Shaving

[Rod Stroker]

Pretty sure places like the Shaver Shop has them

They do but not the good ones, at least nothing that I'd bother spending my money on.

Trust me, go for the Merkur, well priced at $45 and you will never have to replace it.
http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop/shave/razors/double-edge-razors/cat_76.html

If you need guidance on how to use it then I high recommend checking out the single blade shaving videos (as I did) from mantic:
http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

I used to hate shaving as it never agreed with me and I'd tried just about every product out there. Now with double edge razor wet shaving it's actually bearable and almost enjoyable.

 

[Vendrell]

I've been inspired to get into wet shaving thanks to this thread (mainly Rod Stroker's posts) and also this great resource.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=115895021

Here's what arrived this week.

I ordered the Proraso and blade sample pack through http://www.mensbiz.com.au/

The Merkur HD razor, Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Soap and Super Badger brush, eShave Alum Block were through http://www.himage.com.au/

The Witch Hazel was from Coles.

Both mensbiz and himage were great. I made both orders at the same time and they arrived on the same day as well. Mensbiz has more products but a lot of what I wanted from them was out of stock. Himage had less brands with some entirely different brands to mensbiz. All himage products were about $2 - $3 cheaper and they offer free shipping on everything whereas mensbiz charge about $6 but every order over $120 is free.

Both companies packed well, mensbiz using a custom cardboard box and himage used custom wrapping paper. Mensbiz mention on their site that they try to give a sample gift with every order and I received some free moisturizer from them. Himage gave me some free Derby and Feather blades that came with a handwritten note from the 2 guys who run the company just mentioning the blades and a few things to check out on their site.

Overall, both mensbiz and himage are highly recommended. You can't go wrong with either site and I'll continue to use both of them.

Can't wait to have my 4th wetshave tomorrow!

 

[Power King]

^Good post.

I can't believe people dry-shave in the first place though.

 

[omit]

^Good post.

I can't believe people dry-shave in the first place though.

most guys these days start off dry shaving. it's faster, easier and since most teens don't have very thick growth the difference between dry and wet isn't that noticable plus they don't need to do shave incredibly often. many will stick with what they're used to during their lives

I started off dry shaving and have only really considered changing to we shaving recently. Since I need to shave every day now I'm really stating to notice my electric shaver irritating my skin and find I have to give myself 2-3 day breaks from shaving.

still doing research before I make the switch over though

 

[Vendrell]

The reason people don't wet shave is purely because of convenience. You can't go into Coles and Woolworths to buy the products I just purchased above. You don't see ads for them on tv and you don't read about them in the newspapers. It takes time and effort to research wetshaving and then purchasing the relevant products. I've spent the past 2 weeks reading about it online and watching Mantic's videos before ordering my gear. Most people either can't be bothered teaching themselves or wouldn't know where to start.

I've used Gillette Fusion's and Mach 3's for the past 10 years. For the past 5 I've been using Somersets oil and gels for some pretty good shaves. Actually I'd say Somersets give great shaves.

Have a look at the bodybuilding.com link I posted above and you'll see that there are lots of young men getting into wetshaving. I think there's something cool and nostalgic about switching to wetshaving with a double edge safety razor. I'm shaving like my grandfather once did. You're also using the blades they hand out in prison - the same blades that convicts hide in their mouths and use to slit peoples throats! That's bad arse!

 

[Power King]

The reason people don't wet shave is purely because of convenience. You can't go into Coles and Woolworths to buy the products I just purchased above. You don't see ads for them on tv and you don't read about them in the newspapers. It takes time and effort to research wetshaving and then purchasing the relevant products. I've spent the past 2 weeks reading about it online and watching Mantic's videos before ordering my gear. Most people either can't be bothered teaching themselves or wouldn't know where to start.

I've used Gillette Fusion's and Mach 3's for the past 10 years. For the past 5 I've been using Somersets oil and gels for some pretty good shaves. Actually I'd say Somersets give great shaves.

