Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked(online.wsj.com)
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Razor Burn: A Flood of Fancy Shavers Leaves Some Men Feeling Nicked
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28 comments
> The fact that it's possible to restore a 150+ year old straight razor to perfect working order (I know this because I've done it myself) says quite a bit about modern build quality and designed obsolescence.
It doesn't actually. It's simply selection bias. All the bad razors were thrown out years ago. The ones that were saved were the good ones.
It doesn't actually. It's simply selection bias. All the bad razors were thrown out years ago. The ones that were saved were the good ones.
This is not correct.
Overall quality and price point for razors manufactured over the last 150 years or so are generally well documented, and there are more everyman cheapo razors floating around on the market than heirloom collector's items. Having done restorations on both types I can tell you "cheap" razors typically shave just as well (or better) than heirloom pieces.
Also it's substantially more likely that a "good" razor would have been used to death due to hone wear.
Overall quality and price point for razors manufactured over the last 150 years or so are generally well documented, and there are more everyman cheapo razors floating around on the market than heirloom collector's items. Having done restorations on both types I can tell you "cheap" razors typically shave just as well (or better) than heirloom pieces.
Also it's substantially more likely that a "good" razor would have been used to death due to hone wear.
Hello. Fellow straight razor enthusiast here. Could you give any advice on how to get a razor back to working order? I have a straight razor that I love but I haven't used it in a while because (I assume) my honing technique is faulty. I have been using the ones that use a disposable razor but it isn't the same.
My advice would be to take a three tiered approach to your problem (dull razor). Head over to http://www.straightrazorplace.com/
Short term: get in touch with one of the honemasters (Lynn does incredible work) on the forums and make arrangements to send your razor in for a professional hone.
Mid-term: examine the quality of your strop and your stropping technique. Assuming you have a quality razor a good strop and solid technique should keep it shave-ready for months at a time. Poor stropping technique is the leading cause of premature dulling.
Long term: browse the forums and howto sections for detailed information on honing and restoration techniques, procure quality hones if you haven't already done so, and then pick up some $10 ebay specials to practice your technique on until you've got it dialed.
Short term: get in touch with one of the honemasters (Lynn does incredible work) on the forums and make arrangements to send your razor in for a professional hone.
Mid-term: examine the quality of your strop and your stropping technique. Assuming you have a quality razor a good strop and solid technique should keep it shave-ready for months at a time. Poor stropping technique is the leading cause of premature dulling.
Long term: browse the forums and howto sections for detailed information on honing and restoration techniques, procure quality hones if you haven't already done so, and then pick up some $10 ebay specials to practice your technique on until you've got it dialed.
I bought a Merkur Futur a year ago and haven't looked back.
The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity.
As the article states, it takes a little more time and finesse to get a full shave done, and I like that. It's been, for me, an enjoyable way to start the day with a routine that requires some craftsmanship and skill.
The initial investment in going to an old-school shaving setup is about $100. Safety razor, some blades, badger-hair brush and saving soap. But the payoff is huge over time. A $5.00 bar of shaving soap can last 6 or 8 months with daily use. High-quality DE blades are $0.50-$0.80 ea, depending on quantity.
As the article states, it takes a little more time and finesse to get a full shave done, and I like that. It's been, for me, an enjoyable way to start the day with a routine that requires some craftsmanship and skill.
The Futur, choice of Bill Adama! (Though most people think it looks like the Vision, I can't tell)
Anyway, you can probably get started on the cheap if you have any living male relatives born before 1950. They probably have some old vintage Gillette razor that works just as well now as it did when they got it. Or, if you live near an antique or consignment store, you can find razors there cheap, probably between $5 - $10. They're easy to clean, too.
Anyway, you can probably get started on the cheap if you have any living male relatives born before 1950. They probably have some old vintage Gillette razor that works just as well now as it did when they got it. Or, if you live near an antique or consignment store, you can find razors there cheap, probably between $5 - $10. They're easy to clean, too.
I have the same razor. What blade are you using with it? I prefer Feathers.
I've been using the Merkur Platinum blades that came with it. In all honesty though, I've never tried any other blades, so maybe I'm missing out.
The one downside to the DE razors is that (at least in my area) local supply of blades is somewhat limited. The drugstores that do stock them just seem to carry whatever basic cheap-ass blades they can get. My guess is that they think these blades are only purchased by 80 year old men, probably passing up a good revenue opportunity.
I think I'll order some of the Feathers and give those a try next.
The one downside to the DE razors is that (at least in my area) local supply of blades is somewhat limited. The drugstores that do stock them just seem to carry whatever basic cheap-ass blades they can get. My guess is that they think these blades are only purchased by 80 year old men, probably passing up a good revenue opportunity.
I think I'll order some of the Feathers and give those a try next.
Merkur is a great blade, but then I came across the Feathers and I think the japanese have a leg up. It's one of the sharpest blades I've used. Definitely recommend you sample a pack.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/906451.htm
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/906451.htm
I tried at least 6-8 different blades when I first started w/ a DE razor, and Feathers blew all the others out of the water. Every face is different, but Feathers are definitely worth a trial at least.
Definitely try a selection of different blades. If you can find a supplier which offers 'sample packs' that would be perfect.
There is http://connaughtshaving.com/samplepack.html in the UK but it sounds like you're US based.
I had quite a lot of problems with the Feathers blades when I tried them. I suggest you try them anyway as what works for me won't necessarily work for you and vice versa. Try a variety and find what works best for you.
There is http://connaughtshaving.com/samplepack.html in the UK but it sounds like you're US based.
I had quite a lot of problems with the Feathers blades when I tried them. I suggest you try them anyway as what works for me won't necessarily work for you and vice versa. Try a variety and find what works best for you.
