[Closed] Right, god help me, DE shaving. A specific question.

No idea what DE shaving is but I use an electric shaver with shaving foam & water. I used to get terrible razor rash & it is the only way I can shave.

I found King of Shaves Shaving Oil better than foam. Hot water, wash face/neck, apply oil, shave rinsing the blade regularly and wash off with cold. I don't use a moisturiser or balm but would definitely leave it an hour or so before applying to prevent irritation from the micro-cuts shaving gives.

Never DE shaved but shaving with a razor has always given me a rash no matter what I have done, including wet shave at a barbers with hot towels etc.

I instead run beard trimmers with the guard off and have done for 20+ years. Not as close as a wet shave but near enough, nobody has even complained.

Only time I used anything else is when away on holiday, after a week I tend to get fed up and wet shave. Just doing it once doesn't seem to cause too much issue (even with crap disposables and whatever foam I can find).

there are a few tips to avoid razor rash, but they can be a bit of a faff. exfoliating with a face scrub, hot towel over face first, both are designed to lift the hair a little and clean the skin, which in turn removes dead skin and anything that could clog the razor. same with using a badger hair brush, apparently better for raising the hairs, but may be snake-oil.

if you cant be bothered with the faff, a simple way of improving RR would be just the shave 'with the grain' rather than across/against. might not be as close but will be more comfortable.

EDIT: also experiment with blades. some are crap (im looking at you Derby), some will be really smooth for your face. gillette yellows are always kind to me, so are feathers but theyre sharper so you need to be careful with them bad boys....

Yes converted a few years ago due to a thread on here. Wouldn't go back to the multi blade approach. I use Proraso or Lea shaving cream with a bristle brush. Gillette adjustable razor (from the 60's) with an Astra platinum or Gillette Nacet blade. So more of a shaving programme! Slightly more relaxed/slower shave than before but no rash.

Edit: I find feathers too sharp 🤔

What’s DE shaving?

I wet shave - try to only do it every other day or I can get a sore neck.

If I want a properly clean shave I’ve always shaved ‘down’ to get the worst of the stubble off (I get very coarse stubble) and then ‘up’ to get it properly close.

If I’m not that bothered I just shave down but get quite a shadow by mid afternoon.

Found using Nivea sensitive shave gel I tend to get the least rash - and always use aftershave balm straight after.

The razor I’ve found best is on a cornerstone subscription - and I use their aftershave balm. I didn’t rate their shave gel though.

If you use this link you get £10 off your first order and I get £5 off my next order and £5 goes to planting trees 🤗

https://www.cornerstone.co.uk/7jos0670

Mach 3 is very crap in comparison and the better gilette options are ludicrously expensive.

+1 for shaving oil. I don't suffer too badly with rash, but using the KoS oil is markedly better. I usually shave electric but like the additional closeness of a proper shave for going out etc.

Also, dont try to get "super-smooth" by going over and over, just shave once and accept whatever the result is.

DE = Double Edge. Old school razor like your dad / grandad used to have

you just replace the blade every few shaves

Yep.

A fresh new mach three blade just tugs at my stubble. (Think course wire wool)

An old gillette double edge sorted my right out. I can clean shave from full beard with one and come out shiney.

If you want to go down the DE shaving rabbit hole then at the end of it you will get a better shave, but it will take time and experimentation to find what works for you.

Without going full DE, you could start by prepping your face well, wash it with an exfoliating wash in the shower, maybe try a non aerosol shaving cream, (all aerosol creams will have alcohol in them so they remain liquid in the can, the alcohol then evaporates once it’s released but most of it will end up on your face which makes the skin contract). I really like the Proraso Sensitive cream, it comes in a toothpaste like tube and can be had for £6ish off eBay, good for 3-4 months. You can apply this directly to your face with fingers.

Try to shave with the grain, short strokes and rinse the razor frequently. Also try rinsing the razor with cold water, it will reduce irritation.

Most of the razor rash is caused by the razor being blocked with hair, dead skin and soap / cream. That’s where a DE razor with a single blade helps, it doesn’t block as easily as a multi-blade cartridge blade with tiny gaps.

If you really want to go down the rabbit hole then fire away.

Ditch the can of spray jizz and get some soap and a brush.

