Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Safety Razor Head Shaving => Topic started by: Dan-O-Mite on June 25, 2009, 11:27:09 AM
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Although I have no real issues for my head shaving and am Happy with where I'm currently at with that and enjoy it, Face shaving is still a chore for me. For a guy who's only 21, I have a fairly heavy beard and fair/sensitive skin. Currently I use a sensor 3 and have used the fusion and mach 3 as well. Frankly Its difficult to shave with these(redness, irritation bumps(going against the grain). I can only shave with the grain normally and on occasion I can shave once going across the grain.
I've been reading into it alot lately and pretty much all of the people who switched to DE claimed that those problems disappeared upon finding the right type of razor, blade, and settings if the razor is adjustable. I'm really on the fence about trying this and was hoping I could get some opinions/help on this matter.
hope to hear from you guys and thanks for your help...
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I'm sorry, I have to ask what DE is?
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I'm sorry, I have to ask what DE is?
Double-Edge safety razor. Your dad probably had one. I learned to shave with one of these, then graduated to a single-edge injector razor.
Red
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I'm sorry, I have to ask what DE is?
Double Edge Razor Blade
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I'm sorry, I have to ask what DE is?
Sorry about not specifying enough, Double Edge Saftey Razor
Still look forward to hear some opinions on them for face shaving
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Double-Edge safety razor. Your dad probably had one. I learned to shave with one of these, then graduated to a single-edge injector razor.
Thank you, Red. You're absolutely right about dad. Actually if I remember correctly this was the only kind of razor available here in East Germany before the reunification. However I have always been using an electric shaver.
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I use a DE or straight razor for face shaving and will never go back to a Mach 3 or other cartridge razor. The technology for the Mach 3 and other such multi-blade cartridge razors is for the first blade to pull the hair and the second and subsequent blades to cut it. This can result in the hair being cut below skin level with resulting ingrown hairs and other skin irritations.
A DE razor uses a single, sharper blade to cut the hair. The shave consists of passes that gradually reduce the stubble. I make three passses with my DE and get an excellent shave without any irritation.
There is a transition period as the DE requires learning some technique. The main thing is to avoid pressing down on the razor when shaving. This takes some adjustment as cartridges require pressure. If you use pressure you will get irritation with a DE.
I would suggest checking out one of the shaving sites that deal with DE and straight razors -- badgerandblade.com; shavemyface.com or theshaveden.com as they are excellent sources of information for all areas of traditional wetshaving.
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Although I have no real issues for my head shaving and am Happy with where I'm currently at with that and enjoy it, Face shaving is still a chore for me. For a guy who's only 21, I have a fairly heavy beard and fair/sensitive skin. Currently I use a sensor 3 and have used the fusion and mach 3 as well. Frankly Its difficult to shave with these(redness, irritation bumps(going against the grain). I can only shave with the grain normally and on occasion I can shave once going across the grain.
I've been reading into it alot lately and pretty much all of the people who switched to DE claimed that those problems disappeared upon finding the right type of razor, blade, and settings if the razor is adjustable. I'm really on the fence about trying this and was hoping I could get some opinions/help on this matter.
hope to hear from you guys and thanks for your help...
Dan,
I am a DE user, and have been for over a year..
I am quite happy with the results.
I still use the Head Blade for my head... I haven't tried the DE on the head yet.
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alabamalawyer hit on most of the points I was going to. the sites he mentioned are excellent resources. Also wetshaving instead of using canned foam/gel can help with irritation because of the better quality lather and using an aftershave balm after the shave will help with the irritation and bumps. Even using the DE and wetshaving I had to start using aftershave since I had to start wearing a tie to work again. I used to use the expensive brands but I recently ran out and picked up some Nivea cooling post shave balm at the grocery store and it seems to be working just as well as the expensive stuff. It doesn't smell as nice but thats what cologne is for right?
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I have periodically used a straight razor after inheriting my great-grandfather's (hand carved whale bone handle and high quality blade). Although his is still sharper than you could ever imagine after 100 years of age, I bought my own so that I would not ruin this family heirloom.