Several months ago I switched to a Merkur 180 long and experimented with several blades. I found the Feathers to be my least favorite blade, even though they are revered on Badger and Blade. They feel too harsh. I settled on Derby's. I get at least 4 comfortable, close shaves. I won't ever go back the shaving 'systems'.
Can you speak to the additional time commitment? I have been considering ditching the Fusion for a Merkur, but I'm worried about adding more time to my AM routine. Are we talking double the amount of time? Triple? The thought of getting up at 5:30 AM just to get a better shave has been the primary reason I haven't pulled the trigger.
Don't do it. I bought a Merkur two years ago and I just back the switch back to the Gillette.
Here's the issue: errors with a single blade safety razor are much worse. I didn't cut myself 99% of the time, but when I did, the cuts were large divots out of my skin. It sucks.
Go with the modern technology and leave the single blades to the obsessive.
Here's the issue: errors with a single blade safety razor are much worse. I didn't cut myself 99% of the time, but when I did, the cuts were large divots out of my skin. It sucks.
Go with the modern technology and leave the single blades to the obsessive.
Is that unique to de safeties? I am using a straight razor, and while I cut myself sometimes, it's always a slice, not a chunk.
Can you speak to the additional time commitment?
Keep in mind I haven't done any stop-watch studies...
Shaving with a normal razor takes me about 5-7 minutes (I still use a plastic 2-blade razor when I travel). The DE razor probably doubles that, maybe in the range of 10-12 minutes.
At first it was much longer, like 15+ minutes until I got the feel of it. But after developing a technique, it goes pretty quick overall. Either way, the additional time is still on the order of 10-15 minutes at most, and should be an extra 5-8 or so when you get the hang of it.
Keep in mind I haven't done any stop-watch studies...
Shaving with a normal razor takes me about 5-7 minutes (I still use a plastic 2-blade razor when I travel). The DE razor probably doubles that, maybe in the range of 10-12 minutes.
At first it was much longer, like 15+ minutes until I got the feel of it. But after developing a technique, it goes pretty quick overall. Either way, the additional time is still on the order of 10-15 minutes at most, and should be an extra 5-8 or so when you get the hang of it.
I can agree with both the potential savings, and the enjoyment. I've switched to a straight razor, and I'll never need to buy another blade probably for the rest of my life. Soap and possibly my waterstone are my only consumables.
As for time and enjoyment, it takes me probably 15+ minutes because I'm still getting the hang of it, maybe even 20 if I'm practicing a 3rd pass (for the perfect shave, you go with the grain, across the grain, against the grain, and your face will be smooth in all directions), but I feel good when I'm done.
As for time and enjoyment, it takes me probably 15+ minutes because I'm still getting the hang of it, maybe even 20 if I'm practicing a 3rd pass (for the perfect shave, you go with the grain, across the grain, against the grain, and your face will be smooth in all directions), but I feel good when I'm done.
I switched to DE coming on a year ago. I didn't get a new DE but went for some of the older models (available off ebay for cheap).
My favorite one regularly goes for about 5 bucks (They are usually tagged with: Canadian 1932 "military issue" like these: http://cgi.ebay.ca/LOT-2-GILLETTE-SAFETY-RAZORS-3-PIECES-BLA...).
The first week I shaved before bed to get the hang of it. Went slow, paid attention to technique, beard growth direction, etc.
After that I shave almost every morning after my shower. Takes ~10 minutes including Lather, Shave and Cleanup.
For me, I like it. I have a small collection of some cooler looking old DE razors. Buy blades for incredibly cheap. And can enjoy a variety of shaving creams.
My favorite one regularly goes for about 5 bucks (They are usually tagged with: Canadian 1932 "military issue" like these: http://cgi.ebay.ca/LOT-2-GILLETTE-SAFETY-RAZORS-3-PIECES-BLA...).
The first week I shaved before bed to get the hang of it. Went slow, paid attention to technique, beard growth direction, etc.
After that I shave almost every morning after my shower. Takes ~10 minutes including Lather, Shave and Cleanup.
For me, I like it. I have a small collection of some cooler looking old DE razors. Buy blades for incredibly cheap. And can enjoy a variety of shaving creams.
How long does it take you now?
Depending on things it would take me between 20-25 minutes to shave (using a Merkur, forget which one it was exactly) but I wasn't good at it at all, so you could properly cut it down to 15-20 minutes.
And there is nothing as good as getting out of bed at 5:30 to start a productive day.
Depending on things it would take me between 20-25 minutes to shave (using a Merkur, forget which one it was exactly) but I wasn't good at it at all, so you could properly cut it down to 15-20 minutes.
And there is nothing as good as getting out of bed at 5:30 to start a productive day.
It depends on how close of a shave you want. If you simply want to be presentable you can do one quick pass "with the grain", but if you want a perfectly smooth shave you can do several passes (perpendicular and against the grain). If I'm in a hurry I can shave in 5 minutes (though this is a good way to cut yourself), if I'm taking my time it's maybe 10 minutes.
I also only shave every other day, in large part due to how close of a shave you can get, though I also naturally don't grow hair quickly.
I also only shave every other day, in large part due to how close of a shave you can get, though I also naturally don't grow hair quickly.
The whole thing, from lathering to cleanup, takes me around 15 minutes. Many people can do it faster, but this gives me time to wake up.
I agree. After reading this article a couple years ago, http://www.msnbc.msn.com/id/6886845/, I only use my electric shaver for its mustache trimmer.
You shave every day? I thought I shaved a lot at once a week.
You shave every day? I thought I shaved a lot at once a week.
Shaving frequency seems to vary by person and age, but yes, I shave everyday, occasionally twice a day (if I'm going out at night and want to freshen up).
