***The Official Manly Shaving Thread***

ci_newman said:
My face would be ripped to shreds if I tried a dry shave :eek::eek:
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haha, I found a light hand and a sharp blade, while pulling the skin taught it goes quite well.

Can't imagine it does the blades any good, but bulk buying them I have a ton and not shanked myself yet :p

EDIT:
Also I've got a light growth really, I'm not an everyday shaver.
Twice a week really
 
The barbershops don't tend to overly wet the face. Hot, damp towel, but then they pat the face down after applying it, only using a bit of the pre-shave oil to lubricate the face. It's kind of between where I am (wet face) and a fully dry face.


Bickaxe said:
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.
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Don't try across the grain at first as you will cut yourself, suffer from razor burn or even suffer in-grown hairs.

It's something to try down the line perhaps once your technique improves, but many can't take against the grain at all. Across the grain is the happy medium.
 
Thanks for the tips! My bits should arrive in the next couple of days so looking forward to giving it a whirl and trying out your suggestions! I will report back so long as I don't manage to slit my throat ! :)
 
Looking for an electric shaver that's not gonna go blunt after a few uses and also has more than 2-3 adjustable length settings. Willing to spend up to £80. Thanks :)
 
Just got my delivery from Connaught shaving, going to try my first ever shave with a safety razor, I expect the Styptic Pencil is going to get a bit of use :)

Think I'll try the Astra blades first and work my way up to the Feathers.

Parker 26C Open Comb Safety Razor
OMEGA Alum Block
Popular Blade Sample Pack
SAL Styptic Pencil
TOOBS Shaving Cream Jermyn St Collection
The Real Shaving Co. Shaving Cream Tube

parker.jpg
 
Looks good. I'd definitely say that the feathers are the best blades but it's probably sensible you work your way up to them. I'm not sure you'll get much use out of the derbys, I personally think they're rubbish now compared to the feathers and astras.

How come you didn't go for a shaving brush?
 
Well my initial sample set of blades has lasted me pretty much an entire year. :eek:

About time to get some more ordered. I enjoyed the Wilkinson Sword and the Lord blades. I think ill give the Gillettes and Feathers a try as they were OOS when I initially ordered.
 
After ditching my cartridge razor, becoming beardless (:( :( ), and moving to a DE razor, I seldom nick myself now and am left with a wonderful clean shave. Even with my "can see the stubble growing" facial hair, I can nearly get away with not shaving every day.

It does take a little longer, but it is so much more enjoyable.

I don't have balms or oils or anything, just shaving cream so that's probably why it doesn't take me very long.
 
nicktay2605 said:
Looks good. I'd definitely say that the feathers are the best blades but it's probably sensible you work your way up to them. I'm not sure you'll get much use out of the derbys, I personally think they're rubbish now compared to the feathers and astras.

How come you didn't go for a shaving brush?
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I had an old synthetic Wilkinson Sword brush that I've had for years, I'll treat myself to a nice badger one in time.

And the results from my first attempt:

Firstly I was surprised at the weight of the razor, a lot heavier than I thought and it felt very alien in my hands, it felt clumsy but by the end feeling more natural.

It was smooth and felt good to shave with, my face and chin wasn't a problem but I struggled with my neck. When I finished I realised I'd missed a few places and I lit my neck up either side of my adams apple, it looked like a runway with red lights but all very minor.
The Alum block felt strange, quite tingly and the Stypic pencil stopped the bleeds.

All in a good experience and looking forward to my next go and trying other blades.
 
Pull your skin about to navigate around the awkward areas such as your apple. Did you do three passes? With, across and against the grain?
 
Yep the old Gillette DE razors were generally excellent. You'd have to research more into that specific model as I don't know much more on that one. The thing with the vintage razors is you have to check the condition. If it is mint/unused then great but if it has been used you need to be sure the locking mechanism, plating and general condition of the razor is up to scratch. Some of the vintage models command a high price.

A quick look at the 15 and it appears to not be adjustable. Personally I'd want an adjustable vintage Gillette.
 
nicktay2605 said:
Looks good. I'd definitely say that the feathers are the best blades but it's probably sensible you work your way up to them. I'm not sure you'll get much use out of the derbys, I personally think they're rubbish now compared to the feathers and astras.
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I agree about the Derby 5 blades, the Personna Platinums are loads better but I'm yet to try any others.

Can anyone recommend any sample packs other, is the one on the OP worth it? My beard grows rather wiry so some that could slice through barbed wire would be good :D

I've been tempted to join one of the shaving sub boxes but don't know if they'll be worth it.
 
I bought a sample pack from the 'rain forest'. I tried a few different blades but once I'd tried the feathers I binned the rest of the sample pack and bought a load of feathers.

They are awesome! I paid around 15p per blade; at that price I can afford a new blade each shave, admittedly I only shave once or twice a week, but still a gazillion times cheaper and so much better than a gillette dohickey!
 
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