Shaving Problem

[carom]

Just want to chime in again. I find i get a much better, safer (less nicks) when straight razor shaving with a shaving oil and soap. I used to use the art of shaving oil, but it was kind of expensive and started making my own with a similar oil ratio mixture. I use 2/3 castor oil and for the rest I use an oil of choice (whatever I have around). I usually use sweat almond and sunflower oil, but you can use many other kinds like jojoba, avocado, or even plain old extra virgin olive oil. The castor oil is what is best for cleaning out your pores, but i find it pretty harsh on its own and it dries my face out after. I just mix a couple tablespoons together in my hand and apply to face. Apply a hot towel and then lather and shave.

I could go into it more, but if you have problem skin (like I used to) I would recommend doing a little google search on the oil cleansing method. You can use this on its own or incorporate it into your shaving routine.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by EverfresH15

I have tried pretty much every single combination of foams, gels, oils, razors and aftershaves. I have shaved in the shower, out of the shower with hot, cold, medium water and i ALWAYS get bad razor burn. Evertime i shave though it feel like it is going really smooth but never get the results i am looking for. So, i bought a really cheap beard trimmer from walmart(i think its $12.99) and use rechargeable batteries and i dont get any razor burn whats so ever. It isnt as close as a razor shave but it is pretty darn close. Ill never shave with a razor again! Would like to try a straight blade once though.

The issue isn't going to be the lubricant that you are using but more likely the instrument. The more blades that your razor has the more irritation is likely. Sensitive skin can handle one sharp edge but 3, 4, etc? Not likely. The reason that many choose to move to the safety razor is that it is one sharp edge that you use, not multiple. I had this problem years ago and I made the switch. I don't get razor burn any longer, though the sacrifice is in the closeness of shave. For me it isn't an issue. Not having razor burn has been worth it.

Good that you have found something that works for you.

[Yakbutter]

My technique is, right after getting out of the shower I dry my face, apply shaving cream, then I run the razor under hot water for about 15 seconds. Heating up the blade a bit makes a huge difference, enough so that I can even get away with using cheap razors. However this only works if I shave every day, any length on the hair and I get skin irritation.

I have a moderate amount of facial hair, I imagine if you have intense amount of hair you would need just need to buy quality razors..

[Burninator]

So what kind of buying advice do you guys have for someone wanting to try shaving with a safety razor for the first time?

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by Burninator

So what kind of buying advice do you guys have for someone wanting to try shaving with a safety razor for the first time?

It's hard to find good stuff locally (in Calgary). O'Connors has an okay selection of creams and stuff. I get all my stuff from here: http://www.fendrihan.com/

I usually buy stuff in bulk or with a buddy to save on shipping. I also find that around Christmas and father's day, they usually have packaged deals on sale where you can get a handle, box of blades, soap, brush, etc. for a good price.

When I was starting out, I just got a box of blades of all different varieties to find ones that I liked. Your results may vary, but they are insanely cheap compared to cartridge razors.

Everything you need to know can be found on here, and this post in particular is especially helpful: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/0...-your-grandpa/

[Hanni]

I'll echo what fredr said about getting a blade sample pack, everyone is different, I heard great things about Feather blades and how they were apparently the best, I tried a bunch of brands and found Astra's were the best shave for me. It's interesting how each brand of blade shaves just a little differently.

You don't need a $200 brush, but don't cheap out and buy a synthetic one from the drug store either. Mine was about $50 and I like it, perhaps some day, now that I know I love this way of shaving, I'll upgrade. The razor is the same, I've heard good things about Edwin Jagger having good introductory razors.

I know it seems like a lot of work but experiment. As noted, try different blades to find one that works for you. Try different shaving soaps too, I tried Proraso and Wilkinson that I bought from the drug and was pretty discouraged by how lackluster they were. Then I ordered some Taylor of Old Bond Street online and it made all the difference.

[jonesy]

I saw an ad on TV, I am not entirely sure if it was a joke or not. A very big production about $1 a month shaver club or something. Seemed a bit over the top. Giant ware houses full of razors and stuff.

[fredr123]

I got a set like this one to start with (but with a Merkur 34D, I think): http://www.fendrihan.com/5piece-shav...cPath=116_7_46 It's not top of the line but it works well.

You can spend a metric buttload on brushes if you want, but a good quality brush doesn't have to break the bank. As Hanni said, don't cheap out.

