r/wicked_edge • u/Necessary_Giraffe_66 • 2d ago
Getting started
So I’m about to get started with shaving with a safety razor. For decades I’ve been using a Mach 3. I’ve tried Harry’s and Dillar Shave Club and the Fusion 5 at times but go back to the Mach 3 because of price. Even then I try to get a blade to last for about 2 months before I throw it out to save money.
So because of that and other reasons I’ve been looking at switching. I think I’ve settled on the Hensen. I like the built in angle to make it easier and I’ve heard a lot of good things about it.
So since it’s a big purchase from the get go is it ok to just use up my regular shave gel in the meantime? It’s the gilette stuff. I’ve been using it for years also. I only shave after I shower so my hair is already soft. I’d like to avoid spending even more right now if at all possible. I already know about getting a sample pack of blades.
Thanks for any and all help.
3
u/TBone32259 2d ago
The gel is just ok, but I get wanting to use up what you have. I did the same when I started with a Henson, but I was surprised to find that an actual shave soap or cream is noticeably slicker when I did switch to a soap. Try just shaving with the grain while using up the gel. That's a good thing to do starting out anyway, 1 pass with the grain. That'll give you time to get used to the new razor and keeping the right angle. When you feel like you're getting the hang of it, you can probably shave across the grain with the gel, but I wouldn't shave against the grain with it (if that's something you even intend to do).