***The Official Manly Shaving Thread***

Gotta really flex your different face muscles to get the chin nice and taught. Has taken me 5 or 6 shaves but I'm starting to get decent at it now.

This might sound obvious, but I find with the chin especially, it helps to only attack with say 1/3 of the razor edge. As in don't try and make contact with the full length of the razor, as that area is generally too contoured.

Pay a lot of attention to the angle of the razor as you go over the jaw line too, it's really important there. The general advice is 30 degrees, but I've no idea how that's supposed to be any help unless you have someone next to you with a magic protractor. Just go very slow as George says and do what feels right.
 
Stev said:
Been suffering from spots caused by shaving lately, wether I use my catridge razor or electric foil razor, so decided to try out a DE safety razor, wet my feet with a wilkinsons sword jobby from boots, a few shaves in and im not getting spots anymore!

Might have to delve into different blades and such to find my fit!

Edit: just gotta work out how to do my chin as im scared to go near it :D
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This is the reason I DE shave too.
 
dl8860 said:
Gotta really flex your different face muscles to get the chin nice and taught.
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I once read a really good tip on a forum, Badger & Blade perhaps, where the poster said in response to a question from someone new to DE shaving, "Each time you shave and you can't quite get that angle, imagine your face is Jim Carey's face".

I'm paraphrasing but I feel the point stands.
 
Flamin wusses :P Get a Slant Bar like mine! Great to see this thread alive and well after so long.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/2525-Merkur-Slant-Bar

Been using this for a good few years now and it has always provided me with a solid shave. For the past 6 months I've been working through my backup set of less popular DE blades like Derby Extra's and Supermax Platinums. I thought I was losing my skill for some reason as I found I had to make about 3 passes just to get a smooth finish.

Recently got new stock of Feathers, Gillette 7'O Clock Yellows and the sudden difference is so startling with these two packs. I am back to two passes and the shave is very smooth. Also purchased the Proraso stuff above and now understand why it is such a respected brand.
 
Could anyone recommend me equipment which will keep a very sharp shape-up?

I am looking to keep my beard very neat, similar to barber standard shape-ups?

If someone could spec me some equipment i would be very thankful.

Thanks!
 
Ashley Jordan said:
Could anyone recommend me equipment which will keep a very sharp shape-up?

I am looking to keep my beard very neat, similar to barber standard shape-ups?

If someone could spec me some equipment i would be very thankful.

Thanks!
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Suggested first time razors etc are in the first post.

Or do what I did. Read the whole thread and then jump straight in with a Merkur Gold Futur!
If I going to bleed, I'll do it with style. :D

Actually I chose the Futur because, after reading the whole thread, I realised that some shavers are more aggressive than others. With the Futur I can adjust how aggressive it it.
The only other adjustables I know of are the Merkur Progress and Vision and a classic Gillette. Some people have customised the Progress by replacing the plastic knob with a metal one.
 
Why aren't there more adjustable razors around?

Also, what exactly is being adjusted? Is it the exposure of the blade, or the angle of the blade in relation to the rest of the razor?
 
dl8860 said:
Why aren't there more adjustable razors around?
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Lack of demand and cost, I suspect.

Also, what exactly is being adjusted? Is it the exposure of the blade, or the angle of the blade in relation to the rest of the razor?
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A bit of both.
Normally when the blade is clamped, it's curved so the sharp edge bends toward the feather.
An adjustable changes the amount the blade is curved. On a low (mild) setting the blade is bent more and the edge is nearer the feather. On a high (aggresive) setting, the blade is flatter and the gap between the edge and the feather is greater.
There is a youtube video that shows this, but I can't remember which.

Found it, from about 4:30 on.
 
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Tomsk said:
Suggested first time razors etc are in the first post.

Or do what I did. Read the whole thread and then jump straight in with a Merkur Gold Futur!
If I going to bleed, I'll do it with style. :D

Actually I chose the Futur because, after reading the whole thread, I realised that some shavers are more aggressive than others. With the Futur I can adjust how aggressive it it.
The only other adjustables I know of are the Merkur Progress and Vision and a classic Gillette. Some people have customised the Progress by replacing the plastic knob with a metal one.
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I don't think a DE is what i am looking for? correct me if i am wrong.

I am trying to shape up the existing beard to make it sharp, would a cutthroat type of blade be better? if not let me know:)

thanks again
 
Ashley Jordan said:
I don't think a DE is what i am looking for? correct me if i am wrong.

I am trying to shape up the existing beard to make it sharp, would a cutthroat type of blade be better? if not let me know:)

thanks again
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Wouldn't an electric beard trimmer be a better choice? Completely uninformed question from me - I've never had a beard ;)
 
Blades are personal choice, but favorites for starters are Derby and Astra Platinum, among many others. Proraso shaving cream is very popular and affordable, along with Palmolive shaving sticks (tesco 50p).

DOVO shavettes have a good reputation, parker not so much, and bluebeards revenge is a good affordable option.
 
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