I have a feeling there is a significant amount of age and/or cultural difference between us, as I would never consider a weekly shave anywhere near "normal". Though when I was younger (18ish) I could go a few days without needing a shave.
I have a feeling there is a significant amount of age and/or cultural difference between us, as I would never consider a weekly shave anywhere near "normal". Though when I was younger (18ish) I could go a few days without needing a shave.
Considering electric shavers have poor mustache trimmers, maybe you should find a real mustache trimmer?
Good heavens, once a week? My stubble isn't as fast as some, but I'd look like a criminal. Do you have visible stubble by the time you shave, and just tolerate looking decidedly unshaven, or does it grow slowly?
Good heavens, once a week? My stubble isn't as fast as some, but I'd look like a criminal. Do you have visible stubble by the time you shave, and just tolerate looking decidedly unshaven, or does it grow slowly?
The brush & soap is still the most satisfying shave I've ever had. I'm not sure how effective it really was compared to others as it's been a while, but I certainly felt the best afterwards and itched a lot less.
On a friends recommendation, I recently switched to one of those cheapo King Of Shaves. It looks ridiculous and it was a bit fiddly to get used to, but it's doing ok. Prefer it to the crumbling Mach 3 anyway.
On a friends recommendation, I recently switched to one of those cheapo King Of Shaves. It looks ridiculous and it was a bit fiddly to get used to, but it's doing ok. Prefer it to the crumbling Mach 3 anyway.
Same here. I got a Merkur HD about 6 months ago. The initial investment is a bit high, but I wouldn't be surprised if it has already paid off. The blades I got are ~$0.25 each, and last about 1-2 months if cared for.
More than that, though, the shave is just all around superior. It baffles me that people shave with Mach 3s or electric razors.
More than that, though, the shave is just all around superior. It baffles me that people shave with Mach 3s or electric razors.
How do you make a blade last a month? Adamantium-infused skin? I use a new blade every 3 shaves. I can't imagine using a blade for over a week.
I did the same thing. The first couple times were a little tricky - longer time and some cuts - but now I shave almost as fast with the safety razor.
It's so easy to learn and so much cheaper than a Mach3 I can't believe more people won't give it a try.
It's so easy to learn and so much cheaper than a Mach3 I can't believe more people won't give it a try.
It should properly be pointed out that while it is really easy to cut yourselfs, it doesn't hurt (I am normally really skittish around needles) - the worst thing is the sting that can happen when the cream touches the wound.
It is a weird feeling when you don't realize that you bleed until your hand touches your blood.
The cut is so clean that it also heals nicely.
It is a weird feeling when you don't realize that you bleed until your hand touches your blood.
The cut is so clean that it also heals nicely.
Good point. A Mach3 triple cut is really a gash that can take a small chunk out of your face. A small slice from the safety razor stops being an issue in minutes.
I'm seriously considering getting my beard permanently removed via laser hair removal. It's getting affordable, and not having to shave every day, or every other day, seems like a luxury I might now pay for. I'm thinking of asking for next birthday and Christmas getting the cost covered.
ADDED IN EDIT:
I personally don't like having a beard. Been there, done that, don't like it. Also, my wife would be 100% happy with me being (effectively) clean shaven all the time. Stubble is much less welcome.
Unfortunately I've started to get grey patches, and laser removal is less effective on grey hair. So just as I'm getting to the point where I could afford it, I'm developing the characteristics that make it less plausible/possible.
Typical.
ADDED IN EDIT:
I personally don't like having a beard. Been there, done that, don't like it. Also, my wife would be 100% happy with me being (effectively) clean shaven all the time. Stubble is much less welcome.
Unfortunately I've started to get grey patches, and laser removal is less effective on grey hair. So just as I'm getting to the point where I could afford it, I'm developing the characteristics that make it less plausible/possible.
Typical.
I've considered this in the past as well. But every girl I've ever dated has really disliked the idea. A little stubble on a Saturday is a great thing in most women's eyes.
My girlfriend would be delighted if I'd have a 100% smooth face 100% of the time. At the risk of way TMI, I'd say that 'certain' Saturday activities are smoother with a clean shave than with stubble. I recently started thinking about the laser removal again too, I considered it a few years ago but I was warned by a beautician that it may make one's face look less 'full'; apparently the hair roots have enough volume to be noticeable when they're removed. But by now I've gained some weight so I could stand to loose some 'fullness' I guess ;)
Link? I was under the impression that men could not have laser facial hair removal because the thick, coarse hair would scar under the high energy of the laser.
(Although, I'm not sure I would do it anyway. Having facial hair as an older man seems like it would be a rite of passage.)
(Although, I'm not sure I would do it anyway. Having facial hair as an older man seems like it would be a rite of passage.)
Speaking of old men with beards, I've always loved this portrait of Darwin:
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_Darwin_by_Julia_Ma...
There is just something about his huge beard and the way he stares off into the distance.
This is also a good one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_Robert_Darwin_by_J...
But don't wait until you're old to try a beard! Grow it for six weeks, see if you like it!
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_Darwin_by_Julia_Ma...
There is just something about his huge beard and the way he stares off into the distance.
This is also a good one: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/File:Charles_Robert_Darwin_by_J...
But don't wait until you're old to try a beard! Grow it for six weeks, see if you like it!
Laser still works on male facial hair. I've considered it myself to the point of getting a consultation and there aren't any problems.
The thing with laser is that it's technically (according to the FDA) laser hair reduction. When you zap the hair with the laser, it doesn't necessarily kill the follicle, but it does make the hair grow back thinner. Repeated treatments make the hair grow back thinner and thinner and eventually it does stop growing. But it can also later start growing back, so you tend to have to go back for 'touch up' appointments, even after the majority of the zapping is complete.
