Ask Aaron Q/A: How to avoid nicks & cuts when shaving with a DE safety razor

December 7, 2011 · Posted in Ask Aaron Q & A, Double Edge Shaving, Safety Razors, Shaving Tips · Comment 

ask aaron 420 Ask Aaron Q/A: How to avoid nicks & cuts when shaving with a DE safety razor

Les Edwards, from the UK, asks:

“I have been using Gillette razors most of my life, I have just brought and used for the first time a safety razor which I bought from Boots, to say it was a bloodbath is an understatement, it looked like a suicide bid in my bathroom, I am assuming I did something wrong! Please help!! On the bits that remained blood free, it was the closest shave ever.”

Make sure you use a decent shave cream like Fitjar

AARON SAYS

“Mr. Edwards,
I’m glad you have decided to take the plunge into safety razor shaving!

A few tips should bring you closer to shaving without such a bloodletting. First, shower before you shave, and once you get out apply a good pre-shave cream or oil.

Next use a good shaving cream that is applied with a brush or your hand, not canned, pressurized goo! Third, study the way your beard grows and shave with the direction of growth for a while. You will just want to go with the grain until you master the techniques, it might not be as close at first, but you will reap the benefits in the long run.

Next lock your wrist as your shave and keep the blade angle at approximately 30 degrees.

Fifth, rinse your razor often to prevent debris and lather clogging up the razor.

Lastly, after all this use a styptic pen on any cuts or nicks and apply a good post-shave balm or cream to sooth and tend to your freshly shaven face! Put these int practice and I’m sure your shaves will improve in no time!

Happy Shaving!
Aaron”

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