I thought I’d report my early progress in the world of DE shaving. After being bearded for more than a year, I took the plunge last week and whipped off the facial fuzz, first by clippering to a no.1 then deploying my new Muhle R89 for the first time. Following the general consensus on the forums, I used a Derby blade. The cream was T&H Ultimate Comfort, the brush a Vulfix 2233 super badger.
I have to admit, my first shave wasn’t exactly the finest of my life. The R89 feels great in my hand and is clearly streets ahead of the Boots cheapo that I’ve tried previously, but the end results were pretty rough, with a fair few nicks and a lot of irritation.
I attempted to take it easy with two WTG passes but the amount of stubble remaining was unacceptable. I then did a third hybrid XTG/ATG pass very tentatively, applying virtually no pressure. That reduced the stubble to (just) acceptable levels but my face was uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
However… things have been getting better.
I’ve shaved three more times since that first attempt and each has been better than the last. I’m still a long way from the irritation free shaves that so many of you talk about but I’ve managed to eliminate most of the nicks that I’d been getting. I changed to a Red Personna for the last shave and that seems to have helped, although it’s just as likely that my technique is improving. I’m working my way though Paul’s sampler pack and I’ll give the Derbys another shot in a few weeks. I ain’t touching the Feathers for a while, though.
The main remaining problem is that my shaves are taking absolutely ages. I knew I’d be on a learning curve, so I’ve been shaving in the evening to avoid having to rush. However, 30-40 minutes is still a bit excessive, isn’t it? Hopefully, this will improve too, but I doubt that I’ll ever reach the realms of five minute quickies. The Mach 3 may have to remain on the bathroom shelf for that purpose.
I have to admit, my first shave wasn’t exactly the finest of my life. The R89 feels great in my hand and is clearly streets ahead of the Boots cheapo that I’ve tried previously, but the end results were pretty rough, with a fair few nicks and a lot of irritation.
I attempted to take it easy with two WTG passes but the amount of stubble remaining was unacceptable. I then did a third hybrid XTG/ATG pass very tentatively, applying virtually no pressure. That reduced the stubble to (just) acceptable levels but my face was uncomfortable for the rest of the day.
However… things have been getting better.
I’ve shaved three more times since that first attempt and each has been better than the last. I’m still a long way from the irritation free shaves that so many of you talk about but I’ve managed to eliminate most of the nicks that I’d been getting. I changed to a Red Personna for the last shave and that seems to have helped, although it’s just as likely that my technique is improving. I’m working my way though Paul’s sampler pack and I’ll give the Derbys another shot in a few weeks. I ain’t touching the Feathers for a while, though.
The main remaining problem is that my shaves are taking absolutely ages. I knew I’d be on a learning curve, so I’ve been shaving in the evening to avoid having to rush. However, 30-40 minutes is still a bit excessive, isn’t it? Hopefully, this will improve too, but I doubt that I’ll ever reach the realms of five minute quickies. The Mach 3 may have to remain on the bathroom shelf for that purpose.
