Safety Razors

Dord · 06-03-2009 11:11am

Whats the name of the shop MT?

Oh btw... Almalgam just got the 500th post in this thread!

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 11:24am

Dord wrote: »

Whats the name of the shop MT?

Imaginatively enough - The Grooming Rooms.

Dord · 06-03-2009 11:41am

Ahhhh I know that place!

dbar · 06-03-2009 11:59am

Ive been outbid for this baby,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360135259578&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:US:1123

Anyone (MT?),
Is this what these are making, it does look in excellent condition, but at the mo its over the 100 dollar mark. I want to get a fatboy and superspeed.

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 12:07pm

dbar wrote: »

Ive been outbid for this baby,
http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=360135259578&ssPageName=ADME:B:BCA:US:1123

Anyone (MT?),
Is this what these are making, it does look in excellent condition, but at the mo its over the 100 dollar mark. I want to get a fatboy and superspeed.

You're paying for the shine at that price. Try http://cgi.ebay.ie/Old-GILLETTE-Adjustable-1-9-Safety-Razor-2_W0QQitemZ280317084436QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Barber_Shop_Collectables_LE?hash=item280317084436&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Gran Hermano · 06-03-2009 12:12pm

MediaTank wrote: »

Imaginatively enough - The Grooming Rooms.

I was just looking at their site:
http://www.thegroomingrooms.com/retail.php?p=3

dbar, have you had a look on ebay.pl for the Fatboys?

dbar · 06-03-2009 12:41pm

MediaTank wrote: »

You're paying for the shine at that price. Try http://cgi.ebay.ie/Old-GILLETTE-Adjustable-1-9-Safety-Razor-2_W0QQitemZ280317084436QQcmdZViewItemQQptZUK_Collectables_Barber_Shop_Collectables_LE?hash=item280317084436&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1301|66%3A2|65%3A12|39%3A1|240%3A1318

Good Point, I love shiny though, but money talks...

axer · 06-03-2009 12:43pm

People should really try out the merkur slant bars as you can use them with a less sharp blade and still get as good as good a shave without he irritation of a really sharp blade. The blade is slightly bent (because of the shape of the razor head) so it slices each whisker at an angle instead of chopping straight through.

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 12:57pm

axer wrote: »

People should really try out the merkur slant bars as you can use them with a less sharp blade and still get as good as good a shave without he irritation of a really sharp blade. The blade is slightly bent (because of the shape of the razor head) so it slices each whisker at an angle instead of chopping straight through.

I have one. The blade is held as normal, but the safety bar is bent, this gives a bigger gap (more agressive shave) on one end of each side of the razor. I found that you need to use the lightest touch with this razor otherwise you will cut yourself.

axer · 06-03-2009 1:10pm

MediaTank wrote: »

I have one. The blade is held as normal, but the safety bar is bent, this gives a bigger gap (more agressive shave) on one end of each side of the razor. I found that you need to use the lightest touch with this razor otherwise you will cut yourself.

yep, i meant the safety bar. I find it excellent even with the less sharp blades. I generally use it day-to-day (well every 2 or so days) with a feather though because my beard is like wire. What is your main razor?

waraf · 06-03-2009 1:14pm

waraf wrote: »

Merkur HD - shaving-shack.com
Gillette Super Speed (1957) - ebay USA (43 US dollars incl. delivery - didn't really need it but I like old things and I was bored surfing the web)
30 Israeli Blades - shaving-shack.com (free with Merkur HD)
Badger hair brush - sanguinebeauty on ebay.co.uk
Moss Scuttle - www.sarabonnymanpottery.com/
Brush holder - Executive-Shaving.co.uk
Taylors Sandalwood shaving cream - sanguinebeauty on ebay.co.uk
Taylors Sandalwood after shave gel - Executive-Shaving.co.uk
Taylors alum block - Executive-Shaving.co.uk

Lads, I ordered all of this stuff last weekend and not one single item has arrived yet. Anyone have any idea how long stuff usually takes to arrive from shaving-shack or executive-shaving? I would have thought 5 working days was more than enough for stuff to arrive from England....

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 1:24pm

axer wrote: »

yWhat is your main razor?

Day to day use it's a 1959 Gillette Fatboy. I also own a Merkur Progress, Vision 2000, Slant Bar, 39C, and 10 or so other vintage razors.

