Safety razor virgin

Okay, thinking of making the change and opting for a TTO safety razor. Can’t really justify spending ~€10 for 4 blades any more. Amalgam has a pretty good entry-level one for sale so I’m gonna take the plunge and go for it, but I just have a couple of questions.

I need a brush. Badger hair is apparently the only way to go. Does anyone know of where I can get a decent value one in Dublin or should I just get one online? I normally can go 2 weeks without shaving, and have quite a bit of growth when I do get around to it (I’ve read the open toothcomb style ones are better for this). Will this be a problem or is it just a case of being more careful? Lastly, is there much difference between the types/brands of blades you can get online?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance.

Dord

Deleted User wrote: »

Okay, thinking of making the change and opting for a TTO safety razor. Can’t really justify spending ~€10 for 4 blades any more. Amalgam has a pretty good entry-level one for sale so I’m gonna take the plunge and go for it, but I just have a couple of questions.

I need a brush. Badger hair is apparently the only way to go. Does anyone know of where I can get a decent value one in Dublin or should I just get one online? I normally can go 2 weeks without shaving, and have quite a bit of growth when I do get around to it (I’ve read the open toothcomb style ones are better for this). Will this be a problem or is it just a case of being more careful? Lastly, is there much difference between the types/brands of blades you can get online?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance.

You don't necessarily need to go for a badger hair brush although it is one of the options available. You can also find synthetic and boar hair brushes. I have an Omega boar hair brush that I got from Shaving.ie. I like it.

There should be no problem with leaving it that long, however for your own comfort I'd suggest using a beard trimmer to cut the growth down a bit first.

I've noticed a big difference between the blades and from reading others reactions it seems to be a very personal thing. What works well for someone may not work well for you. I'd suggest getting a selection of blades. Most online shaving stores will have these.

hitemfrank

Deleted User wrote: »

Okay, thinking of making the change and opting for a TTO safety razor. Can’t really justify spending ~€10 for 4 blades any more. Amalgam has a pretty good entry-level one for sale so I’m gonna take the plunge and go for it, but I just have a couple of questions.

I need a brush. Badger hair is apparently the only way to go. Does anyone know of where I can get a decent value one in Dublin or should I just get one online? I normally can go 2 weeks without shaving, and have quite a bit of growth when I do get around to it (I’ve read the open toothcomb style ones are better for this). Will this be a problem or is it just a case of being more careful? Lastly, is there much difference between the types/brands of blades you can get online?

Sorry for all the questions, and thanks in advance.

I would suggest looking online for a brush - you will have a much better selection than goin into a store. Although Irish Barber opened a store just off Grafton Street so they may have some in store. I haven't been in so I don't know.

Boar hair brushes take a while to break in but after that the tips become really soft (apparently) but the brush remains pretty stiff which is useful for lathering directly onto your face. I don't use one myself but have been thinking of picking one up.

Open comb vs closed comb: open is generally seen as more aggressive so you may have more chance of giving yourself a small nick but it will show you if the angle of the razor is off. If the angle is not right you will see multiple lines in your lather.

There defintely is a difference between blades, so as Dord said, a blade sample pack is extremely useful.

MediaTank

Deleted User wrote: »

I need a brush. Badger hair is apparently the only way to go. Does anyone know of where I can get a decent value one in Dublin or should I just get one online? I normally can go 2 weeks without shaving, and have quite a bit of growth when I do get around to it (I’ve read the open toothcomb style ones are better for this). Will this be a problem or is it just a case of being more careful? Lastly, is there much difference between the types/brands of blades you can get online?

Badger brushes are softer and take less time to make lather than boar brushes, but they are more expensive, but a well cared for one will last a lifetime. Also a badger brush feels better against the skin. If you are only shaving every now and then then a boar brush may be perfect for you.

An open comb razor is good for longer bristle, but it will take longer to learn how to use it as these DE razors are more agressive than their closed counterparts.

