[Closed] A revolution in my bathroom - proper manly shaving content

Feathers. I stray occasionally, repent and return to them.

at the mo they're sitting on top of the bathroom cabinet in an old tin but how do you safely dispose of them?

I wrap them in the wax paper from the fresh blade, then fold that in half a couple of times to prevent escape then wrap them in loo roll or one of the other half's discarded make up wipes and stick them in the bin, so far no dismemberment has resulted.

You're supposed to slip the old blades into the safety slot in the bottom of the plastic box you take your new blades out of. You can then safely throw them away when the box is empty / full.

Currently liking Feathers, Gillette Rubies and Polsilver Iridiums.

I'd really recommend 'honing' your technique and not changing too many things at once. As time has gone by I've come to the conclusion it's a lot more to do with technique rather than blade. And funnily enough the shaving cream / soap makes a big old difference as well.

I am really liking Trumps Limes shaving cream right now.

Styptic pencil sorts out the minor nicks nice and quickly.

We used to use a lot of razor blades at work and disposed of them by wrapping them in masking/duct tape before chucking them in the bin. As far as a I know no cleaners were ever maimed by this so it's what I still do.

Styptic pencil

I didn't know that existed. Every day is a school day.

You're supposed to slip the old blades into the safety slot in the bottom of the plastic box you take your new blades out of. You can then safely throw them away when the box is empty / full.

I used to do that but it turns out they can quite easily fall out, fortunately I found that out without cutting myself.

Also, lots of blades don't come in those boxes.

Prep, prep, a good soap or cream, decent brush, well rinsed blade and take your time.

I've tried quite a few different blades but keep going back to Feathers. Everything else just seems dull by comparison. Although Astra greens are fine if needed.

I didn't know that existed. Every day is a school day.

Yep you can get ride of those crappy bits of tissue paper trying to blot those weepers. Works really quickly no marks on the small nicks.

Gillette 7s, Feathers and Derbys. feathers and derbys both come in plastic boxes which hold old blades ready for binning once full

I use a cleaned out food tin as a blade bank. Not safe if you have young children and not pretty if you have nowhere to hide it but otherwise works well.

Use an Alum block for any cuts and yep using the same Merkur 34c and astra blades

Cant fault the combo. I bought a variety pack from one of the online stores to try out the blades. Found Gillette felt blunt and one of the others cut me too much. Stuck with Astra and bought like 100 blades for £8

Feathers and a tech ball end Gillette here. Like Stoner I repented and went to Astra Greens but now back on Feathers (75 Astra Greens anyone!).

Feathers FTW

Styptic pencil sorts out the minor nicks nice and quickly.

A few years ago, I was heading away on a 4 week adventure and was giving myself an all over trim with some clippers. I had the guard off and nicked my wrinkly bits and although the cut was barely visible there was quite a lot of blood (well, definitely more than you'd be happy seeing in that area anyway!).

Obviously no plaster would work on that region, so I (foolishly) grabbed my alu pencil.

One of life's lessons ensued briefly afterwards.

Rather than start a new "what razor" thread...

I'm inclined to remove my winter beard tomorrow, after a singlespeed ride an not before of course. I shall be refining wi a Mach 3 but have often considered a more professional tool.

So, what razor / kit for the uninitiated-beyond-gilette that'll keep be presentable on a customer facing basis, rather than blood soaked fiend? Not too expensive please...

A few years ago, I was heading away on a 4 week adventure and was giving myself an all over trim with some clippers

Why? What sort of adventure was it? 😯

Merkur adjustable and Astras for me.

Yaw is soooo 1990's..

Here's where da trend at..

dude.

[url= http://singletrackworld.com/forum/topic/haircuts-beards-and-oh-tats-too-eh ]Beardies..[/url]

A slightly hopped-up Merkur Progress and feather blades followed by an alum block does the trick for me.
Boar-hair brush and Mitchell's wool fat soap.

Used to slice myself to ribbons with a mach-3, quite like an open-comb and my old slant-bar but the progress is the go-to!

I alternate between a rolls razor and a 60s gilette safety. Both a pleasure.

Ontor, what's a "slightly hopped up" merkur progress? I have a progress and I'm sure it's as hopped as the day I got it.

For those of you with safety blades, what's the procedure when you're flying anywhere? Do you have a Mach 3 for trips, or just pack everything away in your checked baggage?

I have been trying to go the real shaving route - as I think Gillette are taking the piss.
But have have a selection of loads of blade , a nice Mekur razor, proper soap and brush.

