Minimalists

[justliketomthumb]

Here I am, getting back into shaving for work, and finding that I enjoy taking a bit of time for my appearance every day, but also that my wife (who has only known me with a beard) really enjoys my smooth chin...

Anywho, I've got one razor, one brush, one mug, and looking for my ideal blade, soap, and aftershave. No reason to jump around. I might use a more aggressive blade some days and an easier blade other days, but I'm totally a Minimalist with a capital M.
TNS

 

[Tokyospike]

Welcome aboard! My own search for the perfect blade is linked in my signature. It was fun for a while, but eventually it felt great to settle down with one thing and focus on the shave instead of the equipment. Have fun!

 

[anemic]

Wow @Tokyospike, that is an impressive turnabout from trying everything under the sun before landing upon minimalism!

I have been shaving with a single smallish $8 (purchased new at Pasteur) bar of Mitchell's Woolfat soap for a year with many shaves remaining, with either of two brushes. Today I went 108 shaves with a Gillette Silver Blue blade which I feel is minimalistic to use one blade for as long as it will deliver acceptable shave quality. I used my 1966 Slim today which delivered a mostly BBS shave, otherwise DFS. I purchased my Slim online inexpensively along with two other vintage daily razors. I feel like I don't need to purchase anything, so I relate to minimalism. I also "could" sell some of my alternatives but they bring me joy so I'm going to continue with my modest kit.

 

[sm1h]

Count me in! I just got into wet shaving and while I enjoy reading about all the different gear that people collect and go through I want to settle on a simple and effective kit. I just got my first razor, the Gillette Slim, with the intention of using for the rest of my life. Seeing as it's adjustable I hope I'll get by with just the one.

I was wondering what the best option for aftershave or balm would be? I'm basically trying to be frugal and mindful of the environmental impact (so buying natural and long-lasting products). Maybe wytch hazel is the way to go?

Edit: I realise you use signatures to announce your club but I disabled them for a more minimal browsing experience

 

[bluesman 7]

I was wondering what the best option for aftershave or balm would be? I'm basically trying to be frugal and mindful of the environmental impact (so buying natural and long-lasting products). Maybe wytch hazel is the way to go?

Welcome sm1h. I like Aqua Velva Ice Blue. Cheap and available at your grocer. Qualifies as minimal in my book.

 

[Joncr]

Welcome sm1h. I like Aqua Velva Ice Blue. Cheap and available at your grocer. Qualifies as minimal in my book.

agree with the AV Ice Blue, light scent, cools too

 

[mozartman]

Count me in! I just got into wet shaving and while I enjoy reading about all the different gear that people collect and go through I want to settle on a simple and effective kit. I just got my first razor, the Gillette Slim, with the intention of using for the rest of my life. Seeing as it's adjustable I hope I'll get by with just the one.

I was wondering what the best option for aftershave or balm would be? I'm basically trying to be frugal and mindful of the environmental impact (so buying natural and long-lasting products). Maybe wytch hazel is the way to go?

Edit: I realise you use signatures to announce your club but I disabled them for a more minimal browsing experience

Nivea Sensitive or Sensitive Cooling work for me.

 

[sm1h]

Welcome sm1h. I like Aqua Velva Ice Blue. Cheap and available at your grocer. Qualifies as minimal in my book.

Thanks! I never heard of it so had to look it up. I think it's quite expensive but maybe because I'm in EU. My girlfriend has a problem with menthol as well so even if it's a light scent I don't want to risk it!

Nivea Sensitive or Sensitive Cooling work for me.

Nivea is easier to get a hold of and more affordable so I will give this a try!

Would you say aftershave is a must-have or a nice-to-have?

 

[AimlessWanderer]

Would you say aftershave is a must-have or a nice-to-have?

Most of my shaves are without any kind of post shave. Maybe just a spray of scent a little later. If I have any irritation or dryness, i'll use Nivea Sensitive. If my skin feels a little oily, or want to use something but Nivea might be too heavy for that day, I'll use a cheap aftershave (pharmacy own brand), because the scent doesn't linger too long. If I want to wear a scent, I'll use an Eau de toilette.