Try a sample pack of blades to see which one(s) work for you.

Dord

Dord wrote: »

You don't necessarily need to go for a badger hair brush although it is one of the options available. You can also find synthetic and boar hair brushes. I have an Omega boar hair brush that I got from Shaving.ie. I like it.

There should be no problem with leaving it that long, however for your own comfort I'd suggest using a beard trimmer to cut the growth down a bit first.

I've noticed a big difference between the blades and from reading others reactions it seems to be a very personal thing. What works well for someone may not work well for you. I'd suggest getting a selection of blades. Most online shaving stores will have these.

I have an electric trimmer for locks, neck etc. that i normally use anyway so thats good to know. Point about the blades noted, cheers.

hitemfrank wrote: »

I would suggest looking online for a brush - you will have a much better selection than goin into a store. Although Irish Barber opened a store just off Grafton Street so they may have some in store. I haven't been in so I don't know.

Boar hair brushes take a while to break in but after that the tips become really soft (apparently) but the brush remains pretty stiff which is useful for lathering directly onto your face. I don't use one myself but have been thinking of picking one up.

Open comb vs closed comb: open is generally seen as more aggressive so you may have more chance of giving yourself a small nick but it will show you if the angle of the razor is off. If the angle is not right you will see multiple lines in your lather.

There defintely is a difference between blades, so as Dord said, a blade sample pack is extremely useful.

I've had a look on B&B and a couple of other sites for brushes. Think I'll get one from shaving.ie seeing as its Irish, as the b+m shops/barbers just seem to be similar style ones with their own logo for an extra €10.

MediaTank wrote: »

Badger brushes are softer and take less time to make lather than boar brushes, but they are more expensive, but a well cared for one will last a lifetime. Also a badger brush feels better against the skin. If you are only shaving every now and then then a boar brush may be perfect for you.

How so? Is it only more 'scratchy' if you're shaving daily or do they hold up better with longer times between shaves or something?

One last question, soap or cream? Is it down to personal preference or is one generally considered better than the other?

Thanks again lads.

MediaTank

Deleted User wrote: »

How so? Is it only more 'scratchy' if you're shaving daily or do they hold up better with longer times between shaves or something?

One last question, soap or cream? Is it down to personal preference or is one generally considered better than the other? .

Not more scratchy, but stiffer. A badger brush is very soft compared to a boar one and lathers more quickly.

Cream all the way, and from a tube. It's easier to use and with the tube you can gauge the amount of cream to use to get the perfect lather.

oscarBravo

MediaTank wrote: »

Cream all the way, and from a tube. It's easier to use and with the tube you can gauge the amount of cream to use to get the perfect lather.

I've come full circle on this. After trying a number of different creams, I find I'm happiest with Wool Fat soap.

Improbable

Aside from the products, technique is really important as well. I would really recommend that you watch mantic59's videos on youtube. It's practically required material for anyone switching from disposables to safety razors.

Dord

Improbable wrote: »

Aside from the products, technique is really important as well. I would really recommend that you watch mantic59's videos on youtube. It's practically required material for anyone switching from disposables to safety razors.

I agree. I didn't shave with my razor until I watched a few of his videos and had an idea what I should do.

Cabaal

Dord wrote: »

I agree. I didn't shave with my razor until I watched a few of his videos and had an idea what I should do.

I watched basically all his videos before making the dive to a DE, still when I first shaved with the DE I was still kinda worried that i'd cut the face of myself but it turns out I shouldn't have been

Deedsie

I had my first shave with a safety razor last night. I gave myself a nice little nick on the back of the jaw bone.

How hot do ye have the water when ye shave lads? I boiled the kettle. Put the safety razor in to the water, put the razor to my face. It stung a bit. So is it hot, warm or cool water?

