Safety Razors

Michael G · 17-12-2009 2:04am

Mark Surname wrote: »

I keep nicking myself shaving. My face is full of little toilet paper squares.

I assume you are using a DE. How long have you been at it?

Cabaal · 17-12-2009 8:52am

So got my Witch Hazel from iHerb.com yesterday, pretty big bottles for the price

The stuff doesn't have a very strong scent and after you put it on its gone after approx 1min, I've previouslly been using this http://www.shaving.ie/products/Speick-After-Shave-Lotion-with-Witch-Hazel.html which while fantastic I found could sting a little bit sometimes....likely down to alcohol in it though.

CrowdedHouse · 17-12-2009 9:48am

DonJose wrote: »

I've never used shaving cream before, just shaving soap. Any tips of using shaving cream, how much should I use per shave. Cheers.

DonJose - I've only used TOBS from a tub but as it lathers very well I'd say a 'strip' of maybe 1.5/2cm out the tube would be plenty.

MediaTank · 17-12-2009 11:02am

CrowdedHouse wrote: »

DonJose - I've only used TOBS from a tub but as it lathers very well I'd say a 'strip' of maybe 1.5/2cm out the tube would be plenty.

A lot less is all you need. 0.5 cm is more than enough for 3 passes. Mantic recommends an almond sized amount of cream.

norrie rugger · 17-12-2009 11:07am

Cabaal wrote: »

I bought myself shaving soap, just got my delivery this morning.
razor
soap
blades
badger brush

My girl has just bought me that razor.
Is there any particular brush that I should be thinking of?

Currently I am only using the old BiC single blades, Palmolive cream and a cheap Wilkinson brush

oscarBravo · 17-12-2009 11:12am

Mark Surname wrote: »

I keep nicking myself shaving. My face is full of little toilet paper squares.

You need an alum block, and probably a styptic pencil. I got the pencil with my first shaving.ie order, and the alum block with my second - I've only needed the pencil once since then, due to a momentary lapse of concentration that almost removed my chin...

Apart from clearing up those little nicks, the alum block seems to act as a facial toner like wot the wimmins use before they moisturise.

Amalgam · 17-12-2009 11:12am

About 1cm-1.5cm for myself, 'in the brush'. YMMV.

I'm surprised you've not used creams before now DonJose, just going by the assumption that you'd have tried *everything* by now..

bigfeller · 17-12-2009 11:13am

DonJose wrote: »

Any tips of using shaving cream, how much should I use per shave. Cheers.

Fill bowl with hot water and let it heat up - soak brush completely.
Empty bowl and drain brush giving it a squeeze to empty out the majority of the water (at the beginning I was using a lot of water still in the brush but this ended up with a foamy rather than creamy lather).
Add about a fingernail length *
Use brush to work up lather - I find some up and down movements followed by several mixes of anti and clockwise work best. Takes about 20 seconds to work up.
This makes enough for 3 lathers - first one generous - last medium.

Mantic has a good video on the shaving creams and how to lather them.

* totally useless description - I mean - how long is a piece of string? But this morning I added about twice my normal amount. By accident. Ploughed on ahead regardless as it's a bit difficult to get back into the tube. I didn't see any appreciable difference in the lather.

oscarBravo · 17-12-2009 11:21am

bigfeller wrote: »

Fill bowl with hot water and let it heat up - soak brush completely.
Empty bowl and drain brush giving it a squeeze to empty out the majority of the water (at the beginning I was using a lot of water still in the brush but this ended up with a foamy rather than creamy lather).
Add about a fingernail length *
Use brush to work up lather - I find some up and down movements followed by several mixes of anti and clockwise work best. Takes about 20 seconds to work up.
This makes enough for 3 lathers - first one generous - last medium.

This is similar to my routine. After I shower I fill the sink with hot water, and let my little ceramic bowl sit on the bottom fully submerged with the brush soaking in it while I apply Proraso pre-shave cream, then rescue the bowl, squeeze out the brush, load up with soap from my wee wooden bowl, and work up the lather in the ceramic bowl.

