Shaving face with a straight edge or double edge

[kwando]

About 6 months ago I started shaving with a double edge, first few times I had a lot of nicks and had to use a styptic pen. Now I have it down, found out that not all razors are made the same, and some are sharper than others. I love shaving now, and I don't even nick myself anymore.

I remember watching my grandpa shave this way and I have one of this old razors I reconditioned. Hoping to pass this skill to my son.

What do you shave with?

[Fentonite]

I hate shaving. Grew a beard just to avoid it!

[Great-Kazoo]

Scissors and tweezers, slow but VERY effective.

[BuffCyclist]

Deja Vu... Similar thread lost in the great server crash of 2012 [LOL]

I found that the cheap, $10 for 12-16 single use razors last much longer for me than the $20 for 4 replacements heads. The guy that started the original thread was saying you can take the disposable razors and run them backwards on your skin (similar to what you do with the straight razors), and that helps keep them sharp. All I can say for sure, is that I've been on the same $10 pack of 12-16 razors for the past 6mo easy. In fact, I think i'm only on my 3rd or 4th razor now. They're still super sharp and make shaving a real treat now!

[ben4372]

I can get the closest with a straight. I currently use a Merkur adjustable. Straights are awesome, but a huge commitment. Sorta like reloading, you need lots of stuff to do in right.

[brutal]

Gillette Sensor II twin blades. $19 for 10 at Wallyworld. Hard to find everywhere sometimes because the shaving companies have apparently figured out that everyone needs 4-6 blades in a razor head. Ten last me about 20 weeks.

[opie011]

I hate shaving. Grew a beard just to avoid it!

Me too[Beer]

Actually told the wife I'm going all out ZZTop style...not sure I can do it but I'll give it a shot[Tooth]

[Fentonite]

Me too[Beer]

Actually told the wife I'm going all out ZZTop style...not sure I can do it but I'll give it a shot[Tooth]

DO IT!!! I imagine I'll get reined in pretty quickly by my work, but I'll give it a go, too. We ought to have a COAR-15 beard-growing contest. After all, winter is coming...

[kwando]

Novembeard!!

[Fentonite]

Novembeard!!

Didn't mean to hijack your thread, but heck yes, "NOVEMBEARD!!"

[opie011]

Well it's official then!!

[Fentonite]

Well it's official then!!

Oh, it's ON![Weight]

[GilpinGuy]

Never had a "straight shave" like Clint did in "Gran Torino" but I've always wanted one.

Here's a little tip to keep you're $10 "disposable" razor sharp:
Dry it off after every use. Just shake all the water off, then blow on it a few times to get the moisture out from between the blades, blow on it again, then pat it on a towel until dry.

Apparently, rust and corrosion are the major factors in ruining the blades sharpness.

The Gillette Fusion 4 blade thing I'm using has lasted for 3 months now and still feels new to me.

It's sick what they get for blades. [Mad]

[SideShow Bob]

DO IT!!! . We ought to have a COAR-15 beard-growing contest. After all, winter is coming...

First we need some judges, set up categories and all contestants must meet with the judges clean shaven on the same day to start the contest ( moustaches Excepted, I haven't had a bare upper lip in 25 years). And get the industry partners to donate prizes for the contest.

[opie011]

First we need some judges, set up categories and all contestants must meet with the judges clean shaven on the same day to start the contest ( moustaches Excepted, I haven't had a bare upper lip in 25 years). And get the industry partners to donate prizes for the contest.

If that were the rules I'd have to disqualify myself. Shaved my face once in the last 10 years and the wife said never again and she was serious! Plus I look older[Coffee]

[mtik00]

No idea... but this commercial is great

ZUG9qYTJMsI

[Fentonite]

If that were the rules I'd have to disqualify myself. Shaved my face once in the last 10 years and the wife said never again and she was serious! Plus I look older[Coffee]

Yeah, I'd be out, too. My beard is recently trimmed, and pretty short now (+/- 1/2"), but I won't subject my wife, nor the public in general, to the terrible sight of my bare face. But we should still have....