Have a look at the bodybuilding.com link I posted above and you'll see that there are lots of young men getting into wetshaving. I think there's something cool and nostalgic about switching to wetshaving with a double edge safety razor. I'm shaving like my grandfather once did. You're also using the blades they hand out in prison - the same blades that convicts hide in their mouths and use to slit peoples throats! That's bad arse!

You don't need the above products in order to wet shave though. All I have is shaving cream and a gilette mach 3. I wet my face first before applying the cream, and then shave. Isn't this what wet-shaving involves?

I perceive dry-shaving as the same as the above, minus the pre-application of water.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

 

[Vendrell]

You don't need the above products in order to wet shave though. All I have is shaving cream and a gilette mach 3. I wet my face first before applying the cream, and then shave. Isn't this what wet-shaving involves?

I guess that's technically wet shaving. I always thought that's what most people do anyway with either foam, oil or gel. That's how I've always done it.

All that old school gear I posted is for a "traditional wet shave" of which I can now say is what I'll be doing from now on (although I still keep my gillette fusion and somersets oil for when I'm in a rush).

 

[Power King]

Rod Stroker (or anyone for that matter that knows), do you use the Merkur 1904 Double Edge Razor or the Merkur 1904 Razor: Open Comb? Which would you recommend, and what would you describe as the main differences?

I've been inspired to get into wet shaving thanks to this thread (mainly Rod Stroker's posts) and also this great resource.
http://forum.bodybuilding.com/showthread.php?t=115895021

Here's what arrived this week.

I ordered the Proraso and blade sample pack through http://www.mensbiz.com.au/

The Merkur HD razor, Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Soap and Super Badger brush, eShave Alum Block were through http://www.himage.com.au/

The Witch Hazel was from Coles.

Both mensbiz and himage were great. I made both orders at the same time and they arrived on the same day as well. Mensbiz has more products but a lot of what I wanted from them was out of stock. Himage had less brands with some entirely different brands to mensbiz. All himage products were about $2 - $3 cheaper and they offer free shipping on everything whereas mensbiz charge about $6 but every order over $120 is free.

Both companies packed well, mensbiz using a custom cardboard box and himage used custom wrapping paper. Mensbiz mention on their site that they try to give a sample gift with every order and I received some free moisturizer from them. Himage gave me some free Derby and Feather blades that came with a handwritten note from the 2 guys who run the company just mentioning the blades and a few things to check out on their site.

Overall, both mensbiz and himage are highly recommended. You can't go wrong with either site and I'll continue to use both of them.

Can't wait to have my 4th wetshave tomorrow!

Vendrell,

a few questions:

- What is the dark coloured rectangular box at the back?
- What is the sandalwood soap actually used for in the shaving process? Ditto the alum block and the witch hazel?
- Why did you go for the Merkur HD razor out of all the options?

I like shaving, but I'm interested in these products as I don't feel I'm getting the most (performance-wise and economy-wise) out of my shaves.

 

[red+black]

The last thing I need is to be given choice. I check the Menzbiz site and Rod Stroker recommends a couple of the Merkur razors. But I start looking at the more expensive ones and I can't make a decision. I see they are offering a free Double Edge Blade Sampler Pack (RRP $17.50) with the purchase of any Merkur razor worth $69.95 or more. I wish they had a comparison table to make it easier to choose one

EDIT: Oh schweet! Melbourne office for hands on! Might go on Grand Final eve, a day I always take off from work.

 

[Vendrell]

Rod Stroker (or anyone for that matter that knows), do you use the Merkur 1904 Double Edge Razor or the Merkur 1904 Razor: Open Comb? Which would you recommend, and what would you describe as the main differences?

The open comb is more aggressive because more of the blade is exposed so it's for tough beards and people whose facial hair grows fast. It's best to start out with a closed comb.

What is the dark coloured rectangular box at the back?

That's just the box that the brush came in. I thought it was cool so I put it in the photo.

What is the sandalwood soap actually used for in the shaving process? Ditto the alum block and the witch hazel?