The ceramic bowl stores enough heat that the lather is still warm for the third pass, which is just lovely on these cold mornings.

Amalgam · 17-12-2009 3:51pm

bigfeller wrote: »

But this morning I added about twice my normal amount. By accident. Ploughed on ahead regardless as it's a bit difficult to get back into the tube. I didn't see any appreciable difference in the lather.

You can have lather that's too thick, or too rich.. it'll give you a stubborn shave that'll leave you red. There's a point at which it works against you. Depends on the brand really.

DonJose · 17-12-2009 4:02pm

Amalgam wrote: »

I'm surprised you've not used creams before now DonJose, just going by the assumption that you'd have tried *everything* by now..

Big thanks for all the replies. So far I've used mitchell's wool fat soap, then bought 1kg of Cella, then 1kg of P160, I came across the Taylors yesterday and decided to give it a go. I'm still a huge fan of the Cella and P160 so I'll probably end up just using a dab of the Taylors on top of the P160.

Amalgam · 17-12-2009 4:06pm

Which one do you favour? Cella or P160?

DonJose · 17-12-2009 4:24pm

Amalgam wrote: »

Which one do you favour? Cella or P160?

They are both pretty similar but I get a better shave with the P160.

Johnny Utah · 18-12-2009 9:33pm

Ordered a long-handled Progress. If this doesn't work, then I guess nothing will.

corkproducers · 18-12-2009 11:20pm

Johnny Utah wrote: »

Ordered a long-handled Progress. If this doesn't work, then I guess nothing will.

Except maybe a Mergress!

Lads,
a long time Mach 3 user here, looking for advice on the change over to a Safety Razor.

I plan to shave twice a week, as recommended by a really professional Turkish Barber i know.

He mentioned that even changing the two days you shave, can upset the skin,
which i believe, since if you change your blade type, it can upset the skin also, your skin just gets used to a routine.

I plan on buying the Merkur 34C HD, my questions are:

1. How long would the blades last?
Bear in mind i'm really "economic" with my Mach 3 blades,
and change them when they get too blunt and uncomfortable.

2.Are these Razors worth it for people without beards,
who shave regularly and like the clean shave look?

3. Is there really savings to be made here?
Im thinking youd have to use much better shaving foam than you would with mach 3's,
im not too concerned about the initial costs, but the savings per week.

There should really be a sticky guide for new people to Safety razors,
instead of being forced to trawl through over 2000 posts!

Any help would really be appreciated .

Fajitas! · 19-12-2009 1:09am

corkproducers wrote: »

1. How long would the blades last?
Bear in mind i'm really "economic" with my Mach 3 blades,
and change them when they get too blunt and uncomfortable.

Your mileage varies - I get about 5 shaves out of mine, sometimes more - different blades will last longer, but you'll figure it out by touch very fast.

2.Are these Razors worth it for people without beards,
who shave regularly and like the clean shave look?

Absolutely - In fact they're probably better if you like to keep clean shaven, they'll still cut through a beard, but it's very easy to keep clean shaven with them.

3. Is there really savings to be made here?
Im thinking youd have to use much better shaving foam than you would with mach 3's,
im not too concerned about the initial costs, but the savings per week.

Yeah, definitely - If you're paying 16 or so quid for a months shaving with a Mach3, etc, you'll get a year+ shaving out of 20 quids worth of DE blades.

There should really be a sticky guide for new people to Safety razors,
instead of being forced to trawl through over 2000 posts!