I used some pretty cheap soap Arko, pushed into a old Lush pot but a decent brush is key, treated myself to a nice pure badger brush which has lasted me years and makes the difference compared to synthetic, Body Shops synthetic brush is the best non-badger I could find.

Use the hottest water you can stand to make a lather with the soap, you made to make 2 or 3 passes, I go across then against the grain, with a lather in between, rinse your face with cold water and run an alum block over your face after, stings like hell!

Been shaving DE for about 8 years now after getting fed up replacing disposable blades every 2-3 days, used to get a lot less razor burn than I did but I did cut myself more often, so a alum block is a good investment....

It made a massive difference to me, switching from cartridge razor (mach 3, perhaps?) to a DE razor.

I don't know whether the razor I got it a bit 'conservative' but I find the shave isn't as close as a cartridge razor, but I think that is why I used to get so many problems. As I understand it, razors like the Mach3 etc. lift the hair slightly and then cut it. This obviously produces a 'cleaner' shave, but I used to get crazy razor rash around my neck & constant ingrowing hairs I was having to pick out of my skin.

Since swapping to a DE razor, I have had no ingrowing hairs AT ALL, & virtually no razor rash/burn.

I know there's a whole 'art' around DE shaving, but the biggest difference comes from the razor & blades IMO.
If you have a shave gel/foam/soap that you get on with, then stick with it. I get the best results from shaving cream, but I currently am using some bodyshop gel stuff that works perfectly well.

I would get a handle & a mixed set of blades to start - the right blades to suit you is pretty important & most places do selection packs. Some blades feel blunt from the first shave, while others just seem too sharp & the risk of a nick is increased.

One thing I would recommend is an alum block - just wet it & rub it over your face after shaving - it soothes your skin & stops any nicks from bleeding.

After shaving I use the Nivea balm in the white glass bottle (the sensitive one, I think).

For the neck area definitely shave with the grain, and not against it...I can only shave from the jaw down, otherwise the blade pulls.

Recommend you try Argan oil post shave, go for an organic oil and work it into the skin.

I hated shaving and the cost of blades. After 6 years of DE wet shaving I am an absolute convert. The fact that they can cut you to ribbons if you don't concentrate helps too. I really look forward to shaving.

I also use Thayers Witch Hazel post shave which is a great cleanser and toner for the skin prior to using a balm. People often comment on how good my skin looks. I am still ugly mind.

Somewhere, I have my grandad's DE razor but I've never used it.

I solved most of my shaving issues by just shaving 2 or 3 times a week. Ideally, whilst in the shower. I now use Harry's blades, which aren't horrific in pricing but not as good as Gillette yellow (Fusion 5?). I use King of Shaves gel (not oil).

I shave almost everything "against the grain" except for anything under the collar line (which is where I have occasional problems).

I reckon it's a case of trial and error, maybe not shaving every day until your face gets a bit more used to not having fuzz all over it 🙂

Hmm, cheers all. D'ya reckon this might be worth a punt for a start then?

https://bladesandwhiskers.co.uk/de-safety-razor-shaving-trial-kit

maybe not shaving every day until your face gets a bit more used to not having fuzz all over it

I've only ever shaved every other day anyway, cos my stubble's fairly light anyway and anymore than that just causes too much irritation.

Worth a go for £15, though I would say I was initially put off by my first DE razor, boot/wilkinson sword cheap special, I bought a QShave, which is a copy Merkur Futur, and got on much better with it Since switching to that, starting with a small gap adjusting to a wider for a final pass. I get a shave closer than any disposable with 0 rash with a daily shave (course black hair). Just the odd notch taken out of my bum chin... might take up shaving again as I enjoyed the ritual but I do like my beard....

A Alum block is better than the sicks or pencils, added benefit of being to rub it all over your face.

https://www.themodernman.co.uk/osma-alum-block-75g.html
https://www.themodernman.co.uk/blog/how-to-use-an-alum-blocks/

Also, dont try to get “super-smooth” by going over and over, just shave once and accept whatever the result is.

This +1, after a few weeks you just get better at it.

A bit like parking a car. Do you
a) reverse in and hit everything until you get it exactly central in the space.
b) reverse in slowly, and get it near enough, and after a bit of practice get it right.

And brush + soap, much kinder to my skin than gels, foams, and whatever else.

I've got three different razors, different blades work better in different ones, so don't take recommendations as gospel.

