[Closed] That razor you lot recommend?

Going to try shaving oil with the Braun

then mull over a Merkur

Braun foil/blades pack is 20 ish quid... which is a lot of dough.. but then I guess it goes through them more slowly

Woody, the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic is a lovely razor. I love the weight of this razor especially. I rate Merkur razors in general anyway, shame there is such a limited stock of them here in the UK. Im going to treat myself to a [url= http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/shaving/safety-razors/Futur-safety-razor-760.php ]Merkur Futur[/url].

Chewkw - "Because they are blue bearded (wire tough beard)." I have actually started to use a shaving cream called [url= http://www.bluebeards-revenge.co.uk ]Bluebeards Revenge[/url]. The makers claim it can reduce hair growth by upto 40 per cent after 60 days of use. Its aimed at men with tough stubble, even though I bought it because of the packaging. I've only used it twice but Its up there with Trumpers and Taylor of Old Bond St.

What's everyone's favourite brush?

Only have a cheapy for travel and a basic badger one for day to day which seems to do everything I need.

Let us know what you think of the Merkur Futur and an update on Bluebeards revenge too as I've only tried Boots own brand cream and didn't like it + soap blocks seem to last forever!

grahamduffy - Member
Woody, the Merkur 34C Heavy Duty Classic is a lovely razor. I love the weight of this razor especially. I rate Merkur razors in general anyway, shame there is such a limited stock of them here in the UK. Im going to treat myself to a Merkur Futur.

Chewkw - "Because they are blue bearded (wire tough beard)." I have actually started to use a shaving cream called Bluebeards Revenge. The makers claim it can reduce hair growth by upto 40 per cent after 60 days of use. Its aimed at men with tough stubble, even though I bought it because of the packaging. I've only used it twice but Its up there with Trumpers and Taylor of Old Bond St.

What's everyone's favourite brush?

I bought one of these with the money my Dad sent me for my 40th and I should shortly be receiving a custom brush that I had made from my wife and children again for my 40th.

[img] [/img]

Those of you with really wiry beards what is your pre-shave prep like? Proraso do a pre/post shave product which I use as a pre-shave after coming out of the shower and ensuring I have washed my stubble well.

I should shortly be receiving a custom brush that I had made from my wife and children again for my 40th.

A bit extreme,no? 😯

don simon - Member
I should shortly be receiving a custom brush that I had made from my wife and children again for my 40th.

A bit extreme,no?

By jings you have to be spot on with the semantics on this site 😉

😆

Interesting thread btw.

that is one amazing brush, I'm so jealous. I think shaving brushes make the shave!! proraso have a good pre shave cream.

grahamduffy - Member
that is one amazing brush, I'm so jealous. I think shaving brushes make the shave!! proraso have a good pre shave cream.

Thank you Graham.

If you are interested in a decent brush then have a look at this site www.penworks.us

Lovely handles and decent knots as well which will last you a long time. It is worthwhile registering with www.badgerandblade.com beforehand as the owner gives a discount for B&B members as well.

The spec on the brush, stop laughing don simon, is that the handle is spalted yellow birch (and sealed with super glue) with a 24mm silvertip knot with extra stuffing set at a loft of 48mm which is ideal for soaps and face-lathering which is the way I like to shave 😉

woody...def will keep you updated. might order one the next time I get paid 🙂 Bluebeards is really good. Lathers really well, provides a close shave and really leaves the skin feeling fresh. Not a fan of cheap shaving foams, they really are not worth the hassle and are probably more expensive in the long run (as you need to use so much every time you shave). Really tempted to buy some [url= http://www.harrods.com/product/acqua-di-parma/shaving-cream/000000000001147311?cat1=beauty&cat2=beauty-mens-grooming ]ACQUA DI PARMA Shaving Cream[/url] from Harrods online shop!!!I wonder how much better it can be?

Futur user here - love the "Day The Earth Stood Still" looks, weight and balance. Head makes under-nose tricky bits a bit trickier than something smaller, like early '60s Gillette Superspeed. The scrapy noise it makes is awesome. Never thought a razor would be worth that much - was using and still love the Superspeed. Never try to adjust it when it's wet though, bl00dy ouch.
Bluebeard's Revenge, IIRC, is rebadged Mitchell's Wool Fat. Not a bluebeard myself, but it's a lovely creamy soap.
Splash on some Proraso afterward and feel the blast

shavey awesomeness
[img] http://t1.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcRZSZPv7MDjLKEdv4P2yYiTiH6YbwMd7trMG1SO8sKNwyKMmV91 [/img]

[img] http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcS8Akssb0HRGxpWzk2VRWupZI5f-FAiIYS40LWJUcJ1ChmEr3tcdQ [/img]

Bluebeard's Revenge, IIRC, is rebadged Mitchell's Wool Fat.

