DE Razor technique

[cellison]

I'm sure many of you already know this but after 4 weeks using a DE razor I've finally come to the realization that using the least amount of pressure possible yields the best results for me. Today I got the closet shave I have had since I started shaving my head and that includes the barber shop straight razor shave I had a couple of weeks ago.

It seems counterintuitive to put less pressure on the razor to get a closer shave but it appears to be the case for me. I also don't have and razor burn/red areas/cuts either.

I thought I'd mention it for anyone else learning how to wield a DE

Chris

[Sir Harry]

Thanks for sharing, Chris. Many first time DE users get the impression that more pressure on a DE will give you a better shave when it ends up, in most cases, counterproductive in the form of bumps, cuts, missed hairs, etc. Glad you found a method that works!

[warhawk]

Hi Chris:  Glad that you got your closest shave with a DE razor.  For those on the safety razor fence... you do not know what you are missing.   

WARHAWK

[SlyMike]

I have to admit I've thought about this, but I struggle shaving with a normal razor in the mirror for some reason, also worried about cutting my head .

[bearwolf56]

I have been shaving my face for years with a DE razor but never my head until a few days ago. I had tried it many times but it took forever and I nicked myself to death. That was until I did just what cellison said and used as little pressure as possible, watched the angle of the razor and took my time. Last night was the third time I had shaved my head with a DE razor and it took me about the same time as with other razors, gave me the closest shave I have ever had, and like you said less burn, and red/bumpy areas. Wish I had learned this years ago. I would have saved me a lot of money as well as given me the best shave.

[cellison]

I have been shaving my face for years with a DE razor but never my head until a few days ago. I had tried it many times but it took forever and I nicked myself to death. That was until I did just what cellison said and used as little pressure as possible, watched the angle of the razor and took my time. Last night was the third time I had shaved my head with a DE razor and it took me about the same time as with other razors, gave me the closest shave I have ever had, and like you said less burn, and red/bumpy areas. Wish I had learned this years ago. I would have saved me a lot of money as well as given me the best shave.

I'm glad to hear it's working well for you. I still give myself the occasional nick but I'm getting better at it every day
Once you feel how close the shave is with a DE it's hard to go back.

Chris

[gwsmallwood]

Also counter intuitive, but I find the more aggressive the razor, the less irritation, nicks, and weepers I get.  I've been shimming my 37c with 3 shims for a couple of weeks now. 

My folliculitis has also been acting up, which means a lot of painful bumps and higher likelihood of cuts.  I had a surprisingly good shave yesterday, and was actually surprised I got away with a great shave and no nicks. 

This morning I nicked myself 4 or 5 times and I was really feeling every single bump from the infection.  Went to rinse my razor and toss my blade and realized I had my shims in upside down.  They were on the top cap side not the baseplate side.  Oops.

On a positive note I now have definite proof that more aggressiveness equals more comfort for me.