So..... Is "DE" using an old-school safety razor like your grandad used to have OR is it using an expensive disposable plastic multibladed effort (like a Mach 3) and trying to "sharpen" it on a piece of snakeoil impregnated plastic called a "Razor Pit?"

BTW.... biggest cause of razor burn especially around the neck is "going against the grain" ie trying to shave "up" the neck. (Always go down... Always go down!)

Is “DE” using an old-school safety razor like your grandad used to have

yes

That is a cheap kit but you’re gonna hate the brush IMHO and the razor is a risk. Also Arko has a scent many don’t like

im a DE shaver. Got the;

https://www.edwinjagger.co.uk/edwin-jagger-de89bl-chrome-de-safety-razor.html

and i use feather blades

https://thomasclipper.com/products/100-feather-japanese-double-edge-razor-blades?variant=8671875498031&currency=GBP&utm_campaign=gs-2019-11-20&utm_source=google&utm_medium=smart_campaign&gclid=CjwKCAjwp-X0BRAFEiwAheRui14gED65c75aQ6G5oLBca6Oi6GzEPbhr41BzWdypkBHMTwQIR5-sIhoCbzoQAvD_BwE

which you can always find in bulk purchases - sooooo much cheaper than using disposables. Lot has been said for product and technique already,

I still get a certain amount of rash if i have to shave frequently, curly hair when it grows, however;

1. I never go against grain, always with or across.
2. Hot flannel to face, or immediately after shower
3. A good soap or cream - and get them lathered up - don;t let them dry on your face, reapply if needed. I never used to like the soaps, but have found that if used correctly they are as good if not better than the creams.
4. Cold rinse all over
5. Post shave balm properly rubbed in - i like to use DR HArris Milk

DE - Double Edge.

Shaving's a mugs game. Grow the beard back.

Mind you as I'm currently developing a mullet I've started wondering about shaving my head

I used to get shaving rash. Bought a decent electric about 18 months ago and no hassle since. It's much easier than fannying around with all of the paraphernalia

I used to get shaving rash. Bought a decent electric about 18 months ago and no hassle since. It’s much easier than fannying around with all of the paraphernalia

My problem with electric is it doesn't give a close enough shave, Looks like I've skipped a day shaving even with an expensive one.

I got fed up with all the disposable plastic garbage a few years ago so grabbed the cheap and nasty Wilkinson Sword DE thing from Boots. Always imagined I'd upgrade to something better but just carried on with the original so cost has been minimal (and scrap blades go in the metal skip so no landfill). I found this liquid soap stuff works better than all the gels and doesn't need a brush. Just a bit runny and looks like liquid poop until lathered up....

https://shop.drbronner.co.uk/products/organic-shaving-soap-lemongrass-lime/drbshavlemon.aspx?productid=drbshavlemon

I did get shaver burn quite badly and now use a DE with a new Astra blade every shave or two (they're so cheap you may as well change them that often) and a really good go with some proper shaving soap and a brush I have mastered the art of burn free shaving.

A DE takes a bit of getting used to but once you have the blade angle dialled in i find it the best method yet. I do have a straight razor kicking around that I keep meaning to master next...

piece of snakeoil impregnated plastic called a “Razor Pit?”

I have to say, I really rate the RazorPit for doing what it says it does, i.e. cleaning and polishing the edge on disposable razors and therefore extending their life and reducing irritation. It is effectively a strop, and does what a strop does.

To be honest, for the problem I'm having on my neck it may be a question of technique, not equipment. Vicar 😉

I think I'm one of the more recent stw de converts, having ditched the mach3 18-19 months ago. I'd say it took me 2-3 months to learn decent technique and I've been trying different blades until just last week when I ordered 1000 Gillette 7 o'clock sharp edge (yellows) for about the cost of 18 months worth of mach3.... And now won't need another blade for 40 years.

Yes I used to get rash from the mach3 that compounded with each shave Monday to Friday to get moderately unpleasant, then by not shaving at the weekend I'd recover, but a holiday and longer break felt nice. Now I don't get rash, the de experience is much better.

Yes the different bits of faff/prep all help (for me it's shower to hydrate beard, soap clean face, oil, 3 pass shave, cold water splash, moisturiser) and finding the best soap, brush, moisturiser all help, but the big things for me were finding the right blade and razor, and using oil.

