Getting started with SE Shaving

Messages
328
Several ppl have recommended SE razors to cope with my tough stubble. The look like torture implements to me and I have no idea where to start, short of just buying one and having a go.

Any help with the following would be most appreciated, as well as any other tips on how to get started.

1) what model to get?
2) best place to get a cheap one?
3) do I need to get the GEM blades eg from Connaught?
4) I've got a couple of boxes of "Valet" single edged blades. Would it be worth finding a razor that uses them?

Thanks!
 
Well it may be an idea to post this on the SE users board other than that I use an Ever Ready with a Gem blade [from connaughts] and find this to be a most agreeable shave. If you have a tough beard then I would advise giving it a shot; the only DE blade I used was a Feather, nothing else cut the mustard. The SE is gentle and forgiving just keep the lather slippy & under-worked IMO and it'll glide its way through. Regards, Adam.
 
Hi Roly

Having read some of your previous posts I strongly advise you carry on with your present regime and current set up for a little longer, an S.E razor may have been presented to you as the solution to your perceived problems but I'm certain they can all be resolved with your current hardware and a little more experience.

Most new members believe they have the toughest of stubbles and the most sensitve skin, now you may have but it's better you continue to experiment with everything else if you feel the need but keep using the same razor as I'm certain you will get better shaves as every aspect of your shaving technique continues to improve. I'm not anti any particular hardware, I just don't think flicking between radically different systems at this stage is going to help you in the long term.
 
antdad - I actually agree with you as I like to islolate the variables and work methodically to improve my shaving. Howeve I'm really happy with the rest of my shave, and stumped as to how I might better deal with the tougher areas of my beard (mainly around the jowls).
 
I think alot of it was pretty well covered in your thread in shaving help.

The problem with the neck and jowls is the skin is usually extremely delicate and often the beard is going in all sorts of directions so that's where extra attention to prep should really be. If you are face lathering its easy to fall into lathering the cheeks and facial area because it's easier to do, just make sure you cover all areas equally because it will lift and help soften the beard and so help with the overall shave.

Map the beard really carefully.
If you can't shave atg (something I like to avoid btw) look at mantic59's videos on advanced techniques, maybe try an XTG pass from the "other" direction.
You could also try to introduce some gentle skin stretching around the jowls by cranking the neck or contorting the jaw a little, have a look at a few straight shaving vids to see how that's done.

Your skin and beard is still getting used to the new regime, it'll come.
 
Gentle and forgiving? :icon_eek: I've got somewhat different view on SE shaving so far :blush: So yeah, I'd listen to antdad and kept using your current gear. And get that open comb ;)
 
Horses for courses as they say; regarding the SE. Though as antdad says stick with it and get a feel for the razor you have. One exception is the blade IMO; if I stuck with Derbys then I would have given up along time ago. The good thing is that I'm sure there's a blade to suite everyone IMO. Regards, Adam.
 
Back
Top Bottom