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  1. #1
    jrock645's Avatar
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    Lets talk about shaving

    Obviously a touchy subject. Some are perfectionists about it, some just want it done and over with. I`ve never considered myself in the perfectionist about it, but I know a good shave from a bad one. Not much feels better than a great shave. I have somewhat sensitive skin and I`m rarely happy with my shave unless it`s a brand spanking new razor. I`ve never had a straight razor shave and I`d love to learn it, but I`m terrified of the thought. Plus, those razors are crazy expensive, like $120!

    Ive owned 2 electrics, a braun and a norelco and hated both. Takes too long, rough on the skin and nowhere near close enough. The Gillette stuff is nice but such a gimmick and crazy expensive. Why does shaving have to cost so much?!

    A year or two ago, I stumbled onto a trick to prolong razor blades- wipe them dry after use, hold in rubbing alcohol when not in use, and after the first week strop the blades on a pair of jeans after every 2-3 shaves. Works pretty well, and instead of a week`s worth of use, I could typically get 4-6. I got 8 a couple times but the last week or two was brutal. Even still, the last week or two is noticeably worse, which is understandable.

    Im finally able to stomach the cost of shaving, but still not thrilled with my shave.

    The ads for Bevel on Facebook got me thinking. I almost signed up until I stopped to think about it- $30 a month for a subscription shaving plan?! Talk about nuts! Especially when you can buy 100 replacement blades for $12, s razor stand for $15, a razor handle for as little as $15(though some are much more, I have no idea why), a soap bowl for $5(or a coffee mug from the cupboard), a brush for as little as $15, and as little or as much as you want on soap and aftershave balm. Do people not actually look at costs before they sign up for this bs?

    Being home for Christmas, I had the chance to discuss shaving with my grandfather. He`s a retired marine corps captain who survived 4 tours in Vietnam. If I learned anything from him, it`s grooming- always clean shaved, shoes are polished(it was my job to polish his shoes for church), sideburns are always at the top of the ear and the back neckline is always squared up. Anyway, he just so happened to have a safety razor that he let me try and gave me, along with a package of blades. Will take some practice, but is worth a try. I was surprised he gave it to me, but he`s a huge fan of the Harry`s razor and has no need for it.

    How about you guys? Any real shaving aficionados here? What are your tips and secrets you`ve stumbled onto over the years?
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  2. #2
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Several of us on here have discussed and still participate in "old school" shaving. There are a couple of threads on here about this very subject. I have a number of straight razors and love them though admittedly I use Merkur double edges day in and day out.
    A society willing to trade liberty for temporary security deserves neither and will lose both
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  3. #3
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Just got a bowl of "Art of Shaving" soap for Christmas.
    A society willing to trade liberty for temporary security deserves neither and will lose both
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  4. #4
    jrock645's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    That art of shaving stuff looks great but way too expensive for regular use, definitely gift worthy!
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  5. #5
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving



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  6. #6
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Wow... Beautiful!!!
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  7. #7
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    This one is a Damascus blade. It`s very interesting.



    You asked about tips and secrets and I don`t know that I have any but I will say when it comes to shaving soaps, use a good one. Proraso for instance is one that isn`t cost prohibitive but works very well. If you like creams Bath and Body sells a Proraso made shave cream that is called Bigelow. It is the same cream. You can buy it in 3`s and it costs about $6.

    image.jpeg

    ARKO makes a soap that won`t break the bank either.

    image.jpeg
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  8. #8
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Ah... Damascus steel! As a chef, I`ve got a thing for knives and I`ve seen some gorgeous Damascus steel knives over the years.