NOVEMBEARD!!!

[BuffCyclist]

I snagged my Fiancee while I had a full beard. We went on our first 3 dates together, then I shaved it. I am considering growing it back this winter though, because at work I have to go outside and be out there for 10-15min at least 20 times per night. Sometimes, the wind is 30-35mph and the temp is below zero. Makes it very cold on a bareass face!

[opie011]

Yeah, I'd be out, too. My beard is recently trimmed, and pretty short now (+/- 1/2"), but I won't subject my wife, nor the public in general, to the terrible sight of my bare face. But we should still have....

NOVEMBEARD!!!

I keep mine trimmed up short but stopped about a week ago. I'll still cut in my neck line with the trimmer as to stop the itch. Is gonna be funny as my son is due in 3wks and when we look back at his baby photos years from now, I'm going to look like a madman[Tooth]

[Fentonite]

Yeah, gotta keep the neck itch at bay. But your boy is gonna love those pics! Someday, he'll be showing them off on some hooligan firearms forum![Beer]

[Ah Pook]

Been using a Schick injector/Braun electric combo for...well...a long time. [Shy]

I have an old straight razor but am afraid to use it.


Bill Cosby
Zip zop and my face is cut to shreds.

Used disposable razors twice and will never use them again. Never used cartridges.

I have a '66 vintage Gillette slim DE. Nice razor but could never get used to the 3" handle and heavy head. Injector blades are getting hard to find, so I'm trying DEs again. Picked up an Merkur 25c open tooth razor and a 100 Red Personna blades. Total was about $52 and that's about $0.20 a double edge blade. This combo works nice for me. As well or better than what I'm used to. Got a '72 vintage Gillette 4" handle adjustable on the way.

I'm of the opinion that face prep is key to a good shave. Warm towels, warm water, pre shave oil...what ever it takes to "soften" the beard. Never owned a styptic pen or alum block.

Below is my current set-up.

http://pic100.picturetrail.com/VOL594/13497691/24150331/403682485.jpg

badgerandblade.com (http://badgerandblade.com/) and bladeforums.com-Razors-Scissors-amp-Personal-Grooming (http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/785-Razors-Scissors-amp-Personal-Grooming)are both good resources with more detail.
(http://www.bladeforums.com/forums/forumdisplay.php/785-Razors-Scissors-amp-Personal-Grooming)

[Great-Kazoo]

I snagged my Fiancee with a full beard. We went on our first 3 dates together, then I shaved it. I am considering growing it back this winter though, because at work I have to go outside and be out there for 10-15min at least 20 times per night. Sometimes, the wind is 30-35mph and the temp is below zero. Makes it very cold on a bareass face!

Well that's certainly a different take on equal rights[LOL]
What did you family say when they met her?

I shaved my full beard off once back 18-20 years ago. Our daughter freaked out the wife was nooooooooooooooo.

[TRnCO]

electric for me. I used to grow a beard but now it comes in nearly 100% grey and I fell old already but I don't care to look old too.

[Ranger]

I got this doo-dad on Google deals called the Razor Buddy, it deburrs your razor and keeps it longer. So far, it's been as advertised.

[ChadAmberg]

Never had a "straight shave" like Clint did in "Gran Torino" but I've always wanted one.

Here's a little tip to keep you're $10 "disposable" razor sharp:
Dry it off after every use. Just shake all the water off, then blow on it a few times to get the moisture out from between the blades, blow on it again, then pat it on a towel until dry.

Apparently, rust and corrosion are the major factors in ruining the blades sharpness.

The Gillette Fusion 4 blade thing I'm using has lasted for 3 months now and still feels new to me.

It's sick what they get for blades. [Mad]

Even better: Strop your disposable razor on your arm to straighten out the point. I keep my disposable razor in the shower (don't bother drying it) and before and after each use, run it backwards on your upper arm, this straightens out the edge just like honing a knife, and you'll be amazed at how that cheap disposable will last.

[BuffCyclist]

Well that's certainly a different take on equal rights[LOL]
What did you family say when they met her?

