Shaving tips - 5 O'clock shadow ?

[rhett7660]

It's not that much of a change. The DE safety razor is quite easy to use, you don't need much effort - let the weight of the razor do its job, rather than forcing it.

The head of the shaver also retains a lot of heat from the hot water too which is nice. I find my shaving time is much faster with a DE instead of a disposable 3 bladed razor. There is less irritation as well.

Once you go that way, you'll never go back. And the blades are cheap as anything - plus you get a lot of shaves from each blade, also good.

This is what I needed to hear. Looking at getting something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-...?ie=UTF8&qid=1344614241&sr=8-1&keywords=razor

 

[imahawki]

I've never even heard of these types of razors until you mentioned them. Just did some research and I'll definitely be trying these out when I get back home. I haven't had a close shave in years with the "face raping pieces of crap".

Glad I could help. Check out badgerandblade.com for more info.

 

[avro707]

This is what I needed to hear. Looking at getting something like this:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-...?ie=UTF8&qid=1344614241&sr=8-1&keywords=razor

Don't go for the long-handled one. Go for a short handled one instead, like this:

http://www.mensbiz.com.au/merkur-black-double-edge-razor-30c.html

It will be easier to use than the long handled one.

 

[WoodNUFC]

This thread really has me interested in trying to wetshave. Should I go with a vintage razor (like an old Gillette Super Speed) or buy a new one (ie Merkur et al)?

 

[avro707]

The new ones do the job fine with a decent blade.

Once you go to wet shaving, or what I consider "normal shaving" you'll never go back. It took multiple tries with expensive electric razors to push me towards proper shaving methods - so much happier after that.

 

[rhett7660]

Don't go for the long-handled one. Go for a short handled one instead, like this:

http://www.mensbiz.com.au/merkur-black-double-edge-razor-30c.html

It will be easier to use than the long handled one.

Thank you for the tip!!!!!!

 

[vrDrew]

This thread really has me interested in trying to wetshave. Should I go with a vintage razor (like an old Gillette Super Speed) or buy a new one (ie Merkur et al)?

The new ones work very well. The main appeal of vintage shaving gear tends to be its rarity and exclusivity, rather than any specific technical or performance characteristic.

Back to the "five o'clock shadow" issue. I have the identical condition - very dark shadow on chin and upper lip, almost immediately after shaving. I've found the following help keep things under control:

1) Proper wetshave using a Vulfix badger-hair brush, plenty of hot water, and a nice cake of appropriate shaving soap. Two passes with a double-edged blade.

2) Post shave use an appropriate face balm, moisturizers, sunscreen etc. But finish with a dusting of shaving talc.

The talc I find not only prevents my skin from looking shiny and "plasticky" - but the skin tone keeps the subcutaneous stubble from shining through.

 

[Carlanga]

Could you show us a pic of the troubled area. I think you are just over thinking it.
I shave w/ a 5 razor blade. Its made by Persona, I didn't think the 5 blades would make a difference in shaving, but I must say the blade quality is pretty good and a little better than my old Gilletes'. The 5 blades vs 3 or less don't think it makes a huge difference though, more is the quality of the blade than the quantity. I use a good amount of foam too, maybe you are not putting enough foam or cream in your face in that part or you are taking too long and the foam has decreased or fell. Electric razors are ok, but will not get you that close shave like w/ razors. I guess if your shadow is detrimental and you don't care for hair ever you could permanently laser it out like the womanfolk do or maybe depilate your face w/ wax or something (if that is even possible or not painful?)

 

[velocityg4]

This thread really has me interested in trying to wetshave. Should I go with a vintage razor (like an old Gillette Super Speed) or buy a new one (ie Merkur et al)?

I went with a vintage nickel Gillette Safety Razor myself. They are cheap enough. I think mine is from the 1930's or earlier.

My favorite blade is the Shark Super Stainless. I use Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream and am partial to the Eton College blend, Geo F. Trumpers Sandlewood Skin Food (a good aftershave is important), and a Vulfix badger hair brush. Be sure to get a styptic pen for cuts. You will cut yourself due to bad habits from disposables.

Buy blades in twenty five packs at first to find your brand. Then move up to hundred packs to save money. Change your blades at least once a week. They are very cheap so frequency should not matter.

