The Manly Shaving Thread

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CP - Look at it as six razors then it's not such a shock! I'll be ordering it/them tomorrow.

Anyway, it's time for an OcUK PIF.

I'm giving away my tub of Proraso green soap which I've used less than half of. I tried it again this morning and I just can't get on with it. It's a very soft soap, more of a croap (between soap and cream) but I prefer the cream as I generally fail to get a good lather from the soap.

If you want it and you're in the UK, post in here saying that you're in and I'll pick someone at random when I get home after my meal out tomorrow evening.
 
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you should also grab the ikon set too Clicky a bargain at only $199

I'm only interested in the new slant head when it's released and maybe the new deluxe open comb head. i might buy the kit if the slant head is added to it later in the year.
 
Anyone able to offer some advice? I'm yet to have a shave where I don't suffer from burn all day. I use TOBS Sandalwood Cream. I have never really got a lather going out of it but not sure if it should anyway as its a cream rather than a soap?
I did notice if I wet my brush, squeeze loose water. Give the brush a bit of a brush in the cream and then again very slightly dip the brush in water I get a much softer cream. I apply it straight to my face. Am I do this right?

I also use a pre-shaving oil (can't tell a difference when not using it tbh) prior to using the cream. After three passes I use a wet alum block which I leave for a minute before washing off with water followed by finishing up with moisturiser.

I've used Derby and 7 O'Clock blades so far. About 8 shaves, 4 on each blade. None I guess feel any better. I put a feather blade on this morning but won't get to use that for another two days when my face feels almost normal again.

I'm sat at work now though with stinging patches and rashes on my neck. I hope its something I am doing wrong?
 
Feek said:
I'm giving away my tub of Proraso soap which I've used less than half of. I tried it again this morning and I just can't get on with it. It's a very soft soap, more of a croap (between soap and cream) but I prefer the cream as I generally fail to get a good lather from the soap.

If you want it and you're in the UK, post in here saying that you're in and I'll pick someone at random when I get home after my meal out tomorrow evening.
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Very kind of you. I have this soap and I like it so do recommend for someone who wants to try it out without forking out the money.

Swarfega said:
Anyone able to offer some advice? I'm yet to have a shave where I don't suffer from burn all day. I use TOBS Sandalwood Cream. I have never really got a lather going out of it but not sure if it should anyway as its a cream rather than a soap?
I did notice if I wet my brush, squeeze loose water. Give the brush a bit of a brush in the cream and then again very slightly dip the brush in water I get a much softer cream. I apply it straight to my face. Am I do this right?

I also use a pre-shaving oil (can't tell a difference when not using it tbh) prior to using the cream. After three passes I use a wet alum block which I leave for a minute before washing off with water followed by finishing up with moisturiser.

I've used Derby and 7 O'Clock blades so far. About 8 shaves, 4 on each blade. None I guess feel any better. I put a feather blade on this morning but won't get to use that for another two days when my face feels almost normal again.

I'm sat at work now though with stinging patches and rashes on my neck. I hope its something I am doing wrong?
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I can only speculate. I wouldn't say it is the brand of blade, probably more likely your technique. Be sure you are applying no pressure but that what the weight of the blade creates. Give the alum block a miss for a week or so to see if that irritates you. Also, try some other cream/soap. Always moisturise/balm after.
 
cu3ed said:
Edwin Jagger Chrome-Plated Lined Handle Via the rainforest company £23

Progress Vulfix 660S Super Badger shaving brush from same as above £15

Sample pack of blades
http://connaughtshaving.com/popular.html £10

Proraso Soap for sensative skin ( same as me) £6
http://connaughtshaving.com/001682.html

Proraso pre shave Cream ( again, found this very good) £9
http://connaughtshaving.com/proraso2012.html

You can add a few things, like maybe a balm etc for after the shave as I got, and an Alum block to help jsut after the shave, seems to be working for me, all thats left is im still learning my "technique"
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Thanks mate
 
I think it's a combination of two things.

Your lather is weak, this is how I apply ToBS cream.

I soak my brush in warm water for about a minutes and then squeeze most of the water out. I then swirl my brush in the cream for about ten seconds to get a decent load. I apply the brush over my face, putting a thin layer of cream all over and then dip the tips of the brush into water and build the lather on my face, probably doing the water dip another two or three times. You'll know when the lather is good, it will be thick and shiny on your face.

It also sounds as though you're using pressure. Use absolutely no pressure with the razor at all, let the weight of the head do all the work for you. This is easier to do if you hold the razor at the centre of balance point so find out where that is - Balance the razor on an outstretched finger and hold it at that point when you shave.
 
I'd say to cut down on the amount of passes your doing to Swarfega, 3 is probably too much for your face to deal with if your just starting out DE shaving. As for the lather of your cream take a look a few pages back someone posted a good little guide of how you want it.
 
