What am I doing wrong?

SeanC

Forum GOD!
Quite a Noob myself, but isn’t a DE89 one of the very mildest, least aggressive razors on the market?
I can’t use my adjustable at the low end of the scale - though this is probably the fault of my technique rather than the razor’s.
I’m sure someone with far more experience can confirm this.
Mild to medium. There are others such as Techs with less bite

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I don't know, I just wanted to start with something not expensive and with good reviews. If I got on well then
I can invest in something more expensive and aggressive like a Muhle or Merkur, or even that Feather thing that's £200
 

Nishy

Forum GOD!
Staff member
I still stand by a straight razor giving the closest shave, although several DE and SE razors are close competitors. My suggestion is to go for a straight razor shave. It may not feel the most comfortable as if you were to learn the art and complete the shave yourself, however, it should give you a good idea with regards to stubble re-growth and other factors. Note that the straight razor shave is likely to be with a Shavette. Personally my best experience has been at Murdock for the above.

If the experience proves worthwhile then you only have to alter your mind set as it will take longer than a cartridge razor and foam.
 

Gairdner

Forum GOD!
Hey there, fella. It was just your first go so relax and keep practicing. The DE89 is a great razor for a beginner and an experienced DE shaver alike - I am particularly fond of my original DE89L that I've been using since 2012. Nobody gets it right first time so just chill and keep going with it. Blades are so damn cheap and you can get way better than Derby's. If you PM me your address, I'd be more than happy to post you a selection of my favourites such as Gillette Platinums, Gillette 7 o'clock Blacks, Personna Supers (aka Lab Blues) and several others. Once your technique improves, shaves will get closer and you'll get used to the routine as well as actually enjoying this most manly pursuit. There are other very good razors out there but for now, just stick to what you've got, use a better blade, accept that it will take longer but also that you will get better at it with a little time. Double edge shaving for me has been a revolution but poop, I have had few face burners, some silly skin removers and confidence knocks. Keep at it, keep the faith, take a little 'me' time, relax and enjoy it. It's manly pampering and when your skill has improved you'll be mowing down stubble like a council gardener with a muckle new grasscutter . Lastly, absolutely no knee-jerk reactions or 'bugger this' fits. Seriously, it gets better, easier and the very routine can be steadying, comforting, fortifying, placating and just plain old magic.

Get in there, sunshine! :D :welcome: :dance:
 
Thanks Nishy, I did actually get one at a local Turkish barber a few years ago and it was with a shavette as you said. He did make me bleed although it didn't actually hurt, which was an unusual experience. Whatever astringent he put on me afterwards stung a little but I knew that would. It was close though, which is why I know it's possible to get a really close shave...I just don't like the idea of maintaining a straight razor and using a shavette myself seems underachieving.

I'm going to try some other blades thanks to MPH and use some of the tips people have suggested. I really appreciate the help so far guys, I'll keep everyone posted on how I get on and if I improve or not. I'm sure the problem lies with me somewhere because these more traditional methods of shaving would be long past if they weren't effective.
 
Hey there, fella. It was just your first go so relax and keep practicing. The DE89 is a great razor for a beginner and an experienced DE shaver alike - I am particularly fond of my original DE89L that I've been using since 2012. Nobody gets it right first time so just chill and keep going with it. Blades are so damn cheap and you can get way better than Derby's. If you PM me your address, I'd be more than happy to post you a selection of my favourites such as Gillette Platinums, Gillette 7 o'clock Blacks, Personna Supers (aka Lab Blues) and several others. Once your technique improves, shaves will get closer and you'll get used to the routine as well as actually enjoying this most manly pursuit. There are other very good razors out there but for now, just stick to what you've got, use a better blade, accept that it will take longer but also that you will get better at it with a little time. Double edge shaving for me has been a revolution but poop, I have had few face burners, some silly skin removers and confidence knocks. Keep at it, keep the faith, take a little 'me' time, relax and enjoy it. It's manly pampering and when your skill has improved you'll be mowing down stubble like a council gardener with a muckle new grasscutter . Lastly, absolutely no knee-jerk reactions or 'bugger this' fits. Seriously, it gets better, easier and the very routine can be steadying, comforting, fortifying, placating and just plain old magic.

Get in there, sunshine! :D :welcome: :dance:
Thanks Gairdner...I'll try and keep a positive mindset. Everyone's really helpful here and the consensus seems to be using a better blade. I suppose I just have to find the one that feels right for me and does the job with my hair type, I imagine different hair suits different blades, and I just need to practice
 

Nishy

Forum GOD!
Staff member
Thanks Nishy, I did actually get one at a local Turkish barber a few years ago and it was with a shavette as you said. He did make me bleed although it didn't actually hurt, which was an unusual experience. Whatever astringent he put on me afterwards stung a little but I knew that would. It was close though, which is why I know it's possible to get a really close shave...I just don't like the idea of maintaining a straight razor and using a shavette myself seems underachieving.

I'm going to try some other blades thanks to MPH and use some of the tips people have suggested. I really appreciate the help so far guys, I'll keep everyone posted on how I get on and if I improve or not. I'm sure the problem lies with me somewhere because these more traditional methods of shaving would be long past if they weren't effective.
No problem let us know how you get on. If this type of shaving does improve, I would suggest looking at a cheap open comb razor such as the Fatip
 

Batch300

Extraordinarily Uncomplicated
A DE89 as a first razor is fairly common. Less than perfect results from a first shave is universal.

Listen to the advice above and try watching some shavng videos.
 
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