Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;832565]You sold me on the Merkur by pointing out the cost of the blades. Gonna order one right now.[/quote]


Which one exactly are you guys buying? can you provide a link. I see a whole bunch on Amazon.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I recommend not shaving at all as a solution. :)

By not spending 5 minutes a day shaving, I save 35 minutes every week, which adds up to 30 hours a year. By embracing the beard I add a day to every year.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=mredskins;832739]Which one exactly are you guys buying? can you provide a link. I see a whole bunch on Amazon.[/quote]

I'm looking at the 180 or the 178, not sure what the big differences are.

Where's Buster the shaving pro?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;832745]I'm looking at the 180 or the 178, not sure what the big differences are.

Where's Buster the shaving pro?[/quote]


I think it is the length of the handle.

Re: F...Shaving
 

You called? My face feels like my daughter's bottom and I enjoyed the shave too.



Bay Rum Soap + Clubman aftershave today.


Anyways, the Merkur razors are great pieces...I just sold mine for $40 actually (cleared out some of my accumulating razors before baby was born). However, I'm not a fan of Merkur blades, but everyone's face is different.

Best source for blades: (best price, service and selection)
[URL="http://www.westcoastshaving.com"]Men's Wet Shaving, Grooming, Skin and Hair Care - West Coast Shaving[/URL]

I use Crystal blades, about a dozen bucks for 100 blades and a blade lasts me a week! Israeli Red Pack Personna blades are a great starter blade...sharp but not aggressive.

I'd recommend to anyone, get a blade sampler pack and find out which brand works best for your face. A lot of people like Derby blades, but they wrecked my face. After months of testing all kinds of blades, I settled on Crystals and bought some in bulk (100 pack).

sample packs:
[URL="http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Sample-Packs_c_1.html"]Razor Blade Sample Packs | West Coast Shaving[/URL]


Good luck.

Also, [URL="http://www.badgerandblade.com"]Badger & Blade - Home[/URL] is the best shaving resource in the world.

Re: F...Shaving
 

How about a recommendation for a good all in one starter kit?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=saden1;832621]I got this: [URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NL0T1G/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1315537949&sr=8-1"]Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor:Amazon:Health & Personal Care[/URL]

And this: [URL="http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000NCMMBA/ref=mp_s_a_3?qid=1315538013&sr=8-3"]Merkur Double Edge Safety Razor Blades- 3 Pack of 10 Blades:Amazon:Health & Personal Care[/URL][/quote]

Great selection for the razor!

Try out plenty of blades before blaming the razor for disappointing shaves though!


[quote=saden1;832626]If you are going to switch be sure to get good shaving cream and brush.[/quote]

I prefer shaving soap to cream. Col. Conk is my favorite brand. Using Bay Rum right now...Almond is another favorite of mine. I also have some Lime and Amber I have yet to try. Reasonably-priced, but great performing brand.

[url=http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Shaving-Soaps_c_16.html]Shaving Soaps[/url]



When I travel or am in a rush, I'll use C.O. Bigelow shave cream from Bath and Body Works. Stuff has a great menthol (COLD) kick.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Lotus;832742]I recommend not shaving at all as a solution. :)

By not spending 5 minutes a day shaving, I save 35 minutes every week, which adds up to 30 hours a year. By embracing the beard I add a day to every year.[/quote]

This is my preferred, but I never more than 2 weeks before the itching and irritation forces a shave. Any suggestions there?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;832749]How about a recommendation for a good all in one starter kit?[/quote]

I started out with a Van Der Hagen kit from CVS, but they just released a "luxury kit" that looks very nice.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Mens-Luxury-Shave/dp/B004L4EING/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1315577249&sr=8-1"]Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Men's Luxury, Shave Set: Beauty[/ame]



I started out with this. Small investment and effective in learning the technique to see if wetshaving is for you. You can pick this up in most pharmacies or Walmart for $10.
[ame="http://www.amazon.com/Van-Hagen-Premium-Shave-Brush/dp/B001A3HPT0/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1315577249&sr=8-3"]Amazon.com: Van Der Hagen Premium Shave Set (Soap, Bowl, Brush): Health & Personal Care[/ame]


---------------------------------------------------------------------
Those kits include everything but the razor and aftershave. To get a razor, e-Bay is a good source for vintage razors. For someone starting out, a Gillette Tech is a mild razor, great for beginners. I'm no beginner and I still use one half the time because it just shaves so well.