And it cuts my face to ribbons every time, no matter what ... I want to like it but it takes chunks out of my neck. And the under nose bit end up looking like the first day of the Somme ...

stoner, there's an american site that sells reworked progress razors - so the dial indexes properly at zero etc (not sure if it goes up to 11 though)

I have a Merkur 23 C - which has a long handle
Could this be the issue?

And it cuts my face to ribbons every time, no matter what ... I want to like it but it takes chunks out of my neck. And the under nose bit end up looking like the first day of the Somme ...

Let your stubble grow for a few days until it is long enough to really see which direction your beard grows in- you'll probably be quite surprised in some places. Have a hot bath to really soften the hair and shave only in the direction of growth. Don't rush it! Double edge blades are ridiculously sharp, you barely need any pressure on the handle, let the weight of the razor do the work.
It took me a while to get the hang of it, but wouldn't go back to cartridges now.

Stoner- there're all sorts of mods you can do, the [url= http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/product-reviews/safety-razors/59-modified-merkur-progress-the-mergress.html ]mergress[/url] is one of the better known.
[url= https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles ]Bobs razor works[/url] are nice as is the [url= http://www.thegentlemansgroomroom.com/blog/posts/621 ]"Digress"[/url]

Mine is slightly re-balanced and has had a bit of a cleanup and tweak so as to change the range slightly and the shape of the handle etc. Nothing as extreme as this lot.

Nicko - either pack the blades in with check-in or buy some new blades at arrival.

For the guys with a Merkur Progress - any idea how it differs from the Merkur Futur which I have? The Futur makes doing under the nose a little tricky as it's quite big head compared to my '60's Gillettes.
Wouldn't mind something heavier than the Gillette but smaller/thinner head than the Futur.

Why? What sort of adventure was it?

Ha ha! not that kind unfortunately 🙂 sleeping under canvas without the ability to shower or change clothes very regularly (in 3rd world). i'm relatively hairy and it's easier to keep clean without so much of it! Plus it's cooler.

The futur has less range in adjustment, is heavier (slightly), has a slightly different balance so feels different in the hand and has a larger head.
There's not a lot in it but in my view a progress with an adjustment scale that lines up properly (there were a few issues I believe in a batch) is the best compromise around at the moment.

mrmofoo - it sounds like you're using too much pressure at too steep an angle. Start with an angle of about 30 degrees and barely press the razor to your skin, think "beard reduction" with each pass rather than trying to take it all at once.

To the OP, I have one of these for blade disposal. As the case is metal once its full all of it can go for recycling.

http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Used-Blades-Container-/280791441984?pt=UK_Health_HairRemoval_RL&hash=item4160796240&clk_rvr_id=627609267410&afsrc=1&nma=true&si=u0g1SSYS%252F4ex2FGNgMvwwfvzpYE%253D&orig_cvip=true&rt=nc&_trksid=p2047675.l2557

A few years ago, I was heading away on a 4 week adventure and was giving myself an all over trim with some clippers. I had the guard off and nicked my wrinkly bits and although the cut was barely visible there was quite a lot of blood (well, definitely more than you'd be happy seeing in that area anyway!).

You fool! 😯

cheers ontor.
I cant say that Im too bothered about the settings being accurate on my progress, I tweak it if it feels off. But yes the plastic knob is an aesthetic let down 🙁

Out of interest what do people wash their safety DEs in? Over time I get a build up of soap scum/limescale on my progress head (and my brush handle too). Id be worried that viakal might be a bit aggressive?

Stoner.

I give mine a quick wash with antibacterial hand wash soap, the pump top stuff like Carex, and an old toothbrush under hot water when I change the blade. Seems to work OK.

Interestingly on the rare occasions when I do wet shave the next morning's stubble is much sharper than after electric shaving, in fact I can even see tiny gleams of light reflecting off the sharply cut ends. Look a scanning electron microscope picture of beard hairs cut with a sharp blade and an electric razor and you'll see why - the electric razor leaves the hair shaft absolutely wrecked in the same way as a hedge that's been trimmed, whereas a sharp blade cuts it off in a neat chisel point.

[img] [/img]

Most people with heavy stubble notice that their shirt collars wear-out much faster with good DE shaving, presumably for that reason globalti

Great thread! Have always wet shaved, but always use plastic disposable razors. Just wondering whether to go with the Merkur 34C (HD?) or the more expensive but adjustable Futur. Just wondered with travel, etc., if the ajustable means that the blade can be "covered" while in a sponge bag to prevent sliced fingers, which I presume the fixed 34C would remain "unprotected". DE expert comments/pros & cons, would be appreciated, before I hit the "buy" button on Amazon...