Man, do you ever have to be careful with these things. Positioning is key. And never under ANY circumstances do you want to make any side movement on the blade. I have to say it takes lots of practice, but is the closest shave I have ever had. I was able to go three days without shaving and had no irritation other than the random nicks I carved into my face while learning to use it.
Some years ago while still in the Army, I went for a haircut at a predominantly african-american barbershop where they finished off the edges even around the ears with a straight razor. I did not twitch because the experience was a bit frightening. But the barber was a master with the blade and I never had a haircut that looked and felt so good.
I don't think I will ever have the guts to try it on my head myself though.
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I use a fusion for the main part of my head but I use a straight razor on my face and finish up around the ears/beard when shaving my head.
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I use a Merker vision for my face and have doing so for 3 yrs now
O0
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I'm definitely a convert to the DE for face shaving, and use old fashioned lather with a brush for both head and face.
for me I have alot less irritation and I can actually get a decently close shave, takes alot of getting used to though as far as technique goes. also i experience no tugging or pulling that i used to with the cartridge razors for my face shaving, this is definitely the way to shave my face for me. I know some people can use an electric without any issues. For me this left me raw and red, mainly my neck, if I tried to shave it more than once a week. I switched to the catridge razors and I was able to work it up to every other/ or every day where I could shave my face and neck with and occasionally across the grain without any issues, but NEVER against the grain. With the DE I can shave with and across and occasionally against the grain as well without any serious issues.
Nicks are an occasional thing but become less and less with practice..one of the best benefits though is how cheap these are in comparison to catridge razors, so this is also a potential idea for those of you who are on a tight budget.
for you face shavers who suffer from lots of razor burn, acne, or ingrown hairs, i definitely reccomend giving a DE a try.
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It is not simply a razor or a style of blade, but a type of shave. It is called wet shaving. I use a straight razor but started with a 1940's de. It can become a very detailed and satisfying experience. There is a steep start cost but it is a one time buy. You want a good heavy CROME plated razor handle and good starter blades. I would suggest getting crystal (red) blades. Then a cheep brush with bowl and soap will run about $7.
1 run a HOT sink of water
2 clear about 40 - 90 min for shaving.
3 drop a rag or end of a towel in HOT water then lay hot rag on face for about 3 min.
4 dip brush in water then flick off most of the water and use smooth circles to build lather in the bowl.
5 get baby oil or baby oil jell and coat face with light coat
6 use brush to lay on thick layer of rich lather and work in circles then lay down a second coat.
7 hold razor just off vert and slowly glide down carefull not to put preasure on the handle, let the razor do its job.
repeat 1-7 till fully shaved or baby butt smooth.
8 wash face with rag and warm water then run COLD water and rinse face.
9 apply aftershave and use styptic pencil where needed.
Your shave will be so smooth and close with no razor burn you will never go back.
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I gave up the styptic pencil and switched to an alum block. They are harder to find except online, but take care of even the little nicks you don't see. And they leave no residue behind.
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Here's one new DE user. I was so curious that I decided to try what it's like. I'm growing a beard, but I still need to shave under chin and around neck to keep it neat. Wanted to see if it was easier done with DE razor. No, it wasn't. My first experiment, some ten minutes ago, was murder. I'm sitting here throat cut and thinking what went wrong :-X
Not a promising start but I guess there's a learning curve... It certainly wasn't easier, more comfortable or more precise than with my Mach 3. I used HeadSlick which is always working very well for me. I may have been too hasty in my routine, so I'm gonna give myself some time before I can say if it's for me or not.
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Hi, I`ve not used a DE for years, but had similar prob to you. i was introduced to the King of Shaves Razr & oil system. The oil moisturises and raises the stubble and the razr is a flexible very light 3 blade system, shave with the grain for a perfect shave. Hope this helps.
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it takes a long time to master the DE razor, NO PRESSURE, correct blade angle and good lather are a MUST.
Try watching Mantic59's videos on youtube for help with this
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it takes a long time to master the DE razor, NO PRESSURE, correct blade angle and good lather are a MUST.