[URL="http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_nkw=gillette+tech&_armrs=1&_from=&_ipg="]gillette tech | eBay[/URL]

Don't pay over $20 for a Tech, they're far from rare. You can get one in pristine condition for $10-15 if you look.




Amazon is a great source for new ones:

[URL="http://www.amazon.com/s?ie=UTF8&tag=mozilla-20&index=blended&link_code=qs&field-keywords=safety%20razor&sourceid=Mozilla-search"]Amazon.com: safety razor[/URL]


[U]Top brands:[/U]
Merkur
Edwin Jagger
Parker

[U]Inferior:[/U]
Lord
Feather
Wilkinson Sword
(all of these companies make GREAT blades, but avoid their cheap razors)


Avoid anything Chinese!

Re: F...Shaving
 

good info thanks

Re: F...Shaving
 

Thanks, I might start out with a beginner kit and razor. Any suggestions for facial hair trimming kit?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;832759]good info thanks[/quote]

If you like unscented stuff you might want to try this starter kit.. I have the lemon scented kit and I love it.

[url=http://www.theartofshaving.com/shop/shaving-products/shaving-kits/98034]Unscented Shaving Starter Kit: Buy a Full Shaving Kit[/url]

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=saden1;832764]If you like unscented stuff you might want to try this starter kit.. I have the lemon scented kit and I love it.

[URL="http://www.theartofshaving.com/shop/shaving-products/shaving-kits/98034"]Unscented Shaving Starter Kit: Buy a Full Shaving Kit[/URL][/quote]

Where is the cup and the soap (not sure what its called) to make the lather.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=saden1;832764]If you like unscented stuff you might want to try this starter kit.. I have the lemon scented kit and I love it.

[URL="http://www.theartofshaving.com/shop/shaving-products/shaving-kits/98034"]Unscented Shaving Starter Kit: Buy a Full Shaving Kit[/URL][/quote]

read my mind, I prefer the unscented stuff, unless it's something really light

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=firstdown;832767]Where is the cup and the soap (not sure what its called) to make the lather.[/quote]

They have other kits...this is cream shaving kit.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Mattyk;832770]read my mind, I prefer the unscented stuff, unless it's something really light[/quote]

The VDH Soap hardly has any scent.

I've turned to stronger-scented soaps since then, the Col. Conk line.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;832754]This is my preferred, but I never more than 2 weeks before the itching and irritation forces a shave. Any suggestions there?[/quote]

My advice is to go with it. Just put up with the itching for a little while. After about three weeks or a month it will stop itching and never itch again.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=CRedskinsRule;832754]This is my preferred, but I never more than 2 weeks before the itching and irritation forces a shave. Any suggestions there?[/quote]

Same here. Anytime I grow a beard I have to keep my neck clean, I get really bad irritation there after about 4 days of not shaving.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Who here doesn't shave on the reg? I was looking at the 180 online, and I'm probably gonna go with that. As far as blades go, is there anyone here who shaves every 1-5 days like me? I don't shave every day because I don't need to, I usually just shave before an upcoming important event, and by that time I've got a little stubble going, which I don't mind.

As far as soaps and aftershaves go, I've always been as basic as it comes. A can of plain Barbasol, and no aftershave is good for me. I've thought about learning to shave old-timer style though, but I still need to learn how to do that. I'll probably look up a video or tutorial online.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I shave on Sundays and Wednesdays. I work from home a lot and even when I'm in the office they're not sticklers for that sort of thing. I like to have a little stubble going on. By Sunday night though I'm definitely pretty grubby lol.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Wow. I feel horrible if I skip a day of shaving, which I sometimes do on the weekends.

I keep a goatee but the neck and cheeks get shaved.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I have a fairly thick bread and I shave every day or at least 6 days a week. I just use a disposable with regular old shaving cream and then some Aqua Velva at the end. No razor burns or ingrown hairs. I can't imagine all these expensive shaving equipment would make any difference for me.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Just shaved in the shower under Hot water only...cheapest 2 blade razor I can find.
83 seconds end to end........Perfect

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=mredskins;832819]I have a fairly thick bread and I shave every day or at least 6 days a week. I just use a disposable with regular old shaving cream and then some Aqua Velva at the end. No razor burns or ingrown hairs. I can't imagine all these expensive shaving equipment would make any difference for me.[/quote]

Disposable? You have no idea what you're missing!


I love the AV though...have a bottle of that in my rotation.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Monkeydad;832842]Disposable? You have no idea what you're missing!


