Merkur to Bic...

Aedh Baclamh

Currently using a Merkur blade but am getting quite a number of cuts from it and not a lot of uses out of each blade. Having grown a beard for the last week I am now tempted to try one of those bic razors I have lying at home. Should I steer clear of them?

Also, it'd probably help if I shaved while showering, wouldn't it? Just seem to get the nastiest rashes/cuts after shaving. Can be annoying!

Gran Hermano

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Currently using a Merkur blade but am getting quite a number of cuts from it and not a lot of uses out of each blade. Having grown a beard for the last week I am now tempted to try one of those bic razors I have lying at home. Should I steer clear of them?

Also, it'd probably help if I shaved while showering, wouldn't it? Just seem to get the nastiest rashes/cuts after shaving. Can be annoying!

Moving from a Merkur to a disposable, way to give yourself a downgrade!

Put a fresh blade in the Merkur, have a hot shower and then shave using
plenty of lather.

Check mantic's videos on youtube for tips and 'how to' if you havent done so already.

Amalgam

How long have you been using it?
Do you go ATG (against the grain) aggressively?
What kind of pressure do you use?
What kind of blade are you using?
What kind of angle do you use the razor at?
Do you go back and shave over areas that you've cleared shaving cream from?
Do you shave like a disposable using the Merkur? (repeat repeat repeat..)
What kind of method do you use to apply shaving cream?
Do you use a foam based shaving product, or something with a rich lather?

Just curious.

I have pretty unforgiving skin and I had a big change in the quality of the shave once I ditched shaving 'foams' and went with something that built a proper lather and had less air trapped in it.

I also just let the weight of the razor do the job, that was probably the hardest habit to pick up, as when I used the Gillette II's, I tended to really dig in.

Do you use any products on your skin with alcohol in them after shaving?

Aedh Baclamh

Amalgam wrote: »

How long have you been using it?
Do you go ATG (against the grain) aggressively?
What kind of pressure do you use?
What kind of blade are you using?
What kind of angle do you use the razor at?
Do you go back and shave over areas that you've cleared shaving cream from?
Do you shave like a disposable using the Merkur? (repeat repeat repeat..)
What kind of method do you use to apply shaving cream?
Do you use a foam based shaving product, or something with a rich lather?

Just curious.

I have pretty unforgiving skin and I had a big change in the quality of the shave once I ditched shaving 'foams' and went with something that built a proper lather and had less air trapped in it.

I also just let the weight of the razor do the job, that was probably the hardest habit to pick up, as when I used the Gillette II's, I tended to really dig in.

Do you use any products on your skin with alcohol in them after shaving?

Cheers for the replies lads.

How long have you been using it?
Roughly 6 months but regularly in the past month.

Do you go ATG (against the grain) aggressively?
I never went against the grain until recently but have done so on a second shave to get a closer shave. Wouldn't be aggressive either.

What kind of pressure do you use?
After looking at the videos I try and be light enough. But it's hard to get a close shave doing this I feel.

What kind of blade are you using?
Using these - Link

What kind of angle do you use the razor at?
Try to do the 30 degree angle:D Think there may be too much wrist action involved.

Do you go back and shave over areas that you've cleared shaving cream from?
Sometimes, yes But the cuts/rashes still occur in areas I don't do this.

Do you shave like a disposable using the Merkur? (repeat repeat repeat..)
Not exactly sure what you mean by this. Normally, I'll go down once with one side of the blade, move to the next spot and go down once with the other side of the blade, rinse, repeat.

What kind of method do you use to apply shaving cream?
I used to use some stuff from Lush, can't remember the name. Now I've begun using some Gillette sensitive foam thingy just to try a new approach.

Do you use a foam based shaving product, or something with a rich lather?
See above


Hope that helps!

Aedh Baclamh

Do you use any products on your skin with alcohol in them after shaving?
Used to apply some Aloe Vera on my skin after but it's a little bit messy to remove afterwards. It tends to dry up and it sort of peels off after a while if you get me. Now I'm using Nivea Aftershave balm (white jar).