[img] [/img]
This is a shavette. Not a very many name I agree.
It's an open razor but he "blade" is actually a grip which holds half a DE blade. Cost about a tenner from my local shave shop. Really close shave and particularly good with afew days growh - you just need to take your time on the fist few shaves (which I didn't).

badger
Adjustable doesn't hide the blade
[url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/razor-cases/ ]These might be what you're looking for[/url]

I recently bought a DE razor - can you take those blades on an aircraft?

As far as I can work out, no. Either pack them for check in, buy blades at your destination, or use a disposable if it's an overnight / hand luggage only.

And - further to all the above..... What a pleasure a [u]proper[/u] shave is.

Being wary of potential carnage since I started with my DE razor of course I've been taking my time more than with a disposable, with a coffee in the other hand and one eye on the clock and shouting at the kids to brush their teeth and......

But last night, I sat in the bath after riding and gardening all day with a hot flannel over my face for ages. Then had a proper, no rush shave with a new blade, a brush for the shaving cream, and time for 3 full applications of cream and razor with the grain, across the grain, and then again to really do the chin properly. And then some moisturizer to fight off the effects ofbeing out in the cold wind and sun all day. Wonderful, my face was so smooth I wanted to nuzzle up to it!!

I can see why ladies spend a fortune on getting facials - I think I'm in danger of becoming one of those new men metrosexuals. Does using a proper razor counterbalance the moisturiser, or is all hope gone?

Next step will be trying out different shaving soaps and moisturisers!

I can see why ladies spend a fortune on getting facials

😯

😉

Spotted

Moisturiser?

I think I'm in danger of becoming one of those new men metrosexuals. Does using a proper razor counterbalance the moisturiser, or is all hope gone?

Quite probably, yes.

Since I started DE shaving I've been using after shave "tonic", Issey Miyake FWIW, and have found my skin to be softer, with far less blemishes and patchy skin. More down to the closeness of the shave, cutting the hairs rather than mashing the stubble into submission.

I had to use a multi blade thing whilst away with work, it was just horrible. I was red raw afterwards. Just what you're used to I think.

I got my de blade through security last time, if they find it then happy to ditch it (just kept it wrapped and separate from the razor). Also took a plastic multi blade just in case...

Has anyone here had any success/disaster doing a full head shave with a proper razor? I'm a professional with a disposable but now you've got me thinking.....

Has anyone here had any success/disaster doing a full head shave with a proper razor? I'm a professional with a disposable but now you've got me thinking.....

Not personally but a colleague who I introduced to DE shaving uses it for full head shave.

Well I've taken the plunge ... Will give it a go at the weekend
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Just tried mine for the first time yesterday, having not had a proper shave in more than 10 years. Lovely soft skin afterwards, but realise I need a proper after-shave moisturiser.

[img] [/img]

Just out of curiosity, has anyone tried taking their time, using a hot flannel, doing 3 creams and shaving in all directions with a normal disposable razor? Because it seems a little one-sided otherwise!

<always use normal razors but regularly get ripped to shreds unless it's a 5 bladed behemoth on it's first outing and I've spent 10 minutes in the hot shower first.

I wash with a face scrub first, really gets the stubble ready, it's the only way I don't cut myself to bits whatever the razor.

Is jealous.

Am scared s'less of blades but would like to try DE shaving. I'd end up with half my face in the sink. (Which may be an improvement!) Just thinking about the shape of a razor blade gives me shivers.

I am, however, doing scientific research into cheapo Aldi 3-blade razors to see if they are decent for such a good price!

After a bit of a learning curve I can confirm that it is better than any shave, whatever the prep that you will get out of a Mach 70000 or whatever they are up to. On the other hand I do still stupidly cut myself, usually fingers . Note do not leave de razor next to cold water tap in hotel at works christmas do.......3am rehydration may lead to severe blood loss and wife fainting.

On the basis of this thread, I bought a Merkur 34C, EJ brush, Prorazo soap and a selection of sample blades (Astra, Derby, Shark and Dorco) from Amazon.

What a revelation! With the original Merkur blade, the shave was fantastic. Just done one with a Derby blade and it's even better. Face has never felt so soft.

Still learning, especially where I can and can't shave against the grain. No serious nicks yet, it's surprisingly easy if you're careful.

