I can shave my face with a shavette without shaving soap or shaving cream.

[amano]

After shaving with a cheap chinese metal shavette for a few years, I discovered that I don't require shaving soap or shaving cream.

My shavette looks like this.

After taking a shower, my face is wet and ready for a shave with a shavette without shaving soap or shaving cream.

Thus, my shower routine became simpler. I just take a shower and then shave my face with a shavette without loading and lathering a shaving brush. Wet face is already ready for a shave. After shaving without any extra lubrication, my face is well shaved without any cut or abrasion.

The caveat is that you shouldn't try a shavette without a shaving brush if you are not good at shaving already.

When I was a shaving beginner, even with a good lather, I got little cuts from my shavette. It took a few years to learn intricacies of my face.

Shaving a wet face only with a shavette takes some skill. If you try to learn it consciously, it might take only a few months to not require any lubrication other than a wet face.

Basically, shavette is the most difficult way to shave a face. A straight razor is easier than a shavette but requires more maintenance. A safety razor is easier than a straight razor.

 

[Kentos]

Welcome to the forums.

I think a shavette is easier than a traditional straight as the blade length is shorter, the edge is sharper, and the edge is usually coated.

Skin sensitivity is the main factor I think in the ability to shave without soap. Some people’s skin just can’t handle the abrasion shaving subjects the epidermis to, regardless of skill.

 

[Dave himself]

Hi and welcome to B&B.

 

[amano]

Welcome to the forums.

I think a shavette is easier than a traditional straight as the blade length is shorter, the edge is sharper, and the edge is usually coated.

Skin sensitivity is the main factor I think in the ability to shave without soap. Some people’s skin just can’t handle the abrasion shaving subjects the epidermis to, regardless of skill.

I also shaved a bit with a straight razor. Although its blade length is longer, it was easier to avoid cuts.

The wedge shape of a straight razor's blade makes it easier to avoid cuts. A shavette uses a flat blade which is substantially more dangerous than a wedge-shaped blade.

It was easier for me to learn a straight razor's wedge blade than a shavette's flat blade. Flat blade is dangerous unless you know how to handle it.

 

[amano]

I really want to transition to a straight razor because I prefer the experience of shaving with a wedge blade.

Is there a better alternative to a few sharpening stones or sharpening a straight razor on acrylic plate coated with diamond powder? I'm looking for a small durable sharpening material.

 

[Goblin]

I am not above using a shavette to pick off the odd straggler without shaving cream, but I certainly wouldn't want to try and do a full face shave without some kind of shaving medium. On the contrary, I think that for open blade shaves, the right lather is very important to optimise the comfort and efficiency of the shave.

But if it works for you, then it works for you.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Hi & welcome. Yes, you could shave without soap, but why would you? It seems that soap makes things easier and more comfortable.

I could ride my bicycle barefoot, but it's not really a good idea for several reasons.

P.S. Are you really 123 years old?

 

[amano]

I just wanted some challenge....

And, not having to lather a shaving brush saves time and effort. I was becoming tired of lathering a shaving brush.

I'm so talented at shaving that I can shave my wet face with a shavette without any extra lubricant. I'm so talented it is comfortable and easy for me.

Men should have talents.

 

[silverlifter]

I'm so talented at shaving that I can shave my wet face with a shavette without any extra lubricant.

Have a medal!

 

[nemo]

I'm so talented at shaving that I can shave my wet face with a shavette without any extra lubricant. I'm so talented it is comfortable and easy for me.

Men should have talents.

At 123 years old you've likely got some practice.

 

[Dave himself]

I've just discovered a new talent.

Shooting coffee out of my nose while laughing.

 

[rivieraranch]

I hope you are located close to an emergency room.

 

[luvmysuper]

I can use pliers to pull my own teeth without anesthesia.
But I don't want to.
Ultimately, if shaving with just a wet face is something you enjoy, that's all the reason you need!

 

[amano]

I can use pliers to pull my own teeth without anesthesia.
But I don't want to.

Shaving with just a wet face is not substantially more dangerous than shaving with a shaving soap. I didn't shave with just a wet face from the beginning. I gradually reduced shaving soap over years, and I discovered that I could shave without it at some point.

I hope you are located close to an emergency room.

Shaving is dangerous only if I am distracted.

 

[psfred]

I shaved in the shower (running water on my face) for something like 35 years. Not a big deal as long as your skin is really wet.

I prefer soap though now that I have a real brush and use decent shaving soaps instead of canned foam or various gels. Much slicker, closer and easier shave.

You can shave with dry skin too if you want, but it's not as nice. Razor pulls a lot more and typically some skin irritation is unavoidable, but it can be done.

 

[Lane101]

Shaving with just a wet face is not substantially more dangerous than shaving with a shaving soap. I didn't shave with just a wet face from the beginning. I gradually reduced shaving soap over years, and I discovered that I could shave without it at some point.

Shaving is dangerous only if I am distracted.

Welcome to B&B! Yes shaving with just wet skin and no lather can work. Recall a video by Geofatboy of Shave Nation where he did this with a DE razor. The shave worked though not as easily as it would with lather.

YMMV so if this works for you enjoy. That said since lather makes the shave easier my preference is to use it. Also I've found that with slicker lather my blades last longer. My guess is that you could be shortening your blade life with the additional friction.

If the effort of building lather with a brush is the issue then there is always an option of canned shaving cream. Many of us, including myself, will occasionally use canned foam if pressed for time.

 

[NorthernSoul]

Where is @SalS to point out that using Jack Black is far more technologically advanced than shaving without soap?

 

[SalS]

Where is @SalS to point out that using Jack Black is far more technologically advanced than shaving without soap?

Right here, great for pointing that out since it is true.

 

[htownmmm]

I have a feeling that this is going to turn into a classic thread...

 

[Brutus]

And, not having to lather a shaving brush saves time and effort. I was becoming tired of lathering a shaving brush.

Save time and effort?
That’s what instant coffee and electric razors were invented for, but I would not dream of drinking one or using the other.

I never looked at traditional wet shaving as an exercise where I try to save time and effort, or an exercise that is tiring, and I also believe that if something is worth doing, it is worth doing right.

Besides, I see quite a few benefits in a good lather and won’t give up using shaving soaps or creams.
On the very few occasions when I forgot either on one of my trips, I used shave oil (if available) or bath soap, but in each case I regretted not having the real McCoy available.


But if that’s what you want to do, by all means…



B.