Hi
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Ive been DE shaving for a little over 2 months now, It took a while to find a blade that suits me which is currently a Personna Red, I have a fair few more blades to try but quite happy with the Personna.
I too have tried an adjustable razor, first it was a Futur which I traded for a Progress, the Futur was ok but the head was just too big and hard work shaving by the nostrels, the Progress is great but my favorite has to be my OC 1904 (Merkur 41) Its a great little razor which gives a better shave than nearly all my others!
Even now I dont shave ATG on my neck, my hair growth on my neck seems to sprout out at all angles, I simply shave down my neck half way stopping before my adams apple on the first pass and the second/third pass is always shaving up toward my chin with a few touch ups on my jaw. This never gives me a real smooth shave in this area but it reduces the irritation and burn and I should think it will reduce the risk of the dreaded ingrowing hair! I occasionally go for ATG on the neck to see if my skin is ready and it is getting more tolerant of late, but I feel my skin is still getting used to DE shaving and I dont think I will be changing my method for another couple of months.
I dont seem to get many nicks anymore and my speed is increasing, I enjoy the whole ritual and dont want it over in 10 minutes
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I too stopped using the Alum Block, I found it just adds to the irritation. If I do have a nick that needs healing I will rub it on that one spot but apart from that it dosnt get used.
Im currently waiting for some more soaps to try and cant wait! ive gone for:
col. conk Lime
col. conk Bay rum
Mitchells wool fat
Ogallala bay rum sage & cedar.
Im looking forward to giving these a go, I think you need a good variation of products to keep you interested.
I tried shaving every day and found this to be quite harsh on the old face, I find every other day is good which seems to give my skin time to rest before its subject to another shaving.
Prep and pre-shave creams etc is the key for me, I would not even dream of having a quick shave without a hot shower or hot towel, quick shaves are set to fail in my opinion.
Well thats enough from me, im still enjoying DE shaving and this forum for all the advice etc.