Men's shaving: Blade or Electric...?

Dinarius

And which make/model/brand...?

Blade: Wilkinson Sword/Protector 3

D.

corner of hells

I use an old cut throat razor my great grandfather used in the trenches in the first world War.

I've replaced the blade and handle a few times.

Gregor Samsa

I bought an electric razor, as I had great intentions of using it daily, but since I've been WFH, I keep letting it slide, and then it gets to about 4 days growth that's too much for it, so I have to revert back to the blades. Which reminds me...

thefallingman

shaving foam irritates the hell out of my face so i use electric they are so handy and clean

Dinarius

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775245#Comment_119775245

Have always wondered about that. Are some electric shavers better at a few days growth than others?

D.

Gregor Samsa

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775399#Comment_119775399

There could be, but whatever one I have (think it's a Philips) is pretty useless on me after 4 days. Well, it'll do it eventually, but it'll take ages. Quicker to lash out the Gillettes. The original plan was that I could shave at my desk as I checked my email in the morning. Even left the shaver on the desk. It just didn't work out. The odd time I do remember to use it, I like it though. Much more convenient than foam and water.

Feisar

Böker Butterfly Classic. I think it's just a branded version of something else. Must look at getting decent blades for it.

markad1

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775264#Comment_119775264

I'm the same. I use this oil and never looked back.

https://defactoshave.com/?gclid=Cj0KCQjwhsmaBhCvARIsAIbEbH7WgRu9g5C-XqgSdpS-BnkRZVDVYNSWd9yyEY9B5kblxsU2npOwCXIaAs-NEALw_wcB

Dinarius

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775454#Comment_119775454

Funny you should say that. When I have the time, I actually like the ritual of foam and water. It's kind of me-time, if that makes sense.

But, the cost of blades hurts me. That's why I'm always looking over the electric fence! 😊

D.

markad1

I use Gillette Labs Heated Men's Razor

PGE1970

I use a Muhle classic safety razor with Astra blades (50 blades are €7.95).

I use Taylor of Old Bond Street Cedarwood shaving soap.

Badly Drunk Boy

Blade: Gillette Proglide or Fusion. I have both but never remember which is which, or which I prefer. I never liked using an electric razor.

For lathering up, I use the green Proraso shaving cream. A small little bit of it does the job, and it has a nice feel and smell too.

https://www.shaving.ie/proraso-shaving-cream/

Dinarius

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775605#Comment_119775605

Names that are new to me and I like to price of the blades.

D.

kennethsmyth

I have really strong facial hair and I get bad skin (bumps etc.) after a day when I shave with the best a man can get so I moved to electric. I managed a couple of years ago to get a great deal on the braun series 9 using boots points etc to really get the price down.

If I shave with it regularly (at least every second day) my skin doesn't get red and I get a shave (with my really strong hair) that will last a day. However the series 9 I need to shave at least every second day as if you leave it longer the shaver is not as good on more hair growth and you may end up with red skin.

I have found the electric shaver perfect for me and don't shave with blades anymore at all.

setanta1000

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775651#Comment_119775651

Thanks for the link to that Proraso - haven't seen that before. I used the Palmolive Shaving Cream for years but found that recently it's become harder to get (ie my local Tesco' doesn't stock it any more!) and wasn't sure what to get as an alternative, so must give it a try.

As a related question what's the general consensus on After Shave Balm vs Moisturiser after a blade shave? Is there technically any difference? I used Loccitaine After Shave Balm for years but it's gotten a bit pricey the last few years. (Yes, I know my wife spends €80+ on moisturiser but that's different 😛)

kennethsmyth

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775399#Comment_119775399

The braun series 9 is good at 2 to 3 days growth but the series 7 is better at longer growth. The 9 however is very smooth and good on the skin. I love mine and would definitely buy again if needed. Had it about 3 years and I've changed the blades once.

banie01

I switched to DE shaving years ago. I've got an Edwin Jager razor and tend to use feather blades. Some Palmolive shaving gel and I've never had a bad shave in 10yrs. I tend to use an alum block post shave as an astringent.

Sono

Wet shave ever 3/4 days yer only man, dunno how people use electric razors.

Man Vs ManUre

Just grow your beard that is the trend now. ZZ Tops all the way.

