Bad double edge shaving results

Wizard! · 13-12-2020 10:45am #1

I decided a couple of months ago to drop the disposable razors and try the Double Edge razors for shaving. I went over to the Shaving Shack, looked for the best reviews and got myself a razor and these blades.

I also read few articles, saw few videos and tried to learn how to use it.

My first try was really good, but hair wasn't perfectly cut. I said ok, I suppose there is a learning curve. However as time passes, and I am using it more, it gets worse, not better. And although I am achieving better results in hair length, shaving with or against the hair direction, I getting my self cut a lot!

See the picture to understand how bad it gets. Picture was taken after a normal shave going with hair direction.

I am not sure what I am doing wrong... I hold my skin tight, I don't put much pressure, I hold the razor to ~30 degrees with my wrist and move my arm, etc.

I really want to get used to it, but I am not happy with the results and I cannot go to work, or out like that...

Please advise.

spaceHopper · 13-12-2020 11:45am

Get a shaving brush and good soap soften your skin and the stubble.

dmc17 · 13-12-2020 11:53am

You might want to try a different blade. Maybe try a sampler pack like this and find the one which works best for you.

Wolftown · 13-12-2020 11:54am

I started using one of these about 4 months ago, and butchered myself (similar to your pic) on the first shave.

As a result, I checked out some videos and for me it seems I was applying too much pressure and not enough angle.

Been fine since and way prefer it to 'normal' razors.

Pkiernan · 13-12-2020 11:58am

The Feathers are the sharpest generally available, and not ones to start out on to be honest.

Try a sample pack.

https://www.shaving.ie/products/50-blade-premium-selection-sampler.html

I use the Personna for normal shaving and the Feathers if u want it that bit closer.

drunkmonkey · 13-12-2020 12:14pm

The astra blades are kind enough..

You definitely need an Alum block stops the bleed. https://4men.ie/Catalogue/Brands/Osma-Laboratories/osma-bloc-alum-block-75g-226

uncle_sam_ie · 13-12-2020 1:06pm

From the picture it looks like too much pressure and not maintaining the correct angle.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VDpmyUF5iDM (Go 2min in)

And Yeah, the feathers are too sharp. I can put them into an argessive razor and not get a nick but, because the are so sharp my skin feels raw post shave and I'll need a balm so sooth the skin. I only use them paired with mild razors.

Wizard! · 13-12-2020 2:35pm

dmc17 wrote: »

You might want to try a different blade. Maybe try a sampler pack like this and find the one which works best for you.

Pkiernan wrote: »

The Feathers are the sharpest generally available, and not ones to start out on to be honest.

Try a sample pack.

https://www.shaving.ie/products/50-blade-premium-selection-sampler.html

I use the Personna for normal shaving and the Feathers if u want it that bit closer.

Thank you for the suggestion. I have already ordered the sample pack on 18th on November but hasn't arrived yet... Don't know if it is lost or due to heavy load. However I have received many other packages from UK since

source · 13-12-2020 2:42pm

Wizard! wrote: »

Thank you for the suggestion. I have already ordered the sample pack on 18th on November but hasn't arrived yet... Don't know if it is lost or due to heavy load. However I have received many other packages from UK since

Try a few from the sample pack I found Gillette 7 o'clock Green or Astras the mildest.

beardybrewer · 13-12-2020 7:50pm

I agree Feathers are the worst possible blade to start with. Far too sharp while just starting out although they do give great results in mild razors once you've mastered your technique.

No harm watching a few vids for tips rather than us type them. Check out the series from the master himself. These crusty videos have probably taught thousands to shave:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ufG1dPmVo8Q&feature=youtu.be&t=293

An alum block can be very useful when learning your technique. A great feedback tool, the sting lets you know where you need to improve (watch your angles, no pressure!) while also stopping bleeding and acting as an antiseptic. Leave it on for 30 seconds or so and then rinse off. Then try a soothing shave balm.

https://www.shaving.ie/products/omega-alum-tube-stick.html

Feel free to ask more questions.

46 Long · 14-12-2020 2:54am

I don't think this is down to pressure or angle. Bad angle will give you razor burn/irritation/redness as the blade scrapes across the skin rather than cutting cleanly. Too much pressure is much the same but a really heavy hand will give irritation along the whole length of the blade, not isolated nicks and cuts.

