Grooming and Hygiene
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Snowy - I use Astra Platinum blades with a Merkur Barber Pole. The blades were $9 on amazon for 100. I got a sampler pack when I got into wet shaving, and I was thrilled to find that my favorite blades were available in bulk. I now have a two year supply of razor blades for about $0.09 per week!
I used to use Art of Shaving pre shave oil, but I forgot to use it one day, and didn't notice a difference, so I stopped using it altogether.
For my shaving cream, I've been using Jack Black Supreme Cream Triple Cushion for about a year now, and I've been very happy with the results.
For my aftershave, I've been using Geo F. Trumper's Skin Food. It's quite nice.
To everyone else interested, especially those with razor burn issues, bumps, sensitive skin, or sick of paying hundreds of dollars a year on razor blades: Wet shaving with the right technique can address all of these issues. The first few times I shaved with my double-edge razor, I got a few nicks, but once I got the technique down it was the best shave I'd ever had. I used to get red, irritated skin, and have constant bumps and irritation, but when shaving (read: prepping) properly, I get amazing results and my skin is MUCH happier. The key is lots of water. If that means keeping your face under the faucet for 5 minutes, so be it. If not, use a few changes of hot towels until your facial hair is nice and wet. A razor can't cut a dry hair easily, which causes irritation.
Can't endorse this enough - shifting to a double edge blade system is so much better in all areas. Its also badass.
I use one of these: http://www.amazon.co.uk/Merkur-Futur-Brushed-Steel-Razor/dp/B000G0JZYQ/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1359983575&sr=8-1
- Merkur platinum blades & badger brush. For cream I use old school Palmolive shaving cream, cheap and as good as the fancy stuff.
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I go with a two part shave routine. For my face, I use an electric razor with some pre-shave gel applied beforehand. For my skull, I shave in the shower with a Head Blade and Head Slick applied beforehand.
Not particularly luxurious, but it works pretty well for me.
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After years of razor rash (tried the electric route, Remington foil and Philishave 3 head, all the Gillette multi-blade razors and many different gels/foams/oils), I finally took the plunge and bought a safety razor - 3yrs on and it still works for me, although I did cut myself a few times in the first couple of months. Set up at the moment is Edwin Jagger best badger brush, Edwin Jagger DE safety razor with Derby Extra blade and Proraso cream soap; I use Kiehls face cream post shave which I highly recommend.
Have considered learning how to use a straight blade (aka cutthroat) razor, but not sure how much better that would be, and the downsides to getting it wrong seem rather more severe!
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That scuttle is bad ass! I'm totally copping one after the move this week.
these are the best I have seen. They are unreal http://www.sarabonnymanpottery.com/moss_scuttle.htm
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anyone found any good beard oil/product to help keep the frizz down?
been using leave in conditioner but not super pumped on the resultsJust got some of this
http://www.prospectorco.com/collections/all/products/burroughs-beard-oilSo far I like it. It helps stop itch and your face from being dry. I wouldn't say it tames flyaways that well but oil isn't used for that. You have to get a wax for that. I'm ordering Jao brand Beard Scent Bomade soon. It seems like it will be pretty awesome.
http://us.urbanoutfitters.com/urban/catalog/productdetail.jsp?id=26838920&parentid=M_GROOMING
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back when I did shave my set up was http://www.hartsteel.com/catalog/item/7762903/8899242.htm badger brush and Truefitt & Hill shave cream FYI Truefitt & Hill also make amazing cologne 1805, Trafalgar and Sandalwood are amazing
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As expected, lots of great advice, thanks gents.
I'm already wet shaving, spending minutes splashing hot water on my face and making sure my skin is heating up, so I don't think that's soo much of a problem.
Seems like it's time to step up to a double edge.
Added the links to creams and oils are appreciated. It's impossible to get anything retail over here.