I love the AV though...have a bottle of that in my rotation.[/quote]


Look at Hog1's post as well, i really think it is your skin type. my face is really smooth afterwards and it takes no time.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Alright - I have a slight twist in the conversation. Any recommedations based on the following:

I do the full on scalp shave (It's either that or get a weekly haircut b/c my MPB makes me look like Bozo or a dog with mange after about 10 days). I shave every day for work/church but generally skip Saturdays unless I am going out.

Right now, I just use a generic 3-bladed gillete and canned shaving gel.

I actually enjoy my morning shave as, with two small children, it is pretty hectic in the morning and it is a brief period of respite ("Dad's got a very sharp blade in his hand, leave him alone!" - great excuse for both wife and kids). Reading through the thread and knowing that I find the focus required for shaving to be somewhat meditative, I am thinking it might be nice to enhance the experience with a little better equipment/lotions, etc.

For those unfamiliar, scalp shaving is a little tricky b/c there are a few extra bumps & curves in addition to some back of the head/out of sight shaving.

Any suggestions? Any other scalp-shavers out there?

Re: F...Shaving
 

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;832897]Alright - I have a slight twist in the conversation. Any recommedations based on the following:

I do the full on scalp shave (It's either that or get a weekly haircut b/c my MPB makes me look like Bozo or a dog with mange after about 10 days). I shave every day for work/church but generally skip Saturdays unless I am going out.

Right now, I just use a generic 3-bladed gillete and canned shaving gel.

I actually enjoy my morning shave as, with two small children, it is pretty hectic in the morning and it is a brief period of respite ("Dad's got a very sharp blade in his hand, leave him alone!" - great excuse for both wife and kids). Reading through the thread and knowing that I find the focus required for shaving to be somewhat meditative, I am thinking it might be nice to enhance the experience with a little better equipment/lotions, etc.

For those unfamiliar, scalp shaving is a little tricky b/c there are a few extra bumps & curves in addition to some back of the head/out of sight shaving.

Any suggestions? [B]Any other scalp-shavers out there?[/[/B]QUOTE]
Shortly....so I'm paying attention...

Re: F...Shaving
 

I'm a scalp buzzer, hoping to keep it that way too if father time permits.

[QUOTE=JoeRedskin;832897]Alright - I have a slight twist in the conversation. Any recommedations based on the following:

I do the full on scalp shave (It's either that or get a weekly haircut b/c my MPB makes me look like Bozo or a dog with mange after about 10 days). I shave every day for work/church but generally skip Saturdays unless I am going out.

Right now, I just use a generic 3-bladed gillete and canned shaving gel.

I actually enjoy my morning shave as, with two small children, it is pretty hectic in the morning and it is a brief period of respite ("Dad's got a very sharp blade in his hand, leave him alone!" - great excuse for both wife and kids). Reading through the thread and knowing that I find the focus required for shaving to be somewhat meditative, I am thinking it might be nice to enhance the experience with a little better equipment/lotions, etc.

For those unfamiliar, scalp shaving is a little tricky b/c there are a few extra bumps & curves in addition to some back of the head/out of sight shaving.

Any suggestions? Any other scalp-shavers out there?[/QUOTE]
Always amazes me how many words you can use. ;-)

Skins site speaking scalping. Love it

Re: F...Shaving
 

I shave my head and use magic shave.

I never cut myself and I don't get razor burn. It's about $4.00 a can and I can use it every three days for about two weeks. My hair is so thick, I have to leave it on for 20 min.

I hate shaving.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I #1 clipper my hair every few weeks or into a mohawk if I'm going to a gig, haven't got to the point where I can bring myself to shave though.

[IMG]http://i91.photobucket.com/albums/k285/RedskinRat/hair.jpg[/IMG]

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=RedskinRat;833108]I #1 clipper my hair every few weeks or into a mohawk if I'm going to a gig, haven't got to the point where I can bring myself to shave though.
......[/quote]

....but you can rock an eighty's Mohawk?

:confused:

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=polywog;833112]....but you can rock an eighty's Mohawk?

:confused:[/quote]

Well......the view through my distorted 'lens' is that bald is the new sidepart/anchorman hairstyle. Too many men are flying the 'bald and proud' flag.

I also work on a military post albeit off to the side, so there are a boatload of short haircuts. My idiot stripe sets me apart.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=RedskinRat;833118]Well......the view through my distorted 'lens' is that bald is the new sidepart/anchorman hairstyle. Too many men are flying the 'bald and proud' flag.

