Newbie hardware question(s)

[Miro]

Hi guys,
First post, first questions. About zero knowledge and English is not my first language (though it's not the worst), please bare with me.
I'm in my early 50's shaving for more than 30 years by now. All with what you call (to my understanding) "cartridge"

My favorite "cartridge" was quite a long time ago the Gillette Sensor and Gillette Sensor Excel. Loved it's shave and ease of use.
Nowadays, shaving gets more expansive and I find that shaving with 3, 4 and 5 blade "cartridges" is harder, especially just below the nose; top part of mustache area.
I've been thinking about DE razors for quite a while, but the thought of cuts, bleeding and pain kept me away. Until I decided to try it a few days ago.

For the last 4 days, I've been reading a lot about DE shaving in forums, watching many video reviews on Youtube and getting lost in all that information.

I could not find an answer to a question i believe is very simple. So my first question would be:

1.Shaving with cartridge (Gillette, Schick etc). Is it a mild shave or an aggressive shave?
I'm happy with the results of such shave and would like to get the same results with DE shaving too.

I have bought an SNMRIN (aka Baby Futur) razor on aliexpress today after seeing some positive reviews about it and considering the fact it's adjustable.
I have also bought Gillette Wilkinson Sword blades on Ebay from a top rated seller
both should arrive in 2-3 weeks i believe.

2. Do you believe i will find it satisfying and get smooth results with it like i get with the cartridge shave?

3. Do you think i should buy an additional razor just to be on the safe side if the SNMRIN isn't good enough?

I read many recommendations about the Rockwell 6C but i don't want to spend $50 before i'm sure i'm sticking with wet shaving.
If you have a recommendation, please make it for a cheap one from aliexpress (clones are fine with me)

Thoughts and suggestions are welcome.
Thanks for reading

 

[R181]

Since you are getting an adjustable razor, I start using it at its least aggressive setting in the beginning. The biggest thing in getting a smooth comfortable shave with a DE is having a good technique. That means finding and keeping the right angle on the blade using very little to no pressure on the blade. Carts have pivoting heads that do the job of finding and keeping the correct angle for you.

With a DE, pace the head flat on your face with the handle parallel to the floor. Then lower the handle till you just feel the blade on your face. That should be a good starting point for the angle. You want the blade to cut not scrape your whiskers off.

With good technique, you will find most blades will work with some being a bit better than others.

The other big factor in getting a smooth and comfortable shave is a good lather. It has to have the right amount of water content.

Good luck on your journey.

Bob

 

[LeeMaz]

The SNMRIN is great but the head takes a bit of getting used to. I would recommend a Tech or Edwin Jagger head and practise with that first maybe. Both should be cheaper than $50.
All of the above is great advice, you will nick yourself the first few shaves as you learn, so grab an alum block or stick for the inevitable weepers. I’d say with practice you’ll get better shaves in a few weeks. I used to get spots, shaving rash and in growing hairs when using a cart but have had no issues since switching!

 

[Miro]

Thank you both for your advice.

If i understand correctly, what you are saying is that a good, smooth shave depends more about the correct use of the razor than the quality of it. That's an interesting point of view.

Frankly speaking, i find it hard to imagine myself shaving with 3-4 passes as i've seen in most of the video reviews. I'm used to quick 2 passes. the first from top of the face down to the neck and vice versa for the second pass.

I believe i'll start with using the shaving gel i have and later on switch to foaming and brushing.

I would recommend a Tech or Edwin Jagger head and practise with that first maybe.

Are these easier to master than the SNMRIN?
Can i find them on aliexpress?

 

[LeeMaz]

Thank you both for your advice.

If i understand correctly, what you are saying is that a good, smooth shave depends more about the correct use of the razor than the quality of it. That's an interesting point of view.

Frankly speaking, i find it hard to imagine myself shaving with 3-4 passes as i've seen in most of the video reviews. I'm used to quick 2 passes. the first from top of the face down to the neck and vice versa for the second pass.

I believe i'll start with using the shaving gel i have and later on switch to foaming and brushing.


Are these easier to master than the SNMRIN?
Can i find them on aliexpress?

I’d say they are easier yes. This looks like a standard generic Edwin Jagger clone but you’d have to check.

￡4.29 35％ Off | HAWARD Double Edge Safety Razor For Men 10 Colors Women Hair Removal Shaver Classic Manual Shaving Razor Free 20 Shaving Blade

HAWARD Double Edge Safety Razor For Men 10 Colors Women Hair Removal Shaver Classic Manual Shaving Razor Free 20 Shaving Blade - AliExpress 66

Smarter Shopping, Better Living! Aliexpress.com

a.aliexpress.com

 

[Miro]

Thanks for clarifying and for the link. I wasn't sure exactly what to check and how. i looked at the images and tried to get help via google. eventually i bought a "Gillette Super Blue Shaving Razor For Men" that seems to be very much like the one in the link you sent but has great reviews.

Actually, it's exciting to wait for the items to arrive and try them. I look forward to that.

 

[R181]

Thank you both for your advice.

If i understand correctly, what you are saying is that a good, smooth shave depends more about the correct use of the razor than the quality of it. That's an interesting point of view.

Frankly speaking, i find it hard to imagine myself shaving with 3-4 passes as i've seen in most of the video reviews. I'm used to quick 2 passes. the first from top of the face down to the neck and vice versa for the second pass.

I believe i'll start with using the shaving gel i have and later on switch to foaming and brushing.


Are these easier to master than the SNMRIN?
Can i find them on aliexpress?

Yes, a razor must be used correctly for a good smooth shave. As a beginner, you could buy a very expensive DE and still get a bum shave because of lack of experience.