That's saved me a few ££££ - I was about to try Bluebeard's 😉

[url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/the-bluebeards-revenge-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill-120g.html ]yup, thought so[/url]

you only save [url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/mitchells-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill-120g.html ]60p[/url]though

Got a few days growth ready to go (literally), just waiting for my delivery...

I used a Merkur Vision for a few years. A great shave but the complicated mechanism was a bit delicate. It easily ceased up if not taken apart regularly and cleaned.

When It finally broke I got a Futur. Fantastic. No complicated moving parts to break, a lovely weight and a great shave.

I see Merkur do a matching brush. Must resist.

I am sticking to 50p Palmolive shave stick for face lathering at the moment but I do rotate it with my bowl of Palmolive shave soap (made from using 2 grated Palmolive shave sticks in small Pyrex bowl) from time to time. So cheap & very cheerful.

For aftershave any of those traditional stuff should be fine as they are just normal aftershave with light scent. One of the most effective aftershave at reasonable price is Nivea aftershave balm with hardly any scent at all. Bought 4 during sales at £3.50 to £4 each I think.

Apart from that the above the rest of my stuff will last me years ... safety razors, DE blades (several brands) and two shaving brush (one boar and one badger)

I ain't buying into those celebrities endorsed shite ...

🙂

p/s: oh do try shaving at night rather than the morning rush hour.

chewkw - Member

I ain't buying into those celebrities endorsed shite ...

Which ones are those?

I must admit that I now have 6 brushes, 4 badgers and 2 boars.

Each one is different, honest...

Ho hum - Member

chewkw - Member

I ain't buying into those celebrities endorsed shite ...

Which ones are those?

Any of those multi-blades cartridge or any of the plastic disposable stuff. You know the 3 guys ... tennis, football and golf shite ...

🙂

Sorry chewkw, had a few beers mate and I can't read at the moment, should go to bed really...

Ho hum, some great looking brushes on Penworks site. Mitchell's Wool Fat Shaving Soap is one of the very best soaps I have ever used. I like the way Bluebeards has rebranded it.. Looks rather cool. I reckon if Merkur, Ikon, Goodfella, Timor or even Parker got David Beckham or Roger Federer to face its product, then they would sell out overnight. Celebrity endorsement is massive, especially in the Western world. Gillette know this. A DE razor will always provide a closer shave than any cartridge based system could, I see the Shaving Shack blog has quite a good article on why this is the case, see [url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/blog/why-a-double-edge-razor-is-technically-better-than-a-cartridge-based-razor-system/ ]http://www.shaving-shack.com/blog/why-a-double-edge-razor-is-technically-better-than-a-cartridge-based-razor-system/[/url] - it even features a video from the shaving guru himself, Mantic.

Update: First shave last night. No more cuts than using a disposable/multi-blade razor. I was a bit cack though, took me a little while to get the technique, and will probably take me a bit longer to get the confidence/technique for the jawline.

What I noticed:

-Stubble softness and lubrication is much more critical than for disposable razors. No half measures or you will get rash.

-Bejeesus! It's possible to get seriously smooth skin, smoother than any previous razor I have used.

-You do seem to need good technique to get a good shave, but it doesn't seem too hard to learn (so far)

In summary: I am impressed, and it sits well with my self-imposed neo-luddite persona. I didn't even know you could still buy razors like this, why wasn't I told before?!

bluebeards have rebranded the wool fat soap, but still have their own proprietary cream that they claim has certain properties.
http://www.shaving-shack.com/the-bluebeards-revenge-wool-fat-shaving-soap-refill-120g.html
http://www.shaving-shack.com/the-bluebeards-revenge-luxury-shaving-cream-180ml.html
Not tried it personally - Im happy with a good soap.

-Stubble softness and lubrication is much more critical than for disposable razors. No half measures or you will get rash.

-Bejeesus! It's possible to get seriously smooth skin, smoother than any previous razor I have used.

-You do seem to need good technique to get a good shave, but it doesn't seem too hard to learn (so far)

In summary: I am impressed, and it sits well with my self-imposed neo-luddite persona. I didn't even know you could still buy razors like this, why wasn't I told before?!

Haha...... 'tis a secret, don't tell anybody 🙂

Re. the stubble softness and getting a rash, I don't think this is the case. Prime cause for a rash is applying too much pressure and this is key to the whole thing. if you get the angle wrong you just don't get a close shave but too much pressure and you'll get a rash.
What blade did you use? Everybody is different - Feathers and Derbys for me. Try a different one next time and see how you get on.

You're at the start of an enjoyable learning curve.

I used Derbys as they came with the razor. I read up on blades but no two opinions seemed to be the same. I have justed ordered 10 each of Feather and Israeli, although the Derbys seem 'fine' to me so far.

Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Rockhopper - Member
Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Mantic goes on about the "Gillette slide" (I think that is what he named it) in one of his videos when he moves the razor diagonally across his face and I don't fancy that one bit either!

Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Lol.

Ho hum - Member

Rockhopper - Member
Top tip - don't ever move the razor sideways, not even a little bit!

Mantic goes on about the "Gillette slide" (I think that is what he named it) in one of his videos when he moves the razor diagonally across his face and I don't fancy that one bit either!

That's the advance technique so Not for beginner well.

🙂

Sorry to keep dragging this up, but another question...

When fitting the razor and assembling there is some leeway as to how tightly the shaft is screwed in, and this affects the blade angle. Should it be screwed in all the way, or should it be left with some room to spare?

poppa - Member
Sorry to keep dragging this up, but another question...

When fitting the razor and assembling there is some leeway as to how tightly the shaft is screwed in, and this affects the blade angle. Should it be screwed in all the way, or should it be left with some room to spare?

I am assuming that you have a 3 piece razor here. The shaft should be done up finger tight, if you leave it loose it can make the razor more aggressive.

Yes, I have a 3 piece. Thanks for the help!

EDIT: whoops.

Cool, I survived...and with far less blood loss than my usual rampage with a Mach 3.

Not quite as close as I've had, but I went easy and I guess I'll get closer with practice.

Feels nice too, alum block was a revelation 🙂

Good stuff Haze 🙂

Just keep practising at your technique and the smoother shaves will come.

Yes Haze, just keep practising your technique. when I started using a DE razor, I ended up with blood everywhere 🙂 I now just take my time, use short strokes and just take xtra care around my neck. I still nick myself, but I think there is something manly about a few scares 🙂 You might want to invest in an Alum Block though - [url= http://www.shaving-shack.com/alum-block.html ]http://www.shaving-shack.com/alum-block.html[/url] - they are very cheap and very effective.

Just read up on the Alum block thing with interest as I had a poor DE shave this morning. I'm away from home and hadn't brought any spare blades. Midway through my third shave (with a Derby blade), I felt it start to pull - the result is a nice smooth shave, but a slightly raw neck. The aftershave balm has helped a little but I look like I've been slapped 😆

Just tried my first DE shave, delighted that it was bloodless and really not v expensive to try it. I used a Wilkinson Razor from boots (£5) and boots own brushless cream (£1), brilliant.

Just tried my first DE shave, delighted that it was bloodless and really not v expensive to try it. I used a Wilkinson Razor from boots (£5) and boots own brushless cream (£1), brilliant.

Excellent stuff, but I think you'll find it gets even better with a nice razor and cream/soap combo. 🙂

Just tried my Merkur with a Feather blade for the first time. Wow, it was good.

However, I really needed my styptic pen afterwards; ouchy stingyness, but not unpleasant.

I tried the feather blades with my Muhle R89 D/E razor

How bloody sharp and what a fantastic shave to which the wife agreed

Merkur blades were good but the feathers are a differant league
Derby blades just cut me to bits
Wilkingson Sword blades just feel blunt

We make our own soaps so we will make a Teatree whipped cream soap next week , see how it goes

Turning into a beast of a thread 8)

didn't expect such a response, thanks

haven't had time to sort my razor debacle, got the shaving oil though now trying it soon

then if it doesnt help it may be curtains for the Braun

there seems to be a hell of a lot of models of Merkur...

Prompted by this thread, thought I'd give it a go! Got the cheap Gillette Classic from Boots, some nice soap, brush and styptic pencil. Pretty impressed for a first attempt, much closer than I've ever achieved.

One question - if I run my finger along my jawline, still a bit of stubble there. What's the best approach? Against the grain?

Jamze - Member

Prompted by this thread, thought I'd give it a go! Got the cheap Gillette Classic from Boots, some nice soap, brush and styptic pencil. Pretty impressed for a first attempt, much closer than I've ever achieved.

One question - if I run my finger along my jawline, still a bit of stubble there. What's the best approach? Against the grain?

Good start. You might want to upgrade your safety razor later to something even better.

Just try shave across the grain first to see how it goes but most importantly get the angle right then for the final pass try shave against the grain. Or try some minor touch up. Try not to apply pressure.

So a normal shave should be with the grain, across the grain and finally against the grain. After some practice you should be able to finish shaving in maximum 15 mins.

🙂

You might want to upgrade your safety razor later to something even better.

That's the plan...thought I'd give it a go with a cheapy first. Pretty impressed so far. Quite looking forward to having another go tomorrow night...

"So a normal shave should be with the grain, across the grain and finally against the grain. After some practice you should be able to finish shaving in maximum 15 mins. "

And enjoy all the ingrowing hairs this will cause