To me this looks like the blade is too sharp, you're moving the razor sideways and/or awkwardly on the face (notice the worst is around the curves of the chin and at the bottom of the neck where you're probably shaving upwards) or the razor is too aggressive/too much blade exposure. Which razor are you using?

Wizard! · 14-12-2020 11:06am

46 Long wrote: »

Which razor are you using?

Hill and Drew HDRB40 Double Edge Butterfly Razor

46 Long · 14-12-2020 11:37am

Wizard! wrote: »

Hill and Drew HDRB40 Double Edge Butterfly Razor

Not familiar with the name but I did a quick Google and have a feeling that's a really cheap Chinese razor like a Weishi dressed up in a fancy box. Cheap isn't necessarily bad (the Wilkinson Sword Classic is excellent and most supermarkets have them) but the quality and tolerances on those things can be very suspect.

Wizard! · 14-12-2020 12:14pm

46 Long wrote: »

Not familiar with the name but I did a quick Google and have a feeling that's a really cheap Chinese razor like a Weishi dressed up in a fancy box. Cheap isn't necessarily bad (the Wilkinson Sword Classic is excellent and most supermarkets have them) but the quality and tolerances on those things can be very suspect.

I have to admit that I didn't do a thorough research on the razor, as I bought it mostly as a test to see if I am happy with it, before deciding to spend more on it.

Is there any decent razor I could try, without spending a fortune?

Rosahane · 14-12-2020 1:00pm

Wizard! wrote: »

I have to admit that I didn't do a thorough research on the razor, as I bought it mostly as a test to see if I am happy with it, before deciding to spend more on it.

Is there any decent razor I could try, without spending a fortune?

Either the Muhle or the Jagger - they are essentially the same.

https://www.shaving.ie/standard-closed-comb/

When you master the technique you can get a Feather stainless razor and use your Feather blades. In the meantime get the Persona or the Polsilver, a brush and decent soap. The Proraso soap is good to start with.

Just make sure you have lots of cupboard space in your bathroom, DE shaving is a bit of a rabbit hole

drunkmonkey · 14-12-2020 2:17pm

I'm using the mhule a few years after my cheap starter one smashed off the ground, can't remember the last time I cut myself there's good weight to it. Can't really go wrong.

uncle_sam_ie · 14-12-2020 6:10pm

There is always the option of a vintage razor as well. I have a 1948 Super speed. One of the best razors I own. This one is from 1950 (looks like a V date code.) believe off of Etsy. https://www.etsy.com/ie/listing/914576719/vintage-gillette-tto-safety-razor-super?ga_order=most_relevant&ga_search_type=all&ga_view_type=gallery&ga_search_query=gillette+razor&ref=sr_gallery-2-16&organic_search_click=1

46 Long · 15-12-2020 12:23am

Wizard! wrote: »

I have to admit that I didn't do a thorough research on the razor, as I bought it mostly as a test to see if I am happy with it, before deciding to spend more on it.

Is there any decent razor I could try, without spending a fortune?

Wilkinson Sword Classic. You can't go wrong. Boots usually have them in stock and they're easily available online for a few quid.

https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Wilkinson-Sword-Classic-Double-Edge-Razor/264334271245?hash=item3d8b8ce30d:g:jl4AAOSwcdRY90CA

Wolftown · 15-12-2020 8:27am

I've the steel version of the Wilkinson Sword Classic, very happy with it and it's my first double edge.

https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B07J71CJSF/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_fabc_Jug2FbWP3MDDZ

Wizard! · 16-12-2020 10:14am

Pkiernan wrote: »

Try a sample pack.

https://www.shaving.ie/products/50-blade-premium-selection-sampler.html

Just received the sampler.
Any suggestions from which one to start, or if I need to leave any last?

km991148 · 16-12-2020 10:19am

Astras or Derbys are similar and good place to start. The 7Oclocks seemed a bit crap for me.

I think tho, anything over the feathers will give you better results (assuming technique and blade angle are ok). Shave a 2nd or 3rd time in different directions for that close shave feel (rather than using the sharper feathers).

