CHANGSTAR: Audiophile Headphone Reviews and Early 90s Style BBS
Non-Audio Stuff => Random Thoughts => Topic started by: LFF on October 21, 2012, 09:34:54 AM
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This is mainly a thread for those who wet shave...be it with a straight razor, single edge or double edge safety razor.
Share your tips and tricks for sailing the mighty sea in style and looking like a proper pirate...
(http://www.nightclub.com/files/ncb/nodes/2010/1777/CaptainMorgan.jpg)
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I started with a shavette because I wanted to learn the ropes before buying a straight razor:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077LAKL4/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&redirect=true (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0077LAKL4/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00?ie=UTF8&redirect=true)
I tried many times and read a couple of books. Learned to hold the straight razor and managed after many attempts to get a somewhat decent shave. Going with the grain eventually became fairly easy. Had many problems going against the grain though. I manage to cut myself bad last time and decided to let it go.
I settled for this razor:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036PX5NU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0036PX5NU/ref=oh_details_o05_s00_i00)
I use this brush:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G647Y8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000G647Y8/ref=oh_details_o01_s00_i00)
The razor has good weight to it, unlike the extremely light shavette. This gives much more control. The brush is badger hair though perhaps not the finest grade. It manages good lather though. The Persona blades are surprisingly good.
I haven't entirely given up on the straight razor. I feel my problem with the shavette had to do with it's weight, among other things (edges of the replaceable blades, blade not fully secured, ...) Also, my beard grows from left to right and its difficult to go against the grain with a straight razor.
May consider a safety razor (Merkur 180 or 34c perhaps)... LOL! or a Dovo straight razor someday...
For soap this gives me decent results:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Van-Der-Hagen-Enterprises-Deluxe-Shave-Soap-2.5-oz/10322202 (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Van-Der-Hagen-Enterprises-Deluxe-Shave-Soap-2.5-oz/10322202)
This is not as good, but can get by:
http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=80944&catid=288413&aid=338666&aparam=80944 (http://www.drugstore.com/products/prod.asp?pid=80944&catid=288413&aid=338666&aparam=80944)
I've tried this one also and it's better than the above IMO:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MXGMHU/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00 (http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B000MXGMHU/ref=oh_details_o02_s00_i00)
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To hell with waxing. I use razors. For a while I was even into using straight razors; there's something "pure" about it.
I'd be interested if any of you guys have recommendation for soaps/creams/shave sticks, either that you use or your ladies use.
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I highly recommend the Tweezerman's brush. It may not be the best ever, but I'm happy with it. Have been using it for over 2 years and it's still going. As far as soap, Col. Conk is alright IMO...
I one time help my wife with her legs. She was happy and had no issues.
That said, I think she uses this: http://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Breeze-Womens-Refill-Cartridges/dp/B001JQLNFA/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1350814737&sr=1-2&keywords=gillette+razor+ladies (http://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Breeze-Womens-Refill-Cartridges/dp/B001JQLNFA/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1350814737&sr=1-2&keywords=gillette+razor+ladies)
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To hell with waxing. I use razors. For a while I was even into using straight razors; there's something "pure" about it.
I'd be interested if any of you guys have recommendation for soaps/creams/shave sticks, either that you use or your ladies use.
I have tried straights but haven't been able to really nail down my technique. Need to get back at it.
Here is my favorite razor...The American Bull Mastiff Deluxe:
(http://i745.photobucket.com/albums/xx92/FirePhoenixAudio/Luis011.jpg)
MuppetFace, I actually make my own shave cream which I use with a brush and my wife LOVES it. It's extremely expensive and tedious to make ;) ....but here is my secret recipe....
Ingredients:
1) 1 Bottle of this (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suave-Naturals-Juicy-Green-Apple-Shampoo-15-oz/19857797)
2) 1 Bottle of this (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Suave-Naturals-Juicy-Green-Apple-Conditioner-15-oz/10898694)
3) 5 teaspoons of this (http://www.walmart.com/ip/Nivea-Moisturizing-Creme-2-oz/16935699)
4) 1 tablespoon olive oil
5) 1 of these (http://www.amazon.com/The-Container-Store-Pump-Dispenser/dp/B00636NZ98/ref=sr_1_7?s=bedbath&ie=UTF8&qid=1350836282&sr=1-7)
Instructions:
01) Mix 50% of 1 and 2 together (1 cup each).