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 1:25pm

waraf wrote: »

Lads, I ordered all of this stuff last weekend and not one single item has arrived yet. Anyone have any idea how long stuff usually takes to arrive from shaving-shack or executive-shaving? I would have thought 5 working days was more than enough for stuff to arrive from England....

Should be enough time. Chck the status of your order on their website. Sometimes parcel post from the UK can be slooooow.

waraf · 06-03-2009 1:32pm

MediaTank wrote: »

Day to day use it's a 1959 Gillette Fatboy. I also own a Merkur Progress, Vision 2000, Slant Bar, 39C, and 10 or so other vintage razors.

Holy moly that's a lot of razors!! Do you use them all or have one that you use on special occasions or are they mainly just for looking at?

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 3:19pm

waraf wrote: »

Holy moly that's a lot of razors!! Do you use them all or have one that you use on special occasions or are they mainly just for looking at?

Ooops forgot to mention the Merkur Futur too

I use most of them occasionally, but my daily razor is the Fat Boy with a Feather blade. I've a couple of very old ones that I've never used such as the Gillette Stubby travel razor and a 1920s Schick Injector, which is an SE razor. I noticed that Connaught sell the blades for them so next time I place an order I'll pick some up and give it a go.

MT

Amalgam · 06-03-2009 5:03pm

Dord wrote: »

Whats the name of the shop MT?

Oh btw... Almalgam just got the 500th post in this thread!

I thought it was MediaTank, the post after..

MediaTank wrote: »

Was walking down South William St last night, there's a mens grooming shop that sells the full line of Proraso products, if any of you prefer bricks and mortar. I didn't go in, so I don't know what the prices are like.

Another shaving cream to try is Cade by L'Occitane, it's very interesting as the 'active' ingredient is juniper berries!

Great stuff, nice to hold items in the hand sometimes, before buying.. I'll drop in tomorrow (Sat. 9am - 6pm) and have a good mooch. For anyone curious, there's a map with their location here: http://www.thegroomingrooms.com/contact.php

I have to say, I find L'Occitane overpriced, not familiar with pricing abroad, but for what you get, here in Dublin, good grief, steep.

dbar wrote: »

Ive been outbid for this baby..

dbar, prices for the Fatboy are hysterical on eBay at the moment, sign up to Badger & Blade and watch the listings at the:

Badger & Blade - B\S\T

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=11

You'll get a Fatboy for as low as $20 US. You can also (as a member), put up a 'WTB' (want to buy). The $20 Fatboy will be a 'shaver', not a looker.

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 5:18pm

Amalgam wrote: »

I have to say, I find L'Occitane overpriced, not familiar with pricing abroad, but for what you get, here in Dublin, good grief, steep.

Cheaper in the States and mainland Eurooe for sure. However the tube is big and lasts a long time. The only issue is that the smell (gin) takes a little getting used to.

Amalgam · 06-03-2009 5:29pm

MediaTank wrote: »

Cheaper in the States and mainland Eurooe for sure. However the tube is big and lasts a long time. The only issue is that the smell (gin) takes a little getting used to.

No sweetness to that, bitter?

---

Just to say, I spoke to a person that had been DE shaving for decades, but never opened their mind to the idea of using anything other than Gillette or Wilkinson blades from the supermarket, in their razor.

I slipped him a few IP's and Feathers.. and some URL's printed out. I'm due to hear back from him tonight. I feel a bit.. I didn't really tell him what the Feathers were like, not out of spite, I just forgot..

waraf · 06-03-2009 5:32pm

Amalgam wrote: »

I slipped him a few IP's and Feathers.. and some URL's printed out. I'm due to hear back from him tonight. I feel a bit.. I didn't really tell him what the Feathers were like, not out of spite, I just forgot..

Do they allow phones in A&E?

Amalgam · 06-03-2009 5:40pm

I'm curious to see what he uses, it is a Gillette TTO (turn to open) that his father used, given that he's in his sixties, the razor must be quite old.

Gran Hermano · 06-03-2009 6:07pm

Amalgam wrote: »

No sweetness to that, bitter?

---

Just to say, I spoke to a person that had been DE shaving for decades, but never opened their mind to the idea of using anything other than Gillette or Wilkinson blades from the supermarket, in their razor.

I slipped him a few IP's and Feathers.. and some URL's printed out. I'm due to hear back from him tonight. I feel a bit.. I didn't really tell him what the Feathers were like, not out of spite, I just forgot..