Soap is just an alternative to cream. I got the Proraso cream and a Taylor of Old Bond Street soap just to mix it up and see what I prefer. I used the soap for the first time today and it was great. I'll probably continue to use a soap and cream in the future. It just depends what I feel like on the day because so far both are fun.

The alum block works like a stypic pencil and stops bleeding. I've already found this a necessity after 1 week. It looks like a crystal brick and you just wet a small section then rub it onto the bleeding area. Stings at first but bleeding stops instantly and leaves your skin feeling fresh.

The witch hazel closes your pours and cleans them out. It's only about $6 from the supermarket and you're supposed to rub some on when you're done shaving: shave, rinse face, witch hazel, aftershave cream. I started using it a few weeks ago with my gillette fusion and somersets gel and I could definitely notice the difference after a few days.

Why did you go for the Merkur HD razor out of all the options?

Everyone online seems to agree that the Merkur HD is a very good starting blade. Great for beginners and experienced double edged shavers. Supposedly the Merkur 1904 Classic and the Merkur Barberpole are also good starting razors. Just make sure you start with a closed comb.

The last thing I need is to be given choice. I check the Menzbiz site and Rod Stroker recommends a couple of the Merkur razors. But I start looking at the more expensive ones and I can't make a decision. I see they are offering a free Double Edge Blade Sampler Pack (RRP $17.50) with the purchase of any Merkur razor worth $69.95 or more. I wish they had a comparison table to make it easier to choose one

Tell me about it! Discovering another world of goodies got me excited too. It's like walking into Willy Wonka's factory.

 

[Power King]

Cheers vendrell.

Just on this:

The alum block works like a stypic pencil and stops bleeding. I've already found this a necessity after 1 week. It looks like a crystal brick and you just wet a small section then rub it onto the bleeding area. Stings at first but bleeding stops instantly and leaves your skin feeling fresh.

How often are you cutting yourself now compared to your old razor?

With the new razor, do you find that your shaving technique (in terms of holding it, the way you hold and move the razor against your face etc) has changed significantly? If so, how?

 

[red+black]

One difference I've seen with some razors is the handle, some are spherical while others are hexagonal. I reckon I'll go with hexagonal for better grip.

 

[Vendrell]

How often are you cutting yourself now compared to your old razor?

With the new razor, do you find that your shaving technique (in terms of holding it, the way you hold and move the razor against your face etc) has changed significantly? If so, how?

I can't remember the last time I cut myself with the fusion and mach 3. The first couple of times I used the Merkur I cut myself about 2-3 times. They were very small though and I didn't even feel it. I only realized I was cut once the blood started to appear.

My technique has changed because the blade head doesn't pivot so you have to keep your wrist straight. They say not to press down with a double edge razor because you're letting the weight of the razor do the cutting. You also have to shave in small sections instead of long strokes like with the fusion. My cheeks and chin are smoother after 2 passes with the merkur but I'm still having trouble on my neck because the hair grows sideways. It'll take a few months to perfect but I now look forward to shaving because it's fun and I get satisfaction out of my improvement.

Check out mantic's videos on youtube. 4:35 in the first video explains basic technique.

[youtube]ufG1dPmVo8Q[/youtube] [youtube]XO2gMTNnyYk[/youtube]

EDIT: Just realized Rod Stroker posted the same videos a few pages back. I guess they're good enough to post again!

 

[HBK619]

Top thread and as I'm sure most who have been reading the last bunch of posts I am loving the look of the double edged razor.

Currently I use the Phillishave Coolskin electric shaver. It's probably the closest thing in an Electric shaver to actually being a wet shave without the razor. It's a wet/dry shaver so I tend to use mine solely in the shower and I have literally only ever once used it outside of a shower (because I needed a really quick shave at the last minute). It also has this cool little shaving gel cartridge that you put in the back of the shaver and push a button on top and the gel will squirt out so you don't get any irritation while shaving and it can cool or moisturise at the same time.

I've had it for a while though now and I know it's definitely getting close to time for a change. So I'm definitely going to have a look at the Double Edged Razor, despite the Coolskin shaver probably still being more convenient, but I do want a really close shave and that comes in over convenience for me TBH.