EmmetSpiceland

Most men shouldn’t grow beards. They look awful. Those patchy, scraggly, yokes you see on lads with bald, ruddy, cheeks is just embarrassing. If you can’t grow a “proper” beard, don’t. But even if you can it doesn’t mean you should go around looking like an unkempt tramp, keep it neat.

Then you have the guys who think stupidly long sideburns look “cool” or ones who plait, or put beads, onto whatever strings down from their chin. Gross.

I, myself, shave daily with a Gillette Mach 3 blade and Gillette shaving foam. I will grow a “full beard” when I go away on 2 weeks holiday but I would be sure to shave before returning to work.

I’d always advise keeping both head, and facial hair, short. It’s just more hygienic and looks, much, better. But on a site where users thinking showering twice a week is fine, I’m not sure many will “heed” such advice.

Gregor Samsa

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775563#Comment_119775563

There was an Irish brand of shaving oil a few years back that Dunnes used to carry. It worked really well, but I remember one time getting some in my eye while I was on a work trip to Prague, and I ended up looking like I was crying all through a meal with clients.

Dunnes stopped carrying it then, I went back to foam, and I don’t know if it’s made any more. Can’t remember the brand name at all. I think it was made in Mayo or Sligo.

corcaigh07

Philips Oneblade for me, it's an excellent yoke. Works better dry as well and the finished result leaves a tiny bit of stubble behind which I prefer.

kneemos

Have a Philips electric shaver,not bad actually if you're not that fussy.

Shave once a week or so with Wilkinson Sword 5's,last for ages. Top Tip though is never buy Gillette or any related products, absolute garbage.

Atlantic Dawn

Gillette Fusion manual blades, have tried almost all others, these tick all the boxes. Close 2nd would be Wilkinson Sword Hydro 5 which is not quiet as good for everyday shaving but I find better when there's a few days growth to get through.

cj maxx

Immac , get rid of shaving altogether, otherwise a Mach 3

jester77

A good single blade razer, not those crappy 3-5+ blades Gillette crap. Skin is sensitive, running 5 blades over the same spot is not good. One good blade, good cream and one movement should be enough for the majority of people.

ive taken to using a wahl foil electric which is doing a surprisingly good job over scalp and face (previous electrics used to irritate my skin)

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119776044#Comment_119776044

total shaving solution

great stuff

thenumber3

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119776044#Comment_119776044

This is it. https://defactoshave.com/

Used to be called Total Shaving Solution, rebranded. Made in Mayo.

odyssey06

Through a combination of circumstances, I ended up with both a Braun (series 3) foil electric and a Philips (aquatouch) rotary.

I found the best combination was to use the Braun initially, especially on neck or I was getting ingrown hairs. Then apply two squirts of the below King Of Shaves oil and finish with the Philips. Need to clean the Philips regularly as the oil and hair clunks it up.

https://www.boots.ie/king-of-shaves-refillable-sensitive-advanced-shave-oil-with-vitamin-e-30ml-10282020

PGE1970

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775684#Comment_119775684

Shaving.ie

You'll have an outlay to get a brush, soap, safety razor etc but blades are cheap.

Get an alum block and proraso do a good cheap gel for cuts.

Loafing Oaf

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/2058268433/mens-shaving-blade-or-electric

Same blade. Constantly afraid they'll pull it from the market as any other one I've ever tried ripped the face off me. Tried an electric about 20 years ago but was nowhere near close enough for me.

Was years hacking lumps out of my face until I evolved a method involving shaving oil and wetting my face under the shower beforehand. Still get minor nicks but rarely reach the Homer stage anymore..

Capt'n Midnight

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119775838#Comment_119775838

Frank Beard might not agree.

Furze99

Wet shave every morning - only way to go.

Brid Hegarty

I remember being told that electric ones are bad for your skin.

igCorcaigh

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119776337#Comment_119776337

Isn't shaving just.. oil?

I tried one years back, but nah. I stick to generic shaving foam. Don't see a problem with it.

I shave every two day, and at weekends leave it to the third.

Less shaving is good.

Rosahane

Feather Stainless razor with Feather DE blades, Mitchells Wool Fat soap and a Simpson brush... buy once buy right!

Potential-Monke

When I had to shave, it was a Mach5 or whatever that 5 bladed one was. As I was getting sick of shaving every day I had to work (most), I eventually got an electric one out of sheer laziness. The good feeling from shaving I used to get was gone due to it being a daily task. Eventually quit the job and haven't shaved since. Have a nice bushy ginger beard which I maintain with oils and balms, and specific shampoo and conditioner. I do like a soft beard, but it's also "wild", insofar as I don't shape it. It is a beard. It is my beard.

