Sly Bald Guys Forum

Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Safety Razor Head Shaving => Topic started by: RockHiker85 on December 20, 2014, 04:42:57 PM

Title: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: RockHiker85 on December 20, 2014, 04:42:57 PM
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!
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: Sir Harry on December 20, 2014, 09:33:58 PM
Good luck with the DE! Remember, take slow strokes in the beginning!
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: reddog on December 21, 2014, 06:53:10 AM
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
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: geeman on December 21, 2014, 11:43:35 AM
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
Title: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: RockHiker85 on December 21, 2014, 05:33:26 PM
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.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: geeman on December 22, 2014, 03:53:01 AM
Using a brush and cream adds to the enjoyment.... You won't go back
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: kylebcool on December 23, 2014, 01:43:47 PM
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.
Title: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: RockHiker85 on December 23, 2014, 11:38:39 PM
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!
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: SlickChromeDome on December 25, 2014, 08:06:21 PM
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?
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: reddog on December 26, 2014, 06:30:13 AM
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.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: warhawk on December 26, 2014, 10:01:10 AM
@RockHiker:  Glad that you are liking your safety razor shaves. O0

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: warhawk on December 26, 2014, 10:05:49 AM
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 O0
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: SlickChromeDome on December 26, 2014, 10:07:35 AM
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
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: kylebcool on December 26, 2014, 12:10:59 PM
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.

Title: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: RockHiker85 on December 29, 2014, 11:25:45 PM
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.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: Sly Red on December 30, 2014, 02:41:30 AM
After 6 years shaving my head I'm also going to try a DE razor.  I've bought myself a '61 Gillette Fat Boy off eBay. 

I don't think I've used a DE since about 1965 when I started shaving.  I'll report back after the first shave.

Red
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: reddog on December 30, 2014, 05:36:18 AM
Let me know how you like the fat boy, Red. I'm using the 1954 Gillette flair tip my dad gave me when I was 15. I hear alot of good things about fb.

Mike
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: Sly Red on December 30, 2014, 06:05:40 AM
Let me know how you like the fat boy, Red. I'm using the 1954 Gillette flair tip my dad gave me when I was 15. I hear alot of good things about fb.

Mike

Will do, Mike.  I doubt if I'll have it in hand until the weekend, earliest.

Red
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: TheHeadShaver on December 30, 2014, 04:21:34 PM
Given the numerous requests and the fact that I tried a DE and loved it, our company has just switched from cartridges to DE Safety Razors.  Good to see the culture of Safety Razors growing.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: warhawk on December 30, 2014, 08:32:17 PM
After 6 years shaving my head I'm also going to try a DE razor.  I've bought myself a '61 Gillette Fat Boy off eBay. 

I don't think I've used a DE since about 1965 when I started shaving.  I'll report back after the first shave.

Red

That is great  to hear.  Kindly post pics of your Fatboy when you get it.  Also.... I would love for you to participate in the Safety Razor SOTD thread with pics.

WARHAWK O0
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: RockHiker85 on January 01, 2015, 12:55:11 PM
I shaved for the first time with the green Proraso shave soap this morning and it made my whole experience 1000 times better! I love the smell of it, the feel of it, the feel of the blade on my skin. Wonderful stuff! It wasn't as easy to get a good lather as a cream but I'm working on it. Any suggestions on lathering soft shave soaps?
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: Sir Harry on January 01, 2015, 06:58:35 PM
I shaved for the first time with the green Proraso shave soap this morning and it made my whole experience 1000 times better! I love the smell of it, the feel of it, the feel of the blade on my skin. Wonderful stuff! It wasn't as easy to get a good lather as a cream but I'm working on it. Any suggestions on lathering soft shave soaps?

I would add a few drops of preshave oil....I usually put a few drops of Shave Secret in a scuttle before mixing my soap and brush inside the scuttle. There are many preshave oils, but Shave Secret is available for under $4 at walmart.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: RockHiker85 on January 01, 2015, 07:00:45 PM
Thanks!! I love Shave Secret! I'll have to add a few drops to my lather bowl tomorrow.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: bald.metalhead on January 03, 2015, 07:57:15 AM

Given the numerous requests and the fact that I tried a DE and loved it, our company has just switched from cartridges to DE Safety Razors.  Good to see the culture of Safety Razors growing.


I'm thinking about joining that club, actually.
The razor and blades and all the stuff your company is now offering looks like high quality stuff.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: baldjoeg on January 18, 2015, 12:09:07 PM
I agree with you Geeman. I think using a shaving brush enhances the shaving experience.

I am still working on using a de razor. I guess I just need more practice. So far it hasn't felt as smooth when using it on the head as on the face. Hopefully it will come with time.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: Mike E. P. on January 18, 2015, 03:49:31 PM
Joe, it took a while before I got a good shave using a DE razor. When I was learning, I used to have to finish up with a cartridge razor. Now that I have plenty of practice under my belt, my shaves are very smooth.
Title: Re: Jumping into Safety Razor shaving!
Post by: mrzed on January 19, 2015, 04:53:38 AM
Joe and Mike EP, I'm in the same boat.  Giving DE a try.  Not finding DE yet as smooth as the multi-blade cartridge, but I'm using the DE first to get used to it.  Only been a week, so that's really not a fair trial and the jury is still out.

Sir Harry, comment more on the scuttle, lathering and the oil.  Right now, I have my soap in a mug and build up the lather in the mug.  Would I put the shave secret into the mug? or into the lathered up brush?  Or are you saying that the scuttle is used in lieu of a mug?

I'm moving along carefully to avoid the nicks I've heard about associated with DE shaving. None so far.  I think that my head is looking more shiny than with the cartridge alone.  Maybe that's just bad memory.