Newbie...placing my first order
- Thread starter Sensitive_Dan
- Start Date
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- 3,109
Welcome to the fold, great shaves are just around the corner. Don't be disappointed with your first shave it probably will be better than a cartridge shave but it in all honesty won't be as good as you are going to be expecting. You will probably end up with some tiny nicks that weep a little, they soon stop bleeding though and aren't serious.
The shaves will improve as your skin adapts to this new way of shaving it will irritate your skin a little at first and technique in getting a good protective lather and a no pressure shave will improve with practice.
Don't be disheartened we have all gone through this period and you will soon be having shaves as good as any of the forum members. No one blade/razor/soap combo suits all so a little experimentation at first is normal. Don't rush into buying lots of things. The set up you have gone for is perfectly good enough for now. All the elements are quality items, you just need to get used to them. Boar brushes especially cheaper models can take a good while to break in and soften, personally I'd have gone with a cheap synthetic to start but there is nothing wrong with the brush you have ordered.
Balms aren't my thing. I've never got any of them to do what an Aloe Vera Gel does for the skin but plenty of shavers use balms so I'm not knocking them they just aren't my thing. Aloe Vera genuinely does a wonderful job of soothing and calming after a rough shave and it does it quickly. I'd go for some Naissance Aloe Gel which is available from Amazon and is cheap enough. That is the only change I'd make to your initial set up and I'm only making it as you still don't have an aftershave product. I'll leave the recommendations to others.
One thing to remember it is only shaving at the end of the day, all men do it so it isn't voodoo and shouldn't be treated as such. Enjoy your shaves, try not to get brain overload with advise and good luck.
The shaves will improve as your skin adapts to this new way of shaving it will irritate your skin a little at first and technique in getting a good protective lather and a no pressure shave will improve with practice.
Don't be disheartened we have all gone through this period and you will soon be having shaves as good as any of the forum members. No one blade/razor/soap combo suits all so a little experimentation at first is normal. Don't rush into buying lots of things. The set up you have gone for is perfectly good enough for now. All the elements are quality items, you just need to get used to them. Boar brushes especially cheaper models can take a good while to break in and soften, personally I'd have gone with a cheap synthetic to start but there is nothing wrong with the brush you have ordered.
Balms aren't my thing. I've never got any of them to do what an Aloe Vera Gel does for the skin but plenty of shavers use balms so I'm not knocking them they just aren't my thing. Aloe Vera genuinely does a wonderful job of soothing and calming after a rough shave and it does it quickly. I'd go for some Naissance Aloe Gel which is available from Amazon and is cheap enough. That is the only change I'd make to your initial set up and I'm only making it as you still don't have an aftershave product. I'll leave the recommendations to others.
One thing to remember it is only shaving at the end of the day, all men do it so it isn't voodoo and shouldn't be treated as such. Enjoy your shaves, try not to get brain overload with advise and good luck.
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Paul L
Chief GOW
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- 3,917
Hi Dan and welcome
The DE89 IS a fine razor and a gem for the outlay.
I would recommend a synthetic brush. There is no break in period and they take next to no looking after.
Body Shop sell them for around £6.
Enjoy your shaves
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- Messages
- 241
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- Bangor Northern Irealnd
Hi Dan and welcome, I was in the same boat as you hated shaving due to tough dark stubble, I got the Edwin Jagger Black Chrome 3D Diamond razor and enjoy using it with the Astra blades, but still can't use feather's in it, I have just got the Parker 65R and its excellent with the Astra blades very mild and forgiving. I have a boar brush which is still breaking in and synthetics are good to go straight away and I have spent to much on soaps and still want to get more, happy shaving.
When I went back to DE shaving I use (and still do) an EJ89L. I used a variety of blades to deal with a fairly thick (greying) stubble. I found the Derby blades seemed to go blunt after a shave maybe 2 and have dropped them. I cut my face to bits on Feather and seem to find Personna and Gillette Silver Blue to be best for my, admittedly, not sensitive skin.
