Good Old Fashioned Shaving
apc
Posts: 779
I'm talking good old fashioned shaving cream, badger brush and razor. I've been doing this for years, but lately have been re-evaluating the razor. I've upgraded from double to five blade razors. Economically-speaking, the refills are very expensive even when purchased as a Costco or Sam's Club in bulk.
I've been considering a safety razor. I recall the old Gillette my dad used for years. One can find many different models online now and like any 'hobby' you can spend as much or little as you choose. A box of safety razor blades is considerably cheaper than the modern multi-blade options. Given the amount of shaves per blade, the annual savings might be substantial by switching.
I phoned an old friend who owns an upscale menswear store and sells many of my shaving necessities. I was inquiring if he sold safety razors in addition to the handles that look old fashioned, but accommodate modern blade refills. When he did not, we continued to discuss the merits of the various models. He pointed out that safety razors do not pivot like modern razors and unless we were to pay close attention to the shaving angle, we were more than likely going to shave more than hair on occasion.
Bottom line is that there's a learning curve involved. Is it worth the trouble? Is the shave as good or better?
With that in mind, I'd like to poll the membership regarding their experiences with this particular grooming ritual.
I've been considering a safety razor. I recall the old Gillette my dad used for years. One can find many different models online now and like any 'hobby' you can spend as much or little as you choose. A box of safety razor blades is considerably cheaper than the modern multi-blade options. Given the amount of shaves per blade, the annual savings might be substantial by switching.
I phoned an old friend who owns an upscale menswear store and sells many of my shaving necessities. I was inquiring if he sold safety razors in addition to the handles that look old fashioned, but accommodate modern blade refills. When he did not, we continued to discuss the merits of the various models. He pointed out that safety razors do not pivot like modern razors and unless we were to pay close attention to the shaving angle, we were more than likely going to shave more than hair on occasion.
Bottom line is that there's a learning curve involved. Is it worth the trouble? Is the shave as good or better?
With that in mind, I'd like to poll the membership regarding their experiences with this particular grooming ritual.
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
Post edited by apc on
Comments
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I've used one for a stretch here and there. You can get an excellent shave with one, very close. They do require some getting used to, just go slow at first. Getting around the mouth area and neck can be painful if your skin is not used to it. Going back to one after using an electric can be a bit traumatic. I now take a first run with a triple head electric, and then run a Mach 3 over any areas that look like they need it. The safety razor is a whole ritual unto itself.-Ignorance is strength -
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SKsolutions wrote: »I've used one for a stretch here and there. You can get an excellent shave with one, very close. They do require some getting used to, just go slow at first. Getting around the mouth area and neck can be painful if your skin is not used to it. Going back to one after using an electric can be a bit traumatic. I now take a first run with a triple head electric, and then run a Mach 3 over any areas that look like they need it. The safety razor is a whole ritual unto itself.
Electric razors give me terrible ingrown hairs. I use the cheapest dollar store brand of razors. They work just fine for me. -
A good friend of mine shaved the back of my neck with a straight edge one day long ago. Of course we were drunk. He did a good job keeping everything straight/even except when I felt blood running down my neck did I know just how close that shave was. I forgot all about that till I read this thread.
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hearingimpared wrote: »Electric razors give me terrible ingrown hairs. I use the cheapest dollar store brand of razors. They work just fine for me.
I use the four blade razors and love them. They cost a lot more but seem to give many more close shaves. -
I've been using a Merker HD double edge razor and Trumpers (or Taylors) shaving cream for about two years now. I will never go back to using a Mach 3 again. I never have razor burn or irritation like I did with the Mach 3 using a DE razor. I also use this stuff on my face after shaving for nicks.
http://www.amazon.com/Geo-F-Trumpers-Coral-100ml/dp/B0007M4SM2/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&m=ADUVTLOQLIAEE&s=generic&qid=1227671602&sr=1-3
Aftershave is this, it's what my barber used when I was growing up and always liked the smell.
http://www.amazon.com/Pinaud-Clubman-After-Shave-Lotion/dp/B000143NTK/ref=pd_sim_hpc_4
I take my shaving seriously, being that I've had to do it almost everyday for the past 14 years being in the service.;) -
I'm a fan of the Truefitt & Hill unscented shaving cream (the lime was a bit much that time I tried a tub of it). Just yesterday I asked my friend to send me the T&H preshave oil in addition to a refill of the cream. I too, take my shaving seriously. Do you find the non-pivoting of the safety razor to be that different from a Mach III for instance?
I was looking a the Merk's as well. This website has a good selection...http://www.classicshaving.com/Safety_Razors.html.
Matt34, did you use the safety razors in the desert? We (via MLS) sent a care package your way last year and I would've added some shaving supplies had I known. Still involved with the K9's at all?Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend. -
Bic disposables. Been dry shaving for 30+ years, can't even use soap and water- makes my skin too soft, and I end up cutting the SHITE out of myself.I refuse to argue with idiots, because people can't tell the DIFFERENCE!
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Bic disposables. Been dry shaving for 30+ years, can't even use soap and water- makes my skin too soft, and I end up cutting the SHITE out of myself.
OMG - I still remember the irritation that caused. I showed up once for work about 30 something years ago without shaving (sold clothes) and the manager asked me to run down to the drugstore and get a razor and I shaved dry. My skin still hurts at the thought.
Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend. -
I'm a fan of the Truefitt & Hill unscented shaving cream (the lime was a bit much that time I tried a tub of it). Just yesterday I asked my friend to send me the T&H preshave oil in addition to a refill of the cream. I too, take my shaving seriously. Do you find the non-pivoting of the safety razor to be that different from a Mach III for instance?
I was looking a the Merk's as well. This website has a good selection...http://www.classicshaving.com/Safety_Razors.html.