I also work on a military post albeit off to the side, so there are a boatload of short haircuts. My idiot stripe sets me apart.[/quote]

Just jerk'n yer chain! I wear a MH sometimes. All good, man.

My hair got fuzzy [ala grandpa Munster] so i gave it the boot!

Re: F...Shaving
 

I ordered a Merkur 180 last night, I'll post again when I get to try it out.

Re: F...Shaving
 

Congrats! Welcome to manhood.


My son and I got #1 buzzes over the weekend too. I bought some nice Wahl professional clippers a couple months back and my wife does my hair at home now, I cut my son's.

We were wasting nearly $40.00 a monthly trip after tips for simple haircuts at the barber shop. Pointless. Now I can keep it trimmed for free. I might attempt to cut my own soon. My wife won't let me do it on my own. :D

If I mess up...I'll just get the DE razor and baby oil out. I'll go for the scalped look for a week or two until it grows back.

Re: F...Shaving
 

I have enjoyed reading this thread! LOL!

I have always had very sensitive skin and when I shave everyday, my skin breaks out. I have used all sorts of fancy blades - the Fusions, Mach3, etc...I've even used disposables. Electric shavers only seem to work for about a couple of hours. By lunch time, I look like I haven't shaved at all! I usually like to keep the nicely trimmed, goatee style as I just don't look right completely clean shaven. I'm lucky, though, in that my workplace isn't very strict on "clean" appearances. Meaning - I can grow a beard or skip a day of shaving and nobody will say a thing about looking unprofessional.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Monkeydad;834972]Congrats! Welcome to manhood.


My son and I got #1 buzzes over the weekend too. I bought some nice Wahl professional clippers a couple months back and my wife does my hair at home now, I cut my son's.

We were wasting nearly $40.00 a monthly trip after tips for simple haircuts at the barber shop. Pointless. Now I can keep it trimmed for free. I might attempt to cut my own soon. My wife won't let me do it on my own. :D

If I mess up...I'll just get the DE razor and baby oil out. I'll go for the scalped look for a week or two until it grows back.[/quote]

I've been buzzing my own hair for a couple of years. It's not too hard once you get the hang of it, and you will definitely save some serious $$.

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=skinsguy;835011]I have enjoyed reading this thread! LOL!

I have always had very sensitive skin and when I shave everyday, my skin breaks out. I have used all sorts of fancy blades - the Fusions, Mach3, etc...I've even used disposables. Electric shavers only seem to work for about a couple of hours. By lunch time, I look like I haven't shaved at all! I usually like to keep the nicely trimmed, goatee style as I just don't look right completely clean shaven. I'm lucky, though, in that my workplace isn't very strict on "clean" appearances. Meaning - I can grow a beard or skip a day of shaving and nobody will say a thing about looking unprofessional.[/quote]

I'm not lying and pushing my preferred method when I say that shaving with a DE blade will cut down on irritation. My neck used to be a trouble spot, red bumps/spots and never a close shave. The irritation is gone now and I can get my neck to a baby's butt shave closeness with 2 or 3 passes. I do 2 passes on my face, sometimes a third on the neck.

Double Edge blades are infinitely sharper than any paper-thin cartridge blade. Even with 3, 4 or 5 blades...they're not sharp.

Doesn't take much extra time, the brush already has the lather on it.

[IMG]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeODM5YlGCDZ3n9aL8Abay8hJeRcX7biE0PEQRKJU0lL9WJjgZOds0pvzJ[/IMG]

Re: F...Shaving
 

[quote=Monkeydad;835047]I'm not lying and pushing my preferred method when I say that shaving with a DE blade will cut down on irritation. My neck used to be a trouble spot, red bumps/spots and never a close shave. The irritation is gone now and I can get my neck to a baby's butt shave closeness with 2 or 3 passes. I do 2 passes on my face, sometimes a third on the neck.

Double Edge blades are infinitely sharper than any paper-thin cartridge blade. Even with 3, 4 or 5 blades...they're not sharp.

Doesn't take much extra time, the brush already has the lather on it.

[IMG]http://t3.gstatic.com/images?q=tbn:ANd9GcQeODM5YlGCDZ3n9aL8Abay8hJeRcX7biE0PEQRKJU0lL9WJjgZOds0pvzJ[/IMG][/quote]

I just feel like I'd cut myself to pieces trying to shave with one of those things.