Another vote for BodyShop Maca Root cream - a decent price and a good quality product.
Another vote for BodyShop Maca Root cream - a decent price and a good quality product.
OP
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- 12
- Thread Starter
- #23
Hello all,
So all the bits arrived yesterday so of course I couldn't wait to try it out this morning.
So jus to take you through what I did. While having a shower I left the brush and the razor with a derby blade in a bowl of hot water.
After my shower I then emptied the bowl and run some warm water over the top of the Proraso. I had then shook the excess water off the brush and then loaded it with the soap.
Into the empty warm bowl I then created a lather. Now admittedly I don't think I was creating this very thick merengue type lather, I was about half way. I think I didn't load the brush as much as I should have.
Anyway I splashed my face with warm water and then put the soap on my face making sure I massaged it in with the brush.
I had about 2 days of growth so nothing major. First pass went ok, took me a while to get the angle right and to get used to shaving with the DE. I did a little bit of mapping before so went with the grain on the first pass. I think my stubble is quite tough but first pass glided fairly well but was not a close shave. I also had the odd nick. I did notice the soap dried a fair bit and should see little snow like bits coming off. So I added more water to the lather which helped.
So washed off and lathered up again to go across the grain. Again shave went ok and glided well but again felt that I wasn't really getting a close shave. Struggled with under my nose as well.
So washed off again and re lathered. Now I know a 3rd pass wasn't advised but the shave just wasn't close enough. So 3rd pass I decided to go again the grain. On my cheeks it was ok. The blade certainly dragged a bit, almost like it was struggling. On my neck this probably was a good idea. Blade was struggling to cut and I was getting nicked a fair bit.
So I finished up and dried my face. One thing I noticed is that even though I cut myself maybe 6-8 times they cleared up instantly. Cutting myself once with a cartridge would bleed for ever.
I then applied some of the blue beards post shave which was a freebie but it was actually quite good. Soaks in well and could feel it cooling. The Nivea I feel doesn't soap in as well.
So results I'd say are 5/10. Face isn't to sore or anything like that but the shave still isn't that close. I've missed some bits but didn't want to push things so I'll take more time next shave.
I'm not sure if it's down to my technique, poor lather or even wrong blade. I do feel that the blade couldn't quite cut through well enough.
I have blue beards, Israeli and feather blades so I could try another one next time.
Anyway I will continue and hope things improve.
So all the bits arrived yesterday so of course I couldn't wait to try it out this morning.
So jus to take you through what I did. While having a shower I left the brush and the razor with a derby blade in a bowl of hot water.
After my shower I then emptied the bowl and run some warm water over the top of the Proraso. I had then shook the excess water off the brush and then loaded it with the soap.
Into the empty warm bowl I then created a lather. Now admittedly I don't think I was creating this very thick merengue type lather, I was about half way. I think I didn't load the brush as much as I should have.
Anyway I splashed my face with warm water and then put the soap on my face making sure I massaged it in with the brush.
I had about 2 days of growth so nothing major. First pass went ok, took me a while to get the angle right and to get used to shaving with the DE. I did a little bit of mapping before so went with the grain on the first pass. I think my stubble is quite tough but first pass glided fairly well but was not a close shave. I also had the odd nick. I did notice the soap dried a fair bit and should see little snow like bits coming off. So I added more water to the lather which helped.
So washed off and lathered up again to go across the grain. Again shave went ok and glided well but again felt that I wasn't really getting a close shave. Struggled with under my nose as well.
So washed off again and re lathered. Now I know a 3rd pass wasn't advised but the shave just wasn't close enough. So 3rd pass I decided to go again the grain. On my cheeks it was ok. The blade certainly dragged a bit, almost like it was struggling. On my neck this probably was a good idea. Blade was struggling to cut and I was getting nicked a fair bit.
So I finished up and dried my face. One thing I noticed is that even though I cut myself maybe 6-8 times they cleared up instantly. Cutting myself once with a cartridge would bleed for ever.