Big safety tip. Wrap your old blades in the wax wrapper of the new blade and wet the wrapper to seal it. That way no one gets a bad cut if they stick there hand in the trash.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

This thread is fascinating.

I've always wanted to shave with a straight razor or a DE razor since my 4 blade Gillette Nimbus 9000 costs a fortune per cartridge... and it doesn't even give me a good comfortable shave. The cartridges don't even last long, and I'm Asian too! (My hair is less thicker and grows less)

Don't to hijack the thread but does anyone have any opinions on double edge vs straight edge (single blade)?

 

[avro707]

Geo.F Trumper Sandalwood Skin Food is excellent - I have it here in a small sample bottle I was given. It is really good.

I'd never tried an aftershave 'talc' before though.

I've never tried a straight edge, though if I go to Il Barbiere, he uses a straight-edge to do the shaves - but for me, I notice no difference between a straight-edge shave and my DE with Feather blades.

The barber uses Proraso shaving soap and the pre/doppo-barba cream, and an aftershave lotion that feels freezing cold and stings like fury compared with what I use. However, it is like stepping back to Italy in the 1960s or so, he and his staff are Italian, and he has a way of customer service that is uncommon these days. There is no loud disco tunes, it's an old-fashioned barber shop with good old-fashioned service. And they only charge $20 for a hair cut, and a little more than that for a shave to go with it. Not bad.

 

[velocityg4]

This thread is fascinating.

I've always wanted to shave with a straight razor or a DE razor since my 4 blade Gillette Nimbus 9000 costs a fortune per cartridge... and it doesn't even give me a good comfortable shave. The cartridges don't even last long, and I'm Asian too! (My hair is less thicker and grows less)

Don't to hijack the thread but does anyone have any opinions on double edge vs straight edge (single blade)?

I researched the topic quite a bit before the high upfront cost of all the gear. The straight edge offers the best shave possible. While the safety razor offers the next best.

The downsides of the straight edge being. It is a much more complex technique. As you need to stretch your skin properly for each stroke and you can give yourself a bad cut very easily. You also need to keep it sharpened perfectly to shave with. To be a barber you have to be specially trained to use it on people, which is the difference between a barber and stylist.

There still is a learning curve with the Gillete. You won't get a great shave until you get the angle, pressure and stretching right. You will also cut yourself but the guard prevents it from being bad unless you really screw up.

If you went straight edge I'd go to a barber a few times and pay attention to their pressure and technique. Some may also give you pointers on technique and sharpening if you ask.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

Thanks for the advice.

I decided to go with the double edge razor for now. Much cheaper up front compared to a straight edge. Plus, I rather not have scars or cuts on my face when I walk around campus.

I did invest in Proraso cream, a rice bowl, brush, and the Merkur HD though. Hopefully no more razor burns and acne from using month(s) old cartridges...

 

[Scrub175]

Great topic. Been reading and learning. Gonna order some items described in the thread and try it out. This has even inspired me to purchase the recommnded items as Christmas gifts for dad, brother, brother in law, and step dad.

 

[velocityg4]

I would also mention that even with some items being rather pricey they last a long time. At $12 a tub my shaving cream lasts three to four months (a very tiny amount goes a long ways), the badger brush is good for many years if properly cared for, the razor handle lasts a lifetime, the priciest being my aftershave costing $70 for 500ml it lasts a year for me.

 

[MattAtlanta]

I only shave once a week. I usually shave after using my steamroom and with the grain until it's almost smooth, then against to keep it as short for as long as possible. It's never long after that week. Just enough to look like I work in a creative industry.

Love this... as I do the exact same thing!!! Every Monday morning, I go with the grain and then against.

I have felt such relief reading the other posts on here about people's skin not being able to tolerate a daily shave. My mom used to bug the living hell out of me to shave every day. I tried to do it to appease her, but the red-rash-broken-out skin and overall constant irritation would always wind up being too much to tolerate, and I simply told her that I don't have the type of skin that can handle a daily shave...

Even to this day she has this idea that if I shave frequently for long enough, my skin will eventually "toughen up."

Which, btw, does anybody else shave with hot water, but then after the shave is completed, proceed to rinse with cold water?

--I've heard this is a really good way to get the skin to tighten up.

