***The Official Manly Shaving Thread***

[Bickaxe]

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?

I used to think shaving was a chore when I used Mach 3 cartridge style razors. I shave 2 or 3 times a week in the evening usually and it only takes 15 mins at the most. How long does it take with a disposable face wrecker?

You are missing out. I think I would have spent around £150 on cartridge blades in the last 2 years alone. Shaving gel was £4 a can (I can't remember) and that was only 4 times a year.
Shaving cream can be pricey but using a good brush its much better experience. Current spend is around £110 all in (4 pots of shave cream so far and still have some blades from original order)

Go for it, you'll save money and be better looking

 

[this_is_gav]

I still maintain that the Gillette ProGlide gives me a slightly better shave and a quicker shave. I find it worse on the chin, but better everywhere else.

Obviously there's still the issue of cost, but if I'm having a shave before going out somewhere I'll pick up the ProGlide every time (or a combination of both if there's time). If I'm not going anywhere then I go feather (the better suited of the sample pack to me).

 

[Tomsk]

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?

Go for it.
A Wilkinson Classic razor and blades for ~£6
A brush for ~£3
A soap stick for ~£1
Probably cheaper than a pack of cartridge blades.

 

[J.T]

I just switched from a modern razor with disposable heads to a Shavette, never going back shaving now feels like an art form and I actually enjoy the whole ritual of it!

 

[dl8860]

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?

The question you have to ask yourself is, are you willing to spend a bit of time and effort to learn how to do it properly. There are loads of people that splash out on a new razor, a brush and some shaving cream expecting it to be a walk in the park and just as quick as cartridge shaving and to immediately get a better shave. And lots of people are disappointed. But if you are willing to spend some time learning how to make a proper lather and what angle/how much pressure/which blades best suit you, then it is a really good experience by any measure. I love it.

Currently have a merkur 33C, a best badger brush, and I alternate between using this, and the popular Taylor of old Bond street sandalwood cream. I face lather for both, saves a whole load of mess.

 

[chipperhead]

The question you have to ask yourself is, are you willing to spend a bit of time and effort to learn how to do it properly. There are loads of people that splash out on a new razor, a brush and some shaving cream expecting it to be a walk in the park and just as quick as cartridge shaving and to immediately get a better shave. And lots of people are disappointed. But if you are willing to spend some time learning how to make a proper lather and what angle/how much pressure/which blades best suit you, then it is a really good experience by any measure. I love it.

Currently have a merkur 33C, a best badger brush, and I alternate between using this, and the popular Taylor of old Bond street sandalwood cream. I face lather for both, saves a whole load of mess.

Right I'm going to give it a go.
When you say face lather to save on mess, what does that mean?

Also I'm currently in Turkey, I read somewhere in this thread about ordering shaving items from Turkey, is it worth shopping for stuff whilst I'm here anyone?

 

[dl8860]

When you say face lather to save on mess, what does that mean?

So instead of using a bowl, you create the lather on your face.

So with the shave stick, I paint the soap onto my face (have to soak the end of the stick for about 20 sec in hot water to get it nice and slippy), then take a slightly moist brush and just start lathering, works great.

Or with shave cream (or anything else that's not a convenient stick), you want to wet your face, then get a load of the cream in your brush, then just start rubbing it on your face. Instant lather.

The final upside is that more face-brush action = more bristle raising, so arguably a better shave.

 

[spaceman]

Also I'm currently in Turkey, I read somewhere in this thread about ordering shaving items from Turkey, is it worth shopping for stuff whilst I'm here anyone?

Grab a few of the shaving soap sticks, if they are cheap locally.

Arko, Derby etc..

They are very good soaps, the scents aren't great but they are very good to shave with.

There are some others, have a look on www.bestshave.net to see what to look out for.

 

[this_is_gav]

I face lather for both, saves a whole load of mess.

The true tip for face lathering has got nothing to do with mess - it's about keeping the face warm and ensuring the lather gets to the root of the hairs.

 

[chipperhead]

Thanks for all the advice, much appreciated

 

[Somnambulist]

Nick'll show you how to do it.