I use Johnson's aloe Vera/baby oil, a few drops before lathering my face works wonders. A £1.50 bottle will last me 18 months I think. I will also suggest Palmolive as a decent budget soap (still to try arko). I do fine with budget moisturisers too, Sainsbury's little ones baby lotion is thin but cooling and non greasy, I also like any of the Vaseline intensive care ones, the cocoa butter one is a little greasy though.

However blades, check the de shaving advice for a novice thread I started....I must have tried 25-30 different blades, some poor, some ok, some good.... It's personal, I hate the ever popular feathers. I will happily post a couple of tucks of yellows to you to try, along with a few other blades from tucks I've decided I don't like.

I started out with an adjustable razor as I had no way of knowing if I'd like aggressive or not, a merkur futur, can get used ones on eBay for me£30-35. I've found setting she m does affect it a lot and I don't like aggressive. Setting 2 for me.

Do the de thing, the only outlay really is the razor and if it doesn't work out, sell the razor on.

Used to suffer with the most amazing shaving rash; so much so i kept a 1mm stubble for 5-6 years.

Then started DE shaving. Big difference straight away; no rash at all

Couple of years later, tailored it with a decent stainless razor, and some decent shave soap. That makes all the difference.
Shower first, decent lather on the brush, shave. It's almost enjoyable now.

Unfortunately the company i used to use (shavelounge) are on hiatus, but there are others. I mostly use RazoRock stuff, so something like https://connaughtshaving.com/rrbaby.html is good (the titanium one is ace) and this soap is lovely https://agentshave.co.uk/razorock-mudder-focker-shaving-soap-150ml/. A proper tallow soap seems to make a lot of difference; these people https://murphyandmcneil.com/collections/shaving-soap use slightly more exotic fats including bear. Not tried that, but the duck fat adds a little something!

But the best thing to do is look here https://www.italianbarber.com/pages/custom-shaving-kit-builder - the chaps that run Razorock allow you to build a set. They also have a very good FAQ. They normally deliver to the UK, but who knows now.

Have to say, the difference between my first razor (a merkur 34c) and a game changer from razorock is amazing. The latter just feels right.

Longish thread with lots of advice:

https://singletrackmag.com/forum/topic/de-shaving-novice-advice-please

Cheers Cougar, I was trying to find that but with little success

OP.... so without the RazorPit your shave rash would be even worse?

Yeh I use a DE razor after years of razor rash and spots on my neck using Mach type razors. And I suffered from ingrowing hair with electric.

The combination that works for me is:

Specific blades (I got a few selection packs and my razor/neck seem to get on well with Astra Stainless (and not Astra Platinum)) but this is not a recommendation as there are so many variables.

Body Shop shaving cream, if I don't lather it up with a brush I start getting rash/ingrowing hair. I tend to lather it up and then add water to the brush as it ends with a better result. I tried using normal shaving cream etc but if I don't lather it up with a brush I get problems.

I try to finish with the minimum passes, I'm always tempted to go under my cheekbones again but its better if I manage to get a closish shave the first time round.

OP…. so without the RazorPit your shave rash would be even worse?

Yep, definitely. It used to be pretty much my whole neck, now it's just the very bottom.

DE will definitely help.
I used to use really struggle with neck rash when using multi blade types and a job that required a shirt and tie.

My main advice is never shave "against", if using a decent sharp blade and gel/soap then a "three stage cut" (with the grain, then 90° one way then the other) will get nice and close with no irritation.

Jesus Man! That must be bloody awful. I've never come across the RazorPit things until you mentioned them. I've always considered Mach 3 type razors as disposable. Always thought they were designed for 3 or 4 shaves at the most and then to be thrown in the bin. Isn't that the marketing strategy? They might be expensive but the angle and sharpness of the blade edges are set precisely in the factory. It might be attractive to do so but is it really possible to bring them back to the factory settings using a product such as the RazorPit?

The high cost (and environmental impact) of cartridge razors was my main motivation for buying an old fashioned double edge safety razor.

Hope you find your way.

also for technique and tips youtube has loads, nick shaves and geofatman are 2 that come to mind.

Okay, so thread revival;

I bought a DE razor and associated prep gubbins (soap/brush/preshave/alum), I got a selection of blades (thanks Neil), I tried it. I had three shaves, all of which were a) slow and b) a bit shit.

