daz_ wrote: »

I started out on the Poraso products but you learn over time that spending a bit more on quality pays off. Now I use Truefit and Hill shaving cream and i highly recommend it.

Daz_

masterboy123 wrote: »

What about Taylor of old bond Street cream? High reviews on amazon

Yes It’s decent , better than Poraso but not as good as Truefit in my opinion .

masterboy123

How's Astra superior platinum blades?

hitemfrank

PM me your address and I'll send you on a pack of each of the type of blades I have.

I think I've 4 different brand. I know I have some Astra blades and some Bolzano. I might have Feather blades but not sure.

I've not shaved with a DE in ages so can't remember what I've got anymore.

zweton

masterboy123 wrote: »

Arrived today.
Wish me luck

Used mine last night it was a nice shave, loved the sound haha. Are the feather blades the best to get the closest shave? I found with the ones that came with it was about the same closeness (little better) than my Gillette sensor twin blade. If there are better ones will def try. Still nice though, and was a much quicker shave too. Now I will have to invest in a brush and a decent cream

Tazzimus

Best tip I can say, is try many different blades to see which suits you.
I use Gilette 7 O'Clock Sharp Edge as I found it agreed best with my skin, but they could be terrible for you.

tryablade.com allows you to buy single blades rather than packs so you can sample different ones and see what works.

Also if you don't mind waiting a bit, Maggards is a great site for supplies. Do a pretty decent beginners kit as well. Usually takes about two weeks to arrive I think.


Don't expect a perfect shave from one pass, you need to do with, across and against the grain to get a proper close shave. Also map your beard, as chances are the hair doesn't all grow the same way, especially on your neck.

zweton

no prob, tbh I don't have a beard and most I will ever shave is a few millimetres but just wanted to see how close it could get compared to my Gillette sensor cartridges. Will try a few others though. Would any of them get as close to say going in for a hot shave in Turkish barbers? I assume not but...

Tazzimus

If you do the three passes properly, yes.
My regular shave is smooth face regardless of what way I run a hand over it.

masterboy123

I have just received Astra Superior platinum blades. Will update you soon how they are.
I have ordered shaving brush and cream, which should come by Friday.
I ordered everything from Amazon.

zweton

cool, you can fill me in later.

Krombopulos Michael

masterboy123 wrote: »

I have just received Astra Superior platinum blades. Will update you soon how they are.
I have ordered shaving brush and cream, which should come by Friday.
I ordered everything from Amazon.

Ive used both the Astra Superior and Feather blades. I prefer the Feather but not much between them.

hitemfrank

zweton wrote: »

cool, you can fill me in later.

I forgot to bring the blades with me today to post them. I'll get them in the post tomorrow evening so you might get them on Saturday.

masterboy123

My little DE shaving pack. Used Atra blades. Still difficult to shave around chin and below the lip area.
Is it because of the Razor? Doesn't seem to be shaving the hairs properly there

barney shamrock

Same for me, I just use a disposable 3 blade razor around my chin to finish off.