Throw some knowledge at me about wet shaving

[JM Aggie08]

I've grown tired of constantly buying disposable razors/blades.

Recently I have started looking into purchasing a double-edged safety razor (Merkur 180 Long Handle), along with some nice soap, badger brush, etc.

Is wet shaving really that much better and cost effective than using disposables? What equipment are you using?

 

[lxskllr]

I use a straight razor, strop, water stone, cup, brush, and soap. Most were purchased second hand. I probably spend $1 a year on shaving. That includes original purchase prices prorated to the present.

 

[sze5003]

I can never find the damn gilette blades for my fusion. Everytime I go to get them they are not on the shelves.

I don't have a beard I have odd facial hair consists of a mustache and some grows in unevenly on both sides of my face as well as the neck. Does not look uniform at all so I have to shave.

 

[mnewsham]

No it isn't that much better, and not really that much more cost effective, pre-shave cream, shaving soap, after-shave, razors, new brush (eventually). It all adds up, over a long period of time it may be a bit cheaper, but you are also taking a good bit longer to shave (especially at the beginning). The shave CAN be as close if not closer, but it wont be for awhile until you get the hang of it.

I use a Merkur 34c and feather blades.

 

[waggy]

get the murker. you can get DE blades cheap. 100 for like $17.

rest of the stuff you already have. though i suggest a nice brush and some shaving cream (you can get good shaving gel cheap too).


go to westcoastshaving.com (think thats it) they have some good priced stuff and sampler packs of blades to find the one you like.

 

[TwiceOver]

No it isn't that much better, and not really that much more cost effective, pre-shave cream, shaving soap, after-shave, razors, new brush (eventually). It all adds up, over a long period of time it may be a bit cheaper, but you are also taking a good bit longer to shave (especially at the beginning). The shave CAN be as close if not closer, but it wont be for awhile until you get the hang of it.

I use a Merkur 34c and feather blades.

After a year I gave up on wet shaving. It didn't provide me any better shave than a disposable triple blade razor. Took longer and more passes. The "ritual" was cool but the end result wasn't worth the time and effort.

 

[NoCreativity]

I bought a Merkur knock off razor from classic shaving and a Vulfix brush. A total of about $50. Once I find a good blade, those should cost me a couple bucks a year. I was spending $30 a year on mach 3 blades so I will definitely see a savings, especially since I was using the brush prior to switching away from the Mach 3. So it was really only a $20 investment for the razor.

If you decide to bite the bullet make sure to get the big sampler of blades from west coast shaving because everyone seems to like different blades.

 

[mnewsham]

After a year I gave up on wet shaving. It didn't provide me any better shave than a disposable triple blade razor. Took longer and more passes. The "ritual" was cool but the end result wasn't worth the time and effort.

Yeah, if you find that you just can't get the hang of it to the point where it is at least close-ish to how long it took with a disposable then I dont really see the point unless it appeals to you for other reasons.


Some people can get the action down well enough that they get a decent shave and are fairly quick, I myself am not quite there, but after 2 years I can manage to get a decently close shave in under 10 minutes. However with disposables it was much faster.

 

[Thump553]

<--old guy, light beard

Used "safety blades" for roughly twenty years before I switched over to the double/triple/etc blade systems. Shaving quality is absolutely no different (less passes over face with double/triple blades probably therefore somewhat less time). As far as shaving nicks and cuts, I'd say I had several thousand cuts using a safety razor compared to every cut using the double/triple/etc. systems.

To me going back would be a huge step backwards for absolutely no benefit.

Ask your dad or uncles for their opinions.

 

[Wonderful Pork]

After a year I gave up on wet shaving. It didn't provide me any better shave than a disposable triple blade razor. Took longer and more passes. The "ritual" was cool but the end result wasn't worth the time and effort.

Yup, I'm the same way. Spent like $40 on a Merkur + blades + brush used it a couple times and then stopped.

I grow a pretty thick beard so I've found that if I soak hair conditioner on my face while I shower for a minute or 2 then shave after its a piece of cake. I actually use the single blade BIC type disposables (store brand!), its like $1.50 for 10 and I can get about a month or 2 out of that package since I only shave twice a week. So $12-$18/year for shaving is cheap enough for me. Plus the smaller blades are easier to maneuver. The head of my DE Merkur is enormous in comparison and tough to properly use under my nose, etc.

 

[NetWareHead]

I've grown tired of constantly buying disposable razors/blades.

Recently I have started looking into purchasing a double-edged safety razor (Merkur 180 Long Handle), along with some nice soap, badger brush, etc.

Is wet shaving really that much better and cost effective than using disposables? What equipment are you using?