The thing with laser is that it's technically (according to the FDA) laser hair reduction. When you zap the hair with the laser, it doesn't necessarily kill the follicle, but it does make the hair grow back thinner. Repeated treatments make the hair grow back thinner and thinner and eventually it does stop growing. But it can also later start growing back, so you tend to have to go back for 'touch up' appointments, even after the majority of the zapping is complete.
For five years my hack has been to cycle from cleanly shaved to bearded every week. Or three.
What about depilatory cream? It's true that the instructions say not to use it on your face, but I still wonder what can happen and how effective it is.
Unless you have really fine hair (in which shaving is probably not a problem), the cream is so corrosive it burns your skin before it burns the hair away. Plus it takes a really long time.
By the way, the instructions also mention to let it for 5-8 minutes or in extreme cases for 11 so the time shouldn't be so long. Shaving takes at least 30 minutes for me.
Just grow a beard dude. It requires serious maintenance only once a week.
Here's another tip for sharpening disposable razor blades using a pair of jeans:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Kxiom83Js
Basically, you're using the denim as a strop to rub off the debris which accumulates on the blade (which appears to be responsible for most of the dulling effect). The blades themselves remain sharp for ages.
I've been doing this for a while and now use each regular Mach 3 blade for 3-4 months of daily use.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=B3Kxiom83Js
Basically, you're using the denim as a strop to rub off the debris which accumulates on the blade (which appears to be responsible for most of the dulling effect). The blades themselves remain sharp for ages.
I've been doing this for a while and now use each regular Mach 3 blade for 3-4 months of daily use.
What, a whole article on traditional shaving methods and no mention of straight razors? A straight razor does take time, care, and practice, but it produces excellent results without too much irritation. (I admit that, when I'm in a hurry, I reach for a Fusion.)
I tried double-edged safeties (the aforementioned Merkurs), and didn't like them. They produce a shave quality identical to Mach3 or Fusion, but take quite a bit longer and result in more razor burn. The blades are cheap, certainly, but if you're going down that road, why not try a straight? Think of it as an investment in the environment: no more disposable trash to clutter landfills.
I don't know if supply of razors or blades is a huge problem. classicshaving.com always seems to have everything I've ever needed.
I tried double-edged safeties (the aforementioned Merkurs), and didn't like them. They produce a shave quality identical to Mach3 or Fusion, but take quite a bit longer and result in more razor burn. The blades are cheap, certainly, but if you're going down that road, why not try a straight? Think of it as an investment in the environment: no more disposable trash to clutter landfills.
I don't know if supply of razors or blades is a huge problem. classicshaving.com always seems to have everything I've ever needed.
I disagree about double-edge, razor burns, and quality of shave. This video covers a wet method shaving technique that you might consider.
http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59#p/u/35/_VxFXpdLvG0
http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59#p/u/35/_VxFXpdLvG0
Different things work for different people, I guess. I can't imagine what could possibly prepare my face for what the guy in the video did. If I went through it so rapidly, ignoring the grain, for 5+ passes, any razor would turn my face into a raw burger patty.
Shaving with a 5-blade Mach razor is like taking 5 passes with a single blade; the analogy is akin to driving an automatic vs. standard transmission. This is why 5-blade razors save time, and why a double-edge can give you a closer shave.
You don't burn your face as long as you re-lather with each pass, and I typically recommend pre-shave oil too. But, tThe Robert's wet method technique takes a bit of studying and practice.
Nevertheless I do agree with your first statement.. different strokes for different folks.
You don't burn your face as long as you re-lather with each pass, and I typically recommend pre-shave oil too. But, tThe Robert's wet method technique takes a bit of studying and practice.
Nevertheless I do agree with your first statement.. different strokes for different folks.
That's hardly what I would call a beard.
The more I read articles like these (they pop up everywhere once in a while), the more I am beginning to see a common theme develop, namely: It depends on the guy.
Google around for a while and look at all of the anecdotes, including the ones given in this thread. People say that everything is the best. It seems to me that a man's goal shouldn't be to find "the best" shaving setup, but instead the setup that works best for him. To that end, I've seen each of these setups described as "the best":
* Gillette (Mach3|Fusion) with (Brush & Mug|Shaving Gel|Shaving Foam)
* Straight Razor with Brush & Mug
* Double-Edged Safety Razor with Brush & Mug
* Buying a giant bag of disposable single/double-bladed razors, making a single stroke with each one and discarding it until you find one that was manufactured fantastically sharp, and nurse it with the "arm as a strop" technique for weeks and weeks until it's finally too torn up to use; repeat
Other techniques include:
* Shaving after you shower
* Shaving religiously every day (so that you are only ever shaving short hairs, increasing the life of your blade and preventing ingrown hairs since you don't let the hairs grow)
* Shaving once a week (so that you are only ever shaving hairs long enough to grow, increasing the life of your blade and preventing ingrown hairs since you shave less often).
(Yes, those last two are contradictory and I have heard that both are "the best".)
I went on a bit of a Shaving Odyssey a few years ago, determined to find a better solution than my Mach3 with shaving gel, which yields wildly inconsistent results. I think it has to do with the blades; occasionally I'll get a cartridge that lasts 6 shaves and leaves me delightfully smooth without a single nick, other times the brand new blade will be like shaving with nettles and I look like a zombie.
I sought out my barber, a salty Sicilian who had once given me the best shave of my life with a straight razor. I joined him for lunch and, while he scarfed down a chicken parm hero, I asked him if I should learn to use a straight razor.
"Listen," he said in his thick accent, brow furrowing gravely, "I won't lie to you. I speak to you now, like you are my own son." He mopped marinara sauce off of his lips.
"Don't shave with a straight razor."