One thing I have learnt though, just for those who want to know, is after shaving, use COLD water to wash your face off. It helps to close off the pores and will actually give you a more 'closer shave' due to it.

 

[Rod Stroker]

I've been inspired to get into wet shaving thanks to this thread (mainly Rod Stroker's posts)

Here's some more sage advice for you; leave the dark side and join the good guys at the Roos

Here's what arrived this week.

That's an impressive rig. Mine also started like that with the basin bench full of shaving aids, but I can tell you that over time you will refine it down to just a few items.

Can't wait to have my 4th wetshave tomorrow!

Good stuff. Welcome to a whole new world of shaving. You'll never go back to cartridge disposable shaving again!

 

[Rod Stroker]

The reason people don't wet shave is purely because of convenience.

Correct, and mantic mentions this in one of his videos; "Cartridge disposable shaving is the fast food franchise approach to shaving, quick and easy, but not good for you and leaves you dissatisfied with the results". Or words to that effect

You can't go into Coles and Woolworths to buy the products I just purchased above. You don't see ads for them on tv and you don't read about them in the newspapers. It takes time and effort to research wetshaving and then purchasing the relevant products. I've spent the past 2 weeks reading about it online and watching Mantic's videos before ordering my gear. Most people either can't be bothered teaching themselves or wouldn't know where to start.

Agree with all of that. I took a similar approach.

 

[Rod Stroker]

You don't need the above products in order to wet shave though. All I have is shaving cream and a gilette mach 3. I wet my face first before applying the cream, and then shave. Isn't this what wet-shaving involves?

I perceive dry-shaving as the same as the above, minus the pre-application of water.

Please correct me if I'm wrong.

You are correct.
The term "Wet shaving" can apply to both disposable cartridge shaving (Mach 3) and double edge razor shaving if you use water in both approaches.

 

[Rod Stroker]

The last thing I need is to be given choice. I check the Menzbiz site and Rod Stroker recommends a couple of the Merkur razors. But I start looking at the more expensive ones and I can't make a decision. I see they are offering a free Double Edge Blade Sampler Pack (RRP $17.50) with the purchase of any Merkur razor worth $69.95 or more. I wish they had a comparison table to make it easier to choose one
.

I know it can get a bit confusing and daunting with so much choice (I was the same) but keep it simple, just start with the Merkur 1904 Double Edge Razor. Perfect for beginners as it's light, easy to hold and well priced. I've had mine now for over 3 years and still going strong.

The razor is only part of the story though, the blades to me are more important. I know people who have been turned off DE shaving because their first blades were not appropriate (usually choosing blades that are too sharp for beginners).

 

[Rod Stroker]

Good stuff guys, glad to hear that a few of you are getting into DE shaving.

I will say though that it can be a quite a change and will take time adapting to the new methods of DE shaving, by "unlearning" the habits from disposable cartridge shaving over the years. But once you make the switch, give it time to adjust, and work out your process that is comfortable for you, you won't go back. I do find that DE shaving takes a bit longer than cartridge shaving, but that's because I try to be a bit more precise and patient, and the results are worth it.

I'll stress again too that blade choice is super important, probably the most important part of your rig. To this day I still use the Israeli Super+ Platinum Blades, recommended for beginners as they are more forgiving than most other blades out there, but still sharp enough to deliver that absolute baby's butt smooth shave. Not that easy to find though, at least not in Oz, so I still order mine via ebay in the US.

Happy shaving!

 

[_JC_]

Yeah the blades make a massive difference. Ive gone through 3 different brands with 3 completely different results

Merkur Platinum - These where good, but i found didn't didn't cut very well on my chin which is much coarser than the rest of my face.

Derby - These were terrible on my face. Always felt like i had rubbed it with sandpaper

Astra - What im using now and they are really good. Sharp, but never give me razor burn.

Also have some samples of Personnas and Feathers laying around which i will give a go over the next few weeks.

 

[Rod Stroker]

Yeah the blades make a massive difference. Ive gone through 3 different brands with 3 completely different results

Merkur Platinum - These where good, but i found didn't didn't cut very well on my chin which is much coarser than the rest of my face.

