The Official Manly Shaving Thread

Somnambulist · 15 Jul 2015 at 17:43

Right, I really need to get started on this.

FWIW I generally only shave once a week because work are very lax about facial hair and I'm equally lazy, so I need a decent beard trimmer that will knock the stubble down to something managable for the razor then razor-wise, are the ones listed in the OP still the defacto starter ones a couple of years on?

Bickaxe · 15 Jul 2015 at 17:50

I would say the OP still contains valid and current info, not much changes. Reviews will help on various sites.

spaceman · 15 Jul 2015 at 20:00

Somnambulist said:
Right, I really need to get started on this.

FWIW I generally only shave once a week because work are very lax about facial hair and I'm equally lazy, so I need a decent beard trimmer that will knock the stubble down to something managable for the razor then razor-wise, are the ones listed in the OP still the defacto starter ones a couple of years on?

No need for a beard trimmer, just buy an open comb razor then don't clog up like safety bar razors.

Frozennova · 15 Jul 2015 at 20:06

spaceman said:
No need for a beard trimmer, just buy an open comb razor then don't clog up like safety bar razors.

This

I can get through a weeks growth with an EJ DE89 and a decent blade

seabiscuit · 15 Jul 2015 at 21:02

I bought the Vulfix 660 (as listed in post 02) about8-10 months ago. I've tried not to scrub it into soaps/creams, but it's started shedding 10-20 bristles most shaves, although MrsS has just said I scrub my face with it. Hmmm. I've tended to soak it in warm water for a bit before using it, so hairs shouldn't be brittle to snap. At this rate by christmas it'll look like Richard O'Brien.
I have got a Prorasso brush I can use, but I don't know what critter the hairs of that came from, but it's certainly much coarser than the badger.
At the end of the day, I can always replace the badger one, but a bit reluctant to get something 2-3 it's price if it's maybe my technique thats slowly killing it.

Mrs Seabiscuit · 15 Jul 2015 at 22:21

seabiscuit said:
I bought the Vulfix 660 (as listed in post 02) about8-10 months ago. I've tried not to scrub it into soaps/creams, but it's started shedding 10-20 bristles most shaves, although MrsS has just said I scrub my face with it. Hmmm. I've tended to soak it in warm water for a bit before using it, so hairs shouldn't be brittle to snap. At this rate by christmas it'll look like Richard O'Brien.
I have got a Prorasso brush I can use, but I don't know what critter the hairs of that came from, but it's certainly much coarser than the badger.
At the end of the day, I can always replace the badger one, but a bit reluctant to get something 2-3 it's price if it's maybe my technique thats slowly killing it.

Meh get a better brush you tightwad! :mad:

dl8860 · 15 Jul 2015 at 23:17

seabiscuit said:
I bought the Vulfix 660 (as listed in post 02) about8-10 months ago. I've tried not to scrub it into soaps/creams, but it's started shedding 10-20 bristles most shaves, although MrsS has just said I scrub my face with it. Hmmm. I've tended to soak it in warm water for a bit before using it, so hairs shouldn't be brittle to snap. At this rate by christmas it'll look like Richard O'Brien.
I have got a Prorasso brush I can use, but I don't know what critter the hairs of that came from, but it's certainly much coarser than the badger.
At the end of the day, I can always replace the badger one, but a bit reluctant to get something 2-3 it's price if it's maybe my technique thats slowly killing it.

Is that the entirety of the brush? I read somewhere that if the knot is soaked in hot water it can melt the glue, resulting in much shedding of hairs

Somnambulist · 16 Jul 2015 at 09:13

spaceman said:
No need for a beard trimmer, just buy an open comb razor then don't clog up like safety bar razors.

Ta.

TBH I really like the aesthetic of the satin Futur... probably excessive for a first razor but I like that it's adjustable and I have expensive taste. :rolleyes:

BeeP · 16 Jul 2015 at 09:32

seabiscuit said:
I bought the Vulfix 660 (as listed in post 02) about8-10 months ago. I've tried not to scrub it into soaps/creams, but it's started shedding 10-20 bristles most shaves, although MrsS has just said I scrub my face with it. Hmmm. I've tended to soak it in warm water for a bit before using it, so hairs shouldn't be brittle to snap. At this rate by christmas it'll look like Richard O'Brien.
I have got a Prorasso brush I can use, but I don't know what critter the hairs of that came from, but it's certainly much coarser than the badger.
At the end of the day, I can always replace the badger one, but a bit reluctant to get something 2-3 it's price if it's maybe my technique thats slowly killing it.