For the purposes of experimentation and comparison, I then had a shave using the same prep gubbins, but with a probably twenty shaves-old Mach 3 blade 'stropped' on the Razorpit. The result was an absolutely lovely shave, quick, smooth, irritation free. So, I think it's in the prep and the technique, not the razor.

Now, I realise I only had three shaves with the DE one and, and realise that Neil said

it took me 2-3 months to learn decent technique and I’ve been trying different blades

Honestly, I can't be arsed messing about for 3 months, when I can get a great shave, right now, with decent prep and a Mach 3.

*Stealth Ad Warning* If anyone wants to prove me wrong, the razor's yours for fifteen quid.

is it really possible to bring them back to the factory settings using a product such as the RazorPit?

Pretty much. I reckon using a Razorpit you can get easily get twenty shaves out of a blade, and probably more (depends on the thickness of your stubble I suppose).

Total aside - DE shaver for the last 10 years or so. But most of that time I have been a beardy so it was really just for trimming around the edges.

During lockdown I've gone from a (DIY) grade 0.5 over the top hair cut ("I am not really balding - I just like this look") to a shaved shiny bonce ("Ok - its happening, don't want to look like a monk like my granddad did so I'm going to deny I ever had hair"). Was contemplating one of those Skullshaver things. Then out of boredom I thought I'd see what would happen if I did it with my DE razor. Was expecting rivers of blood. But no! Surprisingly good. I'm not sure shaving the back of your head would be the first task for a newbie to DE shaving but once you have a little bit of a hang of it is was a cinch. So no skullershaver for me I think.

I have always suffered really bad ingrowing hairs and razor burn, always get it with any multi-blade razor.

The only thing that has sorted it has been shaving with a DE Razor, it does take a little while to get technique right, main thing is to not press anywhere near as hard as you would with razor with guards on, let the weight of the razor do with a relaxed grip.

Main thing i found though was getting right blades, everyone's beard is different to others, some tougher than others, finding the right blade is half the fight. I like the Bluebeards razor blades, whilst others will prefer one much sharper.

Ive been brewing on going DE for a while and did last week.

I bought a Merkur 34c as recommended for noobs and at 46 years old, wish I'd done this years ago.

Simple, amazingly smooth and no clogging of the blade, which has always been my problem with those ridiculous multi blade plastic things.

Shaving should be something that's no-nonsense, quick and as easy as possible. It's early days and I am still learning, but the DE has brought that much closer to reality..

Shaving should be something that’s no-nonsense, quick and as easy as possible.

I agree, and my DE experiment proved to be anything but. Horses for courses I guess.

I agree, and my DE experiment proved to be anything but. Horses for courses I guess.

The thing is, you don't need to go in for all the enthusiast procedural bullshit.

Some of the youtube videos on DE shaving would have you believe its essential to have more products and steps than a lord of the rings makeup artist.

The only thing I've changed is the razor.

The only thing I’ve changed is the razor.

Thinking about it, a shave has four variables:

- Razor
- Razor technique
- Shaving 'product/s'
- Pre-shave prep

Hardly anyone will change one without any affecting any of the others , so it's tricky to say what exactly has changed your old rubbish shave to a new great shave. In my case I've changed the products and prep, kept the same Mach3 razor but learned/included some DE technique in it's use (like don't press, don't shave where there's no soap etc) to end up with a great shave.

//Thread divert about head shaving for @convert// - I've got one of those Skullshavers - even after a number zero on the clippers, it takes an age and it's never as good as a blade. Might work if you're using it daily, but for a weekly back-to-bald shave, I'd just use a razor. I don't even think it needs to be a good one either. I've just used a Bic twin blade for doing my head and that's been fine... DE for my chin, but a cheapo for my head when I'm feeling baldy.

Forgive my ignorance - what is 'pre-shave prep'? Does this mean a douse in warm water and apply a bit of foam/cream over the target area or am I missing something with crystals etc off my shaving routine?

//Thread divert about head shaving for @convert// – I’ve got one of those Skullshavers – even after a number zero on the clippers, it takes an age and it’s never as good as a blade. Might work if you’re using it daily, but for a weekly back-to-bald shave, I’d just use a razor. I don’t even think it needs to be a good one either. I’ve just used a Bic twin blade for doing my head and that’s been fine… DE for my chin, but a cheapo for my head when I’m feeling baldy.