I hope you've a styptic pencil for him !

The IPs are safe enough as you know, in fact after moving back to them
after using a Feather I've had my best shaves ever without any nicks, cuts, weepers or razor burn.

Amalgam · 06-03-2009 6:17pm

Total opposite to yourself. Can't wait to finish off the last 4 Wilkinson and stick to the Feathers.

Have boardsies noticed the nature of their stubble change? Mine is like copper wire to the touch now. The cut at the end of the hair seems cleaner.

Any science behind that, or am I talking cobblers?

MediaTank · 06-03-2009 7:15pm

Amalgam wrote: »

Have boardsies noticed the nature of their stubble change? Mine is like copper wire to the touch now. The cut at the end of the hair seems cleaner.

Any science behind that, or am I talking cobblers?

Lots of science. You avoid the hysteresis effect when using a DE, no tug and cut - just cut, hence the cleaner hair ends.

Gordon · 06-03-2009 7:23pm

What's the difference with the feather blades?

Amalgam · 06-03-2009 7:36pm

Gordon, you'll think I'm taking the piss, but the manufacture process involves lasers at some point. :pac:

There's a link posted in this thread where the blade edge is under a microscope, the blade seems to have a '3 step' cutting edge, whereas 2 is far more common, the 3 step will be very very sharp, but blunts itself quicker than 2 step edge.

Your chin literally squeaks when a hand is passed over it, after using a Feather.

(the link mentioned before is the first one.. where it talks about the 3 step cutting edge)

Member The Squire has some great and very down to earth blade reviews elsewhere on ShaveMyFace.

ShaveMyFace thread: http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=28823&sid=ac5810bc50346cfe9c52903f1f37543a

Badger & Blade thread: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=28397

Dord · 06-03-2009 7:47pm

I have a picture in a book somewhere that shows the difference between cutting with an electric razor and cutting with a blade and it's just shocking. I'll post it up later if I can find it, will have to scan in first.

I'm interested to see how different shaving with the safety razor will be compared to a cartridge razor. I've pretty much been through everything so far. I started with a Philishave, then went onto Gillette Mach 2, Mach 3, Wilkinson Sword Quattro and then back down to a Gillette Sensor Excel.

So, I'm pretty interested to see how good these safety razors are. Just gotta sit down and pick what I'm gonna order.

MediaTank · 07-03-2009 9:40am

Dord wrote: »

So, I'm pretty interested to see how good these safety razors are. Just gotta sit down and pick what I'm gonna order.

What are you thinking of ordering?

dbar · 07-03-2009 2:00pm

ok Lads, no judgeing please, I went mad and bought that fatboy on ebay, I auction snipered it! Crazy money I know, but I got good news about work during the week and decided to treat myself. I could spend ages justyifying it but the truth is I just plain wanted it!
I'll let ye know how I get on....
From now on I promise, only sane purchases...

waraf · 07-03-2009 2:11pm

dbar wrote: »

ok Lads, no judgeing please, I went mad and bought that fatboy on ebay, I auction snipered it! Crazy money I know, but I got good news about work during the week and decided to treat myself. I could spend ages justyifying it but the truth is I just plain wanted it!
I'll let ye know how I get on....
From now on I promise, only sane purchases...

You don't have to justify yourself to us mate - it's your hard earned and you can do what you like with it. I've just spent 195 euro and I haven't even had a shave with a DE razor yet FFS!! Anyway, with the conversion rate the way it is, 112 dollars isn't a whole lot.....and it is VERY shiny!

Enjoy....

Amalgam · 07-03-2009 3:26pm

Pulled from the grassy knoll.. Enjoy your purchase dbar, tell us how it goes.

tw0nk · 07-03-2009 3:50pm

heya all, SC10C code for shaving shack has expired, anyone know the new coupon code? thanks in advance.

waraf · 07-03-2009 4:37pm

tw0nk wrote: »

heya all, SC10C code for shaving shack has expired, anyone know the new coupon code? thanks in advance.

Yeah I noticed that the otherday too.

Also, sorry to go off topic for one sec but you think that's bad broadband? I pay for a 24 Mb/s line and I get 3.5 Mb/s download speed....

MediaTank · 07-03-2009 4:54pm

dbar wrote: »

ok Lads, no judgeing please, I went mad and bought that fatboy on ebay, I auction snipered it! Crazy money I know, but I got good news about work during the week and decided to treat myself. I could spend ages justyifying it but the truth is I just plain wanted it!