 

[mozartman]

Thanks! I never heard of it so had to look it up. I think it's quite expensive but maybe because I'm in EU. My girlfriend has a problem with menthol as well so even if it's a light scent I don't want to risk it!


Nivea is easier to get a hold of and more affordable so I will give this a try!

Would you say aftershave is a must-have or a nice-to-have?

If you have dry skin like me, some sort of moisturizer is a must, especially if you spend any time outdoors in cold weather. The fancy glass bottles scented with evergreen, grapefruit, lavender, whatever, to me are just nice to have.

 

[Tokyospike]

As the minimal, essential aftershave balm, I would go with shea butter, or anything that contains it.

 

[gsurko]

I use just plain old skin lotion, the cheap generic stuff. It’s all the same just packaged differently.

 

[Rusty Blade]

As the minimal, essential aftershave balm, I would go with shea butter, or anything that contains it.

I also find plain coconut oil works well. Just a drop is all you need, there is minimal scent and it absorbs well.

 

[sm1h]

As the minimal, essential aftershave balm, I would go with shea butter, or anything that contains it.

I also find plain coconut oil works well. Just a drop is all you need, there is minimal scent and it absorbs well.

I really like the idea of just a simple natural product. Will look around and see what I can find!

 

[martym]

Daily I use 100% raw, organic, unrefined Shea Butter.
I order mine here. The Organic Shea Butter Company is your #1 provider for All Natural, Pure Organic African Shea Butter. 100% Pure Beurre de Karite.
They also have other products.
Sometimes they are a bit slow answering questions and shipping but I have never been disappointed with their products.
Just for the record. I am not associated with this company in any manner.

 

[member 119848]

There I am: 1-1-1-1. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
15 to 20 razors have been in my hands for the last two years, and 8 brushes. I never went crazy on soaps, but I will still remain more or less seasonal. I won´t shave with a high-mentholized soap during the cold winter months
I still have 3 bakelite open comb slants (BOCS) in the drawer, that I am now ready to let go. They will be pifed or sold cheaply on B&B very soon.
I feel relieved from not being in the search for the ultimate setup anymore. Because I have found it. No more psychic energy wasted on ADs! When a product comes to be used up, I will still treat myself with the next... but my minimalistic balance is reached:

 

[GaryTha]

There I am: 1-1-1-1. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
15 to 20 razors have been in my hands for the last two years, and 8 brushes. I never went crazy on soaps, but I will still remain more or less seasonal. I won´t shave with a high-mentholized soap during the cold winter months
I still have 3 bakelite open comb slants (BOCS) in the drawer, that I am now ready to let go. They will be pifed or sold cheaply on B&B very soon.
I feel relieved from not being in the search for the ultimate setup anymore. Because I have found it. No more psychic energy wasted on ADs! When a product comes to be used up, I will still treat myself with the next... but my minimalistic balance is reached:
View attachment 975408

Congratulations.

 

[member 119848]

Congratulations.

Thank you.
Downsizing has been a hard thought-process!

 

[Rusty Blade]

There I am: 1-1-1-1. MISSION ACCOMPLISHED.
15 to 20 razors have been in my hands for the last two years, and 8 brushes. I never went crazy on soaps, but I will still remain more or less seasonal. I won´t shave with a high-mentholized soap during the cold winter months
I still have 3 bakelite open comb slants (BOCS) in the drawer, that I am now ready to let go. They will be pifed or sold cheaply on B&B very soon.
I feel relieved from not being in the search for the ultimate setup anymore. Because I have found it. No more psychic energy wasted on ADs! When a product comes to be used up, I will still treat myself with the next... but my minimalistic balance is reached:
View attachment 975408

Wow. I am impressed. I dream of this, but I know it won't happen. I collect razors (DE, SE, SR) so the notion of getting down to one is highly unlikely. And soaps...they seem to multiply on their own. But I can live vicariously through your success. I will ride your wave.

 

[Tokyospike]

Congratulations, Fabi! I know the feeling!