Are there any definites in wet-shaving? Something that doesn't end in YMMV?

[Krona Kruiser]

The hobby of wet-shaving is popular and on-going because of the variety of products to choose from and experiment with. Everyone has their preferred blades, razors, aftershaves, creams/soaps, etc. However, are there any definite answers or things to agree on that won't end in YMMV? Using phrases like this is better or that's the best starts debates, which is great because everyone is passionate about one product or another.
Are there any things that are definite? Here's a small list of things that I think everyone can agree upon. Come up with your lists.
-Feathers are the sharpest DE blades on the market
-Muhle and EJ have superior plating compared to Merkur
-Omega and Semogue make the best boar brushes
Any thoughts?........

 

[Uncle Brian]

We all bleed red

 

[Cochese2323]

It will save you money

 

[musicman1951]

Yes - unless you're a professional barber the face you shave will probably be your own.

 

[Ilnones]

The blade is absolutely essential. Although if my beard suddently disappeared, I don't think I could give up lathering with Proraso soap.

 

[vreddy2000]

-Feathers are the sharpest DE blades on the market

sharpest? no.
.as sharp as any other blade..yes..

so yes...definitely no definites
but then YMMV..

was it einstein?
who said.."there is an exception to every rule including this" ..

 

[dgerson]

Shaving removes hair from your body?

 

[Nova316]

Shaving removes hair from your body?

Not always
I've removed skin with my straight razor and no hair haha

 

[SiBurning]

I'm not convinced about feathers being sharpest. I wonder if they get this reputation because the edge isn't smooth. First, the edge is is full of chunks of either coatings or burrs that fall off as you shave, and these chunks and missing pieces cause weepers. Second, the unsmooth edge causes the razor to bump and push the skin out of the way, resulting in more pressure and a deeper shave under the bumpy parts, if a shallower shave elsewhere, not to mention... more weepers.

The next problem is to define sharpness. It usually means something like using less force to cut something. Sometimes, the definition is geometrical, meaning a smaller (narrower) edge radius, but it's pretty much a proven point (pun intended) that a smaller edge radius (within limits) also means less force.

Maybe not a YMMV situation, but I might disagree about feathers.

 

[NexlevMM]

You wont be good at it when you first start. I believe that to be consistent with all Wet shaving newbies.

 

[slugg77]

Sure,vertical strokes with a straight are good, horizontal strokes are bad.

To address your question, I will say that the shaves are more enjoyable then the electric alternative.

 

[xfumbler]

Drag the blade in a direction perpendicular to the blade.

 

[oakeshott]

How about these:

Technique matters.
Vintage razors, like vintage women, can be just as good or better than any of their newer counterparts.
You will get cut.
Do NOT use your straight for manscaping.
If you drop a loaded razor, let the floor catch it. There are NO collectible razors, straight or DE, that cost what your doctor bill will be.
Women will be mysteriously drawn to you. Men will secretly envy you. Your father will be proud and your mother kvell.
At some point, you will stare hard at your dog and the acres of fur covering her and consider...for just a minute...and then come down to earth.
You will do something nice for a complete stranger on B&B and they will do for you.

I have as yet seen no exceptions to any of these.

 

[Krona Kruiser]

How about these:

Technique matters.
Vintage razors, like vintage women, can be just as good or better than any of their newer counterparts.
You will get cut.
Do NOT use your straight for manscaping.
If you drop a loaded razor, let the floor catch it. There are NO collectible razors, straight or DE, that cost what your doctor bill will be.
Women will be mysteriously drawn to you. Men will secretly envy you. Your father will be proud and your mother kvell.
At some point, you will stare hard at your dog and the acres of fur covering her and consider...for just a minute...and then come down to earth.
You will do something nice for a complete stranger on B&B and they will do for you.

I have as yet seen no exceptions to any of these.

+1. Very nice. That's a good list.

 

[Vickers]

No...only absolutes.

 

[SteveWY]

Ditto to Oakeshott's list. The only "definite I see here on B&B and agree with is... YMMV

 

[bvance554]

Styptic helps stop the flow of blood....

 

[RABIDMONKEY]

AD's exist ........

 

[nycalling]

If you pass someone in the Supermarket/Drug Store/Dollar Store (basically anywhere that has any sort of shaving equipment) you will see someone reaching for a can of goo and/or carts. You will try to recommend wet shaving to them. They will ignore you anyway.

 

[OkieStubble]

No pressure is good.