Pkiernan · 16-12-2020 10:28am

Wizard! wrote: »

Just received the sampler.
Any suggestions from which one to start, or if I need to leave any last?

Astra or Personna.

I fkund the Gillette good, the Astras comfy but not as sharp.
Best all rounder for me was the personna and I subsequently bought a 200 pack of them

Confused11811 · 16-12-2020 11:06am

As mentioned Feather blades aren't for beginners. The sample pack you have has a decent variation of blade types. Each person's results and preferences will differ but I would strongly suggest you look at your pre shave preparation.

I get less than stellar results if I don't do my preparation correctly. I use very hot water and get my skin red from the heat, then apply proraso sensitive preshave cream by hand. I'm currently using Lea sensitive shaving cream which I apply over the preshave. This preparation works wonders for me.

Regarding razors, It's a bit of a black hole the variety is that big. If I was to have just 3 razors of my collection it would be a tie between my Merkur slant and Futur.... My current number one is my most recent razor the Henson Shave razor. It's completely different in shaving terms to anything I've tried before, it feels its impossible to cut my with and I'm getting amazing irritation free shaves from it , for me it's head and shoulders above any other razor I've used. That said with the correct preparation I get great results from most razor and blade combination.

But be warned, you may get RAD :-)

Wizard! · 16-12-2020 11:44am

Confused11811 wrote: »

I use very hot water and get my skin red from the heat...

In the videos that were posted above, all of them suggested to use warm water and not hot. The reason is that hot water, removes oil from the skin, which helps the blade to slide and also irritates the skin...

source · 16-12-2020 12:31pm

Wizard! wrote: »

In the videos that were posted above, all of them suggested to use warm water and not hot. The reason is that hot water, removes oil from the skin, which helps the blade to slide and also irritates the skin...

What you'll learn quickly is that everyone is different, what works for one person will have you in bits and vice versa.

You need to experiment with a number of processes and see what works best for you. You'll find it even eventually but drop the feathers immediately.

km991148 · 16-12-2020 12:38pm

source wrote: »

What you'll learn quickly is that everyone is different, what works for one person will have you in bits and vice versa.

You need to experiment with a number of processes and see what works best for you. You'll find it even eventually but drop the feathers immediately.

yeah this all day - and not even everyone is different - your own skin is different at different times - summer/winter/under stress/ coming down with something.

The feathers are definitely very aggressive tho - I find if I change direction even slightly during a stroke of the blade then it looks like a mafia hit on my face.

A good lather, a good angle and a less aggressive blade to start with then tweak for your own preferences as time goes on.

Confused11811 · 16-12-2020 1:00pm

Wizard! wrote: »

In the videos that were posted above, all of them suggested to use warm water and not hot. The reason is that hot water, removes oil from the skin, which helps the blade to slide and also irritates the skin...

I can only speak for my results. But I developed my technique after watching some videos by Geofatboy of shavenation and others. Opinions vary from one person to another but in my case I find that the hot water softens my hair and opens the pours. When I apply the preshave there is a much "better" feeling than if I used just warm water. I believe the preshave gets into my open skin pours and softens the hair much better this way. The preshave and the good quality shave cream should provide enough lubrication to help the razor glide over your skin. I've suffered with very bad neck irritation from standard cartridge razors , caused by lack of lubrication and skin friction. I can get the irritation to a lesser extent with some DE razors ( rex ambassador ) but with the preparation I use I get really good results with no irritation from most of my razor/blade combination. Merkur razors slant, open comb and adjustable work well for me with this preparation, the best was the merkur slant, now 2nd to the Henson

If you where to listen to everyone your head will be totally wrecked :-) Just spend some time doing your preparation and trust your gut feeling. You can always change things to see if you get better results.

Your preparation was probably fine, I'd say you just picked the wrong blade. Feather are very very unforgiving. The razor you have is probably a rebranded Baili razor, they are clones of the Gillette TTO, I've a gold one. They're mass produced and are a decent mild enough razor , with the right blade you'll be fine.

EDIT - I actually have exact razor you have, it's a rebranded Baili BR179. Decent razor , can be too mild for some people. I'd require a 3 pass shave with it, most other razor I get away with 2 passes. Still a good razor

MrMusician18 · 16-12-2020 2:28pm

Wizard! wrote: »

I decided a couple of months ago to drop the disposable razors and try the Double Edge razors for shaving. I went over to the Shaving Shack, looked for the best reviews and got myself a razor and these blades.

