DE Shaving Progress ^ Advice

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?

Originally Posted by juniper

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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.

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.

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.

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?

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).

It probably comes down to practice. Also, is that the last place you shave? If so, you might want to reapply some shaving cream.