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How do you get a close shave?
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A lot work with the butterfly. The Merkur that the OP wanted to buy, you take the head off by 'snapping' it off. Which gets your fingers near the blade.
Some of them have a head that comes off by twisting the bottom of the handle, and a long threaded shaft comes out to remove the blade.
Just thought I'd share this gem of a website. They have some sets for a very reasonable price. You can get the razor, 10 Merkur blades, brush, stand, mug, and shaving soap for very low prices! They also seem to have the lowest prices on most things by what I've seen. Anyway, they place is www.vintagebladesllc.com Enjoy!
Hey there ya bunch of wetshavers! I thought I'd bring this thread back from the dead.
I'm looking into switching back to wetshaving (but proper wetshaving, with quality products, not the cheap canned shaving gels and alcohol-based aftershave I used to use), and I came across your thread.
My history:
I shaved with a razor and Gilette shaving gel for my whole life until last October when I decided to give electric a try. I've been using the Philips/Norelco arctec shaver. It's ok, but not great. I thought it would make my shave-time shorter, but I think it's actually longer now. I now officially hate it. It gives an ok shave, but not a close enough shave in my opinion. I now feel it's time to switch back to wet-shaving, but I want to do it right and use the right blade and the right products.
I was in an Art of Shaving store today, and talked with the rep, and she recommended the $100 starter kit. I've been thinking about going with that and using the Mach 3 to get re-acquainted to razor shaving, and then switching to a Merkur DE razor.
So I thought I'd ask: how are your new purchases turning out?
Are you happy with the razors, creams, and after-shaves that you guys bought?
Are you guys happy with the old-school DE razor, or is the Mach 3 (or something similar) better in your experience?
Does it take too long to shave with the DE razor as compared to the Mach 3?
How would you rate the quality of The Art of Shaving products? Would I really notice a difference between that stuff vs. Taylor of Old Bond Street or Trumpers? And how necessary is the pre-shave lotion? I'd like to go with a shave cream and aftershave.
Any other info you guys can think of would be great.
I'm looking into switching back to wetshaving (but proper wetshaving, with quality products, not the cheap canned shaving gels and alcohol-based aftershave I used to use), and I came across your thread.
My history:
I shaved with a razor and Gilette shaving gel for my whole life until last October when I decided to give electric a try. I've been using the Philips/Norelco arctec shaver. It's ok, but not great. I thought it would make my shave-time shorter, but I think it's actually longer now. I now officially hate it. It gives an ok shave, but not a close enough shave in my opinion. I now feel it's time to switch back to wet-shaving, but I want to do it right and use the right blade and the right products.
I was in an Art of Shaving store today, and talked with the rep, and she recommended the $100 starter kit. I've been thinking about going with that and using the Mach 3 to get re-acquainted to razor shaving, and then switching to a Merkur DE razor.
So I thought I'd ask: how are your new purchases turning out?
Are you happy with the razors, creams, and after-shaves that you guys bought?
Are you guys happy with the old-school DE razor, or is the Mach 3 (or something similar) better in your experience?
Does it take too long to shave with the DE razor as compared to the Mach 3?
How would you rate the quality of The Art of Shaving products? Would I really notice a difference between that stuff vs. Taylor of Old Bond Street or Trumpers? And how necessary is the pre-shave lotion? I'd like to go with a shave cream and aftershave.
Any other info you guys can think of would be great.
It makes you sexy? sexy how?
Yeah, anyhow, do it in the shower and shave against the 'grain' and no, it doesn't hurt or tear your face-off, you just have to get used to it and ........ you have to know where your face starts and ends
3 months of use from one blade? Ewww....
It makes you sexy? sexy how?
Yeah, anyhow, do it in the shower and shave against the 'grain' and no, it doesn't hurt or tear your face-off, you just have to get used to it and ........ you have to know where your face starts and ends
Who are you guys answering?
You should read the posts as well as the title. If you did, you would have noticed that this thread is well past the 'shave after you shower' point.
If you read my post (the one before both of yours), you will see why I brought this thread back from the dead.
Thanks for the input though.
I got the same starter kit (well, the travel version that's $38) and have been pretty happy with it so far. I'm using a cartridge razor rather than the DE at this point. I'm not that good at getting a good lather with the brush/cream/bowl combo, but I'm fairly certain I'm getting a closer shave nonetheless. I need to get to YouTube to check out some tutorials on proper lathering, and maybe try a different cream. I've not used the pre-shave lotion in the kit, only the cream and after-shave. Both are nice (I got the sandalwood version). You'd think living in Santa Barbara that I could find options for other creams besides what's at Nordstrom's, but I'll probably just end up getting something online when the cream form the kit runs out.
In fact, I'm off to go shave now.
I used to do that until I got my self-cleaning Braun. It's not quite as smooth a shave but darn close and it saves me loads of time. It only takes me 30 seconds to shave now instead of at least 2 minutes with a Mach 3. My skin isn't as sensitive or prone to break out anymore either.
I just use a regular Bic razor (just 2 blades) and go against the hair. Tesco shaving foam. I've tried loads of products that are supposed to lube up hairs and all fancy junk like that but my skin just stopped being irritated after a couple of years.