Swarfega said:
Anyone able to offer some advice? I'm yet to have a shave where I don't suffer from burn all day. I use TOBS Sandalwood Cream. I have never really got a lather going out of it but not sure if it should anyway as its a cream rather than a soap?
I did notice if I wet my brush, squeeze loose water. Give the brush a bit of a brush in the cream and then again very slightly dip the brush in water I get a much softer cream. I apply it straight to my face. Am I do this right?

I also use a pre-shaving oil (can't tell a difference when not using it tbh) prior to using the cream. After three passes I use a wet alum block which I leave for a minute before washing off with water followed by finishing up with moisturiser.

I've used Derby and 7 O'Clock blades so far. About 8 shaves, 4 on each blade. None I guess feel any better. I put a feather blade on this morning but won't get to use that for another two days when my face feels almost normal again.

I'm sat at work now though with stinging patches and rashes on my neck. I hope its something I am doing wrong?
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I started probably about 2 or 3 weeks ago now and am also using TOBS Sandalwood cream. I'm still working through the selection of blades I bought. I was getting quite a bit of burn for the first week or two but over the last week I seem not to be.

I'm not entirely sure what changed, but I speculate it was one of the following:

  • My technique has just improved in a way that directly reduces burn.
  • My technique has improved in a way meaning I cut much less frequently and therefore do not use the alum so frequently (i.e. perhaps the alum was causing the irritation).
Just some ideas. Maybe you'll find improvement over time too.

My shave today was the best yet and I can only put it down to subtle improvements in technique that I can't specifically identify.
 
Thanks for the multitude of advice guys.

I'll go back to trying a bit more cream and water. I try not to apply pressure as the 34C is already weighty, but I could be adding some as my hands are still used to 15+ years of doing so. I'll make a mental note to see what pressure I am using.

I always moisturise. I never did previously but since using the DE it's a must. My face would die without it. The Aloe Vera gel works very well but leaves a sticky feeling on my face so I only use it when having an evening shave.
I always used aftersun cream for sun burn but after getting really bad *****ly heat one year I tried the Aloe Vera gel which was awesome. Instant relief. Not sure what it is but that plant is an awesome natural healer.

In regards to cutting down on the amount of passes. I find though without doing the 3rd and final against the grain shave I don't have a close shave which defeats the point of a manual wet shave. I think I would possibly sooner suffer the burn than sit with a non-close shave.
I know this sounds a bit mad but I like a slight burn is nice. I guess it's like spice. Really it's uncomfortable to eat yet for some reason also enjoyable. I just need to work out how to tone down the facial vindaloo I currently have :)
 
Ive just run out off ascos and im not that impressed with there shave. They dont give a very close shave.

I have sensitive skin so what would you go for?
 
Feek said:
Anyway, it's time for an OcUK PIF.

I'm giving away my tub of Proraso soap which I've used less than half of. I tried it again this morning and I just can't get on with it. It's a very soft soap, more of a croap (between soap and cream) but I prefer the cream as I generally fail to get a good lather from the soap.

If you want it and you're in the UK, post in here saying that you're in and I'll pick someone at random when I get home after my meal out tomorrow evening. [/FONT]
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Hi Feek, nice gesture. I guess it's the eucalyptus and menthol one and not the aloe and green tea one for sensitive skin?
 
Gavin said:
Ive just run out off ascos and im not that impressed with there shave. They dont give a very close shave.

I have sensitive skin so what would you go for?
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Grab a sample pack from Connaught Shaving and work your way through them. I liked ASCO blades, they were pretty smooth for me and I get good shaves from them. They dull very quickly though, I only use them once.

jmc007 said:
Hi Feek, nice gesture. I guess it's the eucalyptus and menthol one and not the aloe and green tea one for sensitive skin?
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Oops, should have said. Yes, Proraso green tub.
 
It's yours. Trust me your name and address.

/edit - It's 'cream' not bloody 'creme' :(
 
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Really just realising theirs to be NO pressure used on the handle at all, none, zero, nin. Neck was getting it bad but literally had a good shave just badly holding the blade now and it made a huge difference.
 
Feek said:
Grab a sample pack from Connaught Shaving and work your way through them. I liked ASCO blades, they were pretty smooth for me and I get good shaves from them. They dull very quickly though, I only use them once.


Oops, should have said. Yes, Proraso green tub.
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I did use the Ascos once:)
 
One shave? They haven't broken in after one shave! Lucky they're cheap as chips :p
I swap out ASCOs -and most other blades- every 7 days but they could last longer. (usually a cold water shave, a different razor every day, medium type stubble and ATG in a few areas only)

Dickyb0b said:
is there anyway to stop blades from going blunt?
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Nail the perfect cutting angle for the blade/razor combo and know the direction of hair growth.

The cleaner the cut, the longer the blade will last and you'll get a better shave.
 
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