Derby - These were terrible on my face. Always felt like i had rubbed it with sandpaper

Astra - What im using now and they are really good. Sharp, but never give me razor burn.

Also have some samples of Personnas and Feathers laying around which i will give a go over the next few weeks.

They say Feathers are ninja sharp, not so forgiving. I also have a sample pack but never used them yet. Personnas are supposed to be OK, somewhere between beginner and expert.

What DE razor are you using?

 

[_JC_]

Merkur HD.

Also reading this thread the other day and seeing people had cut themselves, i was thinking "What idiots, how can you cut yourself?". Sure enough today suffered my first cut.

 

[Vendrell]

Here's a few great articles on the re-emergance of DE shaving.

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

http://artofmanliness.com/2010/08/19/how-to-buy-and-restore-vintage-shaving-gear/

 

[caMoGFC]

after constantly reading this awesome thread and being sick of slight razor bump/redness after shaving with the mach 3 turbo on my thick assed facial hair i decided to follow a couple of you guys lead and take a punt on a double edged razor.

watched all the vids and read a few hundred posts (made surprisingly easy by how interesting i find this new (to me) world of shaving to be) and decided on a few key products.


Razor - http://www.himage.com.au/index.php?p=grooming_shop&pid=1547

chose this razor since i saw it posted around alot as an ideal beginners razor and the price is very easy to swallow even if i find that double edged shaving isn't for me.
if i like it i might upgrade to a more expensive model (after i hit my stride of course) but see how it goes first.

Blades - http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop/shave/blades/double-edge-blade-sampler-pack/prod_364.html

chose this blade set since being a complete DE n00b it really seems like the most logical choice.
you get plenty of diffent brands/styles of blades with 30 blades in total to get used to DE shaving and learning/seeing what suits your face best.
fantastic idea that every newbie would be wise to start with imo.

Cream - http://www.mensbiz.com.au/shop/shav...having-cream-eucalyptus-menthol/prod_173.html

chose the proraso as i have a rather thick hair growth on my face and read that it's basically the best thing out there for thick beards.
read that it was the most extensively used cream by italian barbers so that pushed me even further over the line than i already was.
also got to add the price is VERY cheap so nothing to complain about.

Brush - http://www.himage.com.au/index.php?p=grooming_shop&pid=1450

i had never used a brush to aply the cream to my face before EVER until today when i tried out my stepdads and was extremely surprised at how beautifully it lathered up the cream and raised the hairs.
i thought i'd go for a relatively high end brush as even if double edged isn't for me i can still use this brush.
price to quality ratio seemed about where i wanted it to be since the silvertips are a bit overboard at $120+

Styptic Pencil - http://www.himage.com.au/index.php?p=grooming_shop&pid=1688

chose this pencil because i don't want a big soap and if it's only for lil nicks (which i know WILL happen, hence buying the styptic pencil in the first place ) just a little rub over it will do.
the smaller the better was my logic on this.
hopefully i won't need it much!

also picked up a few cotton make up pads, witchhazel and some new aftershave odourless balm from the local chemists warehouse.


as you can probably see the majority of my purchases mirror Vendrells (who i must thank as it really pushed me over the edge to decide to buy, also to Rod Stroker for bringing the world of double edged shaving to my attention) but realistically everything listed seems to be an ideal beginners setup to see what suits best and to be on the way to a smoother, cleaner face

 

[Rod Stroker]

Here's a few great articles on the re-emergance of DE shaving.

http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

http://artofmanliness.com/2010/08/19/how-to-buy-and-restore-vintage-shaving-gear/

Good stuff. FWIW this was the article that got me into DE wet shaving when I'd had enough of the perils of cartridge shaving. For some reason the pics in the article don't load anymore, I've informed Corey the blog author. I've sent this to a few friends over the years for those that were curious to know more about the topic:
http://shaveblog.com/post/1602139648/welcome-new-york-times-readers

That article was what motivated me to take action, while the mantic videos showed me how to do it.