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Safety Razors

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Comments

  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 201 ✭✭settings


    stevenmu wrote: »
    Any chance of a link?

    I'd love to but it's from badger and blade and it has been down all day - I will as soon as it comes back.

    The key for me was to put a little water on the soap for one minute while you soak the brush in hot water. Dump the excess soap water into your shave bowl. Then I squeeze and shake the brush dry (that was my main error before- wet brush) and rotate it in the soap (low to medium pressure) until the bristles clump together - usually takes 1-3 mins. As soon as you start swirling the brush in the lather bowl you will notice it thickening fast (assuming from all the rotations in the soap bowl).

    The guide is much better and has photos to show each stage of the process and about 20+ pages of comments/tweaks/suggestions/thanks after that which I must read


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 201 ✭✭settings


    stevenmu wrote: »
    Any chance of a link?

    here ya go -How to make great lather from a soap (with photos) :
    http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php/21136-How-to-make-great-lather-from-a-soap-Tutorial


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,870 ✭✭✭mikeruurds


    Fed up with carving myself up with the latest Gillette vibrating multiple blade rip-off. Just ordered the following:

    Mergress XL from Lees Razors
    Mitchells Wool Fat soap
    Bluebeards Shave Foam
    100 x Derby Extra DE blades
    Proraso pre and post balm
    100ml Sandalwood Aftershave
    Proraso cut gel and Alum block
    Simpson Duke 3 Best badger brush

    I guess I could have gone a lot cheaper with the gear, but I did my research and decided to get good stuff up front. This is going to be fun! Hoping to finally get a close shave.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,526 ✭✭✭vengeance52


    mikeruurds wrote: »
    Fed up with carving myself up with the latest Gillette vibrating multiple blade rip-off. Just ordered the following:

    Mergress XL from Lees Razors
    Mitchells Wool Fat soap
    Bluebeards Shave Foam
    100 x Derby Extra DE blades
    Proraso pre and post balm
    100ml Sandalwood Aftershave
    Proraso cut gel and Alum block
    Simpson Duke 3 Best badger brush

    I guess I could have gone a lot cheaper with the gear, but I did my research and decided to get good stuff up front. This is going to be fun! Hoping to finally get a close shave.

    the Proraso pre and post balm is one of the best purchases I ever made. You actually notice a difference when you use it compared to when you dont.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,870 ✭✭✭mikeruurds


    the Proraso pre and post balm is one of the best purchases I ever made. You actually notice a difference when you use it compared to when you dont.

    I've seen a lot of votes for using it as a pre-shave balm, but many have the opinion that the consistency isn't the best for post shave. I have some Nivea balm going spare if the alum block and sandalwood don't do the trick. I'll give the Proraso a go too. I'm sure one of these or a combination will work!


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,526 ✭✭✭vengeance52


    mikeruurds wrote: »
    I've seen a lot of votes for using it as a pre-shave balm, but many have the opinion that the consistency isn't the best for post shave. I have some Nivea balm going spare if the alum block and sandalwood don't do the trick. I'll give the Proraso a go too. I'm sure one of these or a combination will work!

    I do admit that I use it mostly for a pre-wash before shaving and after I shave I use mainly Speick balm which I think is fantastic for anyone who has sensitive skin and suffers from Razor burn now and then.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 797 ✭✭✭Michael G


    the Proraso pre and post balm is one of the best purchases I ever made. You actually notice a difference when you use it compared to when you dont.
    There is a pre-and-post-shave one and there is also a thicker pre-shave cream. Both are OK for pre-shave but I would not use the thinner one as an after-shave. I use Trumper's Skin Food though you might be as well off getting some glycerin in the chemist's which apparently has the same effect.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    +1 for the proraso preshave. Great stuff. Available in the Grooming Rooms South William St for Dublin based shavers :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,870 ✭✭✭mikeruurds


    I do admit that I use it mostly for a pre-wash before shaving and after I shave I use mainly Speick balm which I think is fantastic for anyone who has sensitive skin and suffers from Razor burn now and then.

    Cheers - that's me in a nutshell. I'll give the Speick balm a go.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,932 ✭✭✭hinault


    Gordon wrote: »
    Sorry, I don't have a beard or hat, can I still post a question?!