02) Blend by hand.
03) Mix in 5 tablespoons of #3
04) Mix in 1 tablespoon #4
05) Pour in to #5
06) Mixture will be runny so you need a brush to pump it out on.
07) Lather up
08) Shave
09) Enjoy super smooth result.
10) Makes a little over 2 cups
Total cost: ~ $6 and you should have enough to last you a year or more. I also add a drop or two of tea tree oil. Coconut scent is my wife's favorite.
Also, I just ordered a HUGE shipment of shaving supplies and I mean HUGE. Included in my order is an extra brush I don't need. It's new but it's a horse hair brush. MuppetFace...if you want it...it's yours. It is actually the same model as my daily shaving brush. It's smelly at first but works like a charm and the smell fades quickly.
Now...personally, for everyday care, I LOVE the above recipe.
For those times when I can take my time and enjoy a proper shave, I use this shaving cream (http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Cream-Eucalyptus-Menthol/dp/B001L2U61E/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1350836518&sr=8-2&keywords=proraso+shaving+cream). It's amazing and you only need a dab. A shaving brush is also a must.
My routine consists of taking a hot shower. After cleaning my face, I take some conditioner and apply it to the areas to be shaved and leave it on. Once finished showering, I dry everything EXCEPT my face (which still have the conditioner on) and exit. Once outside, I heat up a towel and make it steaming hot. I will use this to remove the conditioner. While the towel is getting ready, I get my shave cream ready along with the brush. I take my towel, remove the conditioner and lather up. 3 passes with with a DE and that gives me a baby butt smooth shave. Rinse everything off with ice cold water.
I then pat dry and apply witch hazel. Allow that to dry and apply my DIY after shave cream. I then get dressed and apply whatever cologne the wife likes and proceed with my day. :)p1
When I used cartridges, I would get severe razor burn and tons of ingrown hairs. Ever since I started wet shaving...no razor burn and no ingrown hairs. :)p6
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Grooming?
Part it in front, tie it in back.
(http://putts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ADV/CRW7143/342699235_avgrt-M.jpg)
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Grooming?
Part it in front, tie it in back.
(http://putts.smugmug.com/Motorcycles/ADV/CRW7143/342699235_avgrt-M.jpg)
p:0
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:)p13!!!
Great tip Tyll. I can see a lot of variations in hair styling there: Hair thong, G-string, and with sufficient material a full Borat-style mankini...
BTW guys, what straight razor did you guys tried. I did my research and was narrowing down to Dovo. Also, is the Merkur stuff any good?
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:)p13 !!!
Great tip Tyll. I can see a lot of variations in hair styling there: Hair thong, G-string, and with sufficient material a full Borat-style mankini...
BTW guys, what straight razor did you guys tried. I did my research and was narrowing down to Dovo. Also, is the Merkur stuff any good?
I have 2. One I got as a gift from a forum member and the other I bought used at BadgerandBlade for $15.00.
You can find some cheap deals. For example....
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/312712-Straights-razors-Blade-banks
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Okay. I will try my Merkur Vision again. I have Truefitt and Hill Shave Cream and a badger brush. 3 types of blades including Feathers.
I haven't invested the time in developing the skill to keep my face safe... :-[
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Okay. I will try my Merkur Vision again. I have Truefitt and Hill Shave Cream and a badger brush. 3 types of blades including Feathers.
I haven't invested the time in developing the skill to keep my face safe... :-[
Make sure you also watch Mantic's shave videos on youtube. :)p1
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That's a gorgeous razor, LFF! Also thanks a bunch for the recipe; it seems like a really fun project to attempt one weekend.
BTW guys, what straight razor did you guys tried. I did my research and was narrowing down to Dovo. Also, is the Merkur stuff any good?
Dovo is good. If you want a good entry point, try the Dovo Shavette.
Feather is also a good brand, from Osaka Japan, and most of their razors don't require sharpening. I have their Artist Club DX stainless steel folding razor, and it's magnificent.
I'm partial to vintage blades however. Dorko is kind of harder to find, but the quality of their blades is really good, and I personally prefer the way they feel when working with them. You can find them on Ebay, but they can be pretty expensive.