It was an ok shave. The shaving cream was alot nicer on my face than the stuff oout of a can. Smelled much nicer. And for some reason I slept like a baby last night. Out cold at eleven. Didn't hear my alarm. Not out of bed till after seven this morning.

oscarBravo

Deedsie wrote: »

I had my first shave with a safety razor tonight. Gave my self a nice little nick on the back of my jaw bone.

Yeah, a styptic pencil is your friend for the first while. Did you watch mantic59's videos?

How hot do ye have the water when ye shave lads? I boiled the kettle. Put the safety razor in to the water, put the razor to my face. It stung a bit. So hot, warm or other water?

Hand-hot for me. No hotter than is comfortable to leave my hand in.

Improbable

Deedsie wrote: »

I had my first shave with a safety razor tonight. Gave my self a nice little nick on the back of my jaw bone.

How hot do ye have the water when ye shave lads? I boiled the kettle. Put the safety razor in to the water, put the razor to my face. It stung a bit. So hot, warm or other water?

It was an ok shave. The shaving cream was alot nicer on my face than the stuff oout of a can. Smelled much nicer. And for some reason I slept like a baby last night. Out cold at eleven. Didn't hear my alarm. Not out of bed till seven.

I wash my face for about a minute with water from the hot tap. I don't use the cold water at all until after I'm done shaving.

MediaTank

Deedsie wrote: »

How hot do ye have the water when ye shave lads? I boiled the kettle. Put the safety razor in to the water, put the razor to my face. It stung a bit. So hot, warm or other water?

Warm rather than hot. Cooler water holds the lather together better. In fact cold water makes the best lather, but it's not the best for shaving. If the water is too hot your skin will dry, too cold and it won't be pleasant. So as hot as you would have in the shower or bath is ideal. After shaving it's nice to rinse in cold water as this closes the pores, and if you wish a wipe of an alum block.

MT

Raoul

How much shaving cream do you use? and how much water? My lather never seems to get to foamy or anything.

Have watched the videos.

Also what do you do with the styptic pencil?

Improbable

Raoul wrote: »

How much shaving cream do you use? and how much water? My lather never seems to get to foamy or anything.

Have watched the videos.

Also what do you do with the styptic pencil?

How much you use depends on how good it is. I generally start off with a thumbnail sized drop. I wash the inside of the bowl with water and empty it but not dry it. Then lather it up and drop more water in as needed.

Raoul

Cheers for the quick response! Will try it out in a bit. Dont think I have been using enough cream. Have the Taylors avocado one.

So as for the styptic pencil?? and I have an alum block, do I just wet that and then rub it across my face when im finished? and then dry it?

Improbable

I don't know about the alum block but I think it's the same as the styptic pencil, just use a bit of water to wipe away any blood. then dip the tip of the pencil in some water and apply. I never dry mine after use and it seems to make no difference.

Raoul

Fair enough thanks!

Last question, so appreciating the quick answers. I have a merkur progress and I dont exactly understand how the adjustable works. Like is 5 a more agrresive cut or is 1? I have had my first 3 shave with it at 1 and I have not got any cuts or anything and they have gone perfectly.

Gran Hermano

Raoul wrote: »

Fair enough thanks!

Last question, so appreciating the quick answers. I have a merkur progress and I dont exactly understand how the adjustable works. Like is 5 a more agrresive cut or is 1? I have had my first 3 shave with it at 1 and I have not got any cuts or anything and they have gone perfectly.

5 is more aggressive than 1. Keep it low whilst you get used to DE shaving.
I use a long handled Progress on 2-3 and the lighter short handled Progress on 3-4.

Amalgam

Improbable wrote: »

I don't know about the alum block but I think it's the same as the styptic pencil, just use a bit of water to wipe away any blood. then dip the tip of the pencil in some water and apply. I never dry mine after use and it seems to make no difference.

The Alum block is pure Alum, it acts as an astringent and can deal with very minor specks of blood.