    I was reading this thread about razor prices and some helpful chappie mentioned good proper safety razors like Merkurs.

    180px-Merkur_heavy_duty_safety_razor.jpg

    Does anyone here use one of these? I use the 3/4 blade razors and am fed up with paying the exorbitant costs of them and am wondering if I should invest in a proper razor like this. Is it a scratchy shave with one of these things? Do you need to change the blade every day or so? How good is the shave compared to a 3/4 blade Gillette type thing?

    ta

    I use that exact razor.

    Tesco sell own-brand blades : 10 blades for 3 quid for that type of razor.
    My last pack has lasted 7 months!


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 10,817 ✭✭✭✭Dord


    Went to shave this evening... and something was wrong. I find that it generally helps if I use a razor blade in my razor. :o:D


  • Technology & Internet Moderators Posts: 28,822 Mod ✭✭✭✭oscarBravo


    "Private, when you shaved this morning, did you use a towel?!"

    "Yes, sar'major."

    "Well tomorrow morning, use a bloody razor!"


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,297 ✭✭✭source


    oscarBravo wrote: »
    "Private, when you shaved this morning, did you use a towel?!"

    "Yes, sar'major."

    "Well tomorrow morning, use a bloody razor!"

    We had a captain in the RDF who ALWAYS used the line, "Did you use a mirror when you shaved this morning?"

    Yes Sir.......

    Next time use a razor......hahaha

    Well we had a Corporal who was running late in for a CO's parade so I had to go get him. He bought some bic disposables on the way in to the barracks, and shaved dry in the car. He was still bleeding while being inspected. The above Captain didn't know what to say.....very funny situation.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    Dord wrote: »
    Went to shave this evening... and something was wrong. I find that it generally helps if I use a razor blade in my razor. :o:D

    I keep my razors in my wardrobe so my niece can't get at them and twice in one week forgot to bring a razor with me to shave. I had 5 DE's and a single edge razor at the time so how I didn't pick up any of them I'll never know.

    I only realised the problem when I reached for a razor, after lathering my face, and noticing something was missing. So at least you had a razor with you.


    I may also have forgotten to put a blade in one of my razors :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,870 ✭✭✭mikeruurds


    Got the bug now! Just added the following to my growing collection:

    Martin de Candre shave soap
    La Toja Manantiales shave soap
    Speick shave cream
    Floid "Suave" aftershave
    Floid pre-shave

    All I need to get now is a dirty bird scuttle and my shopping is done. My wife is letting me spoil myself!


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Shaving.ie wrote: »
    Mühle are set to release a newly designed open comb razor head tomorrow on their site. Their redesign of the closed comb proved to be a big hit and this looks like it might lie somewhere between that and the Merkur open comb in terms of aggressiveness.

    r41-open-comb-head__06539_zoom.jpg

    This is an interesting razor. I have several open comb razors (Gillette Old and New variants, Merkur 12c and Muhle R89) which I tend to use when I have more than one day of stubble to remove. Compared to any of the open combs I have tried this is a seriously aggressive razor.

    Even comparing it to a Feather in a Futur on 5 or a Merkur long handled slant or open comb this is a razor that commands the lightest of touch and zero pressure. I tried it with a Super Thin blade and I reckon it will be a while before I risk a sharper balde in it. It needs a lather with plenty of cushion and protection but rewards with a shave as close to a straight shave I've had by using a DE razor. Not for the faint hearted or those still honing their technique nor is it something I would use every day. As usual the Muhle design and craftsmanship is top class surpassing Merkur in my opinion.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 5,566 ✭✭✭Gillo


    Just so you know I was in TK Maxx (Stephens Green) earlier today and they had some TOBS creams, they were in packs two for 12.99, had to find though you have to go up to the start of the queue and they were on a stand. Not a great range but very good value.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 23,246 ✭✭✭✭Dyr


    Dord wrote: »
    Went to shave this evening... and something was wrong. I find that it generally helps if I use a razor blade in my razor. :o:D

    least you've never gone to brush your teeth with a mach 3 :o


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 6,026 ✭✭✭Amalgam


    This is an interesting razor. I have several open comb razors (Gillette Old and New variants, Merkur 12c and Muhle R89) which I tend to use when I have more than one day of stubble to remove. Compared to any of the open combs I have tried this is a seriously aggressive razor.

