One of the things I’ve learned about shaving over the years is that the goal isn’t to set the land speed record and get it done in the quickest time possible.
To me, shaving is mundane and something I’d prefer not to have to do. I don’t really get any pleasure from it but I’m ok doing it. I don’t hate it but I like getting it done as reasonably quickly as possible each time with (ideally) no cuts or bloodletting.
Using a double edge razor (DE razor) requires both practice and patience to get it right. Given that you are using a blade directly on your skin and at an angle chosen by you, it’s imperative to use the right style to avoid cuts and razor burn.
Here are some tips to ensure you get the best experience with a DE razor so that don’t quit too early just like I almost did.
Use a quality shaving cream with a DE razor
Avoid using cheap foamy shaving cream from an aerosol can. In my experience, anytime you use a DE razor, you’re better off using a good quality shaving cream or balm from a bottle, jar or tube that smears onto your skin and doesn’t just wipe off with your fingers.
You’re actually better off avoiding the foamy shaving cream from a can regardless of what razor type you use as a matter of fact.
The more your skin is lubricated, the better. Fluffy, cheap shaving creams from the major brands we’ve all heard of are full of air and easily wipe off the skin.
Shaving creams that are higher quality may have a slightly greasy feel to it and won’t necessarily foam up even on your skin like you’re used to. But that doesn’t mean it isn’t good.
To get the razor to slide easily on your skin you want a cream that lubricates it. Its ability to foam up doesn’t really indicate anything of value in that regard.
Hold the DE razor at the correct angle on your skin
Hold the DE razor at a 30 degree angle on your skin when shaving.
One way to determine this is to place the DE razor directly on your skin so that the handle of your razor is parallel to your ground. Then gently lower your arm so until the razor is at a 30 degrees angle on your skin.
That’s the ideal angle of shaving with a double edge razor.
If you lower your arm too much, the angle of the blade on your skin will be too aggressive and from personal experience, will usually lead to cuts and irritated skin post shave.
Also be careful not to press the razor too much on your skin. A DE razor handle is often made of metal and is thus heavier than a plastic disposable so it takes some getting used to.
Shave in the direction of hair growth when using a DE razor
Shaving in the direction of hair growth is referred to shaving with the grain.On your face, it means shaving from top to bottom as your whiskers grow downwards.
Shaving against hair growth is called shaving against the grain. While it can be good to get a closer shave particularly on the neck or back of the head, it can also irritate some men’s skin and cause razor bumps.
With a DE razor – especially as you’re getting started – your best bet is to shave with the grain only.
Expect to cut yourself with a DE razor
I cut myself 7 times on my face the first time I used a DE razor. I cut myself in places I never cut with a regular multi-blade razor.
I also gave myself bad razor burn on my neck which I also never experience with a 2+ blade razor blade.
I cut the top of my sideburn area and it wasn’t a nick either. The cut was the width of the DE blade and took several days to heal. Never done that with a multi-blade razor.
Once I started using a double edge razor to shave my head, I cut the back of my head numerous times. Most cuts occurred near the base of the skull and halfway up the back of my head. I could usually feel the cut as it happened.
Over time as I got experienced with the DE razor, I cut myself less frequently but I do still cut myself from time to time. The key is to go slowly and as mentioned above, use a quality shaving cream while holding the blade at the correct angle.
Change DE razor blades every 3-5 shaves
You’ll have to determine this part yourself but in my experience use each DE blade edge only 3-5 times tops. With a DE razor you can of course shave using both sides of each blade, hence the name double edge. So you’re already getting a good deal: 1 blade can be used on both sides, something you can’t do with a disposable.
I typically find I can shave my head/face between three and five times before either flipping the razor over to the other side of the blade or replacing the blade completely.
Often I will start shaving with the DE razor and notice immediately that the blade feels like it’s dragging and scraping my skin. I’ll flip it over to the other side and start shaving, and notice a huge difference. Clearly the first side of the blade I used has worn out and is no longer sharp enough.
DE razors are fairly cheap to buy so don’t be cheap and keep using them longer than you should.
Check out my article on DE razors to keep learning about how they work.