Don't forget that there's a method to the madness!
This is a comment I read on YouTube about safety razors a while ago and I really took it to heart lol
@Corrie I think this info would benefit you as well!
https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC8NK9R-T8CAmGcbUS-qAnjg
Gil Oro 2 years ago
Hello there, I hope you don't take offense at the fact that a gentleman is about to offer his insight and tips on safety razors. It might get a little long to read, but it is worth it. I have been using them since 1995 so..Congrats on discovering safety razors, yo are in toward looking at shaving time not as a task but relaxation time!
1) You are using a Weishi (even if it does not say WEISHI, its made by WEISHI) Twist to open razor. It very very mild and gentle, an excellent beginner's razor but you did discover its major flaw...the knob at the bottom is quite crappy and it unscrews itself, potentially hurting you. Just be really mindful. Eventually you will upgrade. Remember that wet-shaving (the act of using sharp blades and real soap) is about reducing the hair progressively until it is gone, not taking it all off in one pass. the latter is a recipe for irritation and razor bumps.
2)You are using Astra Superiors, possibly the 3rd most sharpest blades around after Feather and Kai. Apparently, very mild razors but extremely sharp blades are a winning combo for you. Others might prefer a more aggressive razor but milder blades. in the shaving community we call this YMMV, Your mileage may vary
3) I humbly suggest that you use a soap dedicated for shaving. Shaving soaps (and lathering creams) will give you more glide and more cushion and even more lather. They will soften the hairs further, ensuring an effortless shave. if you really want to pamper yourself, obtain a good quality glycerin soap and using warm water, lather the parts to be shaved and rinse. the glycerin will soften your hair even more before you apply the shaving soap! Avoid canned goo at all costs! the more time you spend lathering, the more you soften the hairs and make them stand straight, thereby ensuring that great shave.
4)Use short strokes and rinse often. Trust me this makes a huge difference. Shave in the direction the hair grows first, then against the grain. NEVER EVER APPLY PRESSURE UNLESS YOU WANT TO BLEED. You bought a tool, let its weight to the hard work for you. remember, NO PRESSURE WHATSOEVER
5) Use a reputable brand of Witch Hazel as a magnificent aftershave, toner and irritation preventer. Thayers and Humphreys are quite popular among wet-shavers.
6) Use the blade no more than 3 times. Use a fresh blade for the "lower regions" and toss it right after (use that blade only once). That way there is no cross contamination. Use an empty glass instant coffee jar to store the used blades. You can recycle them when the jar is full.
7) maintenance= Shake that razor dry. DO NOT put paper or cloth near the edge of the blade, EVER! You will ruin the edge and get a terrible shave after. After 3 shaves, toss the blade so there is no rust buildup. To get rid of the soap buildup on the razor, remove the blade and using a bit of toothpaste (yes, toothpaste - without baking soda) on a toothbrush dedicated for this task, scrub the razor lightly inside the doors and out. rinse with warm water.
Do this once a month. You are all set!
Gil Oro 2 years ago
Hello there, I hope you don't take offense at the fact that a gentleman is about to offer his insight and tips on safety razors. It might get a little long to read, but it is worth it. I have been using them since 1995 so..Congrats on discovering safety razors, yo are in toward looking at shaving time not as a task but relaxation time!
1) You are using a Weishi (even if it does not say WEISHI, its made by WEISHI) Twist to open razor. It very very mild and gentle, an excellent beginner's razor but you did discover its major flaw...the knob at the bottom is quite crappy and it unscrews itself, potentially hurting you. Just be really mindful. Eventually you will upgrade. Remember that wet-shaving (the act of using sharp blades and real soap) is about reducing the hair progressively until it is gone, not taking it all off in one pass. the latter is a recipe for irritation and razor bumps.
2)You are using Astra Superiors, possibly the 3rd most sharpest blades around after Feather and Kai. Apparently, very mild razors but extremely sharp blades are a winning combo for you. Others might prefer a more aggressive razor but milder blades. in the shaving community we call this YMMV, Your mileage may vary
3) I humbly suggest that you use a soap dedicated for shaving. Shaving soaps (and lathering creams) will give you more glide and more cushion and even more lather. They will soften the hairs further, ensuring an effortless shave. if you really want to pamper yourself, obtain a good quality glycerin soap and using warm water, lather the parts to be shaved and rinse. the glycerin will soften your hair even more before you apply the shaving soap! Avoid canned goo at all costs! the more time you spend lathering, the more you soften the hairs and make them stand straight, thereby ensuring that great shave.
4)Use short strokes and rinse often. Trust me this makes a huge difference. Shave in the direction the hair grows first, then against the grain. NEVER EVER APPLY PRESSURE UNLESS YOU WANT TO BLEED. You bought a tool, let its weight to the hard work for you. remember, NO PRESSURE WHATSOEVER
5) Use a reputable brand of Witch Hazel as a magnificent aftershave, toner and irritation preventer. Thayers and Humphreys are quite popular among wet-shavers.
6) Use the blade no more than 3 times. Use a fresh blade for the "lower regions" and toss it right after (use that blade only once). That way there is no cross contamination. Use an empty glass instant coffee jar to store the used blades. You can recycle them when the jar is full.
7) maintenance= Shake that razor dry. DO NOT put paper or cloth near the edge of the blade, EVER! You will ruin the edge and get a terrible shave after. After 3 shaves, toss the blade so there is no rust buildup. To get rid of the soap buildup on the razor, remove the blade and using a bit of toothpaste (yes, toothpaste - without baking soda) on a toothbrush dedicated for this task, scrub the razor lightly inside the doors and out. rinse with warm water.
Do this once a month. You are all set!
Now, about his first comment about the "crappy" screw on razors, I would have to say it really depends on the brand. I got mine two years ago and I have NEVER had a problem with it, it has never gotten loose, but then again this is my own persona experience with my own razor, so best of luck to you both!
