A double-edge safety razor holds one replaceable blade with a cutting edge on each side of the head. You use one edge at a time. The head usually stays fixed rather than pivoting like a cartridge, so your hand controls its angle as it moves around your face.
Keep the starting kit simple
You need a DE razor, compatible double-edge blades, water and shaving soap or cream. A brush helps make and apply lather when using a traditional shaving soap. Set out a towel and a proper blade disposal container before starting. A stand or dedicated bowl can be convenient, but neither is required to learn the technique.
Alpha's Eclipse and Outlaw Evolution 316L are DE razors. The Spirit SE uses a different blade format, so blades should be chosen for the actual razor rather than for the general term safety razor.
Load the blade before wetting your hands
Follow your model's assembly instructions. With a three-piece razor, place the blade over the cap's locating features, fit the baseplate in its correct orientation and attach the handle. Handle a DE blade by its short, unsharpened ends and keep fingers away from both long cutting edges.
Tighten the handle securely by hand without forcing it. Look along both sides to check that the blade sits evenly and nothing is trapped between the parts. If it looks uneven or a part will not seat, stop and reassemble it. Never shave with the handle deliberately loosened to change the blade gap.
Prepare, then make one controlled pass
Wet your beard with comfortably warm water and apply a hydrated lather. Before shaving, feel which direction the hair grows in each area. Growth on your neck may run sideways or upwards, so shaving with the grain does not always mean shaving downwards.
Start on a relatively flat cheek. Use the angle recommended for your razor, making small adjustments until the edge cuts hair without scraping. Keep the touch light and take short strokes. Lift the razor clear before changing direction; do not slide the edge sideways over your skin. Rinse the head regularly so lather and cut hair do not accumulate.
Decide whether another pass is worthwhile
For the first few shaves, one pass with the grain is a sensible practice session. Rinse, assess the result and stop if your skin feels uncomfortable. You do not need to chase every remaining trace of stubble.
If you choose another pass, apply fresh lather first. Avoid repeatedly scraping an unlathered patch. Change only one thing at a time between shaves, such as blade choice or technique, so you can tell what helped. Replace a blade that has become uncomfortable or damaged rather than compensating with pressure.
Finish the routine
Rinse your face and your equipment, then let the razor and brush dry in an airy place. Store used blades in a closed blade bank and follow local disposal guidance. Make a brief note of the blade, preparation and result; this is more useful than deciding a new razor must suit you after a single hurried attempt.