Have tried some fancy Gillette Fusion or something and it did the same job but quicker. But I don't mind spending an extra few minutes shaving.
Never liked electric shavers. They seem to pinch me.
Have tried some fancy Gillette Fusion or something and it did the same job but quicker. But I don't mind spending an extra few minutes shaving.
Never liked electric shavers. They seem to pinch me.
I would get the smaller starter kit. The brush is very good and there is a pretty good amount of product in the kit. The tube of shaving cream is great for travel.
The Art of Shaving preshave oil is great but may not be necessary, I only use it on my neck. I really like their shaving cream but I get antsy and switch to Taylors every now and then - which is also very good. You just have to adjust how much water you leave in the brush depending on the product.
Bath and Body Works repackaged Proraso shaving cream under their own name for just about $10 a tube (they last forever). If you like menthol then its a good choice.
I did not think that the Art of Shaving aftershave was good at all. I just buy Nivea or L'oreal from Rite Aid.
I use a Mach 3 - no reason to risk my fingers with a safety razor, especially with little kids in the house.
I got the same starter kit (well, the travel version that's $38) and have been pretty happy with it so far. I'm using a cartridge razor rather than the DE at this point. I'm not that good at getting a good lather with the brush/cream/bowl combo, but I'm fairly certain I'm getting a closer shave nonetheless. I need to get to YouTube to check out some tutorials on proper lathering, and maybe try a different cream. I've not used the pre-shave lotion in the kit, only the cream and after-shave. Both are nice (I got the sandalwood version). You'd think living in Santa Barbara that I could find options for other creams besides what's at Nordstrom's, but I'll probably just end up getting something online when the cream form the kit runs out.
In fact, I'm off to go shave now.
Thanks for the advice. How are you finding the quality of the brush that is provided in the starter kit? It's their lower end brush- is it too course and does it absorb enough water?
I love Santa Barbara- we visited there last year before we moved to LA. We're definitely going to visit again this summer. Did you try that outdoor mall on Main St? I would think that there would be a shaving store somewhere in there, no?
Thanks for the advice as well. It looks like I may lean towards the smaller starter kit that you both recommended, at least to get myself started. Good to hear that the brush is decent, that's my main concern. Is it the same brush that comes with the full sized starter kit?
I'm going to start off with the Mach 3, and switch over to the DE in a month or so (if I feel the need).
I'm still going to do a bit more research......
I'm glad I came across this thread because if I try and get a 'close shave', I tend to look like I'm wearing a gimp mask. Not a good look at all.
i have been wetshaving since the start of this thread. my system now is:
- crabtree + evelyn "sienna" shave cream
- latte mug
- art of shaving "starter kit" brush
- mach 3
i have been getting a lot better at it and now get a good shave. my method is to get foam worked up in the mug and do 2 passes with the razor, always holding at the very end of the handle so as not to press too hard. one pass straight down and the 2nd pass i go sideways across my face. i still get some bumps at the bottom of my neck but my girl loves the smell of the cream and the rest of my face feels great.
i have about 5 cartridges left for my mach 3 and when i get to my last one i may try a DE razor - still not sure yet.
- crabtree + evelyn "sienna" shave cream
- latte mug
- art of shaving "starter kit" brush
- mach 3
i have been getting a lot better at it and now get a good shave. my method is to get foam worked up in the mug and do 2 passes with the razor, always holding at the very end of the handle so as not to press too hard. one pass straight down and the 2nd pass i go sideways across my face. i still get some bumps at the bottom of my neck but my girl loves the smell of the cream and the rest of my face feels great.
i have about 5 cartridges left for my mach 3 and when i get to my last one i may try a DE razor - still not sure yet.
I start shaving with a DE razor and real shaving cream about a month ago. I finally have the hang of it and don't very often nick myself. I have found that using my Mach 3 first to get it hair shorter leads to less "fighting" with the DE razor. The Mach 3 never really got me a close shave hence the reason i decided to try a DE. I usually Mach 3 it to get the long stuff and then due two passes with the DE, one with the grain and then one against. The key for me is the last against the grain shave. This really makes the shave nice and close.
I like the Proraso (eucalyptus and menthol) and the Taylor and Bond (lavender)
I like the Proraso (eucalyptus and menthol) and the Taylor and Bond (lavender)
It's the first brush I've used, so I don't really have anything to compare it to. I just thought it'd be better than diving right into a more expensive one (though the Vulfix ones for ~$50 might be on my birthday list).
You'd think Paseo Nuevo (the mall you talked about) would have a shaving store, but no dice so far. It does have a Bath and Body Works though, which sounds like they've got some Proraso-style creams. I'll have to give it a shot.
My brother has shaving cream from them.
I couldn't really answer your question. I shave like, once every week and a half (as I'm only 16, and don't seem to grow that much hair on my face). However, the hair that I do grow gets shaved with a gillette fusion and some gillette shaving gel. It's pretty close, but again, i don't grow much hair.
Close shave, close shave. For some reason those words sound a little familiar.
