So today my dad told me he wanted to shave with my razors... so I showed him how, which seems kind of backwards doesn't it? Anyways, he liked it, but says he wont be switching anytime soon from his electric shaver because he says its more convenient. Question though... his neck got bloody while shaving especially in one patch. They were just a bunch of little tiny cuts, almost as if he had pimple there and he shaved off the top of them... thing is he doesn't have pimples so I couldn't give him an explanation why. Any Ideas why?
Teaching Dad to Shave
- Thread starter Legitshave
- Start date
Pressing down too hard, probably. You've got to teach him the "no pressure" routine.
I didn't learn how to shave from my dad, but I know he used to use double edge razors. I learned to shave from this forum.
Nicks and cuts are quite normal the first few times, especially if he's switching over from electric. If he sticks with wet-shaving, he'll figure out his own technique in a week or two, and those cuts will be a thing of the past. And he'll probably be kicking himself for not switching over years ago.
I was just thinking of trying this with my dad. He switched from DE back in the day to cartridge razors mostly out of convenience. He said he used to always have nicks and irritation, but he probably never learned good technique or experimented with different blades. I'm going to get him a badger brush ease him back into it. With practice it only takes a few extra minutes to shave with a DE and well worth it.
+1
My dad used a Gillette DE back in the sixties. I'm sure he could pick it back up if he wanted to do so. But, at 87, I don't see it happening ...
My dad has been using a 55 year old razor... for most of those 55 years. I visited him recently and this thing was pathetic looking. I just bought him a Merkur 34C along with a bowl and soap kit and he finds a much smoother shave. He has sworn by the gilette glop in a can for years and I don't know if he will spend the time building a lather on his own.
Depends on the soap. Tell him if he can spare thirty seconds he'll have great lather from Mitchells, Proraso, Gold dachs,Rivage, Calan PSGT. Then get him a good boar brush like a Smogue 620 or 830. Pay for quality and he won't go back. Also, your no longer paying for propellant (air). A win win. Fathers day is around the corner.
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^^^ Same here, when I was starting to think about shaving the whole goop in a can & cartridge systems were being touted as the latest & greatest products so that's what I was shown. Which is a shame as I missed out on years (decades) off enjoyable wet shaves, and I do remember my dad using a brush & safety razor. Maybe I'll teach my old man again?
My dad taught me wet shaving with soap and brush, but with a Trac II, not with a DE. He did tell me about cleaning your face, shaving after shower, and giving the lather enough time to soften the hairs. The basics, so to speak. Besides, I saw him doing that shaving routine many times.
He assured me that he'll never go back to a DE. But he enjoys a good brush and soap (but he's happy with just one good soap
).
He uses an Atra himself, so I supply him with blades from my stock now and then. He's 75, btw.
He assured me that he'll never go back to a DE. But he enjoys a good brush and soap (but he's happy with just one good soap
).He uses an Atra himself, so I supply him with blades from my stock now and then. He's 75, btw.
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My guess is: far too much pressure, and not enough skin stretching.
My dad swats his face with a disposable. I wish he were interested in traditional shaving, but I'm OK with the fact that he's not.
Great story. Nothing quite like being able to teach my Dad something, I found. The old dogs can learn new tricks!
He's 87! He can do whatever the hell he wants. No need to try to get him to change, IMO.
My dad taught me wet shaving with soap and brush, but with a Trac II, not with a DE. He did tell me about cleaning your face, shaving after shower, and giving the lather enough time to soften the hairs. The basics, so to speak. Besides, I saw him doing that shaving routine many times.
He assured me that he'll never go back to a DE. But he enjoys a good brush and soap (but he's happy with just one good soap
He uses an Atra himself, so I supply him with blades from my stock now and then. He's 75, btw.
To me, the prep is what makes or breaks a shave, most of the time. If he can get a good, irritation-free shave with his Atra, God bless him. He taught you the most important part of shaving, I think.
Weepers.
I had that happen the first couple shaves, now that I am a year into this I don't see blood or irritation. Unless I get all sloppy handling the razor and catch my earlobe...
I had that happen the first couple shaves, now that I am a year into this I don't see blood or irritation. Unless I get all sloppy handling the razor and catch my earlobe...
+1 Good luck.
I wish i could get my dad to wet shave again, even use a soap and brush to begin with 
Sadly i don't think he will change, hes 60 this year
Sadly i don't think he will change, hes 60 this year I wish i could get my dad to wet shave again, even use a soap and brush to begin with
Hey, I was 60 when I picked up a DE razor for the first time in 40 years (and joined B&B). Never say never!