I also read few articles, saw few videos and tried to learn how to use it.

My first try was really good, but hair wasn't perfectly cut. I said ok, I suppose there is a learning curve. However as time passes, and I am using it more, it gets worse, not better. And although I am achieving better results in hair length, shaving with or against the hair direction, I getting my self cut a lot! See the picture to understand how bad it gets. Picture was taken after a normal shave going with hair direction.

I am not sure what I am doing wrong... I hold my skin tight, I don't put much pressure, I hold the razor to ~30 degrees with my wrist and move my arm, etc.

I really want to get used to it, but I am not happy with the results and I cannot go to work, or out like that...

Please advise.

Why don't you go back to the cartridge razors? They are far easier to use than DE.

beardybrewer · 16-12-2020 2:29pm

Wizard! wrote: »

Just received the sampler. Any suggestions from which one to start, or if I need to leave any last?

I would throw away the Derby as I remember them being far too dull but then this was years ago. Can't comment on Timor, not sure if I've tried them.

I'd progress from Astra to Personna to Gillette 7 o'clock yellows.

Feathers definitely last and only in a mild razor such as a EJ DE89. This was, and possibly still is, the most popular beginner's razor and once you're technique is mastered Feather's or Voskhod work excellent with it. When I went vintage with a more aggressive razor I abandoned Feathers altogether and settled on Personna blues (your sampler are the reds) which I buy cheaply in 100 packs.

Another good, cheap site for blades: https://connaughtshaving.com/razorblades.html

Confused11811 · 16-12-2020 3:27pm

beardybrewer wrote: »

I would throw away the Derby as I remember them being far too dull but then this was years ago. Can't comment on Timor, not sure if I've tried them.

I'd progress from Astra to Personna to Gillette 7 o'clock yellows.

Feathers definitely last and only in a mild razor such as a EJ DE89. This was, and possibly still is, the most popular beginner's razor and once you're technique is mastered Feather's or Voskhod work excellent with it. When I went vintage with a more aggressive razor I abandoned Feathers altogether and settled on Personna blues (your sampler are the reds) which I buy cheaply in 100 packs.

Another good, cheap site for blades: https://connaughtshaving.com/razorblades.html

Derby can be hit and miss depending on the age of the stock. I've read the factory equipment was updated in recent years. I've only used newer Derby USTA, they were very good.

Connaught shaving are an excellent seller, however sometimes the eBay shop works out cheaper. If ordering from there main site the code "10FREE" gets you a pack of the Super Shave X blade's, which are supposed to be very good. The Docro prime platinum blades they have on a reduced price in the clearance section are for me a very very good blade, without any out the annoying wax dots found on other blades.

Labarbiera based in the UK are excellent too. At the moment they don't ship from their main site but their eBay Germany listing ship to Ireland for €1.15 as apposed to nearly €8 for their eBay UK listings. Same products, same shipping location but much cheaper shipping for stuff listed on eBay Germany.

Shop front here :- https://www.ebay.ie/sch/m.html?item=142690083450&hash=item2138fde27a%3Ag%3Aa0YAAOSwAANY7oOQ&var=441677147619&_ssn=labarbiera&_sop=15

The Lord Silver Star blades they sell at that price are an absolute brilliant blade, probably the best value for money and performance blade I've used , Dorco Prime at Connaught being similar great value.

There is a mountain of choices which can cause confusion. For the OP stick with what you have for the moment and see if you can get good results. You will given time.

OP if ordering from shaving.ie again use the code "boards.ie" or "boards" at the checkout for a 5% discount.

viewer · 16-12-2020 3:54pm

I use this stuff https://www.defactoshave.com/product/de-facto-regular-25ml-without-packaging/(Irish company) plus Taylor of Old Bond St Shaving Cream on top to get a nice shave as my skin aint the smoothest.

