Grooming and Hygiene
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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.
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@tmg:
Anyone here used a straight razor? Could do with some advice as to what to look for when buying your first one.
I cannot reccomend this company enough the straight razors are a work of art all hand forged in the USA http://www.hartsteel.com/catalog/item/7762903/8899242.htm
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Hey guys hope this helps
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/172786-Need-help-with-Straight-Razors-
Straight razors are badass -
This is a good classical straight razor:
http://www.manufactum.de/rasiermesser-hartgewebe-p1397222/The company is from Solingen.
Different handles are available, too:
http://www.barth-haefner.de/Rasiermesser-Dovo-Boeker-Golddachs-Puma-Thiers-Issard-Bismarck-Set.php
:).