I then applied some of the blue beards post shave which was a freebie but it was actually quite good. Soaks in well and could feel it cooling. The Nivea I feel doesn't soap in as well.
So results I'd say are 5/10. Face isn't to sore or anything like that but the shave still isn't that close. I've missed some bits but didn't want to push things so I'll take more time next shave.
I'm not sure if it's down to my technique, poor lather or even wrong blade. I do feel that the blade couldn't quite cut through well enough.
I have blue beards, Israeli and feather blades so I could try another one next time.
Anyway I will continue and hope things improve.
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- 3,477
- Location
- Cumbria, England
I don't like Derby blades, but by the sounds of it the problem was your lather. You don't need to pre-wet the soap, the water in your brush will be enough. Load it like you hate it, soap is cheap and better to have too much than not enough, you can dial it back later. Your brush should be damp not sopping as at this point you're picking up soap not trying to make lather. Skip the bowl and build the lather directly on your face, dip the tips of the brush in the water if it feels too dry. By lathering on your face you can feel what the lather's doing and will have a much better idea of when it's ready. Don't worry too much about trying to make it look like meringue, if it's more like yogurt it'll be much slicker.
It doesn't hurt to practice lathering, this will give you a chance to get it wrong without suffering a poor shave into the bargain.
As I said, I don't like Derby blades, but the best blade in the world won't do a good job if your lather's crap and if the razor's not gliding properly you're not going to get a good shave. Most lather problems can be fixed with more soap.
It doesn't hurt to practice lathering, this will give you a chance to get it wrong without suffering a poor shave into the bargain.
As I said, I don't like Derby blades, but the best blade in the world won't do a good job if your lather's crap and if the razor's not gliding properly you're not going to get a good shave. Most lather problems can be fixed with more soap.
From reviews, it seems only a few like Derby blades, and most would say Astra or Gillett silver blue are great . This has been my experience.
I agree the lather is more of a problem. I don't even soak a hard soap! Proraso is more like a cream. Just use a slightly damp brush, a few swirls around the cream and make the lather on your face. After a minute or two, you will get a lovely lather you are looking for. Your beard will have been nicely softened in the process. And as everyone says, jo pressure whatsoever !
I agree the lather is more of a problem. I don't even soak a hard soap! Proraso is more like a cream. Just use a slightly damp brush, a few swirls around the cream and make the lather on your face. After a minute or two, you will get a lovely lather you are looking for. Your beard will have been nicely softened in the process. And as everyone says, jo pressure whatsoever !
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- 3,109
Well done on starting. You already have some good advise but I'd replace the Derby with something else. You can try a feather they are nothing to be afraid of but will be 3 times sharper than a derby. Have a few practices with the soap. Soak your brush for about 5 mins then flick it twice to remove excess water and swirl the brush in the soap for about 30 seconds then apply to the face. Swirl to begin with then change to a painting motion. This will thicken the lather without mashing the brush which is counter productive. When you shave place the razor on your face with the handle parallel to your face then gently lift the handle outwards until you just feel the blade catch. That is the angle to use. Just aim to remove the lather the blade will do the rest. Good luck.
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+1 on the lather and +1 on the Gillette Silver Blues.
May I also recommend looking for some shaving tutorials on Youtube - I found those to be a good help.
Happy shaves,
Chris
May I also recommend looking for some shaving tutorials on Youtube - I found those to be a good help.
Happy shaves,
Chris
- Messages
- 231
Hi and welcome 
I started DE shaving around five weeks ago and got the Edwin Jagger DE89, based on high recommendation from various forums, reviews, Reddit.
Its regarded as an excellent razor to start with (but there is no reason why it cannot be used by people who have been DE shaving for a while).
I went with the DE89 as it was just over £20 and I didn't want to spend too much money, incase DE shaving just wasn't for me (but I'm glad to say I'm really enjoying it).
Definitely a good idea getting the sample packs of blades.