Try watching Mantic59's videos on youtube for help with this
Couldn't agree more. Don't try it when you're in a hurry and trying to get out the door. Take the time to master the "no pressure" since the actual razor has some weight to it without adding any extra pressue. The angle is key, too. It's worth the extra time.
Plus it's just retro-cool to use something our dads and grandfathers used.
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Thanks for advice, guys. Mantic59's videos were excellent.
This time I was nearly happy with the result. No pressure, no hurry, determined straight movements. Seems to me that using DE requires much more lather than otherwise. Is shaving oil better for this than normal foams? Foam or gel needs to be constanly reapplied. Or would you recommend shaving soap?
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I just started using a DE on my face a couple of weeks ago and though I now have many, I'm trying them all to see which ones I like and which ones I don't. So far my favorite is the 1920 Gold model on the left. No pressure and it shaves like a champ. I've tried a couple of TTO's and a 1966 adjustable but they don't give the shave like this old guy. I have a couple of more 1930's 3 piece models (one gold and one silver) to try out. But, so far the 1920 3 piece has given the best shave. O0
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I shave my head with a mercur 34d DE with feather blades. I cut the $#!t out of my self the first few times I did it, but soon got the technique down. Start slow with lots of lather and pay close attention to the angle. They are called double edge SAFETY razors for a reason, the only way to really cut yourself is to slide the blade sideways (commonly done by angling the razor slightly). Ive been shaving with them for about a year and can confidently shave my face and head with no mirror or nicks, and can do it in less than 10 min if I'm not after that baby butt smooth feeling. I have not worked up the balls to try my straight on my head but maybe someday.
Overall, I recommend DE to anybody who does't mind spending a little more time for perfection. and as stated previously, there are great sights out there to help get you started
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Any of you D/E shavers using it on your head in addition to your face? Also, are you using the D/E in the shower or at the sink?
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I use a DE on my head and face. It takes some time to adjust to using it, but once done, the shave takes about the same time as with a cartridge razor. I shave at the sink, but I shave my face in the a.m. and my head in evenings.
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I use a DE once in a while, but it seems like in winter, it's more destructive and shreds...maybe it's the condition of my skin?
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I've used a late 40's DE on my face for years, but I've not been brave enough to try it on my dome yet.
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I made the switch to DE about a year ago and haven't looked back. If you haven't leanred yet, a BIG key to a successful DE shave is to NOT put any pressure on the razor. Just let the weight of the razor do the work; think light touch.
I usually wear the traditional clergy collar which is almost as uncomfortable as a necktie, and I'm very sensitive to ingrown hairs and razor bumps, especially on my neck. I've found that patting in some baby powder before putting on my shirt significantly helps keep my collar from rubbing my neck raw.
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I've been using a DE for a few months now and here is what I have found:
1) Everything (that's common between sources) you read on guides is true. You use very little hand/wrist pressure when shaving with a DE. You do have to prepare a bit. etc.
2) You should REALLY use a quality blade (I got a thing of CVS blades and they SUCK. They wear out fast, nick more, and don't shave as well).
3) Use a badger hair brush and some quality shaving CREAM not the foam cream stuff from a can, but either a soap block or tube cream.
4) Reading reviews on amazon will teach you a lot. Like what blades to buy, what creams to use. I personally like feather blades and col. cronk's almond soap.
5) Never doubt the comfort of an alcohol free after shave.
6) NEVER EVER rush.
I've been doing it for a few months and I don't think I would ever go back to conventional razors. They cost so much, and I'm actually saving a ton of money buy shaving this way now. My shave is also nicer, better. Going against the grain actually will last me like two days if I'm delicate with it, and for my beard that's really something! The soaps also leave your skin feeling nice and glycerin based things don't sting or irritate. Good stuff.
You just have to practice a bit. There is a bit of technique that you will develop naturally as long as you apply no pressure and watch your angle.
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I shave with a DE on my face at the sink (and use a badger brush) but use a cartridge razor for my head in the shower. I tend to get more irritation on my head when I shave at the sink so that's why I have to shave my head and face in two different locations.