Thanks Chipps - always good to get advice on grooming a shiny noggin from an renowned expert!

Forgive my ignorance – what is ‘pre-shave prep’? Does this mean a douse in warm water and apply a bit of foam/cream over the target area

Can be anything on the scale of "quick wash with Imperial leather and shave in the soap suds" to "exfoliating sea-salt scrub, unicorn milk soap wash, pre-prep shaving ointment, shave soap applied with hummingbird feather shaving brush". I'd say you're further towards the former 🙂

I was given a Wilkinson Sword premium de razor kit for Christmas, and whilst totally uninterested in the subject I used it as I'm a tight arse and I have never looked back. I have tried a numerous different blades because there are so many, I have found the odd one a little more scratchy than some others but in general I can't tell to much difference. I used to get a little shaving rash with multi blade razors but not with the de and I actually quite enjoy shaving now.

I was given a Wilkinson Sword premium de razor kit for Christmas

I'm assuming that's a proper metal razor? A word of caution to readers, WS make a bargain basement plastic DE razor and it is utter shite. It put me off DE shaving for years, getting a proper one was a revelation.

Single biggest difference for me was probably switching from squirty foam / gel to soap and brush. Takes a bit longer but it is so much better. WS do an el cheapo brush here also, and in this case it's absolutely fine.

Single biggest difference for me was probably switching from squirty foam / gel to soap and brush. Takes a bit longer but it is so much better.

I did this prior to DE days as a scrawny 19yr old after a can of Gillette's finest exploded in my rucksack on some expedition (a 19yr old feeling the need shave on an expedition - that's wrong in other ways - I'll have a word with my former self later). A brush and block of soap takes up way less space and is not quite so explody.

Single biggest difference for me was probably switching from squirty foam / gel to soap and brush. Takes a bit longer but it is so much better.

Yeah, I think this is why my latest shave (the Mach 3 one that killed off my DE aspirations) was so good.

if you stick at it 2-4 weeks and try 2 or 3 blades you'll notice how much little things matter and can then start to hone in on the good for you over the next 2-4 weeks. if you can't be bothered to invest a bt of time then yes, most of us get a decent shave with a mach 3. some of us are like scud and can't, most of us though. if we invest the time, wll get a better shave with DE.
My shaves now compared to the mach 3: cost about 1p not 15p, take about the same time, are closer so I shave less often, and my skin generally feels great rather than having varying amounts of razor burn from scraping away with the mach 3. Yes it took a while to get here. I enjoyed the journey, thought of it as a hobby to learn. I completely get that many people just want a straightforward shave though. fine if you do.

BTW, which blades did you try and how did they feel? sharp vs tuggy, smooth vs scratchy? everyone differs but I might be able to suggest another to try that you might prefer.

Oh and I'll second cougar on WS cheap brush=fine. WS cheap soap...no. just not worth trying. go arko or palmolive for cheap and good. or derby maybe...not tried that yet. I'm crrently using razorrock soap, wow it lathers fast, quite like that, the smel and feel, cushion and lube are pretty fair too.

Noxzema shaving foam is good stuff. I usually get the red can or the white can. I find this causes less irritation than soaps or creams, though I still use those too. Proraso pre shave is also good for avoiding razor burn. I use a DE Muhle R41.

if you stick at it 2-4 weeks and try 2 or 3 blades you’ll notice how much little things matter and can then start to hone in on the good for you over the next 2-4 weeks.

Honestly, I can't be bothered. I feel like I've let you down 😉

I've got the Proraso brush, pre-shave and soap now though, and they make the Mach 3 shave great. And with extending the life of each blade with the Razorpit, fag-packet maths gets me to 6p a shave, which I can live with

Don't be daft, do what works for you, life is too short! The only reason us converts preach is because it's a great way to shave for us and we wish someone had preached to us 30 years ago. The key part of that sentence is, 'for us'. Not everyone is the same.

Apres douche, shaving brush under the hot tap, finger in the top to make an indentation. Squirt in 4 matchheads of Proraso and that's more than enough. A tube of Proraso lasts me 6 months shaving daily (WS Quattro precision). I can't think of another product that is so good and such good value. I live in a hard water area, in places like Manchester or London it works even better.