Nothing wrong with that, enjoy.

tw0nk · 07-03-2009 4:55pm

waraf wrote: »

Yeah I noticed that the otherday too.

Also, sorry to go off topic for one sec but you think that's bad broadband? I pay for a 24 Mb/s line and I get 3.5 Mb/s download speed....

waraf, do you have any idea where I could get a new coupon code? my order is 65 sterling so would be nice to get it for 59ish, or are there any other shops for this:

Merkur 570 Chrome "Progress" Safety Razor £34.99
Shaving Brush Drip Stand £3.99
Proraso Shaving Cream Jar (150ml) £4.99
Pure Badger Shaving Brush £15.99

On the broadband Q, im paying for the 24 meg option too, but my line can only support those speeds, would love to get UPC connection.

waraf · 07-03-2009 5:12pm

tw0nk wrote: »

waraf, do you have any idea where I could get a new coupon code?

On the broadband Q, im paying for the 24 meg option too, but my line can only support those speeds, would love to get UPC connection.

No idea on the coupon code I'm afraid mate. I had a quick look on the net when I was ordering a lot of stuff too but I couldn't find any current codes.

Cabaal · 07-03-2009 7:41pm

waraf wrote: »

No idea on the coupon code I'm afraid mate. I had a quick look on the net when I was ordering a lot of stuff too but I couldn't find any current codes.

I've had a look also and can't find a new coupon, shame....oh well I have shaving points which come to about 6e to use

waraf · 07-03-2009 8:58pm

Lads, I don't know if this has been posted previously but here's a link to an amazingly comprehensive guide to double edged shaving. It covers all aspects of the shave in great detail and has loads of links to specialist articles dealing with individual aspects of shaving. Well worth a look: http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/

MediaTank · 08-03-2009 12:24pm

waraf wrote: »

Lads, I don't know if this has been posted previously but here's a link to an amazingly comprehensive guide to double edged shaving. It covers all aspects of the shave in great detail and has loads of links to specialist articles dealing with individual aspects of shaving. Well worth a look: http://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2006/07/10/a-guide-to-the-gourmet-shaving-experience/

I mentioned his book somewhere in this thread, great stuff.

fugazied · 09-03-2009 2:29am

I just got a sweet bulk buy deal from EBay, 5 dozen disposable razors for $10 USD.

The only issue is waiting for delivery (yawn).

Amalgam · 09-03-2009 6:07am

fugazied wrote: »

I just got a sweet bulk buy deal from EBay, 5 dozen disposable razors for $10 USD. The only issue is waiting for delivery (yawn).

[elitist snuffing and snorting..]

dbar · 09-03-2009 10:42am

Had 2 great shaves over the w/e. First with a Merkur blade!, made up superlather with wools fat and Taylors Avacado cream.
2nd with a derby and wools fat only, a first for me, no pre-shave oil either. The skin was a bit red afterwards as I went for about 4 passes.
Probably too much for a first try with soap only, however the blade doesnt clog at all when the oil is out of the equation.
Anyway, My son has a skin condition and Aveeno cream was recommended to us, so I tried it on the redness, pretty much instant relief, for anyone who has the same issue.
I actually want to stick with soap, so I am going to get that trumpers skin coral stuff, and I have ordered some handmade soap for sensitive skin off ebay as well. Thought this DE lark was meant to save us money...:D

tw0nk · 09-03-2009 2:50pm

I posted earlier about nearly buying a list of items from http://www.shaving-shack.com/ and being disappointed about the discount coupon code being expired. Well before ordering I emailed Dan at shaving-shack and asked him if there were any new codes for discount, this was on Sunday. Arrived into work this morning and had an email from Dan giving me a once-off code for 10% off as it was my first order.

Well if I needed anything to push me over the edge and buy a safety razor this was it, excellent service from a company who obviously value their customers. After I had made my order he even emailed me to say thanks for order and that I had picked a good razor. I will hopefully be using this site for years to come (based on my success with safety razor).

Anyway, just my two cents....

Gran Hermano · 09-03-2009 3:18pm

I've had a great weekend of shaving with my latest batch of shaving gear. If anyone is looking to try a new cream I've used the Musgo cream with a Personna and find it great. Excellent moisturising and when combined with a lanolin soap gives me a top shave. It's a pretty old school cream from Portugal I think. A little goes a long way and is as good as Proraso.
The smell of the Musgo is totally unique but not in a bad way.