Agreed

Dord · 19-12-2009 1:21am

Well... I'm not making it! :pac:

If someone else who is knowledgeable wants to create a beginner guide let me know and I'll sticky it.

seosamh · 19-12-2009 3:46am

Sure there are savings to be made if you avoid the pitfalls. In Mach world imagine getting excited about the cans of goo that instantly produce a 'lather'. 'I wonder if this is more menthol than that one'. 'I wonder if the Fusion gamer is better' Those types of questions seem silly in Mach world but in DE world they are the norm. A recent example 'I got great shaves from both Cella and P160' to which the response was 'but which was betters?'. For many this is a hobby involving the inexhaustible pursuit of the ultimate shave - a combinaton of pre-shave, cream/soap, ASB and witch hazel which was made just for you. Although starting is cheap getting caught up in the 'I must try Sandalwood by TOBS cause that's the only one I don't have' type 'needs' can turn into an acquisition disorder.
So I recommend you stay in Mach world cause in the long run you will spend less time and money and will be blissfully ignorant of how pleasurable shaving can be.

Fajitas! · 19-12-2009 10:14am

I wouldn't agree with that tbh - I spend 50ish quid last year on getting myself sorted out.

Now, I've bought a few new creams throughout the year, but nothing much. I bought blades in bulk.

I only had to buy new blades last week, and I decided to treat myself to a new razor.

I was also given some bits and bobs (Like a few very old straight razors), but tbh, if I wasn't given them, I wouldn't have bought them.

It depends what you want out of it really.

corkproducers · 19-12-2009 11:20am

Thanks for the replies guys!

I guess what I'm after is a shave thats closer to what you'd get in a turkish barbers, with their straight razors. It will definitely be an improvement over Mach 3.

@ Seosamh
Thanks for pointing out the pitfalls, and they're definitely there,
After I saw Mer's modifications of the Merkur Progress,
i felt tempted to buy one instantly!
But im going start with the 34C, and if i like the change,
i may treat myself to a progress later on down the line.

TBH, it depends on the individual really regarding the pitfalls,
since im pretty stingy with Mach 3 blades as it is,
i think I'll have more resistance to them than other users.

I'll definitely try to put a sticky guide together in the next few days provided i have the time.

Thanks again for the replies.

corkproducers · 19-12-2009 12:28pm

Actually you know what,
i think for the sake of a few euro i'll get the 38C instead,
since it has the same head as the 34C, but a longer handle.

If i buy the 34C i can see myself wanting something longer down the line.

Anyone who used the 38C have anything they'd like to share about it?

CrowdedHouse · 19-12-2009 12:46pm

I have a 38C - they're a fine hefty piece of metal. It's basically a long handled version of the 34

There are two schools of thought:

Some say long handled are good for the beginner 'cos it mimics the likes of fusions in length,but others say the shorter is better in learning to manoeuvre particularly under nose chin etc.

I prefer shorter handled razors myself.

corkproducers · 19-12-2009 1:28pm

Thanks a lot for the reply.

Ill only be shaving down with the razor anyway, i.e. with the grain,
so i dont think i'll need to do too much manoeuvring ?

I like the idea of it mimicing the multi blade razors in length as you say,
as it will be easy for me to migrate to.

One last question,
is it totally necessary to use a brush with Shaving Cream,
particularly with the Taylors of Old Bond Street brand?

Really looking forward to writing the guide now, as it will answer a lot my own questions, as im a totally newb myself.

GD · 19-12-2009 1:30pm

Not to divert attention from this excellent forum but there are a lot of "stickys" and basic advice over on the US site www.badgerandblade.com which is a great resource and has specialist Newby section, advice and reviews on all kinds of products, blades, razors, soaps / creams etc etc.

Shaving.ie · 19-12-2009 2:29pm

corkproducers wrote: »

One last question,
is it totally necessary to use a brush with Shaving Cream,
particularly with the Taylors of Old Bond Street brand?

Yes to create a proper lather and work it into your beard a brush is necessary. You could get away without one to a certain degree but you would really be missing out. Proper preparation makes a massive difference.

Gran Hermano · 19-12-2009 2:39pm

The joy of Christmas post on a Saturday means the postie just delivered my Semogue limited edition brush, some Portuguese creams and more Gillette Super Thins. Am looking forward to today's shave!