I actually look forward to shaving now! To Adam who was worried about the blades - give it a go!

What I have found with shaving against the grain is that I find it difficult in keeping the angle of the razor consistent.

When I do get it right then I get a very close shave. But then I suffer on the next shave if its too soon afterwards. Because its so close the hairs then seem to create a bump or pimple before breaking through. If I shave before the hairs have grown through then all I do is nick the tops off the bumps.

I did see a video online somewhere showing a 3 or 4 pass shave. 1st straight down, 2nd & 3rd are at opposite 45deg, and then the 4th against the grain. I've never needed more than 3 passes.

Thinking I need to join the brotherhood of proper shavers and the internet reckons as a beginner I need something like a Merkur 24C or 34C and Feather blades, so where is the best place to purchase said kit ?

Tips and advice welcome as I'm still a little bit worried that DezB has summed up my concerns quite well with that photo.

Whoever suggested feather blades for a beginner is a sadist.
They are ultra sharp and really for experienced de shavers.
I would recommend astra stainless or platinum, plenty sharp enough,inexpensive and won't leave you looking like the guy in the photo above.

Try Conaught Shaving [url= http://connaughtshaving.com ]HERE[/url].

I would hold off on the Feathers to start with. They are VERY sharp. Try a mixed pack of blades and see what you get on with. It's very personal.

Don't forget prep, prep & some more prep. Plenty of guides on the net.

Excuse the dire picture but I'm looking forward to getting this properly shave ready.

[img] [/img]

I've been using a shavette for a while now but I want to make the jump to this.

Traditional shaving company or executive shaving company are both great retailers

Apply oil or moisturiser, foam up, shave with normal BIC type razor, remember to go against the grain on the finishing strokes, re-moisterise.

That's pretty damn close and very cheap. Beat that.

If you are still using that gel or foam in a can stop now, and go buy a decent shaving brush and soap. A good quality synthetic will set you back about £50 but will last for a few years, shaving soaps from Taylors of Bond street or Crabtree and Evelyn are pretty good.. heck Arko shaving soap is better than the crap you get in those cans.
I'd avoid Derby blades as they aren't great quality especially if you have heavy growth.
Tip of the day though, Shave first thing in the morning before you have breakfast, once your digestive system kicks in your skin becomes more sensitive.

+1 on the Platinums, best blades I ever had for my Merkur (no idea which, it's the short handled one).

DO NOT waste money on the unbranded blades in Boots!

Wilkinson Sword Diamond blades are okay but nothing on the Platinums. That said they will still hack out 2 weeks growth no bother, like to see a Mach5 or electric do that without becoming an epilator.

Bought the cheap Wilkinson Sword razor, brush and soap a few years ago as an experiment. Thought I would upgrade if I got on with it and thought it would save money in the long run.
Not sure exactly how long, but about 6 years ago now. Still got the cheap razor and brush. Still with the cheap soap, got another sample pack of razors a couple of months ago. Still a dirt cheap easy to shave (for me) and still the second best shave I have ever had. The best being in a barber shop.

Will leave off the feathers till I know what I'm doing then. 🙂

Another DE shaving convert here...for maybe 5 or 6 years. I don't think anything could persuade me to go back to Mach 3 etc.

Having a wee think I've dabbled with the following:

Merkur 34c, 37c slant, future, vision
Gillette 1944 vintage
Muhle R89
Parker 29L
and just about every blade / soap on the market. Feathers & proraso white being my go to blades / soap.

However.....the revolution in my bathroom is without doubt SE shaving!

I took the plunge 3 months ago and bought a SH Cobra Classic. Oh my! It's a small fortune and the blades are dearer too but I get an easy 7 days out of each blade. IME it's soooo much better than DE shaving. Much much closer, a way smoother shave with (to date) not one nick and ZERO irritation. I've been using after shave balm for years but with this beauty I just rinse with cold water and that's it.

I have found my nirvana!

everyone - Member

Excuse the dire picture but I'm looking forward to getting this properly shave ready.

I've been using a shavette for a while now but I want to make the jump to this.

That's a nice looking traditional Japanese blade.

cheap Wilkinson Sword razor

Aka, "The Lawnmower" 😯

A little thread revival... I took the plunge after having many years of the misus bemoaning me about the stubble and my insistence that I have delicate baby face - I've gone DE...

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So far so good, much less irritation and I like the s****y Edwin Jagger Limes and Pomegranate Gel and after shave..