Shaving driving me crazy

[sidendle]

Aloha all,
New to the forum. Being about as closely related to a gorilla as I think I can be shaving is becoming a real drag. I have to shave everyday for work, and have always used multiple cartridge style blades (mach 3/KOS azor4/5) but I find some real issues with them - things such as blunting very quickly = high cost or just not a close enough shave. I have started to do things such as soak my face with hot water, use a scrub, and starting to view shaving as a bit of a ritual in the morning, as opposed to something that just as to be done, so I am looking at options to get a better shave, even if it takes a little more time!!

That gets me to this site.... obviously I will start looking through it, but, I would love to get some suggestions on what to use, and what I need in order to get a decent shave experience!

Cheers

Si

 

[cooltide]

welcome to the house

 

[MrLara]

are you looking for a mild, or aggressive razor?

 

[sidendle]

I have no idea!?? Im scared of slicing my face open so aggressive sounds really scary!!!

 

[ShaneN.]

I have no idea!?? Im scared of slicing my face open so aggressive sounds really scary!!!

that's what i'm wondering about. i have never used a blade anything on my face until a week or two ago when i got my mach3. i've nicked myself a few times and i've seen blood but i've never felt it cut me. was wondering if it's the same with DE shaving. there's always so much talk about cutting up ones face.

 

[oldtrout]

http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Getting_started_wetshaving

 

[MrLara]

I have no idea!?? Im scared of slicing my face open so aggressive sounds really scary!!!

Most will recommend either a edwin jagger DE89 or a Merkur 34c.

I started DE shaving last july and after reading (did a lot of reading/research) i went with the 34c, it's still one of my go to razors. Not too agressive, not too mild. I suggest astra blades. But if you go with the 34c, try the merkur blade that it comes with. I have a thick/heavy beard, so that blade (while it worked) it took me a bit longer to finish the job. So i went with the Astras.

I recommend you pick up a shaving cream like C.O bigelow (you can get it at bath body works) before you get a soap, so you can practice with the lather. But i guess a soap won't be bad either. Just watch or read (there are plenty of threads here about it) on how to lather it. That way you can learn to do it the right way, and get great results.

 

[MrLara]

Oh and welcome to the blade.

 

[islandshaver]

Aloha Si, Welcome to the forum.

 

[RaiserLiebe]

I'm about 16 months in, 350 or so shaves.
DE shaving lets you get close shaves. Sometimes there is a little blood but it is more a matter of joking around here than actual serious bloodletting.
Better yet (by far) is the comfortable shaves you get from good brush, good lather, and good technique. Like any physical skill, the technique takes a while to develop.
There's also the collecting aspect. I regularly use a Gillette Bulldog- a 100 year old razor. Also one that was made the same year and quarter I was born. A true connection with the past.
This way to shave is incredibly fulfilling on many levels.
Cheers!

 

[mistercitizen]

Welcome to B&B!!

Ben

 

[kingfisher]

It takes time to learn, but DE shaving works for people with heavy beards, and daily shaving is certainly fine (I do it myself).

 

[dcobranchi]

Welcome to B&B.

Since you're completely new you might not want to invest too much money getting started, in case you find it's just not your cup of tea. Pick up an inexpensive brush (http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sem..._p_1507.html?gclid=CIG07sCt_7cCFUaZ4AodOn0A9Q highly recommended), some soap or cream, some blades (I'd suggest a few packs of Astra SP), and an inexpensive razor (Tech on eBay or maybe a Lord L6 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Safet...TF8&qid=1372168539&sr=8-1&keywords=Lord+razor)

Take your time. Read. Watch some youtube vids. And enjoy your shave.

 

[Mike H]

Welcome to B&B.

