Grooming and Hygiene

[seawolf]

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.

[Snowy]

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!

[Qinhan]

Just had a look at Geofatboy's videos.  Bad ass.  Am I crazy for wanting to try a straight razor?

[seawolf]

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.

[Snowy]

Hahah, I won't be expecting 3 minute rounds for a long time, well not without much blood loss anyhow. Just nice to see what it ends up looking like with years of practice :). Thanks again, will report back, and if I end up covered in blood, I'll be sure to skip posting photos :).

[tmg]

Anyone here used a straight razor? Could do with some advice as to what to look for when buying your first one.

[derivative666]

@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

[Arabit]

Hey guys hope this helps
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/172786-Need-help-with-Straight-Razors-
Straight razors are badass

[Qinhan]

@ Seawolf.  Thanks!  I'm going to give the straight razor some serious thought.  Those Harsteel razors looks beautiful, by the way.

[tmg]

Just joined Straight Razor Place, lot of good info in there - think I'll be taking the plunge on the next few days, possibly a Dovo, but we'll see…

[gakugeidg]

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

[Snowy]

I had and enjoyed my first DE shave this morning. Bonus of nil cuts and just a few small nicks. The least painful shave I've had as far back as I can remember. I'd go so far as to say I enjoyed it. Thank you all for your recommendations, you've brought happiness into my face.

[seawolf]

Such good news! Impressive as well!

What setup did you end up going with?

[Snowy]

Cheers seawolf, Merkur HD 34C to get started, few sample blades, still a few weeks to figure that out

[Snowy]

Had my first menthol shave this morning, using  Proraso Shaving Eucalyptus Menthol Formulation (HT seawolf), holyfeck, that was certainly an experience. Counting down the hours until I can use again tomorrow morning :).

[derivative666]

@Snowy:

Had my first menthol shave this morning, using  Proraso Shaving Eucalyptus Menthol Formulation (HT seawolf), holyfeck, that was certainly an experience. Counting down the hours until I can use again tomorrow morning :).

Are you shaving all 3 ways with, against and cross grain. If your making 3 passes you shouldn't have to shave daily

[Snowy]

Thanks for the suggestion d666. I am making all 3 passes with/against/across, and certainly don't need to shave daily. Whilst I have time I'm making the most of it to help master the process. I'll likely drop down to every 3rd day or so in a few weeks, but am still in that experimentation stage. Christ, it's like I'm talking about drugs :|

[derivative666]

@Snowy:

Thanks for the suggestion d666. I am making all 3 passes with/against/across, and certainly don't need to shave daily. Whilst I have time I'm making the most of it to help master the process. I'll likely drop down to every 3rd day or so in a few weeks, but am still in that experimentation stage. Christ, it's like I'm talking about drugs :|

Just remember this is probably the closest shave you have ever got. Your face needs to rejuvenate. I just don't want to see you end up with razor burn.

[Snowy]

Appreciate your concern and will listen to your logical advice; thanks.

[seawolf]

I have to shave everyday, or I look like Fred Flintstone. My face seems to be ok but I really like the break I get on the weekends. That Monday morning shave is oh so nice. Glad you like the proraso. It's good stuff!