It is cost effective and for me (heavy beard) it does provide a better shave. There is a steep learning curve and one where the razor will remind you who is in charge if you start getting wild and careless with the blade. i recommend investing in a styptic pencil/powder or alum block for any cuts.

I shower and shave immediately after. I need about 15 minutes to fully shave my face with my straight. That is a thorough shave where I go against the hair grain and am left with a baby smooth face. I consider this slightly excessive but worth it since my straight was purchased years ago and I incur no further razor expense.

That being said, I still keep my stash of mach 3 handle and blade that I purchased 10 years ago, I havent used up my stash yet. I bring the mach 3 with me on trips when I dont want to haul around a straight razor shaving kit with strop, brush, sharpening pastes etc... The mach 3 still plays a role like if I wake up late for work and need to shave, I'll use the mach 3 to get rid of my beard in under 2 minutes. Yes it will be a crappy shave and I will have a 5 oclock shadow, but the mach 3 serves its purpose for these occasions.

The benefit of the straight it that while the up front cost is steep (mine was over $200) and you need other shaving accessories, you won;t have to buy another razor ever. You can go the double edge safety razor which is even cheaper than a straight.

 

[twinrider1]

Start with an Omega Professional and some soap. I went with Col. Conk Glycerine pictured below.

Under $20, and see if you like that part of the experience. Even if you don't try the safety razor, I bet you'll never use a can of foam/gel again. Much less expensive, and I found it to be much more enjoyable.

 

[dave_the_nerd]

I get a 14-pack of Mach 3 disposables at Costco for <$30.

My housemate usually steals a couple to shave her legs. The other ~dozen will last me 4-5 months.

As long as I buy the "good" shaving cream I don't have any bleeding or razor burn problems.

 

[darkewaffle]

Who throws knowledge? You're supposed to drop it!

 

[JM Aggie08]

From what I've gathered, I'm buying into an experience rather than a superior product.

lxskllr, I would have assumed that you used a sharpened ax and gasoline to get the job done

 

[JamesV]

I get a 14-pack of Mach 3 disposables at Costco for <$30.

My housemate usually steals a couple to shave her legs. The other ~dozen will last me 4-5 months.

As long as I buy the "good" shaving cream I don't have any bleeding or razor burn problems.

Wow, that is super cheap. I need to check Sams Club next time I'm there.

A five-pack in a regular (but cheap) store is about $17 here; goes over $20 for the 'nicer' supermarkets/chains.

 

[NoCreativity]

From what I've gathered, I'm buying into an experience rather than a superior product.

lxskllr, I would have assumed that you used a sharpened ax and gasoline to get the job done

That's probably a pretty good summation. IMO I haven't found a blade yet that is better than my mach 3, only a couple that rival it.

I used the mach 3 for 3-4 weeks. Week 1 was great, 2 was good, 3 was somewhat uncomfortable, and 4th week was very uncomfortable.

With DE blades I can get that week 1 quality all the time and at a fraction of the cost (~$4-$5/year). If I were to use mach 3 blades for only a week each I'd be spending nearly $100/year.

 

[Red Storm]

That's probably a pretty good summation. IMO I haven't found a blade yet that is better than my mach 3, only a couple that rival it.

I used the mach 3 for 3-4 weeks. Week 1 was great, 2 was good, 3 was somewhat uncomfortable, and 4th week was very uncomfortable.

With DE blades I can get that week 1 quality all the time and at a fraction of the cost (~$4-$5/year). If I were to use mach 3 blades for only a week each I'd be spending nearly $100/year.

What's the time difference though? If you spend say 10 more minutes a day doing it, in a year you've spent an additional 2.5 days. I have no idea how much more time it takes to shave that way, but when even 10 more minutes equals 2.5 more days out of year that $100 seems mighty worth it.

 

[lxskllr]

From what I've gathered, I'm buying into an experience rather than a superior product.

lxskllr, I would have assumed that you used a sharpened ax and gasoline to get the job done

I've done quick trims with my Swiss Army knife :^D

A lot of it is the experience. The razors are pieces of industrial art, and most who go the manual route, also buy nice soaps and brushes. It's small reprive from a day of basic necessities. It takes a routine chore, and puts a little art in it. I'm not super familiar with DEs, but a large reason I use a straight is because it takes some skill, and the skills translate to other blade usage. It's also economical/environmental. I don't like throwaway plastics. They're better used in my gas tank, rather than land filler.

 

[waggy]

What's the time difference though? If you spend say 10 more minutes a day doing it, in a year you've spent an additional 2.5 days. I have no idea how much more time it takes to shave that way, but when even 10 more minutes equals 2.5 more days out of year that $100 seems mighty worth it.

it takes me roughly about 4-6 minutes more useing my DE then it does my mach3.