I also gave my new Merkur HD a run in, similar to the Progress but doesn't feel as heavy, I prefer the extra weight with the Progress but can see why the HD is often recommended as a first razor. It's a nice design and 'prettier' than the Progress.

Now that the bathroom is full of creams, soaps and blades I'm resisting the urge to go on a shopping spree for so classic razors.

MediaTank · 09-03-2009 3:34pm

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Now that the bathroom is full of creams, soaps and blades I'm resisting the urge to go on a shopping spree for so classic razors.

Must resist...

tw0nk · 09-03-2009 3:36pm

Haha, I can see myself falling into the same trap Gran Hermano, I ordered the Proraso Shaving Cream Jar (150ml) as I wasnt sure what to get as a newbie. Can you tell me what setting on your progress you use (again for a first time safety razor user)? Also I ordered a badger-hair shaving brush, do you just take a bit of the cream out of the jar and put it in a cup or something with a bit of water and then froth up the brush with it?

MediaTank · 09-03-2009 3:47pm

tw0nk wrote: »

Haha, I can see myself falling into the same trap Gran Hermano, I ordered the Proraso Shaving Cream Jar (150ml) as I wasnt sure what to get as a newbie. Can you tell me what setting on your progress you use (again for a first time safety razor user)? Also I ordered a badger-hair shaving brush, do you just take a bit of the cream out of the jar and put it in a cup or something with a bit of water and then froth up the brush with it?

When starting with an adjustable always set it to 1. Leave it at the lowest setting you can until you get a comfortable shave. As a note, only change the setting hwen the razor is open.

You use an almond size amount of cream, and a wet (not dripping) brush. Whip up the lather like egg whites in a large cup or cereal bowl. It doesn't take long.

Check out mantic59 on YouTube he has a bunch of video tutorials which are very good.

MediaTank · 09-03-2009 3:49pm

dbar wrote: »

Had 2 great shaves over the w/e. First with a Merkur blade!, made up superlather with wools fat and Taylors Avacado cream.
The skin was a bit red afterwards as I went for about 4 passes.

I actually want to stick with soap, so I am going to get that trumpers skin coral stuff, and I have ordered some handmade soap for sensitive skin off ebay as well. Thought this DE lark was meant to save us money...:D

4 passes is a lot. I'd only do 4 passes if I was getting married or something :pac:
2 is plenty if you are starting off. How did you find the Avocado?

The Skin Coral is usually for after shaving, instead of before. It's nice in warner weather as it tightens the skin and closes pores.

tw0nk · 09-03-2009 4:01pm

Thanks mediatank, recommend anything else other than the razor, cream and brush? Are there any good soothing after shave things?

Dord · 09-03-2009 4:05pm

MediaTank wrote: »

What are you thinking of ordering?

Merkur HD
Badger brush, not sure which one...
Still undecided on the blades...
I guess I'll need a bowl too.
drip stand
Proraso shaving cream
Err... whatever else I need...

tw0nk wrote: »

heya all, SC10C code for shaving shack has expired, anyone know the new coupon code? thanks in advance.

Thanks, I'll take that out of the sticky now. It's a pity it's expired.

Gran Hermano · 09-03-2009 4:16pm

I'll do 4 passes most shaves but I go all out on the pre-shave treatments
and have a hot shower/bath before shaving the face (with, against and across
the grain) then I shave the head and find one final ATG shave finishes it off baby soft.
I know this is more than the norm but I've no razor burn or rash.

I'm using the Progress on 2 or 2.5 and find it's as close if not
closer than the HD. (I can't see any need to go to a higher setting).

I find the Proraso pre-shave great but that I have to use a good amount to
notice it's effect. I've started using an old shaving brush to apply it and leave it on for 3-5 minutes.

I've already started keeping an eye on the usual sites for the old Gillettes,
I'm in no rush so I'll wait for some in top condition at ok prices. I
wouldn't mind a Fat Boy, Slim Boy or Rocket. There was a nice 195
on ebay over the weekend but going for silly money due to it's rarity.
Prices for most seem to have gone mad over the last few years, I suppose
articles like this are not helping:
http://theauctionrebel.com/500/profiting-from-gillette-safety-razors-on-ebay/

Has anyone else compared the Red Personna blades to the regular IP+ Crystals?

Safety Razors

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