I would try a sampler pack of blades to see what is best for you and the razor. Yes you can buy fatter handles, try Windrose handles on ebay. Yes you must stop going over skin once the lather has been removed. Never shave unlathered skin, and above all use no pressure when shaving. P.At 62yrs old, I'm not new to shaving, but I am new to de razor shaving and would like some advice.
After a bit of reading on what type of razor to buy, I went with a very nice vintage Gillette Tech. The reason for that is that I have very thick hair but sensitive skin and the tech looked like a mild one to start with!
Now blades. I'm a boat builder by trade and work a lot with wood and I know from experience that the best results come from having the sharpest tools, so I applied the same thinking to shaving and purchased some Feather blades to try. The results I have to say, were not great, lots of cuts and razor burn, especially on the neck.
So my first question is, I found the razor handle very small, it felt a bit like trying to hold a tooth pick, so can I get a fatter handle that will screw onto the Tech razor head, I think that might help.
I know for sure that I need to work on my shaving technique, for instance, I find my self using multiple razor strokes over the same area of skin even through the first stroke removed the shaving soap, a bad habit I'm finding hard to break!
So my second question is, should I use a different blade, with my theory being wrong, that the sharpest is best?
Your advice would be greatly appreciated..
Brian.
The same blade can feel different in different razors, that's why I said to the OP find a blade that is best for you and best for your razor. P.I used an Edwin Jagger for a year and Feathers were very uncomfortable. Now I use a Focus r48 as it gives me wonderfully close shaves with no nicks, burn etc. Feathers are so comfortable they could be a different blade! Why should this be?
I used an Edwin Jagger for a year and Feathers were very uncomfortable. Now I use a Focus r48 as it gives me wonderfully close shaves with no nicks, burn etc. Feathers are so comfortable they could be a different blade! Why should this be?
+ 1 on the wise words of advice..'Technique is the thing to keep plugging away at; beard direction.'..Very true indeed, Practicing your technique ,good preparartion and adding no pressure to the razor, are vital,doing so you'll be rewarded with some sublime shaves.I'm with you on the Feathers, they rip me up on the first shave every time I've tried them, better on the second, blunt on the third. I use Rapira Super Stainless these days.
Technique is the thing to keep plugging away at; beard direction- try just with the grain passes at first, reduction not removal, find the 'biting' point of the razor - rest the head on your arm, handle perpendicular then roll the handle down as you draw the razor along till it cuts your arm hair with a pop! Try and maintain that angle whilst you shave, DEs shave at a different angle to cartridge razors. Don't skimp on the prep.
Best of luck!
Wow, thanks guys, more replies came in while I was writing my first reply.
So, advice taken in and a note taken of blade names and I'll have a look for them online..
Here's how you do it.Thanks for you kind offer, but it appears that I don't just need shaving help, but I can't see how to send yo a pm!