A Proper Shave: The Essentials of Being a Man! - Page 4

xfire · 10-25-08, 07:37

Yay! That's the sample pack that I was looking for...now all I need are shaving cremes, cleansers, balms, moisturizers, pre-shave stuff, etc... for SENSITIVE SKIN prone to razor burns and razor bumps (I've noticed that most sensitive skin products don't have any added fragrance, but it would be nice to have). My daily routine has definitely improved the appearance of my skin since I studied all of this "shaveology" a few months ago, but now it's time to take it to the next level. I currently try to follow this routine daily:

1. Cleanse morning and nights with Cetaphil
2. Apply toner
3. Apply PFB Vanish

During a shave day, I usually take a shower before hand and just use CO Bigelow's sensitive skin shave gel or Proraso, shave, then a 30 sec hot water rinse, then a 30 sec cold water rinse, then toner, then PFB Vanish. Suggestions, opinions, and ideas are all suggested. I can't wait for my Weishi and brush to arrive.

xfire · 10-25-08, 07:38

Thanks for the links!!! Very usefull indeed wytstang...it seems that I just got finished posting the above before you got finished editing your post.

wytstang · 10-25-08, 07:55

Since you have sensitive skin this might be for you to help with razor burn (expect it as you learn) and other useful ailments
https://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vsh...0&cat=0&page=1
I picked this up with my last order and it stops razor burn in it's tracks with very tolerable/low sting (low alcohol content). Quantity and affordable with limited ingredients. Good luck and for an autopia type place shavemyface.com has a great group of men that are willing to help. The only shave forum I'm a part of since it has everything I need/look for.

Sullybob · 10-28-08, 09:39

Based on reading this thread I bought some C.O. Bigelow AKA Proraso and tried it out. I skipped the usual routine of applying a pre-shave oil to see how well this stuff works. It worked great! Much much better then any of the store bought shave cream in a can stuff I have used before. I think it was just about as good as using pre-shave oil and then Keihls shaving cream. The lubrication provided by just the shaving cream was very surprising. I didn't use a cup to generate the foam I just used my hand, next time I will use my cup.
Thanks for the suggestions.
So how much better is a safety razor then my 5 bladed wonder razor from space?

Manic · 10-28-08, 02:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sullybob

So how much better is a safety razor then my 5 bladed wonder razor from space?

The first few times you use a safety razor, you won't really see how great it can be. But once you figure it out, you can't get any better.

I used to have an old barber's "shaving map" diagram for the direction of hair growth and shaving. If I can find it I'll post it up. It helped me a lot.

Good to hear you tried Proraso. It really is the best stuff around. I've used everything from the most expensive creams, to custom made stuff, and I'll alway s go back to proraso. The only big warning I have about the stuff is be sure to use a good after shave balm with moisturizer in winter. Proraso can be quite drying.

Sullybob · 10-29-08, 04:11

I did notice that my face was a little drier then usual yesterday, I thought it was just the dry cool weather we are having.

The hair growth diagram would be a great help. I will be curious to see if my hair grows in the same direction as everybody else's hair or not. I realized a long time ago that my hair doesn't grow in one direction, more like six different directions.

wytstang · 10-29-08, 08:58

Very very few people have hair that grows all in the same direction. This is why it is important to know the lay out. Watch the vid I posted as it talks about this subject.

Quote:

So how much better is a safety razor then my 5 bladed wonder razor from space?

Well once you learn to wet shave with a safety razor and know your hair growth. You won't go back unless time becomes a big factor. Your face will love you for it. And lets see once the initial items are purchased it get's 10x cheaper from there. I was able to score on ebay 400 razor blades (thats right 400) for a whopping grand total of $49 shipped (not typical but this happens). I don't have to buy blades for the next 8 yrs (just need to preserve them so they don't rust [vacuum seal]).

Len_A · 10-31-08, 03:11

I noticed that one of the video's DavidB posted, in starting this thread, was from The Art of Shaving. I've been using their products for two years now, after first seeing their products while on vacation in Las Vegas, and thanks to a surprise gift from my wife. Along with a five blade Fusion razor, been the best shaving products I've ever used. Found a discounted on-line source, and never looked back (link here for anyone interested)

xfire · 11-29-08, 09:49

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sullybob

So how much better is a safety razor then my 5 bladed wonder razor from space?

From my readings I've learned that a safety razor has a better design for cutting the facial hairs, whereas the cartridge razors just pull your skin and hack the hair off. This leads to more irritation. Practice makes perfect.

Sullybob · 11-29-08, 04:46

I bought a DE razor and have been using it for a couple of weeks. So far its a mixed bag. I am not getting better shaves then I did with a Fusion cartridge but the blades are much cheaper. I can get good shaves but I really have to go over some areas several times. I received a sample pack of different blades today and will be trying them out to see if a different razor and blade combo gives me a better shave.
So, now I have another hobby. Of course I'm thinking of getting a couple of different razors to see if the aggressiveness of the razor will allow me to get a closer shave.

Mr. Clean · 12-01-08, 07:38

Quote:

Originally Posted by xfire

From my readings I've learned that a safety razor has a better design for cutting the facial hairs, whereas the cartridge razors just pull your skin and hack the hair off. This leads to more irritation. Practice makes perfect.

Actually the intent of the multi-blade is to pull the hair and then cut it with the following blade(s). This action is what presents a problem for some shavers as the hair can wind up being cut below the skin line, thus creating in-grown hairs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sullybob

I bought a DE razor and have been using it for a couple of weeks. So far its a mixed bag. I am not getting better shaves then I did with a Fusion cartridge but the blades are much cheaper. I can get good shaves but I really have to go over some areas several times. I received a sample pack of different blades today and will be trying them out to see if a different razor and blade combo gives me a better shave.
So, now I have another hobby. Of course I'm thinking of getting a couple of different razors to see if the aggressiveness of the razor will allow me to get a closer shave.

And that is the proper way to shave with a double edge safety razor, multiple passes. It has been termed "beard reduction". The first pass WTG (with the grain) XTG (across the grain) and ATG (against the grain). Additional passes may be required over smaller areas, but the final results can be, as some refer, BBS (that is Baby Butt Smooth).

Surfer · 12-17-08, 04:00

If I do shave, just Mach 3 and good gel/cream. But I'm one of those guys that can pull the 5 o'clock shadow off all the time, so I usually use a trimmer I have that works great on facial hair, like every 2-3 days or so.