I shaved my full beard off once back 18-20 years ago. Our daughter freaked out the wife was nooooooooooooooo.

Lol, took me a few minutes to catch on there what you were saying.

Let me rephrase, I snagged my Finacee while I had a full beard!

My family didn't know I had a beard and my sister was graduating from Paramedic Academy, so I flew home for Christmas 5 days early to attend her graduation. I showed up at the banquet hall and found my family sitting at the table, sister had her back towards me. I started walking in, staying as inconspicuous as possible and when I was about 15ft from the table, she turned around and looked directly at me. I thought, shit, she saw me! But no reaction, she just turned back around. So I kept walking and kneeled next to her asking if the seat was taken, she turned and was like, yea its for my step-sister. I then said, "WHAT!? You didn't even save your BROTHER a seat at the table?!", she flipped out and couldn't believe that she didn't recognize me!

[Irving]

I started the original thread. What I ended up doing was buying 52 twin-blade razors at Costco for $26. Now I can use one a week for a year. We just moved, and now there is a mirror next to my shower, so I can get a nice hot face, lathered up with shaving creme, and just lean out of the shower and shave. Shaving is 100 times smoother and faster now. I can actually shave every other day and not even mind now. Currently, I'm on a quest to find some cheap mirror with a clamp that I can put IN my shower, and it will make things all that much faster.

Like Ah Pook has said, face prep is key.

[Ah Pook]

Interesting attempt at re-writing history. The comments tell the real story. Doesn't look like the P&G advertorial was a success.

http://www.washingtonpost.com/national/health-science/shaving-debate-hasnt-resolved-whether-doubled-edged-safety-razor-is-best/2012/08/31/8bc2822e-f041-11e1-ba17-c7bb037a1d5b_story.html

Funny, I am a contrarian.

[GilpinGuy]

Even better: Strop your disposable razor on your arm to straighten out the point. I keep my disposable razor in the shower (don't bother drying it) and before and after each use, run it backwards on your upper arm, this straightens out the edge just like honing a knife, and you'll be amazed at how that cheap disposable will last.

Excellent. I'll do this for sure. But I don't use the "really" cheap disposable things. I usually go with the razors that have replaceable heads. Probably no difference though.

[NightCat]

Giant pack of blades from Costco for my Gillette whatever the fuck it is....lol

I wish I was bad ass enough to use a straight razor....I have a super angular jaw bone and I'd probably ending sending myself to the ER lol.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4F7TMlrDXtw

LOL

[DD977GM2]

How old are you?

I dont shave anymore. Just trim the beard back when it gets out of control.

Hated shaving in the Navy and once I got out, didnt shave much there after.

[GilpinGuy]

I have been looking for the old kind of razors that use the double edged blades that can be replaced. No dice at King Soopers, Walmart, BB&Beyond, etc. They don't even carry the blades.

All I can find is this: https://www.onerazor.com/?mid=4320516 (Edit: this seems to be the best deal I can find online)

Anyone use it?

[kwando]

I buy mine on amazon, if you need some LMK. My face likes a specific brand, some are sharper than others. I bought the variety pack and shaved with different blades until I found one I like.

Or you can visit the evil shopping malls and spend a fortune at the shaving places.

[lex137]

I break out bad from shaving, and even not from shaving. I use a pair of professional edger clippers, gets pretty close for being clippers. I always wanted to shave with a straight blade, but don't know how.....

[Lurch]

I have been looking for the old kind of razors that use the double edged blades that can be replaced. No dice at King Soopers, Walmart, BB&Beyond, etc. They don't even carry the blades.

All I can find is this: https://www.onerazor.com/?mid=4320516 (Edit: this seems to be the best deal I can find online)

Anyone use it?

Just google-fu safety razor and spend what you want. I did find one at Walmart but their blades suck. I use Derby blades and get them on flea bay you can get a 100 for ten bucks.