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(http://i.ebayimg.com/t/SUPERB-Straight-Razor-DORKO-6-8-Solingen-MUST-HAVE-/00/s/NzY4WDEwMjQ=/$(KGrHqRHJBQE8+j8Q5hIBPS+sld2u!~~60_57.JPG)
Gorgeous. Plus it's named "Dorko." That's like, Donny Darko's goofy little brother: Donny Dorko.
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Feather's are awesome.
I use Shark Stainless Razors which are very similar to Feathers.
MuppetFace...You have an awesome razor yourself! :)p1
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I stick with the usual Gillette Mach 3 razors/blades. Very good if you work on a budget...
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I have only shaved with a razor a few times in my life. I always bleed like crazy. As soon as I could grow a thin beard I did, and have only shaved it off completely a few times since then.
One of those times was in India at a barbershop, and I only shaved because the barbers there are amazing. I think I talked about this with Guru once. More different splashes and lotions than I ever knew existed, super rough face massage, then they break your neck, and shave you with a real blade.
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Straight razor's scare me.
Especially since I shave every single day on a rushed, half-awake basis.
I also have several annoying moles just under my noise which tends to get cut when I'm not careful.
And I cut myself ALOT.... even with a 'safety' razor. So the straight razor.. my god I.. feel unsafe just looking at pictures of straight razors.
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@MF: Did you find an improvement in going from a shavette to a regular straight razor? I've been told that a regular straight razor is easier to handle and one has less probabilities of cutting oneself with it than with a shavette.
@LFF: I followed the HF thread. I was very sorry to hear that Bob passed away. What's your opinion on the Merkur saftey razors?
EDIT: Wet shaving can be challenging. It requires one to develop some skill. But I found it rewarding once I got a hang of it :)p7
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I have a Merkur Futur. It's a big heavy razor and it is a bit aggressive.
It's ok. Not the biggest fan but I'm more biased towards classic replated Gillette razors. Their more classic styled razors are nice and have good plating. I've been tempted to order a stainless steel razor from IKON but can't justify the price.
I was thinking about getting a Merkur 215 for traveling.
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@MF: Did you find an improvement in going from a shavette to a regular straight razor? I've been told that a regular straight razor is easier to handle and one has less probabilities of cutting oneself with it than with a shavette.
I think it comes down to the individual, as I've read quite a few reports from people saying the Dovo Shavette is easier for them to work with, either coming from another type of straight razor or as beginners. Like the Feather Artist Club, its main appeal is in the convenience of having disposable blades, so you don't have to bother with stropping and honing. However I found the feel of the Shavette to not be to my liking, and I much preferred the Artist Club because it felt much more solid.
I'm not the best person to ask about this however, as my needs are a bit different. Since I'm shaving my legs primarily, I tend to prefer a heavier feel and a larger blade (to cover more surface area), but at the same time a finer blade. The Artist Club DX is sort of a compromise for me, because it's heavy and the disposable blades allow me to use finer blades (and also be lazy lol), but ideally I'd like a slightly larger blade and a blade with a rounded edge. Dovo and Thiers-Issard make some nice rounded-edge blades, so I'm thinking of switching back and just dealing with the maintenance.
In either case, definitely go for stainless steel blades rather than plated brass. Also if you're worried about cutting yourself, try going with the grain rather than against it until you've got your technique down. Straight razor shaving is all about technique. That, and using as sharp a blade as possible. The benefit of a heavier razor and sharper blade is that you'll be able to let the razor do most of the work, rather than exerting more force on it. That's why you're less likely to cut yourself with a sharper blade, ironically.
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I'm gonna start trying to learn how to use a straight and what worries me most is properly learning how to strop and hone the blade.
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Intrigued. Might order me up one of these safety razors. I'd go straight, but you can't fly with 'em.
Already lost an electric razor on a plane. Didn't notice till I got home and no explanation whatsoever, not even a sticker explaining someone had opened my bag.
Anyone remember that Fight Club scene? Heh.
"Airport Security Officer: Nine times out of ten it's an electric razor. But … every once in a while [looks around, leans in conspiratorially] … it's a dildo. [leans back] Of course, it's company policy never to imply ownership in the event of a dildo. We have to use the indefinite article, "a dildo", never … your dildo."
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I have an old gillette safety razor, but never tried using it. The concept scares me a bit actually. Cheap disposables have been standard fare for me.
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I have an old gillette safety razor, but never tried using it. The concept scares me a bit actually. Cheap disposables have been standard fare for me.
