***The Official Manly Shaving Thread***

Swarfega said:
Going from a Derby to a Feather must feel like a massive leap. I like the Feathers but find them too sharp at times. Astra's let me shave with haste where Feathers will cut me to pieces.
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Astras are pretty great blades at being sharp but not obnoxiously sharp like a freshly unwrapped Feather. I use them on holiday but prefer the Feathers for the working week.
 
ok so i've been out and bought a DE razor and all the bits to go with.

it's a very nice shave, not fast but feels good.

i however no fail every morning chop my face to bits. my cheeks are perfect, never knicked. but my chin, every morning, blood.

is it the blades? i bought a bundle that included "40 Israeli Made Double Edge Razor Blades"

also, i got some bluebeards revenge shave cream, i've almost run out after about 2 weeks of shaving! is this normal? does anybody have a recommendation for some others to try?

sorry for all the questions!
 
Footyslayer said:
Had my 2nd DE shave last night, 4 days after my first. I am looking to shave twice a week ideally.

This time around I have considerably less irritation, I only went WTG anfd XTG. This left a lot of patches where I could feel stubble and I wasn't completely happy with how close of a shave it was, even this morning I could see stubbly areas because of this.

My neck still has red-ness and spots from my first shave but I am hoping this will go eventually if I don't shave against the grain.
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I always do a 3rd pass against the grain but never on the neck area always with.
 
stuman said:
i however no fail every morning chop my face to bits. my cheeks are perfect, never knicked. but my chin, every morning, blood.

is it the blades? i bought a bundle that included "40 Israeli Made Double Edge Razor Blades"
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Different blades suit different faces. Get the sample pack and try a few different ones to see if any are more forgiving for you.

Regarding the chin, mine is weird. I still use a Fusion Power if I'm shaving in the morning, but the first pass I do (across the chin) it simply can't do without cutting me. Most of the DE blades are happy to do this (if I take my time), then for the 2nd pass I go top to bottom, which the Gillette deals with perfectly fine. Like I say, it's different for everyone, but try some different blades.


stuman said:
also, i got some bluebeards revenge shave cream, i've almost run out after about 2 weeks of shaving! is this normal? does anybody have a recommendation for some others to try?
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A tub? Are you lathering in the tub? Just dab the brush in, get a bit on the end then lather on your face (which has the added benefit of further warming the face and softening the bristles. A ~200g tub should last for months. I've had my Truefitt and Hill since August and it's still got 1/3 left (though I occasionally use some Palmolive if I'm not going anywhere or shaving the night before).
 
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I'm looking at buying a decent single bladed razor as my current "5 blade" system is looking like it is leaving me with ingrown hairs.

I've got sensitive skin and don't really want to spend above £50.. I'm looking at stuff around £35 at the minute.. What do people recommend?

Also.. blades wise.. any advice??
 
I'd go with something like this:-

Razor - Vintage Gillette Tech or something New (£5-25?)
Brush - Semogue Owners Club Boar (£25?)
Blades - Astra SP (smooth and sharp) (£1.50 for 5 or pack of 100 around £8 delivered ebay)
Cream - Palmolive (£1.80 supermarket)
Soap stick - Palmolive (50p supermarket)
Witch Hazel - (£2 supermarket)
Styptic pencil - for when you nick yourself (£2 superdrug)

Slightly over, if you get a new razor or loads of blades, but i'd rather get a good brush and a cheaper cream/soap and go from there.

There are too many options out there for each of these things!
 
Progress Vulfix 660 Pure Badger Shaving Brush - £16.50
Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic - £30
Proraso Shaving Cream Jar (150ml) - £5.50
Astra Superior Platinum - £8

This is basically my setup which I started out with. I tried another razor, other blades
and creams but find this one the best (and cheapest :p).

Don't scrimp on the razor IMO.
 
Thinking I might go with a 38c as the handle of the 34c looks short.

I'm going to mix and match from the two posts above.

Do I need stuff for maintenance of the razor etc?

I only shave once a week.. Twice at a push..
 
Damn this thread is long!

I've been shaving with a DE Merkur 34c 4 years now and in that time found what soap/blades I like.

I've been thinking about going to the 'next step' and getting a cut throat/straight razor. I don't know if its because I want a change or just want something new/different.

Looking for one you sharpen on a strop and that I can keep my face intact when I starting using it.

Any suggestions?
 
stuman said:
i however no fail every morning chop my face to bits. my cheeks are perfect, never knicked. but my chin, every morning, blood.

is it the blades? i bought a bundle that included "40 Israeli Made Double Edge Razor Blades"

also, i got some bluebeards revenge shave cream, i've almost run out after about 2 weeks of shaving! is this normal? does anybody have a recommendation for some others to try?
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You'll improve with practice, remember: no pressure on the blade! Nice blades might help, some of the Personna's are made in Israel, but sounds a bit dodgy.

Bluebeards does come in a smaller tub, but it should still last way longer than that.

In terms of bang for your buck, as well as performance, it's hard to arugue with Proraso (tube or tub).
 
I highly rate the Israeli Made Double Edge Razor Blades, they are very smooth and clean blades for me. I highly recommend Mitchells wool fat soap too, it is a ***** to lather until you get a feel for it and then it is like heaven, lasts an absolute age and is so creamy.
 
hey guy's

I have been using a cheap classic plastic safety razor along with feather blades for a good 6 months now, its worked out cheaper than mach 3 blades and gives a good shave. I still use a regular shaving gel in a can from the supermarket etc.

Is it really worth investing in upgrading my razor and getting a brush and proper soap etc? how much of a difference will it really make? I really have no idea where to start or how much to invest is What can i get for like £100?
 
No idea as I went straight to a 34C HD. They are £25 today at Traditional Shaving (£30 usually).
I'd say get the 34C and get the other bits as you need them. I brought some ToBS cream, a brush and the 34C HD two years ago. I'm still using the same setup now and more than happy.
 
I'd say definitely go for a brush and decent soap. If you don't want to spend much a stick of palmolive from super drug is around £2. A decent brush can be had for around £25.

Razors are subjective. If your current one works for you then that's great.
 
Mrs Punt bought me a badger hair brush last christmas. With a decent soap (I like Geo F Trumper), this creates a nice thick creamy lather with very little effort.
 
woofercooker said:
Is it really worth investing in upgrading my razor and getting a brush and proper soap etc? how much of a difference will it really make? I really have no idea where to start or how much to invest is What can i get for like £100?
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If you just want to dip you toe in the water, pick up a stick of Palmolive (49p) and a Wilkinson Sword bristle brush (£3.20), both of which are available in my local Asda (other supermarkets are available).

If you want to go a bit more serious:

Edwin Jagger DE89 - £20-25
Blades (the razor will probably come with some): £1.50+
Brush:
+ Badger - £20+
+ Boar will do a good job too - £10 (look at the Omegas)
Cream -
+ Proraso - £6
+ Taylor of Old Bond St - £8-10

So you should be able to get up and running for well under £50, and you can always upgrade as you go if you enjoy it.
 
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