With regards to Feather blades:
My first ever DE shave was with Feather blades in my DE89, but there is a lot of people who don't recommend using Feather blades when you are new to DE shaving. So it might be wise to try on of the other blades (I would recommend Astra) for your first shave. You can always try the Feather blades when you have a bit of experience under your belt.
I know my lathering was hit and miss, but what I do (when I have some spare time) is just do some practice lathering, and it has really helped me. The more you do it, the more you know what the brush looks like when its loaded enough with soap, and also (if you bowl lather) how the lather looks like when its ready to put onto the face.
Don't get too disheartened if your first few shaves are not too good, but like anything that you haven't done before, will just require you to practice, to get the technique, lathering right, and from there, the better shaves will come
I started DE shaving around five weeks ago and got the Edwin Jagger DE89, based on high recommendation from various forums, reviews, Reddit.
Its regarded as an excellent razor to start with (but there is no reason why it cannot be used by people who have been DE shaving for a while).
I went with the DE89 as it was just over £20 and I didn't want to spend too much money, incase DE shaving just wasn't for me (but I'm glad to say I'm really enjoying it).
Definitely a good idea getting the sample packs of blades.
With regards to Feather blades:
My first ever DE shave was with Feather blades in my DE89, but there is a lot of people who don't recommend using Feather blades when you are new to DE shaving. So it might be wise to try on of the other blades (I would recommend Astra) for your first shave. You can always try the Feather blades when you have a bit of experience under your belt.
I know my lathering was hit and miss, but what I do (when I have some spare time) is just do some practice lathering, and it has really helped me. The more you do it, the more you know what the brush looks like when its loaded enough with soap, and also (if you bowl lather) how the lather looks like when its ready to put onto the face.
Don't get too disheartened if your first few shaves are not too good, but like anything that you haven't done before, will just require you to practice, to get the technique, lathering right, and from there, the better shaves will come
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- Madrid
Be careful. You're about to go down a rabbit hole.
Just don't ask me how I know...
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- 1,670
- Location
- Essex
Hello there. Welcome to the forum.
My first bit of advice would be to ditch the bowl. I've always found a much better lather and a much closer shave has come from lathering directly on my face.
Sounds odd, but the preparation is much more important than the sharpness of blade when it comes to a close and comfortable shave.
Derby blades are a bit like marmite. They're not too blunt and not too sharp but some people hate them, some swear by them. To be honest most don't really like them though but my dad for one thinks they're great. Most people would suggest a blade like the Astra SP blade as a good starting blade. My face didn't like them. This lark is all very much individual when it comes to your preference and what works best for you.
I wouldn't use the feathers just yet. I'd go for a middle ground blade like the Rapira blades, any variety, I've noticed no real difference between them.
Also don't push for an excessively close shave at this stage. It'll come with time but if you're shaving every day or every other day, it's not worth making your skin sore when you'll be shaving again the next day anyway.
I like the proraso soaps, all flavours except the red one, and think they do give a great lather with protective qualities but go straight to face than bowl. Load your brush for 30-45 seconds (after soaking in hot water for 5 mins or so) and then go to face with your brush. I tend to start in circular motions on the left cheek and sideburn area (left handed you see) then continue in circles onto my neck, under my chin and back the other side, finishing on moustache and chin. I cover all areas in circles until I feel the lather is thick enough, then go in painting motions to cover all areas evenly before circles again to scrub it in some more. With your brush I'd start by squeezing out the water after soaking, and if I need to add more I'll dip the tips of the brush just into your water. Add water gradually until it feels right on your face. I find face lathering is more successful as you can feel what it's like at all times rather than in the bowl.
You'll find the angle will come easily once you've tried it a few times, and remember no pressure, and avoid shaving any areas with no soap on. Work in short strokes.
It's late and I'm rambling so I hope this makes sense. Best of luck on your journey.
My first bit of advice would be to ditch the bowl. I've always found a much better lather and a much closer shave has come from lathering directly on my face.