You need to watch these videos...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU
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I'd be interested if any of you guys have recommendation for soaps/creams/shave sticks, either that you use or your ladies use.
I shave my head, and this is what I use.
http://www.theartofshaving.com/shaving-products/shaving-products,default,sc.html
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Reading this, I was wondering why there weren't any ceramic razors since ceramic knives are super sharp and almost never need sharpening. I did a quick google and apparently Kyocera, known for making ceramic kitchen knives, tried their hand with ceramic razors but found that they were actually too sharp.
How come you don’t make a shaver?
Too dangerous! A metal razor blade has a relatively “rounded” edge (under the microscope) which prevents the blade from cutting into the skin. A ceramic razor blade, however, does not have a rounded edge and slices into the skin. Thus, a ceramic shaver would be too dangerous to use. Several engineers in Sendai who tested prototypes can confirm this painful fact! (http://www.bruceonshaving.com/2010/09/08/razor-blade-material-technology/)
:-0
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Reading this, I was wondering why there weren't any ceramic razors since ceramic knives are super sharp and almost never need sharpening. I did a quick google and apparently Kyocera, known for making ceramic kitchen knives, tried their hand with ceramic razors but found that they were actually too sharp.
How come you don’t make a shaver?
Too dangerous! A metal razor blade has a relatively “rounded” edge (under the microscope) which prevents the blade from cutting into the skin. A ceramic razor blade, however, does not have a rounded edge and slices into the skin. Thus, a ceramic shaver would be too dangerous to use. Several engineers in Sendai who tested prototypes can confirm this painful fact! (http://www.bruceonshaving.com/2010/09/08/razor-blade-material-technology/)
:-0
They are available for the adventurous....
http://www.alibaba.com/product-gs/500654596/ceramic_blades_for_film_and_foil.html
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Interesting. I'd like a more reliable source though. Maybe I'll look around sometime...
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Compared this:
http://www.amazon.com/Cremo-Astonishingly-Superior-Shave-Cream/dp/B009WQH8SA/ref=sr_1_9?ie=UTF8&qid=1440378852&sr=8-9&keywords=shaving+cream
vs this:
http://www.amazon.com/Colonel-Conk-Glycerin-Soap-Variety/dp/B0071B7XCO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440378883&sr=8-1&keywords=colonel+conk
The Cremo cream last freaking forever. Col Conk Soap last less. However Col Conk give a much richer and luxorious lather. Conk doesn't smell much, but for that mater most soaps don't seem to smell much. That's usually up to the after shave lotion.
I prefer Conk. Once I'm done with the Conk soap I'll move on to LFF's recommends Proraso. Which might be in a while cuz these things last a long time, way longer than the usual crap foam and gel.
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Been using Proraso + Merkur long handle + Feather blades for years. Unlike other hobbies, I haven't been inspired to upgrade or obsess, and I've actually saved some money (I think). That American Bull Mastiffe Deluxe is really classy though...
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U mean this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440396031&sr=8-1&keywords=Merkur+long+handle
Between the 4", Long, and Slim-With-Guard which is bestest?
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Another fellow wetshaver here. I've used Merker's, and many vintage Gillette's, not to mention a few straights, and Feather's Artist Club series. Finally I've settled on the newer Schick Injectors (Type-n and Type-o). Just got a Mongoose stainless razor that takes the blades for the Feather Artist's...Wow
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I have only shaved with a razor a few times in my life. I always bleed like crazy. As soon as I could grow a thin beard I did, and have only shaved it off completely a few times since then.
I always had a beard or shaved electric. The skin stays soft and doesn't get toughened up by the blade.
Shaving is just a chore. Electric I can do at the internet screen. I've been using a Philishave for so long I don't know when I bought it. At least ten years ago, maybe nearer twenty.
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I wish that women would not shave legs, armpits etc (perhaps especially etc). Hair is natural and feels good.
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Moving right along....
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U mean this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440396031&sr=8-1&keywords=Merkur+long+handle
Between the 4", Long, and Slim-With-Guard which is bestest?
Here's my razor if you're looking for options:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B003LW4LJK?psc=1&redirect=true&ref_=oh_aui_detailpage_o09_s00
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U mean this one?
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1440396031&sr=8-1&keywords=Merkur+long+handle
Between the 4", Long, and Slim-With-Guard which is bestest?