Oh yeah!!, about 20 years ago when I shaved.
Had a full beard ever since.
Oh yeah!!, about 20 years ago when I shaved.
Had a full beard ever since.
That's good to know, thanks. I'm debating on either going with the starter kit or going with the Vulfix No. 2233 brush and some Taylor and Bond (lavender). You know, start off conservative and add stuff if I need it. If I feel it's still irritating, I may go with some pre-shave lotion later on. Eventually maybe switch to the Merkur "Heavy Classic" DE Safety Razor.
You would think Paseo Nuevo would have one, they have some nice stores there if I remember, and a shaving store would fit right in.
Close shave, close shave. For some reason those words sound a little familiar.
Oh yeah!!, about 20 years ago when I shaved.
Had a full beard ever since.
Get off our
This is how I have been shaving for the last four years:
1) Fill up partially a sink basin with hot water.
2) Splash face with water to soften up skin.
3) Apply Edge brand shaving gel on face.
4) Shave with the Schick XTreme3 brand hand shaver, rinsing out shaver periodically in sink basin water to keep it clean.
5) When finished shaving, drain out sink and run cold water to rinse out shaver one last time.
6) Splash face with running cold water to remove excess shaving cream.
7) Apply Nivea for Men brand aftershave lotion to "smooth out" face.
It's worked for me with excellent results all these years.
It may be interesting to apply hot shaving cream from a mug, but in my opinion that's a bit too much work, given the pretty good results I've had with the Edge brand shaving gel.
1) Fill up partially a sink basin with hot water.
2) Splash face with water to soften up skin.
3) Apply Edge brand shaving gel on face.
4) Shave with the Schick XTreme3 brand hand shaver, rinsing out shaver periodically in sink basin water to keep it clean.
5) When finished shaving, drain out sink and run cold water to rinse out shaver one last time.
6) Splash face with running cold water to remove excess shaving cream.
7) Apply Nivea for Men brand aftershave lotion to "smooth out" face.
It's worked for me with excellent results all these years.
It may be interesting to apply hot shaving cream from a mug, but in my opinion that's a bit too much work, given the pretty good results I've had with the Edge brand shaving gel.
In case anyone cares.....
I placed an order with Vintage Blades. I ordered:
-A Vulfix No. 2233 Super Badger brush
-A Chrome Brush and Razor Stand
-Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream
I'm going to start off using the Mach 3 Turbo that I have, and once I'm re-acquainted to shaving with a razor and I'm ready to order more cream, I'm going to order the Merkur "Heavy Classic" DE Safety Razor and some blades.
So far, my customer experience with Vintage Blades has been good. I have already received a confirmation that my order has been processed, and that i should expect an email with a tracking number shortly.
One of the reasons I went with them instead of ClassicShaving.com is because CS is located in California, which would mean I would have had to pay sales tax on top of the price. Because Vintage Blades is in MD, no sales tax for me.
I placed an order with Vintage Blades. I ordered:
-A Vulfix No. 2233 Super Badger brush
-A Chrome Brush and Razor Stand
-Taylor of Old Bond Street Lavender Shaving Cream
I'm going to start off using the Mach 3 Turbo that I have, and once I'm re-acquainted to shaving with a razor and I'm ready to order more cream, I'm going to order the Merkur "Heavy Classic" DE Safety Razor and some blades.
So far, my customer experience with Vintage Blades has been good. I have already received a confirmation that my order has been processed, and that i should expect an email with a tracking number shortly.
One of the reasons I went with them instead of ClassicShaving.com is because CS is located in California, which would mean I would have had to pay sales tax on top of the price. Because Vintage Blades is in MD, no sales tax for me.
Jim at Vintage Blades is a GREAT guy to work with. I had a few questions about the "Heavy Classic" razor as it was out of stock, and about the whole shaving process and he responded in great time! I can't wait to do business with him (heading out of state next week so I'll have to wait). Let me know how the rest goes for ya!
Well since starting this post I've tried using DE razors, brushes, etc. and what I have found gives me the best shave for my time is to use the real cream stuff applied with a brush and a regular old cartridge razor. I tried the DE, and for the time investment it just was not worth it in my case. My skin is just really sensitive and cuts easily and also I have found that where I was originally complaining of not getting a close shave - I was getting a decently close shave, it's just that my hair is dark enough that the follicles show so it looks like there is hair above the skin when there is not.
But anyways ... best of luck to you getting starting with wetshaving.
But anyways ... best of luck to you getting starting with wetshaving.
Good to know I'm doing business with a great guy. Thanks for the assurance. If all goes well, I'm sure I'll be a return customer.
Thanks for the update- that is the type of info I was looking for when I found this thread. Some follow-up.
How long did you use the DE for? Did you give up after a shave or two, or did you give yourself a good week or two of trial time? I have read that you can get used to the DE, and after a couple of weeks, you stop nicking yourself.
So you actually see an improvement from the quality shave cream and the brush? That's good to know- I have my doubts (not about your opinion, but about if it would make a difference or not).
I receive my stuff next week, and am very excited to stop using the electric (Philips-Norelco arctec).