Corkproducers, you have to use a brush with those creams, especially the like of TOBS. The longer handled razors are also heavier than their shorter versions which means they are more aggressive. I have both long and short handled versions of several Merkurs and it's not a case that the long is better, more that they are different tools.

Depending on blade brand I get 2-4 shaves per blade. No point trying to make them last longer, as they are cheap why bother with suboptimal shaves!

CrowdedHouse · 19-12-2009 3:18pm

Gran Hermano wrote: »

The longer handled razors are also heavier than their shorter versions which means they are more aggressive. I have both long and short handled versions of several Merkurs and it's not a case that the long is better, more that they are different tools.

Quite true I'd forgotten about that,I found the 38 is quite aggressive.

corkproducers · 19-12-2009 9:30pm

Gran Hermano wrote: »

The longer handled razors are also heavier than their shorter versions which means they are more aggressive.

In that case then i think I'll stick with the 34C as a beginner,
it will be a lot more aggressive than a mach 3 already i'd imagine.
Thanks for letting me know.

Depending on blade brand I get 2-4 shaves per blade. No point trying to make them last longer, as they are cheap why bother with suboptimal shaves!

Yes, great point! Shall be only shaving twice a week anyway, unless i get to like it too much!

source · 19-12-2009 10:14pm

@corkproducers, here's a little guide i found on badger and blade, has helped me out no end :

TEXTBOOK OF BARBERING states:
• Apply the lather to the face with a rotary movement of the brush with the first two fingers of the hand dipped into the bristles. The purpose of this is to control the bristles, thus avoiding getting soap in the patron’s nostrils, ears, and mouth. Obviously, the technique you use for lather application does not need to be this exact, and the method by which you hold your brush should be comfortable to you. The main goal here is to get the lather applied whilst stimulating the skin and hair follicles.
• After the beard portion of the face has been covered thoroughly with the lather, using the tips of the fingers and with a light rotary movement, proceed to work the lather into the beard. The amount of time required for rubbing the beard depends on its stiffness and density. I have a thick and coarse beard and thus spend about 2 minutes completing this phase. While your time will vary, this is both an important and highly enjoyable phase of the process so you should not rush it.
• Evenly wet a towel with hot (not uncomfortable) water and then wring it out. The towel should still remain wet, but not wet enough to allow for more than an occasional drip to escape (the degree of water left in the towel can vary to your personal liking).
• Place the towel so that it effectively covers the entire portion of the beard area that is to be shaved. Normally at this point, the barber would go about stropping and sterilizing his razor. I have found an effective time frame for towel application to be in the neighborhood of 3+ minutes. Don’t skimp on this as it will make the most telling difference in your final results. An added benefit of the heated towel is that it stimulates the flow of the sebaceous and sudoriferous glands in the skin, causing oils and sweat to come to the surface and give added lubrication for your razor.
• In removing the towel from the face, use it to wipe off any of the remaining lather. This act removes the dirt, hardened oil, and dead skin cells that you have loosed and are floating in the lather.
• At this point, you are now ready to re-lather and begin a truly luxurious shave (my words, not the manual’s).

not sure if i can post a link to another forum here, mods feel free to delete if you deem link necessary.

corkproducers · 20-12-2009 2:03pm

foinse wrote: »

@corkproducers, here's a little guide i found on badger and blade, has helped me out no end :

not sure if i can post a link to another forum here, mods feel free to delete if you deem link necessary.

Thanks a lot for the link, that site looks the business.

I doubt there's any problem with linking to another forum,
once it does'nt contain any offensive or illegal material,
if there is a rule against it then thats really sad imo.

I'll definitely be referencing this site for a sticky guide.

I plan on doing a Pros and cons list of the gear,
listing some of the more popular ones amongst boards users,
how they work, where to buy them,
and of course, tips on how to use them.

Safety Razors

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