Gran Hermano

I'd recommend getting a blade sample pack - check the links in this thread - whilst Merkur get great reviews on their razors their blades do not.

The canned gel/foam is not giving the lubrication you need, get some proper cream or soap and apply between each pass with a brush.

Ease up big time on the pressure as all your doing is removing skin from your face hence the redness. Enough gentle passes will remove stubble as close as possible.
Switching between carts and safety will make it worse as your skin and stubble need time to adjust each time you change.

Aedh Baclamh

Where would I get the blade sample pack in town?
What exactly is "proper cream or soap"?
Good, cheap brush to get?

I'd rather buy in Dublin as I hate waiting for things online!

Thanks.

Gran Hermano

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Where would I get the blade sample pack in town?
What exactly is "proper cream or soap"?
Good, cheap brush to get?

I'd rather buy in Dublin as I hate waiting for things online!

Thanks.

You're not going to find what you need easily around town.

Best bet for a sample pack is
http://www.connaughtshaving.com/samplepack.html
A poorer alternative choice wise is to try the two types of blades Boots stock, their
own brand and Wilkinson Sword (not sure if they're the same with different packaging)
but at leat they're an alternative to the bad Merkurs.

Modern shaving gels do not work with safety/DE razors in my experience.
You need proper old school shaving soap or cream, again Connaught
and the other online stores stock plenty of choices. Boots stock
their own brand and a couple of others.
http://www.connaughtshaving.com/shavingsoap.html
http://www.connaughtshaving.com/shavingcream.html

Brush wise, again online is the best option. Boots or 4men.ie stock the men-u
range but for not much more cash you'll get a better brush from
the online retailers.

Delivery from Connaught or Shaving Shack is only around 5-7 days.

Aedh Baclamh

Hey, that info is much appreciated!

00242 - Connaught Luxury Shaving Cream 100ml (Natural - lightly scented)
00090 - Proraso Shaving Soap Jar 147g
00095 - Popular Blade Sample Pack (Small - 35 Blades)
00387 - Omega 48 Professional Pure Bristle Brush

This is what my order currently looks like, let me know if any of them are poor choices or if I could do better at that price. Also, am I leaving out anything? Is what I've posted there enough to start me off? I think I could do with some post shave gel/cream as it can be quite irritated after a shave and I'd like to minimise that!

Thanks.

Gran Hermano

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Hey, that info is much appreciated!

00242 - Connaught Luxury Shaving Cream 100ml (Natural - lightly scented)
00090 - Proraso Shaving Soap Jar 147g
00095 - Popular Blade Sample Pack (Small - 35 Blades)
00387 - Omega 48 Professional Pure Bristle Brush

This is what my order currently looks like, let me know if any of them are poor choices or if I could do better at that price. Also, am I leaving out anything? Is what I've posted there enough to start me off? I think I could do with some post shave gel/cream as it can be quite irritated after a shave and I'd like to minimise that!

Thanks.

Nice selection and that will set you on the road to a better shave.
You really only need to use either a shaving soap or a shaving cream
at one time. On occasions I'll mix both at the same time for some
'super lather' but it's not necessary. You can of course buy both
and combine or switch between the two for some variety.

The Proraso is my favourite cream for daily usage. You could also consider
swapping the shaving soap for an aftershave balm which will help
cool down your skin post-shave.
http://www.connaughtshaving.com/prorasobalm.html

Aedh Baclamh

Is the Proraso cream the one that's out of stock on that site currently?

I presume I can just use any old mug for the lather? Also, why do you say swap the soap for the balm, just to reduce the cost of the order?

Gran Hermano

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Is the Proraso cream the one that's out of stock on that site currently?

I presume I can just use any old mug for the lather? Also, why do you say swap the soap for the balm, just to reduce the cost of the order?

This is the Proraso shaving cream
http://www.connaughtshaving.com/prorasoshavecream.html

This is the Proraso balm for using post shave
http://connaughtshaving.com/prorasobalm.html
showing as in stock now.