Dramatik · 16-12-2020 5:23pm

I would avoid long strokes with the razor and going over the same area more than once, stretch the skin but don't be too aggressive, try to avoid touching shaved areas where possible. At first aim to achieve a comfortable shave rather than a close one. Those close and clean shaves will come later down the line with a little patience once your technique has become muscle memory.

source · 16-12-2020 6:55pm

Also always with the grain, let your beard grow out for a few days and examine how it grows, your hair can grow in many different directions and shaving against it can cause irritation.

For example I have one portion of my neck that has hair growing in 4 different directions, think of a +. In until I figured it out I was getting terrible razor burn in that location.

y0ssar1an22 · 16-12-2020 6:58pm

For me the angle and letting the weight of the head do the work sees the best results.
Brush and a cream as well. Still give myself the odd nicks though

Tazzimus · 16-12-2020 7:27pm

Map your facial hair growth, it'll grow in all different directions.
No pressure on the razor, at all. This is especially important on the neck.
Decent brush and soap. Let the brush soak for a few mins to soften the bristles and soak up water.
Sample pack of blades to see what agrees with your face and what doesn't. Tryablade.com are great for this as you can pick your own.
Learn proper shaving technique. Angle, pressure etc.
Learn proper lathering technique, this is as important as shaving.
Don't go back over an area that has no soap on it, surefire way to get razorburn.
Alum block or decent aftershave balm. I use the Nivea sensitive stuff.
Go slow til you get the hang of it properly. Took me nearly a year to get a decent consistent shave.

Extra tip that might not work for everyone, I have a shower first to soften the stubble up.
Also look at trying cold vs hot for shaving. Some people fair better with cold water, some with hot.

Always start with the grain, then you can do across and against last.

I've possibly forgotten something but that should be the bulk of things.

Wizard! · 16-12-2020 9:49pm

Tazzimus wrote: »

Extra tip that might not work for everyone, I have a shower first to soften the stubble up.

I don't do that, but from my personal experience, if I get shaved anytime of the day except just after I wake up, it is much worse. And this was the case before DE.

beardybrewer · 17-12-2020 3:54pm

Wizard! wrote: »

I don't do that, but from my personal experience, if I get shaved anytime of the day except just after I wake up, it is much worse. And this was the case before DE.

I do the reverse of what's recommend because I like to be able to make a mess so I shave and then hop in the shower after. A hot water splash or, seriously, if you've never tried it, a hot towel really makes a difference and is so luxurious. In fact, I haven't done a hot towel shave in years and should really start up again as a weekend treat!

A bit of advice I've repeated a good few times is beginners often bite off more than they can chew. Learning how to best use a safety razor and finding a good blade is plenty on your plate. So throwing in shaving soap/corap/cream, mug or face lathering, and type of brush can sink a good start. Don't feel you must use shaving soap and a brush, despite its benefits, at the start. Tinned goo is absolutely fine for a couple of weeks to get comfortable with your razor first. I found that learning to whip up a good lather was much a harder skill to master than learning a safety razor. One reason was I thought I was spending so much (35 quid) on a razor I wasn't prepared to spend double or triple that to get a good brush and got a crappy, wimpy Muhle which just flopped over in the face of hard soaps. So, not to belabour the point, if you're learning to lather with a brush and not whipping up a thick yogurt than that can be as much at fault as the razor or blade. Also, don't be afraid to practice lathering in a bowl, on your palm, or on your face and throwing it out until you start mastering that skill as well.

Wizard! · 17-12-2020 4:46pm

beardybrewer wrote: »

Don't feel you must use shaving soap and a brush, despite its benefits, at the start.

Sound... I will leave them in the shopping cart for a bit more

Wizard! · 19-12-2020 1:51pm

Today I tried a new shave, I only shave once a week even with the cartridges, to avoid irritation.

What I did different:
Used one of the Astras I got
Was very careful to maintain correct angle, although I was closer to 10 degrees than 30.
Didn't apply any pressure, just razor 's weight
Followed carefully hair direction, except around Adam's Apple, because they are random...
Did a second pass while reapllying soap.

The results were much better!
Not baby face, not perfect, but no cutting and no rashing.

Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I guess I have lot to learn!

source · 19-12-2020 1:58pm

Wizard! wrote: »

Today I tried a new shave, I only shave once a week even with the cartridges, to avoid irritation.