I do get a better shave and NO irritation. i think that going slow and keeping my face wet has really helped in that. when i used the mach 3 (and the foam shaving cream) i would always have irritation.

Now i take my time, i have blades i like, cream i like and take my time. sure its slightly longer but well worth it (to me).

i do see how it's not for everyone. if you don't get irritation then teh mach 3 or such is fine (had worse irration with razors after mach 3 for some reason) it's faster and only slightly more expensive.

 

[sourceninja]

First, I love shaving with my DE razor. It's one of my favorite me times. That said, here's my take on it.

1) The Shave - The shave isn't better. I get the same shave with my DE razor compared to my fusion/mach 3/whatever. It does take longer and it's a different technique. I do a 2 pass shave most days and a 3 pass on the weekend (when I have more time).

2) Irritation - This is why I first switched. I would get lots of ingrown hairs and razor bumps when I shaved. This is gone, however when I first started DE shaving I got tons of irritation and nicks/cuts. I don't have this problem now. This is because of how modern razors work by pulling your hairs.

3) Cost - DE shaving costs more upfront. I think my initial investment was around $85.00. I have yet to spend anything more in the year I've been DE shaving. I'm still on my first pack of sample blades (about 100 of different varieties) and my initial shaving cream and aftershave lotion selections. If you are looking to just cut costs without spending a lot, I suggest trying the modern razors at http://www.dorcousa.com/. They are much cheaper than anything you can buy in the store and work wonderfully. I keep these on hand as my backup razors.

4) Time - DE shaving takes a lot more time. Shaving is now a 15-20 minute experience compared to the 5-7 minutes with my fusion razor. Because of this, I sometimes still use a modern razor when time is short.

A great starting kit would be:

1) Edwin Jagger DE89BA11 - Great razor for any level of experience. Cheap too.
2) Vulfix 660S Medium Super Badger Shaving Brush - Great brush for the price
3) Tailor of Old Bond Street, St James - Citrus scent, really nice and mild. You could also use shaving soap, I find creme works better for me.
4) Styptic Pen - For nicks
5) Alum Block - To help stop any irritation and disinfect the skin
6) Geo F. Trumper Skin food - after shave lotion. This stuff is wonderful.
7) Two mugs. I use mugs I had in the house one is a bit wider then the other, I use that to create my lather. You could make the lather on your face, or in your hand, but I like to use a mug.
8) A stand to hang your razor and brush on. Anything will do.

Finally, my method:

First, I load my razor with a fresh razor blade. I typically use a blade for 2-3 shaves. They are cheap enough and I prefer a fresh balde. My razor is a Edwin Jagger DE89BA11, which is an amazing razor for anyone, especially a beginner and is fairly cheap. I then take two mugs and fill them and the sink with hot water. The cups are in the sink, but the sink water does not completely cover them. This allows the heat from the sink to keep the cups hot throughout my shower (This also keeps the mug warm enough that my shaving creme is also warm, which is very nice). I put a few drops of glycerine into one cup and add my brush. I then take a hot shower. At the end of my hot shower I place a few drops of pre-shave oil on my face and rub it in well on the spots that tend to cause me the most trouble (I use shave secret from walmart it's amazing for how cheap it is).

Now that I am prepped, I then drain the sink and the mug without my brush in it. I take my brush and allow some water to flow from the brush back into the empty bowl. I then load my brush up on shaving cream. I like Tailor of Old Bond Street, Geo F Trumper, or Poraso. I then work the lather up in the mug using the mug with the water/glycerin to add water if the lather is dry. Once lather is completed, I re-wet my face with hot water and take the brush to it.

After that I just shave 3 passes, rinsing my face lightly between passes and re-lathering. I then rinse well with cool water, apply a alum block to the face, and then clean everything up. Once clean I rinse again with cool water and apply my aftershave lotion (I like the West Indian Extract of Limes Skin Food).

When I use a normal razor, I basically follow the same process, only I only do 1 pass and can make that pass at about twice the speed. Even if I ever stop using my DE razor. I think I will keep this method for creating the lather and applying it to my face. The experience is just much more pleasant with much less irritation compared to the canned shaving gels I used before.

 

[NoCreativity]

What's the time difference though? If you spend say 10 more minutes a day doing it, in a year you've spent an additional 2.5 days. I have no idea how much more time it takes to shave that way, but when even 10 more minutes equals 2.5 more days out of year that $100 seems mighty worth it.

Less than 5 minutes per day 4-5 times per week so about 20 hours per year.

I was in search of a better shave so I did the brush with some good soap and my mach 3. It helped reduce razor burn and skin irritation so even without any cost savings I'd still be doing that just for the general increase in comfort.

