How to get a good, close shave?

raildogg

Lifer
Aug 24, 2004
12,892
572
126
I have bought several razors, such as the Mach 3 and Shick Midnight Quattro and most of them go dull after a few times. I just bought some disposable razors and they seem to shave a bit closer. I was wondering if there is a particular razor you guys use to get a good shave.

I have heard things about single edged razors. I would like to find some kind of razor that is not too pricey but does a good job.
 

CraKaJaX

Lifer
Dec 26, 2004
11,905
148
101
I use a Fusion and shave against the grain (slowly). I find this to work the best.
 

wwswimming

Banned
Jan 21, 2006
3,695
1
0
sometimes you just have to shave twice. using a twin-blade to hack some of
the larger stubble, then re-applying shaving cream & coming back for a
clean-up operation.

now, what i'm saying applies to shaving the face.

but, i have to admit that some of the shave industry freebies, like the
triple blade samples i've gotten do work pretty good - the first time.

is there any limit ? is there a correlation between the number of
blades that razors have & the number of CPU cores that computers have ?
 

magomago

Lifer
Sep 28, 2002
10,973
14
76
I shave with the grain, and then against the grain. Go slow and take out the areas in smaller patches.

The biggest single factor through is making sure you get your face nice and warm and the hairs get a chance to suck in some water. This increases their size slightly and makes them bulge just a little bit so when you shave them,you shave it down to the surface. Once it dries, it then decreases in size and recedes below the surface. Of course I shave half way through a shower to achieve this (I heard a sauna produces even better results) and it makes a noticeable difference on my face. Just rinsing my face with warm water doesn't do the trick. If you want to shave it to a nice beard or goatee or mustache, i'd suggest getting a fog proof mirror in your shower. Otherwise, you don't need it (providing you know how to shave without looking in a mirror)

^ i don't know if that is real. that is what i was told long ago, and I can say that even if the mechanism is described incorrectly, it does let me feel like it is a much closer shave
 

pontifex

Lifer
Dec 5, 2000
43,804
46
91
Originally posted by: darkxshade
Didn't someone ask about this just last week?

there seems to be one of these threads about once a month. i know i;ve seen many in my time here.
 

OUCaptain

Golden Member
Nov 21, 2007
1,522
0
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I noticed a soap cup and brush at a buddies the other day. It got me wondering. Are those fancy and colorful gels really any better than good ole fashion shaving soap?
 

vshah

Lifer
Sep 20, 2003
19,003
24
81
Originally posted by: OUCaptain
I noticed a soap cup and brush at a buddies the other day. It got me wondering. Are those fancy and colorful gels really any better than good ole fashion shaving soap?

high quality cream + a brush can be quite an experience
 

Tiamat

Lifer
Nov 25, 2003
14,068
5
71
Take a warm/hot shower prior to shaving, then shave with the grain, then against the grain.
 

Alone

Diamond Member
Nov 19, 2006
7,490
0
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Originally posted by: Tiamat
Take a warm/hot shower prior to shaving, then shave with the grain, then against the grain.

Or shave in the shower. Works best for me.
 

dougp

Diamond Member
May 3, 2002
7,909
4
0
I suggest you check into getting a safety DE razor, good quality brush and a nice mug soap. You can check out www.classicshaving.com or http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/ ... I personally have a newer Merkur DE Closed Comb safety razor, and I also have a vintage Gillete open comb and closed comb. If you take a shower before hand and then work up a good lather, you'll have the closest shave of your life.