    How did you learn and work up the courage to do a straight razor shave on yourself?
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  9. #9
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    I am no shaving conissiuer. I used a Remington electri shaver and a Norelco rotary for a while. I hated the Rotary as it bit my skin. I liked the Remington and it had the foil but you still had to be careful as it would still bite the skin a little. I went back to blades for the last 20+ years. I inherited my dads Schick Injecta razor and soap cup. I also have a bunch of Gillette twin blade disposable razor I bought when they were on sale and with a rebate a few years ago. They seem to last a while. I do get lazy on shaving and have no one to impress on my job so I do go the whole week once in a while without shaving. The twin blades can`t handle a 5 day old beard so that is where the Schick comes in at. I can get 6 or 8 good shaves out of it, probably even as many as 12 but it gets kind of rough on the skin. Never have to worry about plugging it up. Bad thing is even though I am in my 50`s I still get pimples once in a while and that thing will take them off no problem. I can still buy blades for it for under 8 bucks for 7 blades. I don`t buy shave soap but use Gillette sensitive skin shave cream, love the smell and it is cheap like I am.
    Dean.
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  10. #10
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Quote Originally Posted by jrock645 View Post

    How did you learn and work up the courage to do a straight razor shave on yourself?
    Buy yourself a utilitarian Dovo/Merkur razor, they`re not cheap but like any good knife will last you a lifetime. I haven`t looked for a while but probably about $80. Wide blade and rounded nose is great to begin. You might buy a fancier razor but you won`t get one that is any better. As a Chef you know, keep it sharp. You`ll potentially do a lot more damage with one that doesn`t have an edge. Plan on doing a 2 or even 3 pass shave. Lots of soap is a good thing. Reapply it several times. Then don`t let it rattle you. Start by using your straight edge supplementally. Use your regular gear and then just do your cheeks (big open area) with the straight razor. Once you`ve done it a couple of times it`s just natural to go a little farther next go round before you know it you`ll be doing your whole face. I`ve never even cut myself with one. I can`t say that about a safety razor.
    A society willing to trade liberty for temporary security deserves neither and will lose both
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  11. #11
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    The razor on the right is one like I would suggest. You can get decent razors with rosewood, zebra or whatever fancy wood scales and they work great but over time the scales will shrink and they`ll crack by the rivets and need to be replaced. You get one with plastic scales and they`ll be around forever.

    I have a bunch of brushes but this particular one is probably my best brush. I made a couple of these for myself and my son. I should say I assembled these. You buy the handle and drill it for the size knot you choose, this one is 24 mm. Doing it this way lets you buy an ultra premium knot without paying the name brand prices for essentially a piece of plastic with a company`s logo embossed in the side of it.

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  12. #12
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    I read elsewhere that it`s worth trying a disposable straight razor to see if you really wanna pursue it. For $20, I ordered one. If I like it, I`ll make the investment. No joke, a better shave is a goal of mine in 2016.
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  13. #13
    Long Time Member GearHead_1's Avatar
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Quote Originally Posted by jrock645 View Post
    I read elsewhere that it`s worth trying a disposable straight razor to see if you really wanna pursue it. For $20, I ordered one. If I like it, I`ll make the investment. No joke, a better shave is a goal of mine in 2016.
    There are a couple of Japnese (high tech, go figure) high end replaceable blade straight edges. There supposed to be very nice. I`ve tried replaceable blades and they work just fine but they don`t feel the same as a heavy blade. Not better or worse just different.
    A society willing to trade liberty for temporary security deserves neither and will lose both
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  14. #14
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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    Yeah, i figure it`s not quite the same but it`s a much easier entry price and should give me an idea if I`m comfortable with it or not. If not, no big loss.

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    Re: Lets talk about shaving

    My acquisition disorder is just as bad with shaving as is car care.

    I never travel without my Merkur 34c, Feather Blades, Plisson Synthetic, a quality cream, and small bottle of Thayers Witch Hazel.

    You want some great creams that won`t break the bank look at Taylor of Old Bond Street. My wife is really partial to St Jermyn scent.

    Shavettes are completely different than a true straight. Similar but yet totally different. I dabbled with both. My Double Edge is my main stay, personal favorites are the adjustable (vintage slim, Fatboy, and modern Merkur Future) DE`s.

    I am planning a trip to the Grooming Lounge in Georgetown on Monday while getting some new wingtips and dress shirts.

    Sent from my D6708 using Tapatalk
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