Sounds odd, but the preparation is much more important than the sharpness of blade when it comes to a close and comfortable shave.
Derby blades are a bit like marmite. They're not too blunt and not too sharp but some people hate them, some swear by them. To be honest most don't really like them though but my dad for one thinks they're great. Most people would suggest a blade like the Astra SP blade as a good starting blade. My face didn't like them. This lark is all very much individual when it comes to your preference and what works best for you.
I wouldn't use the feathers just yet. I'd go for a middle ground blade like the Rapira blades, any variety, I've noticed no real difference between them.
Also don't push for an excessively close shave at this stage. It'll come with time but if you're shaving every day or every other day, it's not worth making your skin sore when you'll be shaving again the next day anyway.
I like the proraso soaps, all flavours except the red one, and think they do give a great lather with protective qualities but go straight to face than bowl. Load your brush for 30-45 seconds (after soaking in hot water for 5 mins or so) and then go to face with your brush. I tend to start in circular motions on the left cheek and sideburn area (left handed you see) then continue in circles onto my neck, under my chin and back the other side, finishing on moustache and chin. I cover all areas in circles until I feel the lather is thick enough, then go in painting motions to cover all areas evenly before circles again to scrub it in some more. With your brush I'd start by squeezing out the water after soaking, and if I need to add more I'll dip the tips of the brush just into your water. Add water gradually until it feels right on your face. I find face lathering is more successful as you can feel what it's like at all times rather than in the bowl.
You'll find the angle will come easily once you've tried it a few times, and remember no pressure, and avoid shaving any areas with no soap on. Work in short strokes.
It's late and I'm rambling so I hope this makes sense. Best of luck on your journey.
OP
- Messages
- 12
- Thread Starter
- #31
Hello all. Again huge thank you for your tips.
So shave number 2. I thought sod it and jumped onto the feather blade. Again I'll try a different blade next time just to get an idea on what different blades offer.
So I stuck with the bowl lathering and followed a YouTube clip from the guy from the US giving an epic lather. I spent more time, less water and gradually built up the lather so what I'd say was pretty good. Also no drying out this time on my face as I added little bits of water while making the lather.
I'm probably a bit more confident this time as well and a bit more clued up on which way my stubble grows.
I'd say the shave felt smoother in places but also more Audiable when shaving. I defo think the feather blades were better even tho I still nicked myself. The nicks were a little deeper and bled more but still nothing compared to a cartridge cut.
Had to go with the 3 passes to get my normal close shave and it went well. Shave was a 7/10. Still not quite as close on my neck as this is the area I struggle with but all in all not bad. And not as uncomfortable
I will try face lathering next time as I know what lather I'm looking for.
May try a different blade next time just to go through all my blades.
So shave number 2. I thought sod it and jumped onto the feather blade. Again I'll try a different blade next time just to get an idea on what different blades offer.
So I stuck with the bowl lathering and followed a YouTube clip from the guy from the US giving an epic lather. I spent more time, less water and gradually built up the lather so what I'd say was pretty good. Also no drying out this time on my face as I added little bits of water while making the lather.
I'm probably a bit more confident this time as well and a bit more clued up on which way my stubble grows.
I'd say the shave felt smoother in places but also more Audiable when shaving. I defo think the feather blades were better even tho I still nicked myself. The nicks were a little deeper and bled more but still nothing compared to a cartridge cut.
Had to go with the 3 passes to get my normal close shave and it went well. Shave was a 7/10. Still not quite as close on my neck as this is the area I struggle with but all in all not bad. And not as uncomfortable
I will try face lathering next time as I know what lather I'm looking for.
May try a different blade next time just to go through all my blades.
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- Essex
Hi Dan,
Are you based in the UK? I'd presume so. If so, send me a PM with a list of blades you've got, and your address, and I'll happily send you some blades to try. I can send the rapiras I've mentioned (which my phone oh so kindly just changed to another word I won't repeat lol) so if you're interested in giving them a try, and I can throw in a few others too, just let me know.