I blinked. "What? But you..."
"You'll cut yourself into ribbons. I shave my customers with a straight razor, but you know what? I shave with a Mach3! If you want a close shave, shave every day. It doesn't matter what razor you use. The most important thing is shaving every day. My Mach3 blades last for months at a time."
I felt a little betrayed, but thanked him for his help and duly attempted shaving every day. It didn't work for me, and my Mach3 cartridges still lasted less than two weeks at very best. (Sometimes they will be unusable after only one shave!) I have discovered that my stubble shares some traits with steel wool, or perhaps barbed wire, and that sometimes it will simply destroy a disposable razor. That is, what works for a lot of other dudes simply will not work for me.
I haven't found my perfect setup yet. I'm sure it's out there, but for now, I know it's not a Mach3 with shave gel.
Google around for a while and look at all of the anecdotes, including the ones given in this thread. People say that everything is the best. It seems to me that a man's goal shouldn't be to find "the best" shaving setup, but instead the setup that works best for him. To that end, I've seen each of these setups described as "the best":
* Gillette (Mach3|Fusion) with (Brush & Mug|Shaving Gel|Shaving Foam)
* Straight Razor with Brush & Mug
* Double-Edged Safety Razor with Brush & Mug
* Buying a giant bag of disposable single/double-bladed razors, making a single stroke with each one and discarding it until you find one that was manufactured fantastically sharp, and nurse it with the "arm as a strop" technique for weeks and weeks until it's finally too torn up to use; repeat
Other techniques include:
* Shaving after you shower
* Shaving religiously every day (so that you are only ever shaving short hairs, increasing the life of your blade and preventing ingrown hairs since you don't let the hairs grow)
* Shaving once a week (so that you are only ever shaving hairs long enough to grow, increasing the life of your blade and preventing ingrown hairs since you shave less often).
(Yes, those last two are contradictory and I have heard that both are "the best".)
I went on a bit of a Shaving Odyssey a few years ago, determined to find a better solution than my Mach3 with shaving gel, which yields wildly inconsistent results. I think it has to do with the blades; occasionally I'll get a cartridge that lasts 6 shaves and leaves me delightfully smooth without a single nick, other times the brand new blade will be like shaving with nettles and I look like a zombie.
I sought out my barber, a salty Sicilian who had once given me the best shave of my life with a straight razor. I joined him for lunch and, while he scarfed down a chicken parm hero, I asked him if I should learn to use a straight razor.
"Listen," he said in his thick accent, brow furrowing gravely, "I won't lie to you. I speak to you now, like you are my own son." He mopped marinara sauce off of his lips.
"Don't shave with a straight razor."
I blinked. "What? But you..."
"You'll cut yourself into ribbons. I shave my customers with a straight razor, but you know what? I shave with a Mach3! If you want a close shave, shave every day. It doesn't matter what razor you use. The most important thing is shaving every day. My Mach3 blades last for months at a time."
I felt a little betrayed, but thanked him for his help and duly attempted shaving every day. It didn't work for me, and my Mach3 cartridges still lasted less than two weeks at very best. (Sometimes they will be unusable after only one shave!) I have discovered that my stubble shares some traits with steel wool, or perhaps barbed wire, and that sometimes it will simply destroy a disposable razor. That is, what works for a lot of other dudes simply will not work for me.
I haven't found my perfect setup yet. I'm sure it's out there, but for now, I know it's not a Mach3 with shave gel.
Well, you did say that your barber's straight razor shave was the best you ever had, and you did say that Mach3 doesn't work for you, regardless of what he said... Maybe look for some encouragement on the ol' Internet? http://www.straightrazorplace.com/ is a little crazy, but then again, so is HN. :)
Have you considered growing a beard?
(A quest to find the perfect beard trimmer is, of course, a very real risk if you follow this suggestion.)
(A quest to find the perfect beard trimmer is, of course, a very real risk if you follow this suggestion.)
You are right on the money. It all comes down to the best shave for YOU. It's worth experimenting. After all if you are going for clean-shaven you are going to be shaving about once per day. 365 times per year. Thousands of times before you die. It is worth optimizing this to be as pleasant as possible.
I can absolutely respect people who prefer the 'classic' old straight edge shaves, or the dollar store single blades, or the ultra-manly outback shave with a friggen knife.. I have actually tried all of the above (the knife was a mistake!)
Now I found my personal golden sheep; I got a free one of the new Shtick Hydro's and it is bar none the best shave I have ever had. The first time I used it I was actually startled. It didn't FEEL like I was shaving, just like I was rubbing something smooth over my face and the hair was suddenly gone.
I think a lot of the backlash against the pushing of newer shaving products is legitimate (prices of blades going up.. how many blades do we really need? ergonomic grip? Really?), but I think a large part is also some sort of machismo. Having a really 'fancy' smooth shave just isn't as manly.
Personally I am not shaving for the man-points. I am shaving for utility and comfort.
EDIT: full setup, shave while shower is running so I am in a steamy room, I use shaving gel (the Gillette sensitive skin), and I make sure I change the blade every two weeks. Follow up with the shower and some post-shave lotion after toweling off.
I can absolutely respect people who prefer the 'classic' old straight edge shaves, or the dollar store single blades, or the ultra-manly outback shave with a friggen knife.. I have actually tried all of the above (the knife was a mistake!)
Now I found my personal golden sheep; I got a free one of the new Shtick Hydro's and it is bar none the best shave I have ever had. The first time I used it I was actually startled. It didn't FEEL like I was shaving, just like I was rubbing something smooth over my face and the hair was suddenly gone.
I think a lot of the backlash against the pushing of newer shaving products is legitimate (prices of blades going up.. how many blades do we really need? ergonomic grip? Really?), but I think a large part is also some sort of machismo. Having a really 'fancy' smooth shave just isn't as manly.