You can use any mug, look for a wide topped coffee type mug if you can.
Alternatively any small bowl will do the job, I picked up a very small 'pudding'
bowl for the sum of €1.29 in Home Store & More which is perfect.

I suggested swapping the soap for the balm to save you the cash, but
if you want to splash out get them all

Aedh Baclamh

Sorry, when you said

The Proraso is my favourite cream for daily usage

I thought you meant this

http://connaughtshaving.com/prorasoshavecream.html

Gran Hermano

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Sorry, when you said



I thought you meant this

http://connaughtshaving.com/prorasoshavecream.html

It is !!! I use both the Proraso shaving cream to shave with and the
Proraso balm afterwards.

Amalgam

Aedh Baclamh, raising the hair with a brush and a thick lather will give you a far better shave than just patting down foam from a can. It doesn't take much longer either.

If you do find your skin becoming inflamed, it might be an idea to shave and just let your skin be, there's nothing wrong with putting nothing on it after the shave..

Amalgam

If you are really in a hurry for items to purchase over-the-counter, try this selection, all the premises are relatively close to each other in Dublin.

Stephen's Green Shopping Center - Middle Floor

Boots

Men-Ü Shaving brush, razor blades (Wilkinson), assorted shaving creams (gel based).

Knights of the Green (Barber and Retail)

Assorted brushes with the Knights logo. Sometime stockist of various Merkur and Mühle safety razors. LOOK BEFORE ASKING. Staff are friendly but not too 'stock aware'. Items are visible in a cabinet by the door.

Here's a floor plan of the shopping center to help you find the above. Knights is tiny by the way, easy to miss.

http://www.stephensgreen.com/floorplanm.php

16 South William Street - Dublin 2

The Grooming Rooms (Barber and Retail)

May stock Proraso and other products. I haven't been there personally. They have a website.

http://www.thegroomingrooms.com

Here's a street plan to help you find the place.

http://www.thegroomingrooms.com/contact.php

---

Aedh Baclamh

Received my order today

So I should use the cream first yeah? What blades would you recommend I try first out of that sample pack? Have the brush and all now

Gran Hermano

I'd go with the cream first, normally easier to lather than soap.

http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=29705
Above link contains reviews on the most common of blades.


I use the Red Personna and Crystal blades a lot and like them but different
people and different razors like different baldes. Either of those or the
Derbys would be a good starting point. Hold off on the Feathers for a few weeks as they're sharp and not very forgiving. I found the Merkur blades
muck and if I'd used one for me first DE shave I probably would not have
continued.

Aedh Baclamh

Excellent, thanks for that. Think I'll start with the Derby blade. Couple of more questions:

I usually lather more than once, maybe even 3 shaves. Is a small bit of cream still sufficient for 3 shaves? Or do you rinse your bowl after each pass and start the whole process again?

Also, I don't have any stand or anything for my brush, what's the best way to store it? And why does that guy that does the videos on youtube rinse after shaving with hot water? I thought hot before/cold after was to way to do it?


Thanks!

Gran Hermano

Whisk up the lather, pre-heating the bowl by filling with hot water,
leave a few minutes then empty before adding your cream and a small amount of
water.

Apply lather to face
Shave 'with the grain'
Dip brush back in mug/bowl and add more lather.
No need to rinse the bowl between passes, lather in mug will be fine.
If the lather is too weak add more cream - too stiff add more water.
Shave Across the grain.

Key is to dip the brush into the lather in the mug and re-apply to face
between each pass of the razor. Do not run the razor over any part of
your face/neck that is not currently covered by lather or you will get irritation.

When I'm finished shaving I use warm water to rinse off the remains
of lather and then use cold water to close the pores.

Aedh Baclamh

Hey

First shave wasn't too good! Used the Derby blade. The lather was terrible plus my razor kept clogging up (so the blade wasn't getting a proper chance to cut the hair - how do I prevent this? I tried washing it off but it was quite stubborn). The balm was good after though I must say.