I use the "Long," but I am 6'7 with circus hands. More normal-sized people might go shorter or with the slim. Additionally, I dug up the email I have sent to a few people who have expressed interest in going over to wet-shaving. As I mentioned, I did the research and put this setup together four years ago and have been using it ever since...think it is a good basic rig; have seen no reason to alter it.
Safety razor//
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-180-Handled-Safety/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1374961106&sr=8-1&keywords=Merkur
Blades// these are from Japan. Very sharp but if you use a light touch there won't be cuts.
http://www.amazon.com/Feather-Hi-Stainless-Platimum-Double-Blades/dp/B0022R947O/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374961326&sr=1-2&keywords=Feather+blades
Cream// this is like Musgo Real but cheaper and has a nice menthol freshness.
http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Eucalyptus-Menthol-Formulation/dp/B00837ZOI0/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374961426&sr=1-2&keywords=Proraso
I have also been using the pre-shave:
http://www.amazon.com/PRORASO-Proraso-Pre-Shave-Cream/dp/B00DWG816O/ref=pd_sim_hpc_2
And if you are going this far, you will need a badger brush to create a lather in the palm and apply:
http://www.amazon.com/Vulfix-2006B-Badger-Shaving-Brush/dp/B0067DDHX6/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374961656&sr=1-3&keywords=vulfix+badger
And a stand to hold razor and brush:
http://www.amazon.com/Colonel-Conk-Evernice-775-Chrome/dp/B001XURHNY/ref=pd_bxgy_hpc_img_y
I finish with alcohol-free witch hazel to heal skin.
http://www.amazon.com/Thayers-Witch-Hazel-Original-Alcohol/dp/B000S823S6/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1374961753&sr=1-1&keywords=alcohol+free+witch+hazel
I really prefer shaving this way, though when I travel I use a rig from Harry's, as I've found TSA (especially the overly vigilant folks in Bozeman, MT do not take kindly to the Feather blades when they dig them up in a carry-on). Have fun.
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Kyocera, known for making ceramic kitchen knives, tried their hand with ceramic razors but found that they were actually too sharp.
Ceramic knives don't hold the candle to best steels in sharpness nor durability. Maybe there have been advances in their tech and I have used the cheaper end of ceramics but the ceramic knife will in general have micro-chipped edge even new.
As to whether a blade can be too sharp for shaving is interesting topic. Originally I'd like to say its BS, but I'm not too sure after trying to sharpen a Crown&Sword straight razor to my best ability. Still didn't work for shaving though it was hair-splitting sharp. Maybe the pro barbers dull it down a bit with the leather strap.
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I was always wetshaving but switched to DE from cartridges a few months back.
I've tried 3 Merkurs: HD, Slant, and Progress. Progress is the one I use; I ordered a long handle by mistake and like it more, despite having small hands.
I still haven't settled on a favorite blade. So far, I like Personna Med Preps and Polsilvers.
Cream: http://www.westcoastshaving.com/The-New-York-Shaving-Company-Unscented-Shave-Cream_p_1246.html (http://www.westcoastshaving.com/The-New-York-Shaving-Company-Unscented-Shave-Cream_p_1246.html)
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I have a beard and use a trimmer. My neck looks just fine. The model I use is a Wahl that kicks the crap out of the cheapo one I got as a gift in college. Charges super fast and does not need charging very often at all. Incredible power/torque. Hair pretty much flies off. Much easier to get things in far fewer passes.
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-beard-trimmer/
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Guys, any experience with the Merkur Futur? Is on Massdrop right now:
https://www.massdrop.com/buy/merkur-furtur
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UB, that thing looks crazy. Part of the appeal of a safety razor, for me, is the simplicity. I just have the edwin jagger de89, which is ~$30, feels solid in hand, and does NOT have knurled handle. My buddy has a merkur, and he sterilized it to let me test drive, but as soon as I picked it up, I set it back down. The grip felt too industrial/institutional if that makes sense. I know that is a highly personal thing, and some people love it, but I couldn't stand it.
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I have a beard and use a trimmer. My neck looks just fine. The model I use is a Wahl that kicks the crap out of the cheapo one I got as a gift in college. Charges super fast and does not need charging very often at all. Incredible power/torque. Hair pretty much flies off. Much easier to get things in far fewer passes.
http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-beard-trimmer/ (http://thesweethome.com/reviews/the-best-beard-trimmer/)
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I just got one of their spice grinders, and I can say that it performs in much the same way.