The Styptic pencil\powder typically is a mix, in a packed powder stick or as a loose powder. It is very very effective at acting as an antihemorrhagic in a precise location, you generally would not use it as a full face astringent.

The stick\powder will typically contain: anhydrous aluminum sulfate, potassium alum and\or titanium dioxide.

Leave a Styptic pencil wet.. and it will turn to a mushy white goo. A block of Alum will survive being left wet.

MediaTank

Raoul wrote: »

How much shaving cream do you use? and how much water? My lather never seems to get to foamy or anything.

Very little shaving cream is required - the recommended amount is the size of an almond kernal. That will give you enough lather for three passes easily. Next you need to practice making lather with that amount of cream. Best to start with little water (just what's in the brush) and very slowly add half a teaspoon at a time until is rich and lubricating. It does take a bit of practice, but you will get there.

Raoul

Feckin lost my styptic pencil. Anybody know any shops where you can just go in and buy one?

MediaTank

Raoul wrote: »

Feckin lost my styptic pencil. Anybody know any shops where you can just go in and buy one?

Any barber that does hot towel shaves should oblige.

Improbable

Raoul wrote: »

Feckin lost my styptic pencil. Anybody know any shops where you can just go in and buy one?

Depends on where you live I guess. I know Waldorfs on Westmoreland Street in Dublin sell them.

Deedsie

How often do ye change blades lads? Is there a post shave procedure I should be doing to keep the blade sharp and sterile? Also is there a procedure for keeping the safety razor in great condition?

Gran Hermano

Deedsie wrote: »

How often do ye change blades lads? Is there a post shave procedure I should be doing to keep the blade sharp and sterile? Also is there a procedure for keeping the safety razor in great condition?

For most blade brands I get 3 shaves, some people go for more but with the blades so cheap I don't bother. It's not unusual to hear of people getting 5+ on the Gillette 7 o'clock black blades.

When finished shaving I loosen/open the razor head and rinse it clean. Every few weeks I'll clean the razor fully with an old toothbrush and/or an ultrasonic cleaner to remove any soap scum from the metal.

Cabaal

I get 5 blades out of a derby blade, I change it every Saturday.

I used to change after every 3 blades but found it didn't need to in the end

Improbable

It can depend how tough your beard is and how good the blades are. I usually get about 2-3.

Amalgam

Gran Hermano wrote: »

It's not unusual to hear of people getting 5+ on the Gillette 7 o'clock black blades.

I leave a Gillette Yellow and a Gillette Green in for five shaves. I find also that certain blades hit their sweet spot on their second or even third shave.

Master Yoda

Sorry for hijacking the thread a little:

I have been shaving with a Gillette Knack my grandfather gave me for about a month, and have become intrested in shaving with a DE razors.
I want to buy a new DE and I am deciding between Merkur 38C, Progress and 39C Slant Bar.
The 38C looks very nice, but i already have a closed comb razor.
Progress it the one im currently leaning at, but that plastic knob seems too vulnerable and breakable. If I was from the US I would buy the Mergress, but as I understand it it can only be bought from leesrazors which is in the US and I would have to pay duty and other importing fees unlike ordering from the site based in the EU.
The 39C Slant Bar looks nice, but from reading the reviews I gather that as a begginner it will be too agressive and I would cut my head off, though my skin is sensitive and irritated and I read that this razor is a good choice for that.

So now I cannot decide which razor to get if any (should I stick with Gilette knack for a while and then buy one of those three and which one)?

Michael G

Master Yoda wrote: »

I want to buy a new DE and I am deciding between Merkur 38C, Progress and 39C Slant Bar. Progress it the one im currently leaning at, but that plastic knob seems too vulnerable and breakable.

I love using my Progress (I've had it for nearly a year) and the plastic knob seems quite robust. Though it would look better if they had a metal one.

Cabaal

The plastic part on the progress is pretty strong, short of actually hitting it with a hammer I can't see how somebody would break it. I'm using one since Jan 2009 without any issues