    Even comparing it to a Feather in a Futur on 5 or a Merkur long handled slant or open comb this is a razor that commands the lightest of touch and zero pressure. I tried it with a Super Thin blade and I reckon it will be a while before I risk a sharper balde in it. It needs a lather with plenty of cushion and protection but rewards with a shave as close to a straight shave I've had by using a DE razor. Not for the faint hearted or those still honing their technique nor is it something I would use every day. As usual the Muhle design and craftsmanship is top class surpassing Merkur in my opinion.

    Excellent stuff Gran Hermano, that's a real Cattle Grid affair going on there, somewhat similar to vintage UK razors like the Red Stripe and Knockout.

    What is the handle like for grip?


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  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    Thinking of picking this up for myself, no need to change blades, which are thinner than a human hair. I might need to decide quickly though as there's only 99 being made
    http://www.zafirro.com/products/Zafirro-Iridium.html


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 4,940 ✭✭✭Corkfeen


    ThisRegard wrote: »
    Thinking of picking this up for myself, no need to change blades, which are thinner than a human hair. I might need to decide quickly though as there's only 99 being made
    http://www.zafirro.com/products/Zafirro-Iridium.html

    Lmao, bargain price of 100 grand. Think i'll get two... :D


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    Amalgam wrote: »
    Excellent stuff Gran Hermano, that's a real Cattle Grid affair going on there, somewhat similar to vintage UK razors like the Red Stripe and Knockout.

    What is the handle like for grip?

    No problems with the grip. Razor is nicely balanced and I forgot to mention in earlier post that the design/construction of the razor lends itself to a higher than normal amount of audible feedback as it whisks away the stubble, it almost sings.

    I had contemplated using a longer handle from an EJ Chatsworth Barley with the new head but reckon I'll hold off for a while as a heavier handle may make it even more aggressive than I need.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 27,833 ✭✭✭✭ThisRegard


    Corkfeen wrote: »
    Lmao, bargain price of 100 grand. Think i'll get two... :D

    Yes, that was my point !


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭hamsterboy


    Hi All
    Spotted these in an antique shop in Galway.
    Was wondering if they are in any way rare etc.....
    Was gonna get thIS gold one as an alternative to my Merkur HD
    IMAG0525.jpg

    Also this one, though it looks like standard blades won't fit it
    IMAG0523.jpg

    And I know this is a safety razor thread but
    IMAG0522.jpg

    Regards

    HB


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    hamsterboy wrote: »
    Hi All
    Spotted these in an antique shop in Galway.
    Was wondering if they are in any way rare etc.....
    Was gonna get thIS gold one as an alternative to my Merkur HD


    Also this one, though it looks like standard blades won't fit it


    And I know this is a safety razor thread but

    Regards

    HB


    The top one looks like a Gillette 'Old Type'. The Old Type was made from 1904 until 1929. I think that could be a 'single ring'. You can pin down the date accurately by looking at the serial number on the razor when you take it apart. This shows where the date code is http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old%20Type/1905%20Single%20Ring.jpg and you can compare the date code here http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/US_Gillette_Dating_Information

    The middle one is a single edge razor (I think an Ever-Ready 1912) and takes single edge blades. Cannaught shaving sells those blades. You can only get single edge razor blades online on this side of the Atlantic. Single edge razors can give a very nice shave.

    The straight razor is a Ford & Medley Emu (I think - can't see the makers name on the tang). From a site selling a similar one;
    The company was started by Albert Medley, born in 1875 and recorded as a cutlery manufacturer in the 1901 census. By 1914 the company acquired the Emu Works and they ceased trading in the 1930s
    So it's from between 1914 and 1930ish. It looks to be in decent condition, providing the is no rust on the other side. It will be made from Sheffield steel so it should be a good shaver once honed.


    What were the prices on them like?

    As far as rarity is concerned I'm not sure. Probably fairly rare to find any of them in Ireland.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭hamsterboy


    Wow nice work man.
    The prices on them all were under 25, the Gillette Old Type was 22 I think.
    Might invest in one or maybe two... the straight caught my fancy.
    Would be nice to be shaving with something thats almost 100 years old.....

