Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!

[RockHiker85]

Hello everybody! I'm shaving every day with a gillette fusion razor and I'm going through too many cartridges. I've decided to buy a DE safety razor and a sampler pack of blades. I'm hoping to get a better shave and save myself some money.

I ordered an Edwin Jagger DE89 Short handle to start.

I use shave secret and I love it, I plan to continue using it with the DE. I'm not into the brushes and creams/soaps/gels. I prefer a minimalist approach and like to see what I'm shaving.

I'm looking forward to the new experience, after all I've read about it I think I'm going to love it.

I will post an update after the holidays!

[Sir Harry]

Good luck with the DE! Remember, take slow strokes in the beginning!

[reddog]

I love DE shaving, usually daily. I would use some kind of cream or lotion and renew it after every pass. I really like the brush/soap setup. Easy to reapply several times. DE has given me the closest shave without irritation. Remember it takes a little extra time and pay attention.

Mike

[geeman]

Just got out of the bath, and had a great de shave while I was in there, it's great to take your time and the end result is great, I only use my de on the weekends, I'm in too much of a hurry during the week and can't risk a slip before going to work, I did try shaving the night before, but I lose the 8-9 hours of smoothness while I'm asleep.... I have the ej89, nice razor

[RockHiker85]

I'm going to try to shave with just shave secret and lots of water. If that isn't sufficient I'm considering buying a perfecto badger brush and Taylor of Bond Street's Sandalwood shave cream bowl.

[geeman]

Using a brush and cream adds to the enjoyment.... You won't go back

[kylebcool]

Just went DE myself and its a totally different experience. I have the EJ DE89LBL and its wicked awesome just have to find the right blade for me. Hope you enjoy.

[RockHiker85]

I got my EJ DE89 and it is quite a beautiful instrument! I shaved my face only tonight and although I had no nicks or irritation I did notice that at times I had trouble keeping the proper angle to shave effectively. I can tell I'm really going to enjoy the DE but I really need to ensure that the blade is at the correct angle. At times I was afraid to adjust the angle as I didn't want to cut myself even though I applied no pressure other than the weight of the razor. It's a rather delicate, artful procedure which gives me a great sense of pride in my shave and an overall wonderful experience. The TOBS Sandalwood shave cream is absolutely amazing!

[SlickChromeDome]

Did my first full head shave with a DE tonight and it went ok. It wasn't perfect but certainly not bad either. It seems the blades I'm using are sufficient for my face but not so well on the head. I know it's different blades for various applications but was wondering what everyone else is using on their head?

[reddog]

I'm using the Astra blades. They work good, and I can get 100 of them for $10 at Amazon. Also really like the Feathers.

[warhawk]

@RockHiker:  Glad that you are liking your safety razor shaves.

WARHAWK

[warhawk]

Did my first full head shave with a DE tonight and it went ok. It wasn't perfect but certainly not bad either. It seems the blades I'm using are sufficient for my face but not so well on the head. I know it's different blades for various applications but was wondering what everyone else is using on their head?

My favorite DE blades are Feathers, Polsilver Super Iridium, Astra SP, Gillette Silver Blue, and Gillette 7 o clock Black.  For anyone getting into this way of shaving, be patient because it take time to master the traditional way.  It took me about a week to get comfortable on my face shaves and about a month with my head shaves.

WARHAWK

[SlickChromeDome]

Thanks guys! I'll give these suggestions a shot. I know it'll take a bit of getting used to. The back of the head is by far the hardest

[kylebcool]

So far I really like the Astra blades! I'm half way into the sampler pack though, so we'll see. Feather is really rough and it was a blood bath. Astra is aggressive but doesn't nick as easily its a smoother glide, no pulling what so ever. Also I mix some pre shave oil into my lather to make it a little thicker, but its because my skin is so sensitive.

[RockHiker85]

Just a quick update I've been enjoying the Edwin Jagger DE89 with TOBS shaving cream on my face, I'm still not confident enough to shave my head with the DE. I ordered the Merkur HD 34c today along with Proraso's eucalyptus and menthol shave soap. Can't wait to try them both.