Skills vs equipment for good shave

[tomas1870]

I would like to ask opinions about skills vs equipment for good shave. In other words, can I archive good shave without good razor because I learned it and have long experience so it doesn't matter so much which razor or blade is used.. or from other side, does it help significantly for beginner if I buy very good equipment and I can shave because of that perfect razor and not because I have skills needed for shave..?
(sorry for my english, try my best )

 

[Multum in parvo]

A good shave doesn’t depend on the most pricy equipment. There are solid choices on a budget available nearly everywhere. Where are you based?

Have a look here for inspirations.

Cheapshaver Forum

Bring me your cheap shaves, your ultra-frugal tips, your flea market finds. Here’s the place to discuss razors and other shaving stuff that costs less than $15 US.

www.badgerandblade.com

If you are not sure if you like traditional wetshaving at all I would suggest to start with a modest kit based on suggestions here and what is available to you. If you stick with it new stuff will add up without avoidance of doubt

 

[tomas1870]

A good shave doesn’t depend on the most pricy equipment. There are solid choices on a budget available nearly everywhere. Where are you based?

Have a look here for inspirations.

Cheapshaver Forum

Bring me your cheap shaves, your ultra-frugal tips, your flea market finds. Here’s the place to discuss razors and other shaving stuff that costs less than $15 US.

www.badgerandblade.com

If you are not sure if you like traditional wetshaving at all I would suggest to start with a modest kit based on suggestions here and what is available to you. If you stick with it new stuff will add up without avoidance of doubt

My question was maybe not good expressed. What I found interesting is how some razor require more from me (I have to use more my skills, be more precise, concentrated, use very low pressure, proper angle...) and some razors are much more forgiving. At the end because of my poor skills (or because I didn't use them properly) that razor can be judged like a not good one and other razor which works good also without that skills so much needed (typically Henson AL+++ for me, it works always) looks like the best one ever made. Is it only my impression or does it makes sense? It looks like importance is to learn to exercise and be patient and only as last step to buy new better razor.

 

[tomas1870]

I have good amount of razors, but sometimes is difficult to decide which one is good one to keep it (and maybe it will work better next time or after I have more skills with time) and which one really doesn't work for me so better sell to someone else who can find it as a good for him...

 

[Multum in parvo]

The Henson is a design that eliminates many grey areas but also restricts you to a certain angle so it reduces complexity. With other designs you have a learning curve until you master them but this gives you the foundation when switching to other razors or judging them if they are useful to you.

 

[thombrogan]

You might always need a good razor for a great shave, but you don’t need an expensive one.

 

[nlife]

You might always need a good razor for a great shave, but you don’t need an expensive one.

I agree! Reminds me of the saying, quality costs money, but the amount of money does not always equal quality.

 

[thombrogan]

the amount of money does not always equal quality.

You’re fluent in RazoRock Game Changer, I see

 

[Quaznoid]

Technique. With good technique, a great shave can be had with any razor. Conversely, with a Schick injector a great shave can be had w no technique. If you can’t master a DE, get a Schick injector, model E, G or J and shave away with ease and comfort.

 

[sarimento1]

Equipment. definitely!

 

[nlife]

You’re fluent in RazoRock Game Changer, I see

It is my favorite!

 

[OkieStubble]

I can probably get a decent shave from many different types, kinds and styles of razors, but the DE I enjoy shaving with the most?

Only cost me $4. The price to make this razor, maybe pennies? The price of the feel I get after shaving with it, feels pretty priceless to me at the time.

 

[Ron R]

I have a lot of razors over the years and I can use the most aggressive razor to the mildest ones and crank out a decent shave it seems now, it took time and blade feel becomes almost a natural indicator of what is happening as the shave progresses.
Lots of blade exposure or feel I like a steep angle(riding the bar) with a short handle for quick changes and it works for my technique.
Shallow shaving (riding the cap) works for most SE razors but not all, some SE razors use a half a DE blade and the razor is mostly a half of a DE razor.
So it is skill & experiences that determines how well the shave will go and every razor is slightly different and over time a person knows this and acts accordingly to what needs to be done.

 

[Chef455]

Hmmm... I doubt the vast majority of us have the proper "skills" right off the bat to get a great shave out of ANY razor. There are some truly terrible DE razors out there. Perhaps once you've reached a certain proficiency you'll not do yourself any damage, skill and proficiency definitely will work in your favor, but overconfidence can always rear its ugly head. YMMV

 

[Jens]

Technique. With good technique, a great shave can be had with any razor.

