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Shaving tips - 5 O'clock shadow ?

KJmoon117 said:
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?
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The blade is very important. Derby felt like I was ripping the hair out of my face. I thought it may have just been a bad blade but all I tried were the same. Perhaps it was a bad batch. I had bought a 100 pack because my first set was the best.

Now I use Shark Super Chrome. Each blade has been good and consistent. Better than any multi blade.

Feather is reputed the best but is nearly double the price. Also they are unbelievably sharp and not recommended till after your first year. I might try them next but I still have a year and a half supply of the shark.
 
Damn, now I've got the shaving bug. I am researching shavers to find a DE safety razor that is good quality and provides a smooth shave without ripping my face apart. I am leaning towards a Merkur heavy duty 34C (short handle), but am still not decided. A barber just suggested that I take a look at the Shaving Factory Safety Razor, which is made in China and is like the old Gillette Speed Shaver that gives a mildly aggressive shave. It costs $14 new, which is much lower than the $43 cost of the Merkur. Anybody tried either of these two shavers? BTW, DE shavers are nearly impossible to find in stores other than online ones. Anyone know of stores that carry such razors?
 
mgguy said:
Damn, now I've got the shaving bug. I am researching shavers to find a DE safety razor that is good quality and provides a smooth shave without ripping my face apart. I am leaning towards a Merkur heavy duty 34C (short handle), but am still not decided. A barber just suggested that I take a look at the Shaving Factory Safety Razor, which is made in China and is like the old Gillette Speed Shaver that gives a mildly aggressive shave. It costs $14 new, which is much lower than the $43 cost of the Merkur. Anybody tried either of these two shavers? BTW, DE shavers are nearly impossible to find in stores other than online ones. Anyone know of stores that carry such razors?
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I feel you. Because of this thread I've ordered an Edward Jagger razor, some Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream and a new badger brush. I was happy in my ignorance! :D
 
Ej89 is a lovely smooth razor not quite as aggressive as a merkur hd. I personally can't stand my Gillette super speed, my skin can be a little delicate but my god I couldn't cut myself with that razor if I wanted to. Never got a close shave.

When you get more razors (which you will) check out the stainless steel Weber razors! It's my current favourite along with my Mekur 37c slant.

Check out "The Shaving Room" as well for more info.
 
Ive been reading this thread and have to say its turned my view around on shaving completely (to be honest it started yesterday when my £2 a bottle shaving foam ran out and i splashed out on something better from Bluebeards Revenge for £10).

Mostly its the cost involved with using the wilkinson sword/gillette razors with 3-4 blades - when your spending £10-£12 on a pack of 4 blades which last no time at all, after shave lotion and such can easily push the bill over £50 so i end up buying the cheapest foams and lotions that come to hand.

However spinning the situation on its head, spending £30-£40 for a nice razor and £10 for 100 blades is much agreeable to the wallet, that frees up money for better creams and lotions to make shaving a less harmful experience, i think thats worth re-learning to shave again :)

Oddly enough both my dad and grandad shaved with DE razors, i even remember them stocking up on them everytime they went to the various cheap shops, those little whist plastic packets! I never went that route though going with the wilkinson sword protector with 2 blades.

The Merkur and Jagger razors look very nice, think i'll check out boots and see what they sell in a cheap starter in a DE then i'll treat myself once ive got better at it.
 
mgguy said:
What model EJ?
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I bought the EJ DE89bl. It was my second choice. I wanted to buy the EJ 89 with the Barley Chrome, but every time I went to checkout I was told that it was out of stock.

I was debating whether I should buy an EJ or a Merkur or try to get a SuperSpeed on the bay, but those auctions seemed hit or miss on the quality of the razor.
 
WoodNUFC said:
I bought the EJ DE89bl. It was my second choice. I wanted to buy the EJ 89 with the Barley Chrome, but every time I went to checkout I was told that it was out of stock.

I was debating whether I should buy an EJ or a Merkur or try to get a SuperSpeed on the bay, but those auctions seemed hit or miss on the quality of the razor.
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This razor has gotten good Online reviews. I am considering buying it, though am still leaning toward the Merkur 34c heavy duty because of its heavier weight and textured handle. I also like the Merkur 180 with the longer handle. Wish i could find a b&m store that carries them so i could see how they feel in hand before choosing one to buy.
 
Since using shaving oil before my lather I've reduced red bumps, razor burn and cuts to ZERO. I suggest and recommend you get a GOOD shaving oil after you wet your face and before you lather. That for me is the key. Also after shaving its essential to close pores by splashing COLD water on your face and then some good aftershave. I'm against most types of chemicals on the face so look out for parabens, they have been detected in cancer cells!
 
KJmoon117 said:
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?
Click to expand...


My first ever attempt was with an Astra blade, and I quickly changed that to Feather - and no problems since. The Feather is a lot nicer. I don't think you'll end up with cuts if you use it carefully, just take care.
 
I can only shave twice a week - cant even shave every other day since my face gets very red and irritable. Hence I shave on Saturdays and Wednesday's.
Currently use Gillette foam, and a 3 blade Gillette razor, and hate the entire chore of shaving.

I also shave against the grain as its always been best for me. Can never get a close shave when I go with the grain :(

I may try some shaving oil before I lather up, and a Merkur as well. My dad has always used one but I never bothered, thinking they were old school! Lol

How important is a shaving brush?? I lather up using my fingers - should I invest in a brush??
 
I had a thread going about this a few years ago... I can never seem to get a good (looking) shave no matter what I try (short of straight edge... that's too extreme for me, but I do use a double-edge safety on a daily basis). I think it's because my hair follicles are just so dark you see them through the skin, so it looks dark like there is hair but there actually isn't. So eventually I just gave up, knowing that even though it didn't look like I had shaved, there was nothing left to shave and my skin was smooth. Oh well... after so many attempts I figured it just isn't worth any more energy/concern of mine.

Here is the thread; quite a bit of good shaving advice here:

https://forums.macrumors.com/threads/437950/
 
avro707 said:
Use a Merkur double-edge safety razor with Feather blades, some quality Truefitt and Hill or Geo.F Trumper shaving cream and a good badger brush, then follow it up with a good aftershave balm and cologne and you'll be good for a few days in between shaves.

When I shave with the Merkur/Feather combo, I go across the grain first go, and then the other direction across the grain. This seems to work for me. But I never go against the grain. And I always do this after a hot, steamy shower. Or I wet a small towel with hot water and hold that against the face for a while. Then you wet the brush for a while so it is very hot, then shake it off a little bit and give it a couple of swirls in the shaving cream. Lather on the face in a circular motion, being quite vigrorous until there is a thick lather and no skin visible.

Then you are good to go. :cool:
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Me too!
 
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