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.
Re: Lets talk about shaving
Just got a bowl of "Art of Shaving" soap for Christmas.
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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This one is a Damascus blade. It`s very interesting.
http://www.autopia.org/forums/attach...id=29326&stc=1
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.
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ARKO makes a soap that won`t break the bank either.
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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?
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.
Re: Lets talk about shaving
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jrock645
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. ;)
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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.
http://www.autopia.org/forums/attach...id=29329&stc=1
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.
Re: Lets talk about shaving
Quote:
Originally Posted by
jrock645
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.
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.
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.
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