[sniper7]

I have the 4 blade disposable head razors. But shave every day at work and almost every day at home except during vacation or hunting season. I shave in the shower. No shaving cream needed. have done this for probably 6-7 years now and it works perfect . No mirror needed either.
Razors last 10 times longer since they are constantly being cleaned with the running water. One head will lastme easily 3 months, up to 6 months

[Mazin]

Been shaving since 7th grade and always wanted to try a straight blade, got to be cheaper then buying the refills. I usually go through a normal razor blade every 1-2 shaves (face &head). Anyone else use cornhuskers lotion for aftershave, it's only thing I have found that will cure the razor burn.

[whitbaby]

This just popped up on MTN:


http://www.moneytalksnews.com/2013/11/22/razor-blades-youre-paying-twice-as-much-as-you-have-to/?utm_source=newsletter&utm_campaign=email-2013-11-22&utm_medium=email

[rbeau30]

"geofatboy" on You Tube has a great channel on shaving.

http://www.youtube.com/user/geofatboy?feature=watch

[Irving]

Everyone even posting in this thread right now should be banned until December 1st!

[Ah Pook]

I have been looking for the old kind of razors that use the double edged blades that can be replaced. No dice at King Soopers, Walmart, BB&Beyond, etc. They don't even carry the blades.

All I can find is this: https://www.onerazor.com/?mid=4320516 (Edit: this seems to be the best deal I can find online)

Anyone use it?

Try here;
http://www.westcoastshaving.com/
http://badgerandblade.com
http://www.ebay.com/vintage+razor (http://www.ebay.com/sch/i.html?_trksid=p2050601.m570.l1313.TR11.TRC1.A0.Xv intage+razor&_nkw=vintage+razor&_sacat=0&_from=R40)

For a double edge razor, I would buy a used adjustable. West Coast Shaving has good deals on 100 blade packs. Been using Persona Reds and really like them.

Get a $20-$30 badger hair brush. They last a long time. I'm partial to larger "floppy" knots (brush hair) but some like stiffer bristles.

Been trying some different soaps/creams lately. Bigelows, Tabac, Fraziers, Porasos are some of the classics.

This is the current razor of choice. It's a '72 Gillette.
http://i.ebayimg.com/t/Gillette-Black-Handle-Adjustable-1969-O3-Double-Edge-Safety-Razor-/00/s/MTYwMFgxMjAw/z/x2EAAOxyEoFSXtcO/$(KGrHqV,!okFJF-jFt!GBS(tcNkC!Q~~60_57.JPG?rt=nc

[sniper7]

Everyone even posting in this thread right now should be banned until December 1st!

I would agree, except that I am forced to shave to keep my job.

[generalmeow]

I got this doo-dad on Google deals called the Razor Buddy, it deburrs your razor and keeps it longer. So far, it's been as advertised.

Isn't that the thing that the dad was trying to sell in Gremlins?

[hatidua]

-razors, shaving cream, etc. were fascinating when I was about 16. Not so much anymore. If my razor happens to be dull, I'll reach for the wife's in hopes that she has changed her blade more recently than I have mine.

[Ah Pook]

-razors, shaving cream, etc. were fascinating when I was about 16. Not so much anymore. If my razor happens to be dull, I'll reach for the wife's in hopes that she has changed her blade more recently than I have mine.
We share everything...but razors.

[hollohas]

I just got an Edwin Jagger DE89 for my birthday with a full compliment of various blades, a badger hair brush soap cup, etc. I have been watching the geofatboy videos on YouTube and they are very informative. I have got to say, double edge blades run about $0.10/ea on Amazon and that's pretty appealing to me.

For guys that use a DE razor, do you use an Alum block after?

[kwando]

I use to when I first started now I barely cut myself at all now. Here are my two:

The black one is my grandfathers DE. I remember watching him shave when I was a little boy

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l166/kwando90/37366C37-5569-4DF8-8FE3-9F30B7171020_zps9mqwjwym.jpg

[ben4372]

The adjustable gillette that ah pook showed is a winner. Go adjustable, then get a safety razor sample pack. The Koreans and Indians really love the safety razor and sell quality blades for almost nothing.