DE/straight shavers?

[Ringer]

Only problem I see with DE shaving is that (like with snus) acquisition disorder sets in. To make matters worse I work literally around the corner from the 3 Ts (Trumper, Truefitt, Taylors) in St. James and walk past their shops every day. Taylors is getting my vote at the moment but I am enjoying the DR Harris products as well.

I haven't tried any of the tallow based soaps. I am considering the Mitchell's Wool Far shaving soap though. Looks like it offers a great shave. What is your opinion on the tallow based soaps?

You are lucky to be so close to the three T's. I imagine that if I ever make it to London that it'll be one of my first visits. I had a straight razor shave that the T & H in Chicago and it was bliss. Mitchell's Wool Fat soap is a good one. However, part of the shave experience for me is a nice scent and this soap seems to be lacking in that department. It may be a little harder to lather than other soaps as well. That being said, it's on many people's favorite soaps list. My problem is that I'm always rushing to get to work on time so I'm usually using creams instead of soaps. I have 3 tallow based soaps as of now: Tabac, MWF, and Penhaligon's Blenheim Boquet. Penhaligon's is definitely my favorite, but it was also the most pricey by far.

Feather blades are great. Just make sure you are careful with your form as they aren't as forgiving as other blades. You'll definitely want to have your alum block/stick around if you are sloppy with the shave.

[KarlvB]

I've been curious to get one of those older shavers where you drop the double edged blade into it and turn the handle. I used to have one way way back, and I guess it got thrown away, but now a day you can't find these are the stores anymore. I just use a cheap generic bag of disposables, but each one lasts me a very long time. Though I am growing out my beard now, and only use it for the neck line.

The Edwin Jagger (made by Mühle) is readily available on Amazon for about $35. I haven't used a Merkur but they tend to get very good reviews. I personally prefer Mühle but each to his own. The Derby blades should be around $8 for 30 blades. A decent pure badger brush shouldn't set you back more than about $25.

Online is definitely your best bet if you can't make it to a retail shop like the T&H one in Chicago or Las Vegas.

[KarlvB]

You are lucky to be so close to the three T's. I imagine that if I ever make it to London that it'll be one of my first visits. I had a straight razor shave that the T & H in Chicago and it was bliss. Mitchell's Wool Fat soap is a good one. However, part of the shave experience for me is a nice scent and this soap seems to be lacking in that department. It may be a little harder to lather than other soaps as well. That being said, it's on many people's favorite soaps list. My problem is that I'm always rushing to get to work on time so I'm usually using creams instead of soaps. I have 3 tallow based soaps as of now: Tabac, MWF, and Penhaligon's Blenheim Boquet. Penhaligon's is definitely my favorite, but it was also the most pricey by far.

Feather blades are great. Just make sure you are careful with your form as they aren't as forgiving as other blades. You'll definitely want to have your alum block/stick around if you are sloppy with the shave.

I am currently reaching for my TOB Avocado cream the most regularly for exactly that reason. It lathers up quickly and gives a nice comfortable shave. Personally I don't care about scent too much as I don't want it to interfere with my cologne/EDT. Just had a quick look at Penhaligon's (also around the corner) at the Blenheim. Pretty steep price. I think I will wait with that one as I'd rather try the Castle Forbes first.

The Mitchell's is out of stock at the moment but I should be able to get some soon. Will let you know what I think.

Ah the trusted alum block. I am glad I got one as I used it a fair bit the first couple of weeks. Haven't nicked myself now for a while but still tend to give the face a good rub with the alum block after shaving.

[NonServiam]

Maybe I should look into a straight razor. I am always plagued by these red sores on my neck from ingrown hairs after shaving. I've tried every remedy and shaving method available, and still no luck. Sometimes I even get these hairs that are like the size of a thorn. It looks like ten little hairs compacted together into one. I gotta pull those bastards out with a pair of tweezers.

[Ringer]

Maybe I should look into a straight razor. I am always plagued by these red sores on my neck from ingrown hairs after shaving. I've tried every remedy and shaving method available, and still no luck. Sometimes I even get these hairs that are like the size of a thorn. It looks like ten little hairs compacted together into one. I gotta pull those bastards out with a pair of tweezers.

I'd recommend a DE razor if you haven't tried that already. Most cartridge razors are designed to slightly tug at your hair before they are cut which can cause irritation that you mentioned. It can also be from using a dull blade, not shaving with the grain of your beard, or not exfoliating the skin before shaving. The good news is that with using a DE razor, single blade, badger hair brush and good technique, you can almost guarantee yourself a good shave with little to no irritation. I've notice that I occassionally get them on my neck, but it's usually from when i'm in a rush with shaving and I don't shave with the grain on the first pass of my shave. The hair on my neck grows from side to side and my first pass was basically going across the grain which probably irritated it a bit. Top that off with using no pressure, a nice sharp blade, a good shaving cream, and you're good to go. If you want to look at some excellent videos on YouTube, do a search for Mantic59 and look at his videos.

[NonServiam]

I'd recommend a DE razor if you haven't tried that already. Most cartridge razors are designed to slightly tug at your hair before they are cut which can cause irritation that you mentioned. It can also be from using a dull blade, not shaving with the grain of your beard, or not exfoliating the skin before shaving. The good news is that with using a DE razor, single blade, badger hair brush and good technique, you can almost guarantee yourself a good shave with little to no irritation. I've notice that I occassionally get them on my neck, but it's usually from when i'm in a rush with shaving and I don't shave with the grain on the first pass of my shave. The hair on my neck grows from side to side and my first pass was basically going across the grain which probably irritated it a bit. Top that off with using no pressure, a nice sharp blade, a good shaving cream, and you're good to go. If you want to look at some excellent videos on YouTube, do a search for Mantic59 and look at his videos.

