The Manly Shaving Thread

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If you can, read up on the technique as it's quite different to shaving with the fusion and you need to work it in a different way to get the best from it. There were some pretty decent videos linked on this page above.

At first, my shaving technique wasn't great with the Merkur, but it's improved a lot in a year and good blades also make a big difference. Best to shave out the shower etc. as usual though. I'm confident you'll come to love it. I used to get shaving burn with all razors - had electric and all the different wet types apart from a DE. Now I don't get any irritation unless I'm careless.
 
alex24 said:
If you can, read up on the technique as it's quite different to shaving with the fusion and you need to work it in a different way to get the best from it. There were some pretty decent videos linked on this page above.

At first, my shaving technique wasn't great with the Merkur, but it's improved a lot in a year and good blades also make a big difference. Best to shave out the shower etc. as usual though. I'm confident you'll come to love it. I used to get shaving burn with all razors - had electric and all the different wet types apart from a DE. Now I don't get any irritation unless I'm careless.
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I've watched the videos from this thread and took my time etc, just a bit nervous the first time. I last used this method of shaving 20 years ago but I'm sure I'll get used to it again. I know what I'm doing wrong, I cut myself on the chin cos I slid sideways, just got to concentrate a bit more till I'm more proficient. After that I'll attempt to shave upwards on my neck!
 
I didn't try against the grain until I was a bit more confident - plenty of chance to tug/pull if you're not careful! I only do it as a 3rd pass as it stands. Down, side, up etc.

Best tip I heard was to use the weight of the Razor head to do the work rather than putting effort in yourself. Bear that in mind and you naturally are quite gentle, and with a sharp blade it should make easy work of it.
 
Ok I've had a read through part of this thread and think I'm going to take the plunge for either the merkur 34c or 33c with some feather blades. Well it's more of a necessity since I've got nothing to use and sick of pulling at hairs and generally butchering my face with the KoS Azor! :mad:

I'm a bit unsure on the cream/gel part. I've always used gels in the past with standard or fancy disposables, never used cream or a brush.

What's the simplest/quickest solution in general? Can you get away with gels and DE safety razor, or will it cause problems?
 
The creams I have used are Bluebeards Revenge & Taylors of Bond street, in all honesty they are great but you could just as well use some shaving foam. The main benefit of a brush & cream is that it softens the beard & helps make it ready for shaving, I'm told it exfoliates too but I'm too manly for that.....

I've only been at this a few months now, best thing I ever bought though & I won't be going back to a cartridge razor ever again.
 
Hi there

I used my new Feather Razor Blades yesterday, compared to the other two I've previously used (Merkur & Derby) they're really sharp! I ordered a selection of different types in order to allow me to eventually choose which one best suits me. :p

Also, how do you guys dispose of your old blades? I didn't want to simply put mine in the bin as they'll easily cut through a black bin liner. Ended up putting them into empty drinks cans and disposing of them that way.
 
To dispose of my old blades I use one of the white plastic container things that they come in, it can hold quite a few blunt blades and protects bin bags from getting cut. Just make sure you take the new blades out through the little opening rather than breaking open one of the sides fully, otherwise all the old blades can just slide out.
 
Curunen said:
Ok I've had a read through part of this thread and think I'm going to take the plunge for either the merkur 34c or 33c with some feather blades. Well it's more of a necessity since I've got nothing to use and sick of pulling at hairs and generally butchering my face with the KoS Azor! :mad:

I'm a bit unsure on the cream/gel part. I've always used gels in the past with standard or fancy disposables, never used cream or a brush.

What's the simplest/quickest solution in general? Can you get away with gels and DE safety razor, or will it cause problems?
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Good call on the Merkur Curunen - I have the 34c myself and I can assure you once tried this you'll never go back to your old razor. Can't really comment on the gels as I've only used soap with a badgers hair brush so far. I would say don't just buy one type of blade though, try a few - Feather in particular I've found phenomenally sharp compared to others which led me to a few more nicks and a slight rash. :(


Dist said:
To dispose of my old blades I use one of the white plastic container things that they come in, it can hold quite a few blunt blades and protects bin bags from getting cut. Just make sure you take the new blades out through the little opening rather than breaking open one of the sides fully, otherwise all the old blades can just slide out.
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Thanks for the advice Dist - I never actually thought of putting them back in the holders they come in. :o
 
Dist said:
To dispose of my old blades I use one of the white plastic container things that they come in, it can hold quite a few blunt blades and protects bin bags from getting cut. Just make sure you take the new blades out through the little opening rather than breaking open one of the sides fully, otherwise all the old blades can just slide out.
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I just wrap the old one in the paper wrapping the new one is in, then fold/snap them in half twice, so only one side is the blade, although its now nicely wrapped in paper, then pop them in the bin.
 
Dist said:
To dispose of my old blades I use one of the white plastic container things that they come in, it can hold quite a few blunt blades and protects bin bags from getting cut. Just make sure you take the new blades out through the little opening rather than breaking open one of the sides fully, otherwise all the old blades can just slide out.
Click to expand...

You do realise there's a slot on the bottom for you to put used blades in :p
 
liquidex said:
Thinking of getting one of these to try. Anyone owned both an Edwin Jagger DE89L and a Merkur 33c or 34c for comparison?
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I have both and they're both extremely nice to use. The EJ is obviously a lot bigger but in terms of use they are quite similar. Both great for beginners.

I like the EJ slightly more as its so damn nice to look at, and hey its English made... :)
 
I'll save my blades up then take them to work in a tin to be disposed of in the "sharps" bin, right now they are in the bottom of the little plastic box they come in.

The Feathers are sharp, very very sharp but the shave I'm getting is worth it, so far not even a nick. going to try an Astra blade next though, just for a change.

So far I've tried the following blades

Merkur - Really tugged & didn't feel great, still better than my M3 but the shave felt rough even although the final result was ok. 6/10

Derby Extra - A good smooth shave & a pretty sharp blade, this is the one most places tell you to start with. 8/10

Feather - These are sharper than a very sharp thing on pointy day, incredibly close shave. I was terrified when using this blade due to it's scary rep for leaving blokes in tatters, so far my blade of choice for my 34c HD 9/10....well I don't know what the Astra blades will be like so I can't give them 10 lol.

I've read loads on blades/ razor combos, the one thing that seems to be a common statement is that it is personal preference which you use, I'm very happy with the 34c/feather combo but perhaps it isn't for the next guy. I guess that is half the fun of this type of shaving.
 
I'm using a Merkur 38C and started off with Derby blades that came with it. I could not believe how much better than a cartridge system it was for me. I've just bought and have started a pack of Wilkinson blades from Boots and I'm getting some good shaves out of them and no nicks or burn at all.

Prep wise I only shave after a shower & I'm using a thin layer of King of Shaves gel massaged into the beard and not too stiff soap foam on top,Taylors of London. For me the key is to keep the beard moisturised throughout the shave,not to rush, remember to shave in the direction of the hair growth and to try and not remove huge swathes of beard with each pass.
 
I have gone with the following

Groom Mate Platinum XL Plus Nose and Ear Hair Trimmer - Groom Mate

Leather Case for Merkur Futur 700, Merkur 38C and Merkur Progress - Merkur
Merkur 38C Barber Pole Safety Razor - Merkur of Solingen

Proraso Pre Shave Cream - 100ml - Proraso
Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream (150 g) - Taylor of Old Bond Street

30 Feather Hi-Stainless Double Edged Razor Blades - Feather
Escali 100% Pure Badger Shaving Brush - GFT

Total: £106

I read most this thread so based the order on what was recommended.
 
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