Annnnyway, I've finally got all my kit together - razor, brush, stick (hence finding that video), alum block, stypic pencil and razors...

With the razors, I ended up getting a variety pack off eBay since the ones on the site I got my razor etc on were out of stock. I have...

2 x Feather HI-Stainless
2 x Gillette 7 O'Clock Sharpedge (Yellow)
2 x Gillette 7 O'Clock Permasharp Stainless (Green)
2 x Supermax Stainless
2 x Supermax Blue Diamond
2 x Astra Superior Platinum
2 x Wilkinson Sword
2 x Dorco Platinum ST-301
2 x Shark Super Chrome
2 x Personna Platinum
2 x Shark Stainless
2 x Astra Superior Stainless
2 x Derby
2 x Polsilver Super Iridium
2 x Laser Ultra Triple Coated

I'm guessing start with the Derby's and save the Feather's till I'm competent, but would anyone be kind enough (or scold me for being too lazy) to give a rough idea of which ones are more forgiving, which are like surgical scalpels etc?

 

[spaceman]

Derby or Astra's would be a good place to start.

Astra SP's, Polsilver SI's and 7 O'Clock Black are my favourite blades, all are sharp and smooth.

 

[Somnambulist]

Cheers. I'll start with the Derbys and work my way up!

 

[antc]

I have been dipping in and out of this thread for a good few months now and have taken the plunge to see if I like this way of shaving. I have just ordered the following to see how I get on -

Wilkinson Sword classic with 5 blades
Shaving Factory mug and medium brush
Arko soap in a bowl.
Alum Pencil

Quite looking forward to trying it out as I have never shaved this way before, always used things like Gillette Fusion ProGlide etc and an electric razor.

Wish me luck

Any tips also would be greatly appreciated.

 

[CJonny]

Bought myself a Simpsons Chubby 2 super badger last week and it is amazing. The hair is so thick and tightly packed and gives a really great lather. One of the best investments iv made on the shaving front.

 

[Bickaxe]

I have been dipping in and out of this thread for a good few months now and have taken the plunge to see if I like this way of shaving. I have just ordered the following to see how I get on -

Wilkinson Sword classic with 5 blades
Shaving Factory mug and medium brush
Arko soap in a bowl.
Alum Pencil

Quite looking forward to trying it out as I have never shaved this way before, always used things like Gillette Fusion ProGlide etc and an electric razor.

Wish me luck

Any tips also would be greatly appreciated.

Hot water, pre shave oil/balm, lather on face.
Pass 1: Shave with the grain (WTG) first grain = direction of stubble growth) don't go over the bit more than twice.
Lather again.
Pass 2: Shave across the grain (XTG) or against the grain (ATG)
Lather
Pass 3: Optional XTG or ATG
Cold water rinse
Alum bloc or pencil
Nod approvingly in mirror
Rinse brush and clean razor and sink

Above all, take your time, especially on the awkward bits (under nose, chin, Adams apple)
1st time took me 30 mins, now it's just 15 mins.

 

[Somnambulist]

I didn't die. Bit of neck rash where I was over eager but I did buy a Futur which is an aggressive razor with a learning curve... dat sound though as it strips the hair off!.

Cheeks were dead easy and despite the large head I managed to get under my nose done ok. Neck is a pain as the hair grows in about 10 directions. Should have realised the alum block would sting as well. Only had a couple of blots to poke with the pencil.

Not baby smooth but I went with the Derby's just to be on the safe side and didn't do tons of passes. Overall I give myself a 6.5/10 for a first attempt and can only get better...

 

[RoboCod]

A few tips always come to mind for anyone starting out.

Take your time, don't expect perfect results instantly, develop your technique and you will aquire an ultimate shave.

 

[GiraffePencils]

I don't know how,
But I've got into the habit of dry shaving with my DE,
I seem to get a closer shave in a third of the time.

 

[ci_newman]

I don't know how,
But I've got into the habit of dry shaving with my DE,
I seem to get a closer shave in a third of the time.

My face would be ripped to shreds if I tried a dry shave