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DE Shaving Progress ^ Advice

post #1 of 7
6/27/10 at 4:00pm
Thread Starter 
Ok, so we're four weeks in, and I'm now at this stage:

1. I'm using a Merkur 34C with Feather blades. Tried derby (ok), Vidyut (crap), Gilette 7'oclock (good), Feather (best)

2. I can do two with-the grain passes with no nicks reliably now.

3. I can do against-the-grain above the chin-line reliably

4. I have to do against-the-grain under the chin-line with a Mach 3 to finish off, because I rip myself to shreds trying to do it with the DE. I have very thick stubble, so need both with and against.

5. I'm using Proraso sensitive pre-shave, Proraso sensitive soap, badger brush, and alum block as an aftershave.

Any advice on 4? Just more practice, or am I likely to be doing something wrong? I've been careful on angle.

Also, do you think a slant-blade razor might reduce the two with-the-grain passes to one? It seems to be recommended for thick hair and sensitive skin.

Also, should I try an adjustable razor? I seem to get a very close shave with this one - so under what circumstances would someone need to go adjustable?
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post #2 of 7
6/27/10 at 5:46pm
Quote:
Originally Posted by juniper View Post
Ok, so we're four weeks in, and I'm now at this stage:

1. I'm using a Merkur 34C with Feather blades. Tried derby (ok), Vidyut (crap), Gilette 7'oclock (good), Feather (best)

2. I can do two with-the grain passes with no nicks reliably now.

3. I can do against-the-grain above the chin-line reliably

4. I have to do against-the-grain under the chin-line with a Mach 3 to finish off, because I rip myself to shreds trying to do it with the DE. I have very thick stubble, so need both with and against.

5. I'm using Proraso sensitive pre-shave, Proraso sensitive soap, badger brush, and alum block as an aftershave.

Any advice on 4? Just more practice, or am I likely to be doing something wrong? I've been careful on angle.

Also, do you think a slant-blade razor might reduce the two with-the-grain passes to one? It seems to be recommended for thick hair and sensitive skin.

Also, should I try an adjustable razor? I seem to get a very close shave with this one - so under what circumstances would someone need to go adjustable?

I would imagine you get better replies over at Badger & Blade.
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post #3 of 7
6/27/10 at 6:40pm
on the very difficult areas i do with the grain, cross the grain (left to right), cross the grain (right to left) and against the grain.
besure to add a lot of water between the passes under the lather.
i also like to use a pre shave oil.
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post #4 of 7
6/27/10 at 6:45pm
Under the chin can be tough. Have you tried tilting your head forward to flatten out the skin around your chin? That works for me.
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post #5 of 7
7/1/10 at 4:09am
your post sounds pretty rough. i get a very close shave with my mach 3 and no pre shave oil (but I use a brush). are there any advantages to DE shaving besides cost?
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post #6 of 7
7/4/10 at 10:33pm
Don't just go with the grain then against. I do 4 passes for baby butt smooth: - with the grain - 45 degrees with the grain - 45 degrees against the grain - against the grain Then touch ups. The slant is awesome. I have no desire to use my regular Merkur now that I have a slant. Also, try Astra blades. Not quite as sharp as Feathers, but smoother IMO, and much cheaper. Finally. prep is very important. Get a decent shaving stick (Arko is as good as any, and is practically free on eBay), get a badger brush, and face lather for at least 1 minute before shaving. You should have enough lather left in the brush for the remaining passes (see above).
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post #7 of 7
7/6/10 at 12:28am
It probably comes down to practice. Also, is that the last place you shave? If so, you might want to reapply some shaving cream.
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