Still not getting a close shave

[whitetiger7654]

I know I've only been doing it for a week or so but I still want better results. Right now my shaves are about the same as my old electric razor. But up near my ears it is super smooth. I shaved this morning and I can't feel a single stubble. But every where else it's stubbly.

What am I doing wrong? My only guess is that up near my ears my skin is not as sensitive so I shave it closer and maybe more aggressive than every where else.

[sparky5693]

It's all about the angle. If you're not in the "sweet spot", the razor won't shave as close as it can. As you progress to different areas of your face, it can become harder to keep the correct angle.

When I first started, it was just below the right jawbone that I kept missing. That particular location was the toughest for me to learn (i'm left handed)

How many passes do you make? Any against the grain?

[Michael]

But every where else it's stubbly.

What am I doing wrong?

Umm, what are you doing? Razor, blade, number and direction of passes, skin stretching, hot towel to soften...lots of variables.

Talk to us...

[JayKay]

Dont worry Danielson- It will come to you.


Wax on-----Wax off

[Reformation Student]

Dont worry Danielson- It will come to you.


Wax on-----Wax off

Hair on ------- Hair Off :D

[whitetiger7654]

Razor - Merkur

blade - Derby extra

number and direction of passes - WTG, XTG, XTG, ATG (if skin isn't sensitive)

skin stretching - I'm young so my skin is pretty taught already, but I do make sure it's flat by turning from side to side or up and down

hot towel to soften - yes, I take a shower, then apply preshave, then hot towel


How do I know if I'm using the right angle? I do make sure I'm on the blade and not the top or comb of the razor.

[sparky5693]

Even while being "on the blade" your angle can be off. While you're learning it helps to pay specific attention to how the bade feels, and what it sounds like. With time you learn what's right, and you don't even think about it anymore.

My first few shaves with a DE barely removed stubble :ashamed001

[PalmettoB]

Remember too that it is all about reduction, so each pass has to work at its optimum, or you're just skipping over the same spots and not really cutting, and then you might feel like you really have to bear down for the "home run" shave.

And I'm not sure the skin stretching with a DE is really all that helpful. I know it is with a str8, but I don't do it as much with a DE. When using a DE, I'm more likely to just kinda stretch out my face by moving my mouth or jaw around some and really focusing on angle and pressure (read: NONE).

BTW, what model of Merkur are we talking about here? Maybe it's a milder one and you need something more aggressive?

[Queen of Blades]

Have you tried other blades, besides Derbys?

[JayKay]

Try different blades. Also just do WTG passes and keep those up untill you see a noticeable reduction in stubble. Once you have your WTG technique down than you can work on xtg and atg.

[whitetiger7654]

Razor - Merkur barber pole closed comb

I tried the Wilkinson's Economie for a couple days but they didn't seem to cut anything. I have a lot more different types of blades but how long should I wait before I try a different type? I don't want to blame the blade if it's me not doing it right.

[SSLSTudio...]

Razor - Merkur barber pole closed comb

I tried the Wilkinson's Economie for a couple days but they didn't seem to cut anything. I have a lot more different types of blades but how long should I wait before I try a different type? I don't want to blame the blade if it's me not doing it right.

yes dont go changing blades like crazy , or try out a lot of different razors you will only make it more difficult for yourself. it seems you have a good razor and the Derby's are not a bad blade to start out on you could have done worse like merkur or Wilkinson blades.

[qhsdoitall]

So it's a Merkur 38C. Mild razor. Decent blade. I wouldn't be too worried about the equipment. My guess would be angle. Too shallow and you'll hear and cut very little. Too much and you'll start taking skin. Just right @ 30 degrees you start to feel some bite and hear the whiskers getting chopped. Start at the top of your cheek with the razor perpendicular to your face and gently go down while raising the razor handle away from your face to change the angle. At the point where you start to hear and feel whisker whacking then that's the angle to start practicing with. Remember, no pressure.

[VetsJetsnGuns]

It helped me greatly to watch matic's videos (youtube). I also put the raor on a table to see what the best angle was. I can actually feel it 'catch' the table top when I get the angle right. I just looked at the razor from the side and tried to memorize that angle.

[whitetiger7654]

If you guys think there is a better starter blade, let me know. I probably have it. I bought the biggest sampler I could find. I'll try the table thing.

[VetsJetsnGuns]

Derby is one of my top three; the other two are sweedish gilette and crystal.

[Scorpio]

So it's a Merkur 38C. Mild razor. Decent blade. I wouldn't be too worried about the equipment. My guess would be angle. Too shallow and you'll hear and cut very little. Too much and you'll start taking skin. Just right @ 30 degrees you start to feel some bite and hear the whiskers getting chopped. Start at the top of your cheek with the razor perpendicular to your face and gently go down while raising the razor handle away from your face to change the angle. At the point where you start to hear and feel whisker whacking then that's the angle to start practicing with. Remember, no pressure.

Before you go changing equipment try this piece of advise. You want to change as little as possible so you can ascertain the problem at hand.

Raf

[JayKay]

I actually love the Wilkinson Economys in the 38C, but only the 38C. They arent sharp enough to give me a comfortable shave in any other of my razors. As for the blade, even the dullest DE razor blade will cut through your beard. A dull blade wont be as comfortable as a sharp one. Like everybody says, its all about the angle. Hold the razor towards the bottom between your thumb and pointer finger and just let the head drag down your cheek. Thats all it will take to cut the hairs when you get your angle right. No pressure at all. Just go to one piece of your cheek in the middle and go over the same spot a few times untill you get your angle right. Be careful and go slowly because you dont want to own you self with it either.