Aedh Baclamh

Hey, shaving has improved I must say. Still getting the odd cut but I have noticed a difference. One thing that is annoying me though is the appearance of little whiteheads...what's causing this? What can I put on them to help it?

Thanks.

Aedh Baclamh

Anyone?

Fajitas!

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Hey

First shave wasn't too good! Used the Derby blade. The lather was terrible plus my razor kept clogging up (so the blade wasn't getting a proper chance to cut the hair - how do I prevent this? I tried washing it off but it was quite stubborn). The balm was good after though I must say.

Give it a stern shaking under water.

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Hey, shaving has improved I must say. Still getting the odd cut but I have noticed a difference. One thing that is annoying me though is the appearance of little whiteheads...what's causing this? What can I put on them to help it?

Thanks.

Can't help here I'm afraid - Are they on your neck or face? Are they itchy? Do they fade away after shaving?

MediaTank

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Hey, shaving has improved I must say. Still getting the odd cut but I have noticed a difference. One thing that is annoying me though is the appearance of little whiteheads...what's causing this? What can I put on them to help it?

Thanks.

Can you talk us through your routine and what products you use, then we can try to help.

MT

StealthRolex

Aedh Baclamh wrote: »

Hey, shaving has improved I must say. Still getting the odd cut but I have noticed a difference. One thing that is annoying me though is the appearance of little whiteheads...what's causing this? What can I put on them to help it?

Thanks.

Less pressure!

I noticed earlier you said your razor was getting clogged. Can't recall what you plumbed for but this is unusual with a safety razor. Also, as you started with getting cuts with Merkurs it is possible that pressure is the problem. If this is true don't touch Feathers for another few months at least!
Whiteheads can also be a pressure or overshave symptom.

If you are not putting pressure on the shave head then it could be an irritant in the soap or aftershave.

As a remedy - nothing but cold water - osma optional - after shaving. Then a good 30 minutes before using any cologne near the face

Bepanthen cream, or better yet, Bepanthen Plus. Ok - it is for nappy rash but it works. Heck, I've heard of guys using Preparation H. Go figure.
The B Plus has a bactericide in it which helps.

Prophylactic - get some 95% Polish alcohol from your local offy and dip your razor before and after. If you have a spray bottle for it, great. Makes it last longer.
And please don't drink it without watering it down at least 3:1 - It's industrial spirit

StealthRolex

If you're not using pressure at all you might try a Feather. One thing with these is if you do cut yourself you don't notice it immediately.

Most are weepers and will stop with cold water - if not then a styptic will staunch them.

If nothing else the thought of a Feather is enough to get you to think twice before each stroke.

Fajitas!

Another option is a dash of Aloe Vera after shaving.

Amalgam

StealthRolex wrote: »

If you're not using pressure at all you might try a Feather. One thing with these is if you do cut yourself you don't notice it immediately.

Too right, so sharp you don't feel it.. [shudders]

StealthRolex, what is the nature of the alcohol, is it like the medicinal cleaning alcohol popular in Europe?

Is it any relation to Isopropyl Alcohol, I have lots of that floating around..

StealthRolex

Amalgam wrote: »

Too right, so sharp you don't feel it.. [shudders]

StealthRolex, what is the nature of the alcohol, is it like the medicinal cleaning alcohol popular in Europe?

Is it any relation to Isopropyl Alcohol, I have lots of that floating around..

Isopropyl alcohol is fine if you already have it.

The stuff I use is Polish Spirytus or "rectified spirit". It's 95% food grade ethyl alcohol so you can us it for making drinks as well - just be careful as it's toxic if not diluted. It's also great for making homemade cologne or herb extracts for cooking. A lot of off-licences have it but they won't sell to the Irish because they assume we will drink it straight or not dilute it enough :P. Cost is around €30 here but you can get it in Poland for about 15PLN (€5 ish) for 70cl. The only problem is that it's illegal to carry it in checked luggage.