Personally I am not shaving for the man-points. I am shaving for utility and comfort.
EDIT: full setup, shave while shower is running so I am in a steamy room, I use shaving gel (the Gillette sensitive skin), and I make sure I change the blade every two weeks. Follow up with the shower and some post-shave lotion after toweling off.
Plan C - beard
Plan C.2 - beard and once a week do the bits around the edges so you don't end up with the full ZZ-top look.
Plan C.2 - beard and once a week do the bits around the edges so you don't end up with the full ZZ-top look.
Plan C.3 - beard and write a new programming language, since that is the main prerequisite for being a famous language founder. (the new language will be called "Stubble" of course.)
He may use 'turbo' blades, which do last several times as long in my experience.
I consider myself a shaving purist and moved away from multi-blade nonsense to a traditional double-edge razor about 5 years ago. It's very therapeutic, and the cost savings and quality of shave trumps modern razors at the expense of a few extra minutes. To put cost in perspective, for $20 you can have a 2-month supply of razors and have an almost brand-new blade touching your face every 2nd or 3rd shave. When time is precious or I'm traveling, my windfall is a nice electric razor.
Here are some good resources for picking up the art. I tend to prefer the Robert's wet method shaving technique. He's based in Austin, TX and makes all his brushes, soaps, and oils by hand in his shop off Congress.
http://shaving101.com/index.php/education/11-method-shaving....
http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59
Here are some good resources for picking up the art. I tend to prefer the Robert's wet method shaving technique. He's based in Austin, TX and makes all his brushes, soaps, and oils by hand in his shop off Congress.
http://shaving101.com/index.php/education/11-method-shaving....
http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59
Reminds me of my favourite Onion article - http://www.theonion.com/articles/fuck-everything-were-doing-...
Especially for the line "Here's the report from Engineering. Someone put it in the bathroom: I want to wipe my ass with it."
Especially for the line "Here's the report from Engineering. Someone put it in the bathroom: I want to wipe my ass with it."
Has anyone else been shaving without shaving cream?
It probably only works for the baby-faced ones like me, but so far I haven't noticed anything bad happening to my face from using just water.
It probably only works for the baby-faced ones like me, but so far I haven't noticed anything bad happening to my face from using just water.
I swear by it. Haven't used shaving cream in probably 2-3 years and I have a very thick fast growing beard. I use a little lather from the soap bar while in the shower and rinse the blade in a cup of piping hot water between strokes. I find that the increased sensitivity on the skin prevents me from pushing to hard or performing too many repeat strokes (which is where I usually get my razor burn from).
I found the same thing starting in my late teens. I shave every other day, in the shower, without foam, gel or soap against the grain with a Bic disposable.
Also, I find as long as I can clean the razor out from the back one blade lasts from 3 to 6 months (Gilette disposables don't work for this as they are closed in the back).
I may not be normal.
I may not be normal.
This is similar, except that I change razors more often.. Maybe if I had a good technique to clean the blades they'd last longer, though.
I used to do that all the time (until I grew a beard), but I would only do it after taking a shower. I found that shaving cream just got in the way.
I tried this once. I'm sure it kicks ass when it works, but when I was done, my face looked like something out of a Hellraiser movie. Never again!
i've been shaving in the shower without cream for several years now (enough to not remember when i started). always let the water get hot to make it glide easily, and change the blade when it gets too dull.
At 24 years of age, I have had enough time to attempt shaving with different razors again and again. I have hated every minute of it. Wether I have too sensitive skin or I have not given myself enough time desensitize myself, but none of the different gels, creams or even shaving oil combined with various razors have convinced me.
Basically, I gave up about a year ago and use a trimmer to shorten the hair to sub-millimeter length. A permanent stubble, pretty much. My girlfriend doesn't find it a show-stopper, so all is well on that front.
I sometimes wonder in morbid curiosity wether I should try again in order to look more professional, but then shurg it off quickly. I have two more years of architecture school left, so there's no rush.
Basically, I gave up about a year ago and use a trimmer to shorten the hair to sub-millimeter length. A permanent stubble, pretty much. My girlfriend doesn't find it a show-stopper, so all is well on that front.
I sometimes wonder in morbid curiosity wether I should try again in order to look more professional, but then shurg it off quickly. I have two more years of architecture school left, so there's no rush.
For my job, I have to shave every weekday. I used to really hate shaving. Now I find it tolerable and occasionally even enjoy it as a quiet and meditative time. My purely subjective list of the things that helped me enjoy it, ranked by my perception of usefulness:
1. Good shaving cream, in a tub or tube. Try Kennedy's or Nancy Boy or Proraso. This made a HUGE difference.
2. Badger-bristle shaving brush. You can get a decent one for around $25-30. Don't skimp, it should last a really long time. I tried a boar one, and it smelled really bad and made my face itch.
3. Decent after-shave. So far I like the Nancy Boy aloe-based one the best, but I haven't tried many. I have never had good results with the alcohol-based ones. They irritate my skin.
I tried a Merkur Futur, and a straight razor. Perhaps I was not patient enough, but even after a few weeks of each I found that I did not see enough of an advantage to justify the additional time. I have heard that the Futur is a bit fussier than the HD, so I have been considering giving that one a try and perhaps using better blades. I went back to the Mach 3, and with the changes above it has been OK, but just OK. I still get a lot of chafing around my collar.
Just my input having given this stuff a try. If you do one thing, get some decent shaving cream and a brush. That made 75% of the difference right there.
1. Good shaving cream, in a tub or tube. Try Kennedy's or Nancy Boy or Proraso. This made a HUGE difference.
2. Badger-bristle shaving brush. You can get a decent one for around $25-30. Don't skimp, it should last a really long time. I tried a boar one, and it smelled really bad and made my face itch.
3. Decent after-shave. So far I like the Nancy Boy aloe-based one the best, but I haven't tried many. I have never had good results with the alcohol-based ones. They irritate my skin.
I tried a Merkur Futur, and a straight razor. Perhaps I was not patient enough, but even after a few weeks of each I found that I did not see enough of an advantage to justify the additional time. I have heard that the Futur is a bit fussier than the HD, so I have been considering giving that one a try and perhaps using better blades. I went back to the Mach 3, and with the changes above it has been OK, but just OK. I still get a lot of chafing around my collar.
Just my input having given this stuff a try. If you do one thing, get some decent shaving cream and a brush. That made 75% of the difference right there.
If you ask me, most of the sound and fury around shaving and shampoo stuff for men is just the cosmetic company's trying to open a new market for crap nobody needs. They have already saturated the woman's market for wrinkle cream that doesn't work and a million shampoo products that are basically the same.
Perhaps I am just a holdover from a curmudgeonly, pre-Metrosexual era...
Perhaps I am just a holdover from a curmudgeonly, pre-Metrosexual era...
Related: I got tired of buying shaving cream and now use hair conditioner. It works just as well and is much cheaper.
I learned a while back about the idea of sharpening your blades. I know, it's obvious. The idea is that these disposable blades that you buy in packs of 4 can actually last quite a while if you 'sharpen' them. Basically, wet the razers, and then run it up your arm. Make sure you drag it across so you aren't shaving your arm, but rather, running the blades face across your arm, sharpening it.
Wow. That's a really bad description. Hopefully you understand. You have my apologies for forcing you through that mess.
Anyways, it's really helped with the life span of my blades. Before I shave, I run them across my arm 10 times, real quick. Takes all of 5 seconds, and then I commence with the shaving.
It's like running a knife of a leather strap to help keep it sharp. Look! A concise description. >_< Need more coffee to get back to default awareness.
Wow. That's a really bad description. Hopefully you understand. You have my apologies for forcing you through that mess.
Anyways, it's really helped with the life span of my blades. Before I shave, I run them across my arm 10 times, real quick. Takes all of 5 seconds, and then I commence with the shaving.
It's like running a knife of a leather strap to help keep it sharp. Look! A concise description. >_< Need more coffee to get back to default awareness.
You should get a strop: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Razor_strop
You aren't actually sharpening the blades, just honing them. This is essentially the same process you perform on a honing steel for your kitchen knives. The leather is used instead of a steel due to how thin the blades of your razor are. If you don't have a strop you could also use an old pair of jeans. Either way I wouldn't use your arm as if something did go wrong with the cartridge you could end up with severe cuts. I've had plenty of those cheap cartridges gillette mounts their blades in break and expose their innards.
By using a strop I typically get a cartridge to last for a couple of months before I toss it. They could probably last longer, but that's enough for me. I buy blades maybe once every couple of years due to a combination of stropping and growing a full beard each winter.
I've also tried moving to a safety razor but I dislike shaving enough that I'm not willing to spend that much time on the process each morning so stropping the modern blades is a happy middle ground of savings and convenience.
You aren't actually sharpening the blades, just honing them. This is essentially the same process you perform on a honing steel for your kitchen knives. The leather is used instead of a steel due to how thin the blades of your razor are. If you don't have a strop you could also use an old pair of jeans. Either way I wouldn't use your arm as if something did go wrong with the cartridge you could end up with severe cuts. I've had plenty of those cheap cartridges gillette mounts their blades in break and expose their innards.
By using a strop I typically get a cartridge to last for a couple of months before I toss it. They could probably last longer, but that's enough for me. I buy blades maybe once every couple of years due to a combination of stropping and growing a full beard each winter.
I've also tried moving to a safety razor but I dislike shaving enough that I'm not willing to spend that much time on the process each morning so stropping the modern blades is a happy middle ground of savings and convenience.
Here's the Consumerist article and video that popped up on this a few months ago. It's been working pretty well for me so far: http://consumerist.com/2010/03/make-your-disposable-razor-bl...
Yes, that's it! Thank you! That's where I learned it.
This was on Reddit a few months ago. I started running the blade against my arm before and after a shave and not only have I prolonged the life of the blade, but it's actually sharper than a new blade. It really has saved me a ton of money on razor purchases and I feel like I'm sticking it to the man a little also. I'm still using the same blade for over 3 months now.
I realised this a long time ago, I purchased an Open Razor (still learning that one) and a Merkur Safety Razor. I use Feather Blades which are very sharp and require a little more skill to use, however they run about £5 for 10, Mach 3 run around £10 for 8, its not hard maths :)
A good shave also looks after your skin, and using a badger brush with a good glycerine based shaving cream with good pre-shave and post-shave routine makes all the difference.
I use http://www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk/acatalog/shaving-soaps-and-... (top one in sandalwood) is fantastic, it lasts ages, doesn't numb your skin and works up a very nice lather (when used with a badger hair brush), I would recommend people try it even if they keep their Mach3.
A good shave also looks after your skin, and using a badger brush with a good glycerine based shaving cream with good pre-shave and post-shave routine makes all the difference.
I use http://www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk/acatalog/shaving-soaps-and-... (top one in sandalwood) is fantastic, it lasts ages, doesn't numb your skin and works up a very nice lather (when used with a badger hair brush), I would recommend people try it even if they keep their Mach3.
Just a plug for Somersets shaving oil rather than shaving cream or gel. Works quite well, and you can carry it on planes without any hassle (I went around the world with it). http://www.somersets.com/
I have a lot of thick facial hair and the disposable razors just weren't cutting it. I've switched to a straight razor with a DE for travel and when I'm in a hurry, and the difference has been amazing. The area on my neck where I used to constantly have ingrown hairs is finally smooth and happy.
I think there are four issues at play: - attention to shaving technique tends to be much less with a disposable, possibly due to ignorance - shaving cream from a can does a bad job of lubricating the face - disposable razors are poorly designed, with a gap between the razor and the skin, and are easily clogged with cut hair - the sharpness of disposable razor blades is essentially unknown
I think there are four issues at play: - attention to shaving technique tends to be much less with a disposable, possibly due to ignorance - shaving cream from a can does a bad job of lubricating the face - disposable razors are poorly designed, with a gap between the razor and the skin, and are easily clogged with cut hair - the sharpness of disposable razor blades is essentially unknown
The prospect of potentially scarring gashes from a straight or safety razor have always put me off on the idea. Even with a disposable double-bladed gilette-sensor excel, the hair on my chin is just so incredibly tough that unless I prepare everything correctly, there is a chance of taking a chunk of skin off. To deal with this I hack away with an electric razor first, then finally attack with razor, since the remaining stubble is much easier to cut without the hair taking the skin along for a ride.
Is it possible to use a straight razor or safety razor in a way that leaves no risk of deep cuts?
Is it possible to use a straight razor or safety razor in a way that leaves no risk of deep cuts?
I have a rough neck, and facial hair that grows fast. I eventually gave up nicking myself every morning trying to get a close shave and went electric. It would grow back by 3pm or so anyway. I got a Braun Activator, and haven't looked back. It still needs a cleaning fluid cartridge, but I love the convenience of running it dry over my face & throat, dropping it in the cradle, and letting it clean & sharpen the thing.
I went with a light beard for awhile which was also convenient - just set a beard trimmer to the lowest setting and run it over every few days.
I went with a light beard for awhile which was also convenient - just set a beard trimmer to the lowest setting and run it over every few days.
Are you sure it sharpens?
I have a similar setup due to my somewhat african-american hair. Grows in all directions and grows in. Used to have a TON of problems with various non-electric razors.
Nowadays I do a pass with the trimmer part of the electrical razor and then with the razor itself. Works like a charm, no ingrown hairs. I don't go for a super-smooth shave, though.
I have a similar setup due to my somewhat african-american hair. Grows in all directions and grows in. Used to have a TON of problems with various non-electric razors.
Nowadays I do a pass with the trimmer part of the electrical razor and then with the razor itself. Works like a charm, no ingrown hairs. I don't go for a super-smooth shave, though.
I get just as close a shave from my braun foil as wet shaving. There is no compromise. Electric shaving is much cheaper. I replace the foil and cartridge every six months.
I'm convinced few people ever figure out how to correctly use an electric foil razor. They just use it wrong and think electric shaving is second tier. They don't get that you have to press pretty hard and work in tight clockwise and counterclockwise circles over everything a couple times.
I'm convinced few people ever figure out how to correctly use an electric foil razor. They just use it wrong and think electric shaving is second tier. They don't get that you have to press pretty hard and work in tight clockwise and counterclockwise circles over everything a couple times.
I saw this in Money mag a couple of months back and thought it was silly...but apparently going old-school is not only cheaper but better quality as well. I think I might try it.
http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2010/04/29/spend-less-o...
http://moremoney.blogs.money.cnn.com/2010/04/29/spend-less-o...
If you don't need your facial hair totally shaved, an electric hair trimmer, like the kind your barber uses on you, is quick and foolproof.
If you do need your facial hair totally shaved, just get a safety razor. The blades are ~55 cents each, and while there is a little learning curve, within a week or two you'll be all set.
If you do need your facial hair totally shaved, just get a safety razor. The blades are ~55 cents each, and while there is a little learning curve, within a week or two you'll be all set.
I have a light beard and only shave every few days, so I've been using disposables so far. I kind of feel bad about throwing them away like that, but I also feel bad about paying tons of cash for a "fancy" razor.
Maybe I should take the plunge just for the environmental aspect. But I just hate feeling like I'm over-paying...
Maybe I should take the plunge just for the environmental aspect. But I just hate feeling like I'm over-paying...
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My favorite remains the Gilette sensor excel. I used to skip shaving cream altogether with it, in fact. The biggest problem without using cream is that the cut hair winds up getting caught in water that runs down your neck.
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I've recently taken up shaving with a straight razor. I there was a place like Pasteur's Pharmacy near me because the only place to buy equipment is online.
I've been using a straight edge with disposable blades for the past few months. Shaving has suddenly become a whole lot more enjoyable.
I use a currently 4 months old Mach 3 "Turbo" (big laugh) for my legs/etc. No matter what the commercials wants you to believe, unless you are one of those men inflicted with steel wool growing out of your chin, the blades really do their job not entirely as swift, but definitely well enough, far longer than Gillette wants them to.
I bailed on modern shaving equipment in favor of antique (100+ yrs old minimum) straight razors over a year ago and I haven't looked back since.
Initial investment was roughly $200 for a good shave ready razor, soap, brush and a strop. My first multi-pass shave took me about an hour to complete.
Once I had my basic shaving technique down I bought a set of hones and started learning how to restore vintage razors to active use.
After a year and a half my findings are as follows:
- shaving with a straight provides the smoothest possible shave and turns shaving from a chore to a meditative experience that isn't to be missed.
- It's possible to do a three pass shave with touchup in 15 minutes without rushing.
- shaving with a straight is not economical compared to disposables.
- The fact that it's possible to restore a 150+ year old straight razor to perfect working order (I know this because I've done it myself) says quite a bit about modern build quality and designed obsolescence.