 

[avro707]

Even to this day she has this idea that if I shave frequently for long enough, my skin will eventually "toughen up."

Which, btw, does anybody else shave with hot water, but then after the shave is completed, proceed to rinse with cold water?

--I've heard this is a really good way to get the skin to tighten up.

Yes, I do shave with hot water, and then rinse with freezing cold water. And I follow it up with an aftershave balm.

And like you, I much prefer shaving only once or twice a week. DE shaving lets me get away with that.

 

[prostuff1]

I switched to a DE razor a couple of years ago now. Once you get the hang of it you get a much better shave and one with less irritation in my opinion.

I have a Merkur and use Feather blades in it. I do not suggest Feather blades for the beginner, they are sharp and you will cut yourself fairly easily the first couple times. Even after having shaved for a while I cut myself with the Feathers every now and again.

I switch between shaving creams quite a bit. I generally stick with Proraso (love the menthol smell) but also have the Trumper Violet and Sandalwood to mix it up a little bit.

My skin can take a daily shaving but in general I don't bother. I usually shave Monday, Wednesday, Friday and call it even.

 

[velocityg4]

Love this... as I do the exact same thing!!! Every Monday morning, I go with the grain and then against.

I have felt such relief reading the other posts on here about people's skin not being able to tolerate a daily shave. My mom used to bug the living hell out of me to shave every day. I tried to do it to appease her, but the red-rash-broken-out skin and overall constant irritation would always wind up being too much to tolerate, and I simply told her that I don't have the type of skin that can handle a daily shave...

Even to this day she has this idea that if I shave frequently for long enough, my skin will eventually "toughen up."

Which, btw, does anybody else shave with hot water, but then after the shave is completed, proceed to rinse with cold water?

--I've heard this is a really good way to get the skin to tighten up.

You are supposed to shave this way. Hot for shaving and cold for the rinse. I also have sensitive skin. Which is the big reason I switched as this is much easier on the skin. A good shaving cream like Taylor of Old Bond St. and a badger brush are the most important part for making the shave easier. Then comes a good razor and aftershave.

I shave three times a week (Monday, Wednesday, Friday) which is as much as I can tolerate.

 

[OneMike]

Get a real razor, not those face raping pieces of crap Gillette and Schick sell. Start with a basic Merkur HD or Edwin Jagger.

+1 for Merkur HD. That plus some Merkur blades, good soap and brush and you're in business. Can get a lot on Amazon but I always gave this site a lot of business https://www.leesrazors.com

As someone said about Feather blades. Not for beginners. Almost ended up like the joker.

 

[Tomorrow]

Which, btw, does anybody else shave with hot water, but then after the shave is completed, proceed to rinse with cold water?

--I've heard this is a really good way to get the skin to tighten up.

It works great for me. This time of year when the "cold" tap water comes out of the faucet at around 75-80 degrees, it helps to rinse your face, wet a washcloth, wring it out, then whirl it around in the air to evaporate some of the moisture (it will cool the cloth even more), then put that on your face.

OP, I will echo what many others have said in this thread - a double edge safety razor, either a vintage Gillette or a new Merkur or Edwin Jagger, with a badger brush and a nice tub of cream will last you a very long time and give you a very comfortable shave.

 

[RainCityMacFan]

My last question is... how important is the blade?

I got a sample pack with Merkur, Crown, and Trig. But which would be good for beginners? For one I don't have a thick beard so there's no need for Feather blades (and as a beginner I rather not look like the Joker).

Also how often should you change the blade?

 

[Mac'nCheese]

Did anyone say stash an electric razor in your workplace for 5 o'clock shadow? Maybe try that.

 

[Huntn]

Keep an electric razor at work...

 

[Tomorrow]

My last question is... how important is the blade?

I got a sample pack with Merkur, Crown, and Trig. But which would be good for beginners? For one I don't have a thick beard so there's no need for Feather blades (and as a beginner I rather not look like the Joker).

Also how often should you change the blade?

I've found that pretty much any blade can give you a close shave, but they're not all equal in terms of smoothness and comfort. In my experience, the top tier would be Astra or Feather, just below that I'd put Personna and Gillette 7 O'Clock, and the worst I've tried are Derby and Crystal.

Blades are cheap, so I change them at the first sign of discomfort - typically after three or four shaves.