So I started wet shaving about a month ago. I purchased the Van Der Hagen kit (with a boar brush, soap and mug) as well as a 3 piece DE razor and a box of Astra SP from my local grocery store. I didn't keep the box that the razor came in and it doesn't have any brand markings that I can find so I'm not sure what it is exactly. It may also be VDH, picture included if anyone can identify it. My first few shaves took some getting used to as I learned some technique with both forming a lather as well as taking shorter strokes than I was used to with a cartridge razor. I only do 2 passes, with and across the grain then whatever little touch-ups are necessary.
After a few days I was consistently getting the best, most comfortable shave I've ever had. Super smooth with no irritation. It was really shocking the first time I got that perfect shave. I'd never felt my face so smooth and yet still so comfortable since I was a child. And from there I was hooked. So I decided to experiment and try some other products. I began using Poraso pre-shave and really like it. I tried some poraso shave cream and some Taylor of Old Bond Street tobacco leaf cream. Honestly, I prefer the Van Der Hagen soap over either of the creams. I don't care for that almost lotion-like feel that the creams leave on my face. Next, I bought a Parker 3-Band badger brush. It lathers much better and faster than the VDH boar brush but is very prickly on my skin. The boar is more stiff and less dense but not prickly at all and just feels better on my face.
Next, I decided to try a different razor and purchased a Vikings Blade Crusader adjustable butterfly razor. I stuck to my favorites; the Poraso pre-shave, VDH soap, boar brush, and Astra blade. I started with it on the lowest setting, 1. It was one of the worst shaves I've had in years. Worse than a worn out cartridge. I went back to my original razor for a few days until the irritation and ingrown hairs healed up then gave it another try, this time on the 3 setting. Exact same result: nicks, a lot of irritation, and ingrown hairs. Once again, I returned to my original gear and was back to smooth, comfortable shaves.
So here's my confusion, what is this Vikings Blade razor doing differently than my other razor that results in such dramatically different results? I just don't understand how the razor itself can have that big of an impact on performance. What am I missing?
I would still like to move to a butterfly razor for convenience over the 3 piece but not at the cost of an inferior shave.
After a few days I was consistently getting the best, most comfortable shave I've ever had. Super smooth with no irritation. It was really shocking the first time I got that perfect shave. I'd never felt my face so smooth and yet still so comfortable since I was a child. And from there I was hooked. So I decided to experiment and try some other products. I began using Poraso pre-shave and really like it. I tried some poraso shave cream and some Taylor of Old Bond Street tobacco leaf cream. Honestly, I prefer the Van Der Hagen soap over either of the creams. I don't care for that almost lotion-like feel that the creams leave on my face. Next, I bought a Parker 3-Band badger brush. It lathers much better and faster than the VDH boar brush but is very prickly on my skin. The boar is more stiff and less dense but not prickly at all and just feels better on my face.
Next, I decided to try a different razor and purchased a Vikings Blade Crusader adjustable butterfly razor. I stuck to my favorites; the Poraso pre-shave, VDH soap, boar brush, and Astra blade. I started with it on the lowest setting, 1. It was one of the worst shaves I've had in years. Worse than a worn out cartridge. I went back to my original razor for a few days until the irritation and ingrown hairs healed up then gave it another try, this time on the 3 setting. Exact same result: nicks, a lot of irritation, and ingrown hairs. Once again, I returned to my original gear and was back to smooth, comfortable shaves.
So here's my confusion, what is this Vikings Blade razor doing differently than my other razor that results in such dramatically different results? I just don't understand how the razor itself can have that big of an impact on performance. What am I missing?
I would still like to move to a butterfly razor for convenience over the 3 piece but not at the cost of an inferior shave.
