The most minimalist shave possible?

[grouse79]

I was inspired by something someone said on here recently to try what I think is the most minimalist of shaves possible. This was a shaving stick (Palmolive) and a single blade Bic sensitive disposable. (No brush.) I let the unwrapped stick soak in the sink for a couple of minutes before making a lather with my hands in the same way as using a bar of soap then applied it to my face. The lather was much thinner than what I get using the same product made into a puck and applied with a brush.

I have used the Bics before with good results, although this time the shave did not feel quite as comfortable. I did three passes and the result was pretty smooth and close (less so on my neck) but it wasn't great. I wonder if there's a better way of making a lather from shaving soap without a brush. I guess for 45 pence for the soap stick and £1.80 for 20 Bics (both available in most supermarkets) it wasn't bad but I'm thinking maybe if I was stuck somewhere without access to a brush and definitely needed to shave, I'd have to grit my teeth and go with canned gel.

Anyone else have thoughts on this?
Is there an even more basic shaving method?

 

[honed]

Thats is my goto emergency solution when on the road with very short notice.

Apply the shavestick to your face, as much product as there is room for, work it at least as long as you would with a brush.
Gives a very decent shave.

The Palmolive soap is actually a really good soap, even if you don't take price into the picture.
And BIC sensitive is sharp & very consistent.
Pretty much like a Derby for me.

 

[ambrose]

I like to use nancyboy shaving cream, which can be used brushless. Thats in fact the only way I use it.

Slather the cream on your face and shave with a simple razor and your done. The cream is so moisturizing and cooling that I dont even need after shave when Im done.

Simple enough

 

[Zombasaur]

Shave in the shower using the disposable razor and using your hand to feel for rough spots instead of looking in a mirror. Use the water as lubrication instead of any shaving soap. Now you're down to water and a blade.

 

[WhosYerBob]

The most minimalist shave I've ever had was with a Bic disposable and cold water - no soap, balm or AS. It was also the worst I've ever had.

 

[JCD]

dry shave, minimal to the max or perhaps masochistic

 

[maj_planb]

Short of dry shaving, the most minimalistic approach I've used is to go with a razor of choice and shaving oil; no cream, no lather. $3.00 Shave Secret oil works well and also minimizes your cost and the amount of space it takes in your shave den.

 

[Milton]

Probably just using your fingers to rip out each and every facial hair you have. Wouldn't be a good experience, but definitely minimalist.

 

[Prince]

Probably just using your fingers to rip out each and every facial hair you have. Wouldn't be a good experience, but definitely minimalist.

umm, no thanks

 

[mmack66]

A piece of obsidian and a bone.

 

[TheShaun]

Probably just using your fingers to rip out each and every facial hair you have. Wouldn't be a good experience, but definitely minimalist.

Smooth!

 

[RayH]

I would think that with all we've learned here on shaving the most minimalist shave would be to use proraso/c.o.bigelow/omega shaving cream, no brush and a one pass with your favorite razor. the above cream being about the best to use with no brush.

 

[WilliamIam]

If you hone your hunting/fishing knives right, just use that and some river water... kekeke.
And remember, That's not a knife! This is a knife.


Actually, though it's way off the chart for me, the electrics I have used were the most minimal effort shaves I've gotten. No prep, no water needed, no cream, maybe ASB.

 

[Alacrity59]

There is something just plain wrong with this thread. Can't you almost hear Billy Crystal and Christopher Guest in the background saying "I hate when that happens"???

 

[Kbennett]

Musgo Real and KMF can be used brushless.

 

[TenorClef]

My guess for the cheapest DE wet shave set up would be-

Wilkinson Blades 5 pack 0.99p from Savers
Palmolive Shaving stick £1 Savers
Cheap Boar brush £10 Boots
Merkur 1904 DE Razor about £17 Ebay?

 

[Obsessed]

I visualized Chuck Norris approaching me carrying a razor. My whiskers became so terrified that they fell out on their own.

 

[earl of St Andrews]

And who wants to be minimalist when we enjoy all the baroque show of bowl,brush,razor,cream (or soap),warm lather,AS,ASB.......?

 

[JCD]

I visualized Chuck Norris approaching me carrying a razor. My whiskers became so terrified that they fell out on their own.

too funny!

 

[Haligonian]

My guess for the cheapest DE wet shave set up would be-

Wilkinson Blades 5 pack 0.99p from Savers
Palmolive Shaving stick £1 Savers
Cheap Boar brush £10 Boots
Merkur 1904 DE Razor about £17 Ebay?

I can beat that.
£3.69 for a Boots DE and 5 blades.
£0.44p for Palmolive shave stick from Asda.
£3.00 for an Erasmic shaving brush from Body Care.