A Proper Shave: The Essentials of Being a Man!

DavidB · 09-28-08, 11:44

Let's face it, as men we have to master the fine art of shaving. It's imperative we learn the proper steps (pre-shaving steps, proper form, use of tools, post-shave treatment, etc.) in order to get the smoothest and cleanest shave possible.

I don't know about you, but it took me some time to learn how to avoid nicks, cuts and irritated skin. Now, as I'm squarely in my middle age years, I'm having to learn all over again because my skin is changing.

I’ve compiled a list of articles on shaving. Let's hear your tips and what you find most helpful.

How to get that perfect shave - Today, Weekend Edition - MSNBC.com
How To Shave Your Face video and other Hair How-to Videos from Howcast
How to Shave Your Face | eHow.com
How to Shave Your Face - wikiHow
The Perfect Shave - The Art of Shaving
AskMen.com - Build your complete shaving kit
Shaving - Tips for Getting the Best Shaving Results
Shaving Face - MenEssentials
Learn How to Shave Like Your Grandpa | The Art of Manliness

Speaking of learning to shave like your grandpa, who shaves with a straight razor? Shaving with a straight razor is truly lost art. I don't suspect it will give you a closer shave than a multi-blade razor, but you'd sure feel like some kind of bad a$$ in a Clint Eastwood movie if you scrape off your whiskers with razor-sharp, cold, hard steel!

How-To and Why -
PremiumKnives.com How to Shave with a Straight Razor

YouTube - Straight Razor Shave

Sharpen a Razor Instructions

bert31 · 09-28-08, 04:23

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

Speaking of learning to shave like your grandpa, who shaves with a straight razor? Shaving with a straight razor is truly lost art. I don't suspect it will give you a closer shave than a multi-blade razor, but you'd sure feel like some kind of bad a$$ in a Clint Eastwood movie if you scrape off your whiskers with razor-sharp, cold, hard steel!

I used to shave with a straight razor. It did a great job on my cheeks, neck and upper lip but I could never master my chin. I would have to go over my chin like 20 times and by then my chin was raw and bleeding. Now I shave with a safety razor.

DavidB · 09-28-08, 06:24

Every once in a while I have my barber give me a shave. He does a great job with the straight razor, but I still don't think it's as close as the new blades.

Lumadar · 09-28-08, 06:33

Whenever I use a normal blade (safety) I get without fail, 100% of the time some sort of mini breakout.

I use an electric shaver, typically daily....because I kid you not I've not shaved once in my life with a normal razor without razor burn, bumps, or some crap for 2-3 days afterward. It doesn't matter if I do it without shaving cream, or with...with a hot rag, or without...I've tried numerous razors to no avail.

Oh well...

bert31 · 09-28-08, 07:59

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

Every once in a while I have my barber give me a shave. He does a great job with the straight razor, but I still don't think it's as close as the new blades.

I am told that a barber with many years of experience of shaving with a high quality straight razor can shave you closer than possible with the disposable type blades because the blade will be constantly stroped during the shave (which obviously cannot be done with disposable blades) and the fact that the quality of the metal of a good straight razor is so much greater than the metal Gillette and the rest of the guys use for disposable blades and therefore the blade will be noticably sharper than the disposable blades.

I was never able to reach that status on my own. I have heard some states have outlawed the use of straight razors due to fear of spreading HIV???

bert31 · 09-28-08, 08:02

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumadar

Whenever I use a normal blade (safety) I get without fail, 100% of the time some sort of mini breakout.

I use an electric shaver, typically daily....because I kid you not I've not shaved once in my life with a normal razor without razor burn, bumps, or some crap for 2-3 days afterward. It doesn't matter if I do it without shaving cream, or with...with a hot rag, or without...I've tried numerous razors to no avail.

Oh well...

Some people's skin is just too sensitive for blade shaving. The choice is pretty much electric shaver or beard. I have often wondered if you could get laser hair removal for your beard?? Yeah, it would cost a few hundred dollars but the average guy spends that much for blades and shaving creme after a few years. And never having to shave again??? Sounds really tempting.

DavidB · 09-28-08, 08:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by bert31

I have often wondered if you could get laser hair removal for your beard?? Yeah, it would cost a few hundred dollars but the average guy spends that much for blades and shaving creme after a few years. And never having to shave again??? Sounds really tempting.

I don't know why not. Women have been having their "sensitive" areas laser treated for a few years now. Seems like it's working for them. I think you'd have to put up with a scruffy face for a few months.

Frito Bandito · 09-28-08, 08:16

I use a Merkur Heavy Duty safety razor and Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar shaving cream. Been shaving this way for a couple weeks and so far I'm pretty pleased. My shaves are getting closer with less irritation every day. I've been trying to find the right combination or shaving products since I was 21 or so (26 now) since my beard got a lot heavier and razor irritation became an issue.

I'd like to learn to use a straight razor some day........

bert31 · 09-28-08, 09:06

Quote:

Originally Posted by Frito Bandito

I use a Merkur Heavy Duty safety razor and Truefitt & Hill Trafalgar shaving cream. Been shaving this way for a couple weeks and so far I'm pretty pleased. My shaves are getting closer with less irritation every day. I've been trying to find the right combination or shaving products since I was 21 or so (26 now) since my beard got a lot heavier and razor irritation became an issue.

I'd like to learn to use a straight razor some day........

Merkur is a very good brand. I buy Merkur blades for my safety razor. I use Colonel Conk (or is it Konk?) shaving soap in a shaving mug using a badger hair brush.

If you want to go the Straight Razor route, buy the good one. The one I bought I believe is Dovo which is made from very high quality German steel. Like I said, shaves great on my cheeks, neck and upper lip, I just never could get down the technique for my chin.

bert31 · 09-28-08, 09:08

Quote:

Originally Posted by DavidB

I don't know why not. Women have been having their "sensitive" areas laser treated for a few years now. Seems like it's working for them. I think you'd have to put up with a scruffy face for a few months.

How long does hair have to be before it is lasered? I thought it was only a quarter of an inch. If that is true, a few days or a week should get me to that point.

Lumadar · 09-28-08, 11:30

I'm pretty sure the laser treatment for your facial hair would only last about 6 months. I grow my facial hair thick, and quick....I looked into it a while ago lol

bert31 · 09-29-08, 06:26

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumadar

I'm pretty sure the laser treatment for your facial hair would only last about 6 months.

Well shoot. I was hoping it was permanent. I guess to be permanent it would have to be electrolysis which I am guessing is much more expensive than laser.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Lumadar

I grow my facial hair thick, and quick....I looked into it a while ago lol

Maybe you should give waxing your face a try

- ouch!