Problems are usually technique, razor, brush and cream. DE shaving needs a bit more effort. Technique - are you using the right angle (experiment) and pressure

Problems are usually technique, razor, brush and cream. DE shaving needs a bit more effort. Technique - are you using the right angle (experiment) and pressure (none - the mere weight of the thing should be enough)? Check videos if necessary. Are you making enough lather? Leaving it on long enough? Good technique sort of happens with experience. Razor - is it a good one? I've owned a few cheap razors and never managed to make them work, something to do with the proportions. The blade has to stick out just so and the safety bar (or comb) be of just the right size. My two current ones are Merkur 12C and 42C, the former for when I'm paying attention, the latter for speed. I'm getting a Muhle R41 for fun. Brush - do you own a good one? If on a budget, the other poster's Reddit wiki has a lot of good suggestions for boar and synthetic options ("budget" badger is not a good idea). This is important to get a good lather. Many "starter packs" include a low quality brush and razor leading to bad first experiences. Cream/soap - it's amazing how many are on the market and simply do not do their job. You have to keep trying until you find one that works with the water in your area to produce a slick, lasting lather. For me personally dealing with Singapore water the best are Godrej blue tube (menthol), Arko and Proraso. On wiggle room: I tried it with the 12C after reading somewhere about how the "old guys used to do it" and guess what, not only does it not work but you will get nicked. The less wiggle room the better.