If you go to O'Connors, the guy there will let you smell and try a bunch of the different creams and lotions. They usually have a bunch of free samples too. A buddy of mine ordered this giant bag of samples from Trumpers online (it's not free but a pretty inexpensive way to try a bunch of different products). The Skin Food product line came highly recommended.

[fredr123]

Originally Posted by jonesy

I saw an ad on TV, I am not entirely sure if it was a joke or not. A very big production about $1 a month shaver club or something. Seemed a bit over the top. Giant ware houses full of razors and stuff.

http://www.dollarshaveclub.com/

[Hanni]

Originally Posted by fredr123

Everything you need to know can be found on here, and this post in particular is especially helpful: http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/0...-your-grandpa/

Definitely read over this link as well, particularly the technique portion. It's certainly a different way of shaving and using the same technique as you do now will give you some bad results.

[scottish_flame]

I use a fusion razor, I used to buy just the cheap shaving foam from Gillette and used to get irritation all the time. Switched to ones especially for sensitive skin and don't have as much of a problem.

I also treat myself to a hot towel shave from tommy guns recently. It was quite good. Is there any Turkish barbers in Calgary ?

[Wormius]

I am kind of interested in the importance of a "quality" brush. I have nothing to compare against, except my el cheapo Wilkinson Sword one to, but maybe somebody can explain the importance beyond frothing up the shaving soap and applying resulting lather to face.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by Wormius

I am kind of interested in the importance of a "quality" brush. I have nothing to compare against, except my el cheapo Wilkinson Sword one to, but maybe somebody can explain the importance beyond frothing up the shaving soap and applying resulting lather to face.

Using a brush helps to life the hair off the skin thereby enabling a smoother and closer shave. There is probably a small element of exfoliation as well but the real benefit is that the brush will lift the hair.

The best brushes are badger hair. Boar hair is a bit stiffer and not as nice to use but better than synthetic brushes. I find that synthetic brushes do not absorb as much water and shaving cream and aren't that effective at lifting facial hair off the skin surface.

[NBC]

Originally Posted by fredr123

I got a set like this one to start with (but with a Merkur 34D, I think): http://www.fendrihan.com/5piece-shav...cPath=116_7_46 It's not top of the line but it works well.

You can spend a metric buttload on brushes if you want, but a good quality brush doesn't have to break the bank. As Hanni said, don't cheap out.

If you go to O'Connors, the guy there will let you smell and try a bunch of the different creams and lotions. They usually have a bunch of free samples too. A buddy of mine ordered this giant bag of samples from Trumpers online (it's not free but a pretty inexpensive way to try a bunch of different products). The Skin Food product line came highly recommended.

Trumpers is nice but it is much more expensive than Taylors and I've not noticed any tangible difference in their products except for cost.

[carom]

Originally Posted by NBC

Using a brush helps to life the hair off the skin thereby enabling a smoother and closer shave. There is probably a small element of exfoliation as well but the real benefit is that the brush will lift the hair.

The best brushes are badger hair. Boar hair is a bit stiffer and not as nice to use but better than synthetic brushes. I find that synthetic brushes do not absorb as much water and shaving cream and aren't that effective at lifting facial hair off the skin surface.

Badger hair is the best because it absorbs water as opposed to normal hair fibres that repel water. This goes a long way in making a good lather which is key to achieving a good shave. Here is a good link to explaining the different badger hair qualities: http://www.shaving101.com/index.php/...r-brushes.html

[FireFly]

Originally Posted by Northendzone

you do know that cold water causes shrinkage right?

I don't often bathe or shower in cold water and can't imagine why anyone would actually want to.

[Stay Golden]

Some razor blades and shaving cremes in the past would irritate my jaw line. Since i have been using Edge extra moisturizing gel with vitamin E (purple cap) and the Fusion 5 blade i don't get any irritation at all.

[gkatyal]

I use products from the Art of Shaving, it is a badger brush with a pre-lubrication oil and then a shaving cream called Ocean Kelp and finish off with a lotion from the same brand. HUGE difference from my previous superstore purchased stuff. You can get it from Sephora but i picked up mine from Vegas. I think it is about $90 to get the lubrication cream, shaving cream and after-shave.

[Bean]

I second spending a little more money on a badger hair brush. I did quite a bit of research and ended up with an Edwin Jagger one. One thing to note is that if you're relatively messy like me, it'd be best to get a shaving bowl as well.

There is a tonne of information here as well: www.badgerandblade.com

[Bean]

Can anybody comment on wetshaving with a Mach3 vs. a safety razor?

I'm hesitant to go with a single blade when marketing gimmicks have me convinced that multiple blades are the way to go.