What I did different:
Used one of the Astras I got
Was very careful to maintain correct angle, although I was closer to 10 degrees than 30.
Didn't apply any pressure, just razor 's weight
Followed carefully hair direction, except around Adam's Apple, because they are random...
Did a second pass while reapllying soap.

The results were much better!
Not baby face, not perfect, but no cutting and no rushing.

Thank you all for your input and suggestions. I guess I have lot to learn!

Delighted to hear its working better for you. The shave will become cleaner with more experience. For the blade angle of you put the razor 90° to your face and then reduce the angle until the blade is touching your skin, that'll be the perfect angle for shaving.

Dramatik · 19-12-2020 4:08pm

Wizard! wrote: »

...The results were much better!
Not baby face, not perfect, but no cutting and no rushing...

Great to hear you are getting better results now

Tazzimus · 19-12-2020 6:03pm

Good to hear you're getting a better shave, you'll get a really good one once you figure out what way the hair grows and that. Hair on my neck grows 4 or 5 different ways it's a pain in the hole to do.
Were you not reapplying shaving goo between passes? That could be why you were getting ripped up.

Wizard! · 20-12-2020 10:08am

Tazzimus wrote: »

Were you not reapplying shaving goo between passes? That could be why you were getting ripped up.

I didn't need to do a second pass with the cartridges. And when I first used the DE, I was doing multiple pass at once, I wasn't aware that it is normal practice to do second or third pass.

Tazzimus · 20-12-2020 1:23pm

Aha, yeah it's a bit of a different way of shaving. That one thing will probably improve your shave no end.
Reapply after each pass and you should have a much better experience.
Someone explained it to me as DE shaving being about hair reduction, rather than removal. As in you reduce it with each pass, with the final against the grain pass getting you that baby smooth shave.

Rosahane · 21-12-2020 5:30pm

I think you will get a much better shaving experience with proper shaving soap and brush compared to the canned stuff. The act of brushing in the soap helps to soften the bristles and provides glide for the blade.

There is a small learning curve in producing the perfect lather but it needn't be expensive or difficult to master. You could start by using a shaving stick such as the Palmolive (available in Tesco and chemists) by wetting it in warm water, rubbing onto your wet face and lathering up vigorously with a brush which will really soften the bristles and leave enough soap on the brush for at least another pass.

Wizard! · 15-03-2021 1:15pm

Hey, it is me again!

So far, so good. Have been trying few razors from the sampler.
Astra looks best for now, didn't really like Timor, 7 o'clock super, but I still have to try Shark Feather blue ans 7 o'clock sharp.

Meanwhile my shaving cream is nearly gone, so I am planning to get a proper one with a brush and bowl (along with the Alum block that was suggested).

Can you suggest what to buy, so I don't have to re-buy the proper ones later...?

Preferably from shaving.ie

Confused11811 · 15-03-2021 3:10pm

LEA shaving cream - https://www.ebay.ie/itm/LEA-Profesional-Shaving-Cream-Tube-250g/233392900733 . It's my favorite cream. Followed by Proraso Sensitive cream (available on shaving.ie)

I'm ran out both and working my way some palmolive original cream which I also like, but I'll switch back to the LEA one when I'm done with the palmolive. https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B016DTUU5G

I'm a fan of the tubes of cream, not a fan of the sticks or the bowls, just a personal preference.

Osma alum block (available on shaving.ie)

I recommend a pre-shave cream too. I love Proraso sentitive pre shave. https://www.shaving.ie/products/proraso-pre-shave-cream-green-tea-oat.html.

If using shaving.ie don't forget to use the promo code "boards.ie"

uncle_sam_ie · 15-03-2021 4:31pm

There is a lot to choose from.

I prefer soaps to creams. this is my all time favorite, https://www.giftsandcare.com/en/shaving-soaps/8060-stirling-soap-co-shaving-soap-baker-street-170ml.html love the performance and the scent but, each to their own.

Brushes, how much do you want to spend? This is an excellent boar brush at a good price, https://www.giftsandcare.com/en/boar-shaving-brushes/987-brocha-de-afeitar-cerda-semogue-soc-ceniza.html. With a badger, I'd go with a Simpsons or Thater, https://www.shaving.ie/badger/

I'v bought bowls and mugs in the past but don't use them now. I Just load up the brush.

Bad double edge shaving results

Comments