I only soak the bristles, I try to keep the handle part out of the water as I've heard that soaking the glue can loosen it an lose hairs, my cheapish pure badger hardly loses any hair this way.

A Futur for a 1st razor would be great, I gave mine to my step son to get him started and he adores it now......he steals all my soap and blades too though. I did find the Furur a but aggressive even on its lowest setting so I went back to my HD34c.

Somnambulist · 16 Jul 2015 at 09:58

My facial hair is aggressive, so maybe it will be a good match!

spaceman · 16 Jul 2015 at 10:02

Somnambulist said:
Ta.

TBH I really like the aesthetic of the satin Futur... probably excessive for a first razor but I like that it's adjustable and I have expensive taste.

I've not tried a Futur, the size of the head makes me think it would be more awkward to use than other razors.

I use this Above The Tie razor most of the time Clicky. It's a satin finish as well, but made from stainless steel.

BeeP · 16 Jul 2015 at 10:14

GULP! Razor porn there.

Tomsk · 16 Jul 2015 at 13:23

Mrs Seabiscuit said:
Meh get a better brush you tightwad!

You didn't get that Mr. S is hinting for a birthday/Christmas pressie.

Tomsk · 16 Jul 2015 at 13:26

Somnambulist said:
Ta.

TBH I really like the aesthetic of the satin Futur... probably excessive for a first razor but I like that it's adjustable and I have expensive taste.

I got a gold Futur as a first razor.

spaceman said:
I've not tried a Futur, the size of the head makes me think it would be more awkward to use than other razors.

The Futur head is rather large. I use a Wilkinson Classic to trim the one or two bristles right under my nose.

Swarfega · 16 Jul 2015 at 15:46

I used to use a beard trimmer to shorten lengthy stubble, now with a DE I don't bother. Depending on the length you can get some pulling though. A decent sharp blade usually mights light work of it for me though.

Tomsk · 20 Jul 2015 at 22:30

I'm going to London for a few days and decided to see what shaving shops there are.
Found this video

The three shops featured are all around Jermyn Street & Piccadilly Arcade

Tomsk · 25 Jul 2015 at 23:24

Back from my little excursion to Jermyn street.

Got a Merkur 15C and some peppermint shaving cream from Taylors.
Also got a 34C, Super badger brush, Lavender shaving cream, a selection of blades and a stand as a gift to introduce my cousin to DE shaving.

Had my first shave with the 15C. It's very mild, almost as mild as the Wilkinson Classic. It might replace my Futur as my regular shaver.
It's cheap too at less than £25 online and would make a good first shaver. The 25C (long handle) and 41C ('Classic' design handle) have the same head and similarly priced.

chipperhead · 26 Jul 2015 at 21:39

Up until a few months ago I only used an electric shaver but with pretty poor results.
I have now switched to wet shaving, currently using disposable Wilkinson and Gillette razors.

I've often popped into this thread to have a browse and it does interest me switching to the products mentioned in this thread but a few things put me off such as, cutting my face to pieces, the increased time it takes and am I right in thinking these are more for people who enjoy shaving as I find it a chore.

Would I just be better sticking to disposables and Gillette Fusion type razors or am I missing out?

kingy666 · 26 Jul 2015 at 22:55

I switched from using mach 3's and other expensive cartridge multi blades a couple of months ago. I bought a Edwin Jagger DE89 and some feather, Astra green, and Wilkinson sword blades. I have to say I am now loving this way of shaving even though I had a bit of concern when I started due to rash and nicking myself until i got the method right.

I really like the Wilkinson sword blades with the DE89 as this combination is just so smooth and gives a close shave. When i started DE shaving i was using Palmolive cream which is really cheap and seems a nice cream but now i use 'The shaving company shaving gel' that i bought from home and bargains for £1.29 and much prefer this type of gel as your face just stays slick after each pass by just rubbing a bit more water in your stubble. Using shaving gel is also a lot quicker as you just wet your face and rub it in so no need to lather up and work it into your stubble and then cleaning brushes and bowls.

If you have never tried gel then give it a go if you can find some decent stuff.

SonniLombardi · 26 Jul 2015 at 23:04

I've got a Philips HQ6970 which I've had now for about 6 years. the blades are not as good as they were so will need to invest in a new one soon, but it still does the job. I mainly just use the trimmer on it and leave a bit of stubble.

I got a straight razor too which I use now and again depending on occasion.

***The Official Manly Shaving Thread***

The Official Manly Shaving Thread