Matt34, did you use the safety razors in the desert? We (via MLS) sent a care package your way last year and I would've added some shaving supplies had I known. Still involved with the K9's at all?
It takes some getting used to and I did nick my neck a few times but now I can shave with the Merk pretty efficiently and it's just a little bit slower than with a modern razor. I had my wife send me a 100 count pack of the safety razors so I was good to go.
Never received a package from MLS. -
Matt - pls check your PMs shortly.Husband, Father, Son, Brother, Friend.
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I bought a Pannasonic wet/dry shaver 3 years ago after almost 40 years of shaving with the various progressions of Gillette blades. I shave in the morning while taking a shower. I will NEVER go back to any sort of blades much less a straight razor."Just because youre offended doesnt mean youre right." - Ricky Gervais
"For those who believe, no proof is necessary. For those who don't believe, no proof is possible." - Stuart Chase
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Gillette Fusion and King of Shaves Gel. Anything else either irritates me or doesn't remove my beard well."He who fights with monsters should look to it that he himself does not become a monster. And when you gaze long into an abyss the abyss also gazes into you." Friedrich Nietzsche
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I bought a Pannasonic wet/dry shaver 3 years ago after almost 40 years of shaving with the various progressions of Gillette blades. I shave in the morning while taking a shower. I will NEVER go back to any sort of blades much less a straight razor.
I've tried electric razors before but they just don't get close enough, by noon it looks like I never shaved. -
I've tried electric razors before but they just don't get close enough, by noon it looks like I never shaved.
You're just too damn manly!
Jay
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For me, it's not the razor, it's the process.
I have been using the Excel, two blade razor. Shower, dry, and apply either gel or foam. Shave once going with the direction of hair removing the bulk [shaving with a 0/no tip electric hair trimmer before hand if the hairs were too long prior to showering AND removing all hair in between blades after each stroke]. Then reapply gel/foam and shave up against the hair direction. The entire time, I use as little pressure as possible, letting the razor do the work. Baby butt smooth with no afternoon shadow.
That's step one, the actual shave. Next comes the maintenance. After making sure that absolutely no hair is in between each blade [usually by tapping the razor handle against the sink and rinsing with running water a couple of times], blow as hard and as close to the blades as possible removing most water and other crap. Next, apply one drop or two of 3in1 to the blades and put it in the the original holder so that the blades aren't damaged or knicked.
The last time I bought a 24 pack of razor refills was at Sam's. This has to have been at least 4 years ago using the method described above. It gives me the cheapest and the best shave I have found to date. Not to mention my wife loves it.
F the old school ****.~ In search of accurate reproduction of music. Real sound is my reference and while perfection may not be attainable? If I chase it, I might just catch excellence. ~ -
For me, it's not the razor, it's the process.
, apply one drop or two of 3in1 to the blades and put it in the the original holder so that the blades aren't damaged or knicked.
F the old school ****.
Thats a good idea on the oil trick. Its been proven that razors don't get dull that quickly from the shaving process. They dull because of the moisture left on the blades between shaves which causes the blades to corrode/rust. I was going to fill a tray with oil to let the razor set in, but if just a few drops from the can works, then I'll give that a try. -
Oh yeah I forgot to mention, not that you care. I shave in the shower using what ever bar of soap my wife buys at the store. Works great for me. I'll do a little touch up around the edges if needed when in front of the mirror.
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There was a time when I used to go to a barber once a month for a shave. That is an old fashioned shave complete with a steamed towel, straight razor and after shave that would make the skin tingle afterwards.Unfortunatly, those days are gone as barbers here no longer do them anymore."They're always talking about my drinking, but never mention my thirst" Oscar Wilde
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I switched to a saftey razor about 3 years ago. I believe I got the necessaries from Classic shaving.com . Blades and mug soap are available at some of the local grocery stores and are way cheap. For me it was an economic and environmentally conscious win. I've never been an expert on shaving, can't be bothered to do it most of the time, but I don't think an extra blade (or half dozen) makes the experience any better for anyone but the manufacturer.
Safety razors are way cheaper than multiblade without too much time investment. A straight razor is even more economical and probably provides a better shave, but takes time, skill, and care. I wasn't will ing to put the time in to learn to use a straight razor or take the time extra time with each shave. -
Shaving? What's that?
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I lather up with a badger brush, then use an electric wet/dry shaver. If I'm feeling fancy, I follow up with a blade. Smooth shave, minimal irritation.
Or, in a hurry, dry shave with a basic norelco.
ArtofShaving.com has good gear, if a bit pricey. -
we need sweeney todd's blade
i use 5 blades and its awesome!!I am 100% BORN DEAF and No I am not kidding! Why am I here? My wife's hearing! 
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renowilliams wrote: »There was a time when I used to go to a barber once a month for a shave. That is an old fashioned shave complete with a steamed towel, straight razor and after shave that would make the skin tingle afterwards.Unfortunatly, those days are gone as barbers here no longer do them anymore.
I still ask around, even the barbers that shave the back of your neck will no longer shave face/neck.
I use an electric. Its OK, but I do have a good shadow by noon. Refill blades are too expensive. On my face, you can use them about three times, after that it feels like it is plucking the hairs, not cutting them. I keep some cheap bics around to clean up neck and jaw after using the electric. I can't use those 3,4,5 blade things. Anyone with a deep dimple on their chin knows they are too big (also makes finding an electric other than a braun impossible). I also have a cro-magnon man jaw bone that the 3,4,5 blade deals just don't do a good job with becuase they are so wide. -
I only shave once or twice a week use an electric. if it gets too long I use clippers to start. I'm retired and too damn old to care If my looks impress or not. It's what I like now.
potee -
I wish Farrah put some shaving cream on me. ANY WHERE she wanted too :eek:
