Traditional shaving

[Duck-Billed Catechist]

So the other day I got fed up with my Schick Quattro. The second razor cartridge in roughly a week had become irreparably clogged despite my best efforts. I have a goatee and sideburns, so there are some longer hairs that get trimmed when I shave. I decided to do what I had thought about doing for a while--invest in a traditional safety/double-edged razor. I did some investigation and settled on a Merkur HD--which I guess is considered the standard. I also got some traditional shaving cream (in a toothpaste tube, not an areosol can) and and alum bar--which tightens up the skin post-shave (and closes up any little nicks). Also, 100 high quality razor blades for 17 cents a piece.

 

Anyway, blah blah blah, you're getting bored at this point. So I'll run down the pros and cons as my research and one-time use have indicated.

 

Pros:

-A much closer shave. With those Gillette and Shick 60-blade razors you have to kind of press it hard against your face--and even then the shave isn't that close.

-Cheaper cost. Potentially. There is a higher initial investment, but that's mainly for stuff that could last decades. A full traditional shaving rig includes a razor (~$30), a badger or boar's hair brush (I didn't buy this because I'm a vegetarian and high-quality brushes are kind of expensive. I might get one eventually) $20-60, shaving cream or soap ($3-$30). I've read that a high quality soap can last for six months.

-A much more enjoyable shave. Don't like shaving? You might this way. It requires using lots of hot water on your face, clearing your razor in hot water (and the steel on the razor gets warm and feels really nice). A lot of guys who are into this pamper themselves with a nice, slow shave. Think of the hot towel and straight razor at the barber shop--isn't that nice? Well, this is kind of like that.

-Potentially less stuff to throw into a landfill. The razor blades also biodegrade a lot faster than the plastic cartridges in the Mach IIIs/Quattros, etc.

-Get out of the ridiculous "Now, with even MORE blades" arms race

 

Cons:

-Can be more expensive. Can be more wasteful. Especially if you become a crazy collector and start buying all kinds of products in search of the perfect shave.

-Easier to cut yourself--especially when you're just starting. The traditional double-edged razors glide along your skin with virtually no pressure applied. If you're used to using the multi-blade thingies, then your instinct will be to press too hard.

-Takes longer to do properly. This can be a plus depending on how you look at it. If it's a nice, pampering experience, then there's no harm in it taking a while.

 

Some links:

http://www.leesrazors.com - site known for great customer service. They put some free stuff like a used-razor holder, a high-quality shaving cream sample, and 10 blades in my order.

http://www.badgerandblade.com - hobbyists who are really helpful, knowledgeable, and a might bit obsessive.

http://shaveblog.com/ - a good, now-defunct blog that has a lot of info.

 

Anyone else shave like this?

[ikol]

I tried either a 4 or 5 blade razor once, and it clogged up on the first stroke. I've never tried the double edge razor.

[Tweedling]

 

After reading your post I have come to the conclusion that I need to pamper myself a little more. Thanks

[poppydawn]

My husband goes through phases where he does the traditional thing. I love it when he does, but time and convenience usually win over the hot factor and he always goes back to the new-fangled razors.

 

Hm. He's birthday's in a few weeks. Maybe he'll be getting a fancy-schmancy old-fashioned shaving kit with some goodies from Lush.

[Tweedling]

I just noticed the directions on my after shave says, "Apply after shaving (thanks) or anytime."

 

anytime?

[Twisted Acres]

Hey Graham, my uncle got me a Merkur for my birthday this year, and I think I'm tightening it too much after putting the razor in. As a result, it seems there isn't enough space between the blade and the base for it to do any shaving at all. Gotta give it another go, as it was one of the best shaves I ever had the first time I used it.

[froggie]

i just started a new disposable razor this morning. i forgot it was new and started shaving like i was using the old one... you can guess the rest! made my eyes water when i sprayed the aftershave on.

 

i look like i got jumped on the way to the train station

[the_fliz1]

 

After reading your post I have come to the conclusion that I need to pamper myself a little more. Thanks

 

 

That is funny. That is the exact same shaving set-up I use. I love the aftershave gel. It doesn't matter what I use though. I always end up cutting the crap out of myself shaving. They used to make fun of me when I was on ship in the Navy. I would come out of the bathroom looking like a horror movie because the ship would rock back and forth while I was shaving. Not to mention after you have been out to sea a while, the only thing the ship store carries shaving wise is really crappy razors and foam shaving cream.

[Synthesizer Patel]

That is funny. That is the exact same shaving set-up I use. I love the aftershave gel. It doesn't matter what I use though. I always end up cutting the crap out of myself shaving. They used to make fun of me when I was on ship in the Navy. I would come out of the bathroom looking like a horror movie because the ship would rock back and forth while I was shaving. Not to mention after you have been out to sea a while, the only thing the ship store carries shaving wise is really crappy razors and foam shaving cream.

 

Isn't it a rule that in the Navy you must either have a "full-set" (ie. a full beard) or nothing at all? That's what my grandfather says whenever he sees me when i haven't shaved for a few days and I'm trying to grow a poor attempt at a beard - his comment is always that I wouldn't be allowed in the Navy with that. Or is that just a British Naval thing?

[squarewave]

Nice to see that I am not alone....

 

I had a faux-ivory handled badger hair brush w/ matching silver stand, and shaving soap holder, that you had to lather up and apply w. the brush.

Although I am a huge fan of creams these days, I would say that I found the homemade lather each morning to be FAR superior to any aerosol lather....

 

As for that set... The Ex broke it, stole it, or gave it to one of her trashy family once when I was on a business trip because she was a C-word...

Several hundred of my CDs, and nearly ALL of my DVDs suffered the same fate before the end (and pretty much helping to CAUSE the end).

 

I never tried any of the hot lather dispenser doo-dads.... But I would love to hear first-hand experiences.

 

When I was a kid, my uncle would take me to the barber, and occasionally the old guys would lather me up with hot lather and "shave" me with the back side of a straight razor while they were shaving Uncle Jack... Then a hot towel (although they let mine cool off some).

 

That is a special memory, and something that a father/son, or uncle or grandfather should offer to a boy as a rite of passage. Barber shop haircut and a hot shave...

 

Back to day-to-day...

My fave lotions in order: (YMMV)

 

1) Clinique for Men, Shaving lotion (M Lotion)

2) Clinique for Men, shaving gel (M Shave Aloe gel)

3) Nutregena for Men, shaving lotion (lot less money, usually available at the corner drug store or a decent supermarket)

(large gap)

4) Edge Gel, really only as a last resort backup if I am in a late-night, cab ride from a hotel, forced to be shopping at a Wal-Mart or grocery store in the middle-o-nowhere type scenario.

 

Also, Clinique's Post Shave Healer (although pricy) is quite a nice find... I would recommend it.

 

Note to curious lurkers... Stay away from electrics.

 

I am not a wealthy individual by anyone's definition, but shaving products are one of those areas (right alongside musical instruments, hi-fi gear, and music) where I treat myself to the best that I can find, and do not shop w/ my wallet, or accept mediocrity...

[Drazil]

...metrosexuals.

[jimmyjimmy]

Note to curious lurkers... Stay away from electrics.

 

To each his own. Frankly on a day to day basis I rarely have time to use anything other than an electric.

 

I gave up on disposable cartridge type razors years ago. They're expensive and frustrating. I use Braun electrics, usually in the shower. The first one cost about $80 bucks and lasted a good twelve years. The new one is fancier, has a articulating type head design and does a good job providing a fairly close shave against my generally mange-y beard: Also keeps the soul-patch, goatee, and sideburns in check with pop up trimmer on the back of the unit.

 

BTW: I generally only get a haircut every six months-to-two or three years. When that "random" event does occur, the Bosnian lady who gleefully attacks my head also pulls out a straight razor +some kind of warm frothy shaving soap/cream and goes after the beard. That along with the hot towel is a wonderfully cathartic, soothing experience.

[Guest Left Arm Tan]

why shave?

 

[quarter23cd]

I buy the cheapest possible pack of disposable razors and try really hard not to shave more than once or twice a week.

 

I'll admit, the "traditional shave" always did look kind of badass, but I doubt I have the patience...or steady enough hands not to slice a major artery.

[Marijn]

I don't have time for a daily traditional shave, so I use these fellows:

 

 

[Guest Left Arm Tan]

 

is it just me or do these pretty much never work well enough?

[isadorah]

ok, i know this has pretty much been a guy thread and i am a chic, but i highly recommend King of Shaves. they make men's versions and women's versions (the only difference is the smell). wow. it makes me want to shave my legs everyday.

[Duck-Billed Catechist]

For a second I thought the witch in your avatar was playing a saxophone.

[Mrs. Peel]

You're going to put me out of work if you're not careful, Graham.

[EL the Famous]

gilette mach 3 right out of the shower. no shaving cream or sundries.

[dixiecupdrinker]

 

I'd highly recommend some of this pre-shave oil by Anthony Logistics for Men.

 

 

anyway,

dcd

[Lammycat]

Good points, Jorge. However, the reality is you've gotta find what works best for your own mug.

 

I got the Gillette Fusion (36 blades, I believe) and have really enjoyed the shaving I get from it. I bought a 4-pack of cartridges last week for $5. Pricey, a bit. But the shaves I get have been nick-free, smooth (no bumps), and pleasant. I'm not averse to using disposables, but for now the Fusion is my boy.

 

Good point on shaving after the shower, El. I heard this somewhere a year or two ago and the reason that it supposedly is better is due to the steam from the shower softening up the face. I used to always shave prior to the shower. Not anymore.

 

The Edge stuff works well but I buy the creams from time to time, too. A nice lather is what matters and the foams just don't cut it for me.

 

I rarely use aftershave as most tend to have alcohol in them and burn the shit out of my precious face. I use a barber's gel called Sharps. No sticky shit, no overpowering stank, and it compliments the shave in smoothness very well.

[Beltmann]

gilette mach 3 right out of the shower. no shaving cream or sundries.

Jeebus, that would tear my face to shreds. I have overly sensitive skin and yet a fearsome beard--not a good mix. I usually resort to a combination of both razor and electric (I like the Gillette Fusion and that Norelco Cool Skin that you can use in the shower). The heat from the shower definitely helps. I also try not to shave more than four times a week.

 

This one time, I traded shaving tips with William Henderson, a fullback with the Packers.

[Duck-Billed Catechist]

You're going to put me out of work if you're not careful, Graham.

Eh, they'll just have to invest more in graphic design to compete.

 

By all means, different shaves work best for different faces and circumstances.

 

Here's an interesting nugget I found after digging around on that shaveblog guy: While the "Tech editor" for NBC's Today Show, he pimped products that he was a paid spokesman for (Apple, HP, Sony, etc.). And NBC just kind of shrugged when they found out.

 

4 fusion cartridges for $5? That seems pretty cheap. I swear they sell 8 of them at the local grocer for $25.

[Mrs. Peel]

Here's an interesting nugget I found after digging around on that shaveblog guy: While the "Tech editor" for NBC's Today Show, he pimped products that he was a paid spokesman for (Apple, HP, Sony, etc.). And NBC just kind of shrugged when they found out.

 

I remember that guy. Corey something, I think. He was the "cool" tech nerd.