Since you're completely new you might not want to invest too much money getting started, in case you find it's just not your cup of tea. Pick up an inexpensive brush (http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sem..._p_1507.html?gclid=CIG07sCt_7cCFUaZ4AodOn0A9Q highly recommended), some soap or cream, some blades (I'd suggest a few packs of Astra SP), and an inexpensive razor (Tech on eBay or maybe a Lord L6 on Amazon http://www.amazon.com/Premium-Safet...TF8&qid=1372168539&sr=8-1&keywords=Lord+razor)

Take your time. Read. Watch some youtube vids. And enjoy your shave.

Good advice here, but I would recommend a vintage "Gillette New" razor, like this one. http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/The%20NEW/1940%20NEW%20gold%20special%20Canada.jpg

 

[Toothpick]

Welcome to B&B!

I too heard all the classic "safety razors will slice you up" and once I used one I realized it was not true at all. You have to be aware that you are shaving with one very sharp razor blade. The potential is there to cause a serious nick but if you are vigilant you've got nothing to worry about.

With DE shaving it's about beard reduction with each pass. The opposite is true with the multi-bladed cartridges, which are meant for shaving in the least amount of time, which often times causes irritation.

I'd suggest a vintage Gillette super speed or any vintage razor to start with it. They can be found cheaply on the BST here. That way the investment will remain low.

Pick up the luxury VDH kit (badger brush) or the deluxe VDH kit (boar brush). they come with soap, brush, bowl for around 10 bucks.

Most importantly browse the forums, get to know folks, jump in on the discussion, soak in all the great knowledge and have fun with your wet shaving journey!

EDIT: you might also want to try a pre-shave oil or creme. I hear Art of Shaving makes a great oil. I'm personally a huge fan of Proraso pre/post creme

 

[anes1]

Skin prep is as important as your blade. Don't use the cheap walgreens brand shave soap, it's terrible IMO. I have limited experience, but the DR Harris lavender I own works great, better then the CO bigelow for me. Like was said above start with a less agressive razor Merkur 34c, EJ 89l. I own both, both are nice. I also own a Merkur 37c slant, they say it's aggressive, I got my best shave yet with it today and I have not been DE shaving very long at all. There are lots of tutorials on this site as well as you tube. I guy name Charles Roberts has a lot of good tips. I wouldn't buy his product right away though. The guy is pretty advanced.

 

[dpmtherrien]

Indeed and for sure. Welcome to your new obsession.

 

[WVUfanMG]

Welcome to the site! I agree with the above suggestions. Cartridge shaving was always a drag and seemed more like a chore than anything. Then I found DE shaving, and I look forward to my time with my razors every morning. You can really customize your shave to your day and the scents that go along with it. Much more enjoyable than dreading the trip to the bathroom to rake your face with a 3 or 5 bladed, expensive piece of plastic.

 

[John Von Wuggz]

Hello and welcome.

 

[SpEe1113]

I have started to do things such as soak my face with hot water, use a scrub, and starting to view shaving as a bit of a ritual in the morning, as opposed to something that just as to be done, so I am looking at options to get a better shave, even if it takes a little more time!!

I remember having this exact moment! Ha...And so it begins...

Some quick tips from experience since making the switch nearly 3 months ago:

1) Get a good starter DE razor (I started with the Merkur 34, still use it occasionally, great overall razor IMO, now using a Muhle R41)
2) Try a variety of blades, you'll find one that works well for your growth type. (I like Astra SPs, Feathers, & Gillette Silver Blues)
3) Get a good starter badger brush (they range from decently priced to extremely expensive)
4) The most difficult thing may be selecting the pre shave oil (if you want), cream/soap, and AS or AB.
5) Consider using an Alum Block. I added this to my post-shave routine and will never go without it now.
6) Realize that part of this may in fact become a very enjoyable hobby...all of which gets you geared up to get your day (or evening) going and is well worth any investment you may make in it! Ultimately, a great shave will transcend into a greater tone for your entire day (IMO, it definitely has for me!).
7) Also, note that the entire routine will likely take time to develop, don't rush it but rather learn from each shave what may have worked and what didn't. It will be a process and the guys on this forum are a HUGE resource and wealth of information to help out! You've come to the right place!

Hope some of this helps! Good luck!