    Thanks for the info

    HB


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    If it was me I'd go for the Gillette and the straight razor but I'd try talk them down on the prices. They seem a bit high for my liking - try ask for a deal for 2 of them. The case for the DE looks in pretty bad shape.

    If you do go for the straight make sure there is no rust near the edge. Chips on the edge, if there are any, shouldn't be too much of an issue. If there are any chips they will likely be really small and will come out when honed.


  • Banned (with Prison Access) Posts: 6,869 ✭✭✭Mahatma coat


    Well, the head snapped off my timor :(

    So I ordered another one from Shaving.ie :)

    what did I do wrong wit the first one????


  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,689 Mod ✭✭✭✭stevenmu


    what did I do wrong wit the first one????
    Use it to shave a bear?



    :)


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Hi Hamsterboy,

    The straight looks well worth getting if you can knock it down to 15 or so.

    If you want an edge putting on it, I'd be happy to hone it to shave ready for you (assuming it can be honed, not cracked, warped or twisted) - no charge, the practice with the stone is useful.

    If there are any small chips on the edge, I can take them out - but it will need quite a bit of work.

    The Every readys can be had online for nothing, and they are a great little shaver - I bought one recently for £3 (shaved with it this morning actually as I was late for work) and I have seen them go for 99p on ebay uk. Use absolutely no pressure though as they can be a bit rough otherwise.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭hamsterboy


    MadsL wrote: »
    Hi Hamsterboy,

    The straight looks well worth getting if you can knock it down to 15 or so.

    If you want an edge putting on it, I'd be happy to hone it to shave ready for you (assuming it can be honed, not cracked, warped or twisted) - no charge, the practice with the stone is useful.

    If there are any small chips on the edge, I can take them out - but it will need quite a bit of work.

    The Every readys can be had online for nothing, and they are a great little shaver - I bought one recently for £3 (shaved with it this morning actually as I was late for work) and I have seen them go for 99p on ebay uk. Use absolutely no pressure though as they can be a bit rough otherwise.

    Hey
    I'm poppin in tomorrow to pick up the Gillette and the straight.
    I would REALLY appreciate it if you could put an edge on it dude.
    Are you based in Galway?
    If not PM me your address and I'll post it to ye

    Regards

    HB


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    hamsterboy wrote: »
    Hey
    I'm poppin in tomorrow to pick up the Gillette and the straight.
    I would REALLY appreciate it if you could put an edge on it dude.
    Are you based in Galway?
    If not PM me your address and I'll post it to ye

    Regards

    HB

    Those Gillette New open comb razors give a fine shave. I like mine so much
    I already picked up a backup one. They are a great introduction to using an open comb and differed enough to the Merkur HD or Progress to give variety. They are great if you have a couple of days of stubble to remove. Like yourself I like the fact I'm using a razor almost a century old. Just watch out for any bent or missing teeth in the comb part. (From your photo it looks all good).


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    Those Gillette New open comb razors give a fine shave. I like mine so much
    I already picked up a backup one. They are a great introduction to using an open comb and differed enough to the Merkur HD or Progress to give variety. They are great if you have a couple of days of stubble to remove. Like yourself I like the fact I'm using a razor almost a century old. Just watch out for any bent or missing teeth in the comb part. (From your photo it looks all good).

    You should get into straight razors then :D

    I actually missed out on a Gillette single ring from 1912 on ebay when I first got into DE's. It was really cheap too but I put in the wrong maximum bid I wanted to put in. I wondered what it shaved like for a while after that.


  • Closed Accounts Posts: 9,330 ✭✭✭Gran Hermano


    hitemfrank wrote: »
    You should get into straight razors then :D

    I actually missed out on a Gillette single ring from 1912 on ebay when I first got into DE's. It was really cheap too but I put in the wrong maximum bid I wanted to put in. I wondered what it shaved like for a while after that.

    This is one of my backup open combs, links in my old post still work so will save me re-uploading.
    http://www.boards.ie/vbulletin/showpost.php?p=62381061&postcount=1505
    They are a mild open comb razor, no way near as aggressive or harsh as any of the more modern open combs I have tried.