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My go-to shaving cream:
http://www.amazon.com/Jack-Black-Supreme-Triple-Cushion/dp/B000WN2O22My favorite razor:
http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/3812028492/ref=sr_1_8?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1360025827&sr=1-8&keywords=merkur+34cMy favorite blade, though a sampler pack is the way to go for a new safety razor user:
http://www.amazon.com/Superior-Premium-Platinum-Double-Safety/dp/B001QY8QXM/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1360026017&sr=1-1&keywords=astra+bladesMy after-shave. Looks pricey, but you only need a few drops for your whole face, so the bottle lasts a long time:
http://www.amazon.com/Geo-F-Trumpers-Limes-200ml/dp/B000VL8ADM/ref=sr_1_15?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1360025919&sr=1-15&keywords=skin+foodThis brush has lasted me over 5 years of everyday use. It's been great, although I understand one can spend a lot of money and get a really nice brush. Anyway, here's a good long lasting, effective, economic brush: http://www.amazon.com/Art-Shaving-Black-Badger-Brush/dp/B001E6UHXY/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1360026082&sr=1-1&keywords=art+of+shaving+brush
Might as well get a Styptic Pencil while you're at it. You're going to nick yourself:
http://www.amazon.com/Clubman-Styptic-Pencil-0-33-oz/dp/B00112WRB6/ref=sr_1_1?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1360026323&sr=1-1&keywords=styptic+pencilAnd for the sake of consolidation, here's the shaving scuttle that I linked to earlier. It's a great tool for keeping a warm lather all the way through your shave. So nice for shaving in the winter, let me tell you. Georgetown Pottery G5 Shaving Scuttle:
http://www.georgetownpottery.com/store/merchant.mvc?Screen=PROD&Store_Code=GTP&Product_Code=SHAV0001&Category_Code=ShavingEverything else you need to know about wet-shaving:
http://www.badgerandblade.com -
I personally favor feather blades http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/s/ref=is_s_ss_i_1_7?k=feather+razor+blades&sprefix=Feather
Edwin Jagger http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B002RBF1PO/ref=mp_s_a_1?qid=1360030386&sr=8-2&pi=SL75
And Parker http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/cr/B000GF1S0U/ref=mw_dp_cr?qid=1360030576&sr=8-5 -
Snowy - Best decision you'll ever make for your face and your wallet. There's a bit of an initial investment, but it will be far cheaper than expensive disposable (yes, even dollar shave club!) cartridge razors, in the long run.
Also, check out Geofatboy on youtube. He does great videos that will help with technique. There's a bit of a learning curve with a double edge razor, but I swear it will be worth it. I know these other guys here will back me up. I used to hate shaving, now I look forward to it.
I almost forgot! This stuff is great, and inexpensive. Plus, I love the menthol feeling on my face: http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Eucalyptus-Menthol-Formulation/dp/B00837ZOI0/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1360033733&sr=8-1&keywords=proraso
Jeff, I keep an Edwin Jagger in my travel shave kit. It's nice and not quite as aggressive as my Merkur, and less likely to damage my face when I'm out of town, and not likely prepared to deal with shaving injuries. I tried feather blades, and they're every bit as sharp as their reputation suggests! They were a little too harsh for my face though. Now that I've been wet shaving for a while, maybe I'll try them out with different results.
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Thank you all again. Entering the market with the Merkur HD 34C. Will see where we go slow and steadily from here.
@Seawolf, the Geofatboy tip is invaluable. May/would have found something on youestube, but starting with a quality source always makes life easier. Watching him do 3 rounds of his face in sub-ten minutes was mind-boggling. Usually takes me around 25 minutes for 1-pass with a 5-blade.
A better shave, painfree is something I look forward to, a cheaper shave is a lovely bonus!
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Snowy, He makes it look easy! Take your time at first. My suggestion is to start on a weekend. That way you can take your time, REALLY prep your face with a shower, some hot towels, more hot towels, get a nice lather, etc… Speed will come over time for sure. I started out watching Geofatboy, and my technique is modeled after his. I can bang out a quick shave now in about 5 minutes if need be.
Qinhan, I know. I feel the same way. And yes, you're (we're) crazy for wanting to try a straight razor. Just know that if you do decide to try it, you at least have the internet as a guide.
:).