We need more beards. But we definitely don't need more fashionable beards. Nothing worse than a perfectly pruned fashionable beard. You know it was grown specifically for fashion, not for the fun.

I use a Gillette Super Speed Y2 (which was made in Q2 of 1953, when I was born) Feather double edge blades and Arko shaving soap applied with an Edwin Jagger badger hair brush. The best start to the day.

I was given a double edged razor for Christmas a few years back. The blades are cheap as chips and you get an extremely close shave. Nicked myself once or twice at the start, but now it’s just as routine as shaving with a Mach etc.

Also use that Proraso pre shave cream. Again, it’s cheap as chips. Don’t bother anymore with the brush and soap thing.

facehugger99

I use a RazorPit - https://www.amazon.co.uk/RazorPit-Original-Sharpener-Travel-Sharpens/dp/B004W2UMDW/ref=sr_1_5?crid=1FOKAZYII8HCN&keywords=razor+sharpener&qid=1666421049&qu=eyJxc2MiOiIzLjg1IiwicXNhIjoiMy40MSIsInFzcCI6IjIuOTYifQ%3D%3D&sprefix=razor+shar%2Caps%2C58&sr=8-5

I get about 2 to 2.5 months out of a Mach 3 blade. I used to spend a fortune on blades, my skin is quite sensitive and after 2-3 uses they would start to cut and nick me. But using the sharpener stops all that.

It's amazing and I'm not sure why they are not a standard thing for everyone - you will literally save 100's of euros if you are using disposable razor blades.

AyeGer

I haven’t used a blade in couple of years. I have a Philips beard trimmer that does my head and chin and I have a Philips shaver too for places I want a tighter shave such as the upper neck.

If I let the stubble grow too long a quick run over with the trimmer shortens it enough for a tight shave with the shaver. I haven’t cut myself at all since I stopped using the razor blades.

Dramatik

I use a Wahl trimmer with no guard on and just hover around the beard taking down any long bits, then I use a straight razor for the neck and line up the cheeks.

Probably have around 30 or more straight razors of various ages, from New to 200+ years old. I like buying them second hand and cleaning them up in my spare time.

I'm pretty lazy when it comes to using the straight razor so I mostly just splash my face with some hot water and shave off that but when I'm in a pampering mood I will use some truefitt & hill 1805 shaving soap Or Dr Harris almond shaving soap.

NewbridgeIR

I've used Gillette Mach 3 blades for many years. No issues. Generally I just shave on Tuesday, Thursday & Sunday.

Use soap & water rather than shaving foam.

I have tried electric razors in past - not effective for me.

Tony EH

Wet shave with a blade. Gilette. On my face and, since Covid, on my head. Save a small fortune not going to the barbers.

Never had a good experience with an electric razor. They tend to leave my face looking like beetroot and feeling like I've spent a week on the sun.

MyStubbleItches

Edwin Jager DE razor, shaving brush and rotate between Taylor’s cedarwood and sandalwood cream. A little goes a long way. Bulk buy the blades, I currently have Muhle ones, they worked out at under 15 cent a blade and I’d get 3 shaves easily out of each blade and that includes my head. Initial outlay was around €80 iirc but the payback is quick and it’s a handy Christmas/birthday gift for me from the missus.

tayto lover

I was getting a great shave with the Lidl Shark until they stopped supplying the blades for some reason.

Fingers Mcginty

DE shaving is the way to go. Made the change years ago and would never go back to those poxy mach3's or whatever they are these days....mach26's???

Cushtie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119778092#Comment_119778092

I have a similar way of doing it. But still use blade.

I usually wet shave on Mondays and Wednesdays. So Sunday night after a few days growth I'll give it a run over with the Beard trimmer to take off the heavy stuff. Monday morning after shower wet shave with Lidl 5 blade razor. Find it does the job grand. Tuesday don't bother with shave. Wed wet shave again, then as I WFH Friday I don't bother again until Sunday night with the trimmer.

Cushtie

https://www.boards.ie/discussion/comment/119782461#Comment_119782461

They replaced it with a different version. I used both and the new version is on par with the Shark one.

cena

Double edge blades. got a hundred for 10 euros over a year ago. i am on the last blade now