+ 1
I know Mr @Quaznoid is a fan of the humble YUMA, like I am. This little Turkish razor retails at around € 2, and gives fantastic shaves with proper technique. On the other hand, Without reasonable skills, it is possible to tear up your face with any razor. I imagine this is possible even with a Henson. With practice most of us continue to improve, to my mind that is part of the beauty of traditional (DE and SR) wet shaving

 

[OkieStubble]

Hmmm... I doubt the vast majority of us have the proper "skills" right off the bat to get a great shave out of ANY razor. There are some truly terrible DE razors out there. Perhaps once you've reached a certain proficiency you'll not do yourself any damage, skill and proficiency definitely will work in your favor, but overconfidence can always rear its ugly head. YMMV

I read a book on dog training once, it said; “ there’s no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners.”

In the same way, is there really any such thing as a bad razor? Only people who don’t prefer that particular razor?

Kinda like what they said in the dog training book. A huge part of proper dog training between dog and owner, is matching up the right dog with the right person. A Poodle guy, might not be a good match with a German Shepherd?

I can probably use all manner of razors with my experience and skill of shaving when it comes to my face? But I have absolutely, no clue and am totally inexperienced and a total newbie when it comes to your face?

I have had several different breeds of dogs over the years, a Dachsund, Belgium Malinos?
Man, I was not prepared for that Belgium Malinos! They are very purpose driven and singular focused dogs!

Not the dog’s fault! All my fault! That dog was the smartest dog I have seen! The problem was, she was much smarter than me also. But I have also had several Rottweiler’s over the years. Match made in heaven! We all just clicked!

I can shave with any razor, but there are some that just click!

 

[DesertIguana]

Sort of like anything in life, can’t be champion at anything if you have no skill.

Tiger Woods in prime could play golf great with set of borrowed clubs.

 

[Mike M]

Technique is certainly king when it comes to getting a good shave. You need to learn to use the equipment you have to it's best and it may take time for you to achieve good results with any razor. As with anything in this hobby Your Milage May Vary (YMMV) if you want a good shave be prepared to spend time getting to know your equipment, map your beard growth and spend some time learning what method gives you the best shave.
As for the razor I always recommend getting something popular, the reason razors get popular in the first place is that they deliver a decent shave for most people. You do not need to own a Wolfman or Rocnel to get a good shave, there are plenty of budget options to suit all pockets.

 

[Spy Car]

I think it is a bit of both.

Skill, experience, and technique are critical, but part of building those comes from sequentially mastering different sorts of razors.

I recently picked up my first slant and--despite considering myself a veteran wet shaver--I learned something from the experience, which as precisely my rationale for adding a new contraption to the mix. It's part of the skills-acquisition process in my estimation.

Now could one master one razor and never look back? Sure. Would that be somewhat self-limiting when it comes to developing skills that would allow one to shave with virtually any function razor? I think so. But it isn't a "necessity," except for those of us who get sucked into beauty of shaving as a sort of art form.

Experiencing different gear, including some less that optimal razors and blades (along with excellent alternatives), helps to build one's skill sets.

I'm sticking with that "justification." LOL

Bill

 

[Chef455]

I read a book on dog training once, it said; “ there’s no such thing as a bad dog, just bad owners.”

In the same way, is there really any such thing as a bad razor? Only people who don’t prefer that particular razor?

Kinda like what they said in the dog training book. A huge part of proper dog training between dog and owner, is matching up the right dog with the right person. A Poodle guy, might not be a good match with a German Shepherd?

I can probably use all manner of razors with my experience and skill of shaving when it comes to my face? But I have absolutely, no clue and am totally inexperienced and a total newbie when it comes to your face?

I have had several different breeds of dogs over the years, a Dachsund, Belgium Malinos?
Man, I was not prepared for that Belgium Malinos! They are very purpose driven and singular focused dogs!

Not the dog’s fault! All my fault! That dog was the smartest dog I have seen! The problem was, she was much smarter than me also. But I have also had several Rottweiler’s over the years. Match made in heaven! We all just clicked!

I can shave with any razor, but there are some that just click!

Beagles being the exception. I cannot get a good shave with a beagle.