Thanks, because I am in need of some relief!

[KarlvB]

Maybe I should look into a straight razor. I am always plagued by these red sores on my neck from ingrown hairs after shaving. I've tried every remedy and shaving method available, and still no luck. Sometimes I even get these hairs that are like the size of a thorn. It looks like ten little hairs compacted together into one. I gotta pull those bastards out with a pair of tweezers.

Basically what Ringer said.

I made the switch in an attempt to get rid of much the same problem that you are struggling with. I even bought Tend Skin which helped a little but the problem still persisted. Since switching to DE shaving I haven't had a single ingrown hair. I am now the biggest advocate of DE razors for people suffering from ingrown hair and I will never ever go back to a multiblade razor. Not only are they expensive (I used to pay $21 for a pack of 12) but they are rubbish as well.

Agreed with the recommendation on Mantic59's video. Another video I found very useful was the one by Robert Johnston - you can find it by searching for GentlemansShop on YouTube. He is a former barber and does a very good tutorial that I found to works very well for me.

Ps: Despite what most shave forums say avoid shaving against the grain until your problem has disappeared. A with the grain and an across the grain pass should deliver the smoothest shave you've ever had with zero irritation

[APX]

I've been shaving with a DE razor (Merkur HD "Hefty") since June of 2007. I use a vulfix badger hair brush along with Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood soap. When I travel I'm using Proraso shaving cream which is the best there is IMO.

I use Feather Blades exclusively. They are super sharp and take some getting used to, but, now that I've used them a few years I can't use any other blade...the others feel dull to me.

I would recommend checking out QED USA for information on wet shaving. I've been using a method similar to this one for quite some time and it makes my face slick as a baby's butt

Also been using Brut aftershave balm. Yep, Brut...lol. At first it feels like you're putting Crisco on your face but it dries quickly and leaves your face feeling great. And, for $5 from Walgreens, not a bad deal compared to other fancy balms that run $20+.

[daruckis]

this thread rules. i gotta get in on this. i didnt even know people did this.

[deadohsky]

What's the advantage Mike? I shave my head too, but use a mach3. I like the idea of a safety razor, and that thing looks pretty sweet... shaving my head with a straight razor, although I've never used one, seems like it would end in a bloody, painful mess. I'll have to look into this. Also, have any of you bald dudes found an electric razor that works well on your head? I've never used an electric razor in my life, as I have only shaved my face once since age 17, but it seems like it would be convenient.

Edit: Lol I just found a forum for bald guys: http://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/index.php?topic=6994.0

I am actually a member of that forum lol (same name) i dont post that much, not really an active forum compared to this. One thing i did pick up from that forum is using the headblade razor. It really does make it very easy and quick to get a close shave on the head. I only use a mach 3 to touch up around my ears. Never used an electric though.

[WickedKitchen]

I too shaved my head last June and haven't looked back. I shave it every day, but like Roo, I too use a Mach 3. I find the blades last me about two weeks. When I first started this head-shave ting I used my wife's Lady Venus razor because it has a pad on it which makes it nearly impossible to cut yourself. Those blades lasted long too. I have used the mach 3 on my face for probably 10 years. It does the head nice, but is not very close on the face, IMO but that probably could be improved by using something other than Barbasol or other cheap shaving creams. I've never ventured from there so I don't know but I can tell you for sure that I don't get along w/ electrics.

my dad used a Norelco forever. I've tried the screen ones, and the ones with the three round blades and they all create a terrible rash on my face, and moreso on my neck (there's probably a word for that). After one single shave this happens so I've given up. I never tried one on my head for that reason. The hair there is finer so maybe it wouldn't happen but I don't own an electric and I wouldn't buy one just to try it. I just don't think it would get as close either.

I just learned of a shop not far from me called "The Art of Shaving" that I've been meaning to check out but I've gotten by on very little so far...it begs the question 'do I really need to buy more stuff?'

Permanent hair removal would be the way to go though...except for the goatee.

[Ringer]

i feel like this is something i have to get into.

gotta say i did discover the finest of all shaving creams. its called cremo and it is the shit.

I've been reaching more and more for Cremo in the mornings because I need a quick and comfortable shave. It took me a few tries to get the right balance between cream and water. Once I got it right it gave me a fine shave. The stuff is super slick and found it hard to hold onto my Merkur Futur when I got the mix on my hands.

[GoVegan]

this thread rules. i gotta get in on this. i didnt even know people did this.

It surprised me to. I just though shaving was well, just shaving. I googled this to try and get more information and it seems like the old safety razors are making a comeback. They are supposed to last longer, cost less and be better for the environment.

Hey, you could probably even get your razor blades at Home Depot if your in a pinch!

[Mr. Snuffleupagus]

I completely stopped shaving a few years ago. I have a nice Braun electric shaver that I used to use, but I think I'll go old school when I start up again.

[Monkey]

DE shaving has been my thing for a while. There are many different shave soaps out there and it's hard to say which one people will like more. However, there seem to be two camps as far as shave soaps are concerned: glycerine and tallow based.

Tallow based soaps are not as common, but the consensus is that it provides superior lubrication and a thicker lather. A very good product that is the rave in the DE shaving world is Tabac, that is, if you don't mind the smell. I personally like the smell, but there are many who don't. I'm assuming you have a badger hair brush if you're looking into getting a shave soap?

Yeah, I have the badger hair brush.

When I lived in Manhattan, I frequented "the Art of Shaving" store for all my supplies. I order my aftershave lotion from them but am not too keen on their shave cream. I dislike glycerin soaps. My dad used Tabac aftershave and I don't find that smell to be offensive but I need something unscented for work. I can't taste properly with a smell on me.

I've been trying one at a time every time I need a new soap but I haven't found my brand with soap yet.