Just ordered my first DE shaving kit. Advice and tips are appreciated.

I went DE for about 3 months. Not worth the extra time IMO. To get a really close shave you have to go over a good bit of your face twice. The DE is great if you haven't shaved for a few days though as it doesn't get clogged like multiblade razers, so I'll still use it for that.

I did start using better shaving cream and aftershave which has made a difference.

I use Gillette Pivot Plus double blades tossaways which are cheap, usually get 5 or 6 shaves out of them.

I started using better products as well, but then again I can just a DE with Barbasol or Edge gel and it works out fine. I'm about a year in, and no huge time difference for me now.

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I started using better products as well, but then again I can just a DE with Barbasol or Edge gel and it works out fine. I'm about a year in, and no huge time difference for me now.

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Are you getting a closer shave than you did previously?

Just some random thoughts

1. No pressure. Just rest the razor on your face and listen for the sound of the hair being cut. I've heard someone say, "Pretend that your face is badly sunburned." Also, once you get the hang of it, I suggest trying lots of different blades. I realized like 9 months into shaving that there was a way better blade for me.

2. Be really conscious of the grain direction. With the grain (WTG), across the grain (XTG), against the grain (ATG) does not mean up, sideways, down. You will suddenly be much more aware of how your hair actually grows.

3. Be open to cold shaving. A lot of people, especially people with more sensitive skin, love it. I'd give it a shot at some point because it's definitely worth figuring out if it's your preference.

4. I would suggest trying Arko shaving cream simply because it so stupid cheap and a lot of people love it. You can get 12 sticks for 12 bucks on Amazon. That will last you at least 2 years.

5. Use a great brush. Prep is the biggest factor in a quality shave. And a brush is a big part of it. I hope you didn't buy one of those cheap badger Amazon brushes. Omega boar or synthetic costs about the same, and is way better. I have a nice Muhle synthetic. Game changer.

6. Alum block and styptic pencil are a must. An alum block is good for putting all over your wet face after a shave. Just closes up and disinfects any minor problems. A styptic pencil can stop any amount of bleeding. They cost like 2 bucks, and they are awesome. You will never need toilet paper and a half an hour of pressure again. I don't often cut myself anymore, but when I do, it's no sweat.

7. Finally. There are tons of great videos on YouTube that can help you with the learning curve.

I use a slant..slices and dices in a good way.. Wouldn't recommend at first, but it's awesome after you have a few months under your belt.

I second everything SwaggerCopter said. Great post.

You will also want to check out Reddit's Wicked Edge.

I'll add that you should try a blade sampler pack. Different blades work for different people and different razors, and finding the right blade for you and your setup makes a huge difference. Here are two good links to the typically preferred razors.
LINK
LINK
When you first start shaving, you will be trying to improve your form. So, most people advise to stick to the same razor blade brand for a month or so to make sure that you get a good evaluation of its performance. Some blades are too dull, some are too aggressive. You will eventually find a blade that takes your shave to another level.
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The second thing that makes a huge difference is making lather versus pouring that damn goop from the can and spreading it on your face. That crap dries your skin out and is crap versus a true lather.
Using a quality soap or shaving cream to create lather is the best part about the whole experience.
Plus, there are so many great scents: sandalwood, eucalyptus, lime, lavender, etc.
I look forward to it every day.
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My Process:
1. Run hot water over my brush and fill the sink. This softens the bristles and makes loading the brush easier. I shower while this soaks.

2. Drain the water and refill with warm water. Splash my face with water and apply pre-shave oil (this can be an actual pre-shave oil like this one LINK, coconut oil, or a glycerin based soap like 365 from whole foods)

3. Shave using 3 passes: with the grain (wtg), across the grain (xtg), and against the grain (atg). I apply a new coat of lather before each pass.

4. Rinse my face, apply alum block, rinse again.

5. Apply aftershave balm or splash.

What ends up happening to most people is that they want to try alot of different products and end up having 2-3 soaps, 5-10 creams, 3-4 pre-shave oils, and a ton of aftershaves. It's kinda fun trying out different things.

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It won't be as close as a Mach 3 or Fusion shave. It will rival a good 2-blade disposal razor shave. You'll get much better with multiple passes. Don't be surprised when your face isn't as smooth as it was with a multi blade, but you'll get much less irritation and bumps, if that was a problem for you in the past.

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Whats the point if its not as good as my fusion? Is it only the irritation, because I don't have that. I thought these gave better shaves?

I can go against the grain with my DE and get closer than with a cartridge. If I do it everyday, I'll get some razor burn, but not nearly as bad as with a cartridge. If I went against the grain with a cartridge, it would look like someone slit my throat... blood everywhere. The DE just takes more passes. But its like a hot knife through butter. I can go with out shaving for a week, and barely even feel it when I end up shaving.

Is this a gay thread? didn't your old man teach you how to shave? Are you 16? Dayum at all the gnashing of teeth over how to shave? Giving you the benefit of the doubt when I say must be a metro thang