You do not have to do 3-4 passes. Do what you are comfortable with and gives you the results you want. You can experiment at a later time with more or less passes when you gain more experience.

Yes, you can start with the shaving gel that you are used to. You may find that using a good shaving cream or hard shaving soap with a brush to create a lather may work better. That is another learning curve to climb to try and get a consistently get a good lather that way.

Bob

 

[chazt]

Hello @Miro and welcome to the world of traditional shaving. You’ve gotten solid advice above. As you proceed, you’ll probably find that improving the quality of your shaves is a combination of a few factors, beyond simply your razor of choice. It really is all about technique. Also, stick with your first razor for a month of shaves before trying anything else. Heed this advice.

As Bob noted, you’ll likely see an immediate improvement with a switch to making your own lather with a quality soap or cream and a brush. Neither need be expensive. Another area you’ll want to experiment with is blades. There are so many to choose from. My advice here is to buy a half dozen varieties. Use three blades consecutively from each tuck, then move on the the next brand. After you’ve cycled through all of your variety pack, go back to the first one you tried and go through the rest of the rotation in two cycles. By that time you’ll have a pretty good idea which blade(s) suit your needs. Don’t be surprised if over time your opinions change.

Have fun with the new experience. Be patient and enjoy your shaves

 

[hotmetal]

As others have said, with DE it's more about technique than quality or price of the kit. You want a mild razor to start with. That means not much blade exposure or gap. A cheap mild razor is the Wilkinson Sword Classic. The key thing is to use very little pressure and concentrate on the angle. People say 'ride the cap' meaning have the razor angled to the skin where the blade just makes contact. (swivelling carts do that for you and are also much more forgiving in terms of pressure). You probably won't get as close a shave as you might be used to from 2 passes of a DE until your technique is good, because multi blade carts can have pressure exerted and their design cuts the hairs below the skin, which will either be really good or cause you irritation. DE is more about shortening the stubble on each pass. Stretching your skin as you shave gives better results and it's part of the technique (which cartridge razors with all their plastic strips do for you).

As to pain from cuts, there isn't any, just a bit of blood which normally stops with a splash of cold water. (Not quite so true with a straight razor!!)

See how you get on with the existing shave foam or gel. In my experience it didn't work nearly so well with DE as it did with carts. A decent soap and brush will give better results I think. Need not be expensive. Proraso or Palmolive cream or soap, or any number of other inexpensive soaps can perform almost as well as the expensive branded ones with exotic scents. Brush-wise I am tempted to say get a synthetic brush such as a Yaqi. Many of us love boar bristle which is inexpensive and traditional but synthetics are easier to use and care for, and aside from subjective things like feel, tend to be easier to get a good lather going.

 

[Miro]

Thank you all for the warm welcome and helpful advice.

Frankly speaking, I actually thought that switching to traditional shaving would be a very simple one as shaving is something i do for many years, without even thinking about it or paying attention to details as it has become a habit.

I realize now that this is not going to be as simple as i thought and i'll have to learn and practice the art of DE shaving. It's very good and helpful to know this in advance rather than learning the hard way. your advice is greatly appreciated.

I'm used to shaving every other day while i'm in the shower after being under the hot water for some minutes. I believe this helps making the skin softer and it's also useful to shave my head. Maybe i'll need to change that and start shaving at the basin, in front of the mirror.

As to pain from cuts, there isn't any, just a bit of blood which normally stops with a splash of cold water.

LOL, this is just a memory of mine.
Once upon a time (actually in the 80's, when i was a young teenager) when my father was shaving with a traditional DE razor, brush and foam. I tried shaving the few bright hairs that begun to grow on my chin using his razor when he wasn't home.
That was a painful experience. I've successfully cut my skin with each attempt to shave those hairs.
I ended up with a few bleeding cuts, bright hairs unharmed on my chin and no desire to ever shave

It's okay now, i'm aware to the fact that i might get a few cuts while learning, it's a part of the learning curve.

 

[Chris]

Frankly speaking, I actually thought that switching to traditional shaving would be a very simple one as shaving is something i do for many years, without even thinking about it or paying attention to details as it has become a habit.

Cartridges are designed to be foolproof, the blades are recessed into the head and the head pivots, so you can use quite a bit of pressure and not worry about the angle and it'll be fine.

With a DE razor the blade is usually exposed to some degree, and there is no pivot. This means that you have to learn to apply minimal pressure or none at all and hold the razor at the correct angle. This isn't hard, I got a fairly decent shave on my first go, but it is something to be aware of. You cannot just go at it like you would with a cartridge.

As others have said technique is what matters most, a more expensive razor will not buy you a better shave. There is a bit of a learning curve and I would expect that you will initially not get as good a result as you do with your current system. Resist the temptation to try changing things around in the early stages, I used one non-adjustable razor for probably my first year. It's technique not equipment and consistency is what you want.

 

[Miro]

I used one non-adjustable razor for probably my first year.

Did you switch from cart shaving too? if so, how did you know which razor to buy as your first? did it matter to you whether it will be a mild or aggressive?

I still didn't understand what is the answer to my very first question (maybe it's a foolish question)

1. Shaving with cartridge (Gillette, Schick etc). Is it a mild shave or an aggressive shave?

I guess you are right and my first shaves will not be as good and smooth as with the cart. Yet, it's not clear to me if i can expect a smooth shave from a mild razor (assuming technique is mastered)

Please excuse my English if i'm not clear

 

[Jfett]

Buy an rs10

 

[Miro]

Buy an rs10

I guess i'll need a time traveling machine to do that. a quick search shows no such product for sale and the company who made it seems to be out of business

 

[ewkist]

The Snmirn is a wonderful razor for both performance and price. It is very smooth and not aggressive. I would recommend sticking with it for two weeks before buying more equipment.