    I picked up some straights and a strop over a year ago and try and get a couple of shaves in with them every month but nowhere near as often as I would like. Time commitments and travel means I find DEs suit me better.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    That set looks to be in great condition.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    @hamsterboy PM sent.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭hamsterboy


    Cheers guys for all the assistance.
    BTW, anyone any tips for cleaning the Gillette up a bit...looks a bit ...... well..... old......lol

    HB


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL




  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 2,814 ✭✭✭Nemanja91


    Had my first shave with a safety razor this morning and didn't cut myself :), how often would I want to change the blades?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    I used to change blade every 4 or 5 shaves depending on what blade I was using. So I would say just use it until you feel it start to become uncormfortable then change straight away.


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  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 797 ✭✭✭Michael G


    I use Feathers and find that three shaves is as many as I can safely get out of them.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭hamsterboy


    Hi All
    Well I popped into Galway today and purchased the Gillette safety and the Emu straight.
    The straight is off to MadsL for some honing (legend).
    I disinfected the safety and cleaned it up and promptly convinced myself that I could do with a shave so off I went at it.
    From the first WTG stroke...... I knew everything I thought I knew about DE shaving had changed. I reckon that after the second pass (XTG) it had done a better job than the HD would have after the third (ATG)
    This is only my second DE razor, my beloved HD being my weapon of choice... but this 100 year old razor WIPED THE FLOOR WITH THE MERKUR.
    I cannot stop feelin my cheeks and admiring the job the Gillette did. Something I didn't notice till I got it home today is that it holds the blade at a slight angle.... not as much as a slant bar but noticeable. This could be the reason why I just got THE best shave of my life........feels more like a barbers shave than my own work.
    Can't wait to get the Emu back and see can I top it.
    Anyway, just thought I'd share my experience....... and if anyone wants a second hand HD soon..... Watch this space

    HB


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    Did you manage to talk them down on the prices of them at all?

    Make sure you pick up a cheap strop for that straight razor.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Can't wait to get the Emu back and see can I top it.

    Setting the bar high eh? Ah, well I love a challenge. Was the edge in good nick, no chips?


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,536 ✭✭✭hamsterboy


    @hitemfrank Yep I haggled me ass off and got both for 30 :). Strop in the post as I type.

    @MadsL Yep, always up for a challenge me. Edge is in quite good nick (no pun)... no chips that I can see. Will pop it into the post to ye tomorrow dude. Cheers again for honing it.

    Gave the guy in the shop my number in case anything else interestin comes his way.

    Regards

    HB


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 1,920 ✭✭✭hitemfrank


    30 quid for both is a pretty nice deal. You did well with the haggling.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,299 ✭✭✭✭MadsL


    Which strop did you get? Get a butter knife and practise with it whilst I sharpen :)

    really good video here:



    Try to think about balancing a coin on the back of your hand when turning the razor. Turn the razor not your hand.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 20,397 ✭✭✭✭FreudianSlippers


    I just started using a Merkur Futur and I have to say I love it. Had a bit of blood the first time lol but things are looking up. Great shave, but still not totally used to the adjustment bit. The time I wrecked my neck I was messing around with trying out higher numbers.

    Very happy and will definitely be staying with this now.


  • Registered Users, Registered Users 2 Posts: 3,376 ✭✭✭nc6000


    I just started using a Merkur Futur and I have to say I love it. Had a bit of blood the first time lol but things are looking up. Great shave, but still not totally used to the adjustment bit. The time I wrecked my neck I was messing around with trying out higher numbers.

    Very happy and will definitely be staying with this now.

    Not sure if I'll get a Merkur Futur or a Merkur Progress. :confused:

    I've already got a Merkur 34c but I think I'll treat myself to an adjustable soon.

    Decisions decisions........


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  • Moderators, Society & Culture Moderators Posts: 9,689 Mod ✭✭✭✭stevenmu


    nc6000 wrote: »
    Not sure if I'll get a Merkur Futur or a Merkur Progress. :confused:

    I've already got a Merkur 34c but I think I'll treat myself to an adjustable soon.

    Decisions decisions........
    Am in the same boat myself, can an adjustable be adjusted to be more aggressive than the 34c?


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