Decided to try DE razor to see if shave quality improved. It didn't exceed the mach 3 but I now have the best shave every shave versus one week out of three or four.

If money were the only consideration I wouldn't bother, cost savings was really just a bonus for me.

 

[JM Aggie08]

First, I love shaving with my DE razor. It's one of my favorite me times. That said, here's my take on it.

1) The Shave - The shave isn't better. I get the same shave with my DE razor compared to my fusion/mach 3/whatever. It does take longer and it's a different technique. I do a 2 pass shave most days and a 3 pass on the weekend (when I have more time).

2) Irritation - This is why I first switched. I would get lots of ingrown hairs and razor bumps when I shaved. This is gone, however when I first started DE shaving I got tons of irritation and nicks/cuts. I don't have this problem now. This is because of how modern razors work by pulling your hairs.

3) Cost - DE shaving costs more upfront. I think my initial investment was around $85.00. I have yet to spend anything more in the year I've been DE shaving. I'm still on my first pack of sample blades (about 100 of different varieties) and my initial shaving cream and aftershave lotion selections. If you are looking to just cut costs without spending a lot, I suggest trying the modern razors at http://www.dorcousa.com/. They are much cheaper than anything you can buy in the store and work wonderfully. I keep these on hand as my backup razors.

4) Time - DE shaving takes a lot more time. Shaving is now a 15-20 minute experience compared to the 5-7 minutes with my fusion razor. Because of this, I sometimes still use a modern razor when time is short.

A great starting kit would be:

1) Edwin Jagger DE89BA11 - Great razor for any level of experience. Cheap too.
2) Vulfix 660S Medium Super Badger Shaving Brush - Great brush for the price
3) Tailor of Old Bond Street, St James - Citrus scent, really nice and mild. You could also use shaving soap, I find creme works better for me.
4) Styptic Pen - For nicks
5) Alum Block - To help stop any irritation and disinfect the skin
6) Geo F. Trumper Skin food - after shave lotion. This stuff is wonderful.
7) Two mugs. I use mugs I had in the house one is a bit wider then the other, I use that to create my lather. You could make the lather on your face, or in your hand, but I like to use a mug.
8) A stand to hang your razor and brush on. Anything will do.

Finally, my method:

First, I load my razor with a fresh razor blade. I typically use a blade for 2-3 shaves. They are cheap enough and I prefer a fresh balde. My razor is a Edwin Jagger DE89BA11, which is an amazing razor for anyone, especially a beginner and is fairly cheap. I then take two mugs and fill them and the sink with hot water. The cups are in the sink, but the sink water does not completely cover them. This allows the heat from the sink to keep the cups hot throughout my shower (This also keeps the mug warm enough that my shaving creme is also warm, which is very nice). I put a few drops of glycerine into one cup and add my brush. I then take a hot shower. At the end of my hot shower I place a few drops of pre-shave oil on my face and rub it in well on the spots that tend to cause me the most trouble (I use shave secret from walmart it's amazing for how cheap it is).

Now that I am prepped, I then drain the sink and the mug without my brush in it. I take my brush and allow some water to flow from the brush back into the empty bowl. I then load my brush up on shaving cream. I like Tailor of Old Bond Street, Geo F Trumper, or Poraso. I then work the lather up in the mug using the mug with the water/glycerin to add water if the lather is dry. Once lather is completed, I re-wet my face with hot water and take the brush to it.

After that I just shave 3 passes, rinsing my face lightly between passes and re-lathering. I then rinse well with cool water, apply a alum block to the face, and then clean everything up. Once clean I rinse again with cool water and apply my aftershave lotion (I like the West Indian Extract of Limes Skin Food).

When I use a normal razor, I basically follow the same process, only I only do 1 pass and can make that pass at about twice the speed. Even if I ever stop using my DE razor. I think I will keep this method for creating the lather and applying it to my face. The experience is just much more pleasant with much less irritation compared to the canned shaving gels I used before.

When you say initial investment, what did you purchase to begin with? Currently I have the following in my cart:

Merkur 180 long
Barber Alum
Proraso Eucalyptus and Menthol Shaving Soap
Parker Badger Brush

Figured I could just get aftershave, etc at the store locally.

 

[bearxor]

dorcousa.com

http://www.dorcousa.com/sxa5000-sxa5040-6-blade-with-trimmer-system-for-men-cartridge-combo-pack/

10 cartridges and the razor to start for $13. Switched from a Mach3. Works great.

 

[JulesMaximus]

I use a straight razor, strop, water stone, cup, brush, and soap. Most were purchased second hand. I probably spend $1 a year on shaving. That includes original purchase prices prorated to the present.

Judging by your avatar you spend zero dollars a year on shaving... or haircuts.