Shaving

[Rod Stroker]

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.

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

Pics of your rig (when it arrives) or GTFO!

Good that you've watched the videos because I didn't really have a clue how to use all the gear once I'd bought it. You can only read so many instructions and directions, but until you actually SEE someone show you how to do it, you're just guessing really.

Keen to hear how it goes. Just keep in mind that it might take a few shaves to get used to the technique of DE wet shaving and to achieve the results you are expecting, so don't give up if you're not babys butt cheek smooth from the get go, it will come. Keep us posted!

 

[Vendrell]

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.

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

Top work. It might be a good idea to start shaving on the weekend and at night for the first couple of weeks just so you have plenty of time and don't rush (provided you work during the day). That way you also won't have to worry about getting blood on your work clothes .

Today's shave was the best so far because I've really started to pay attention to the direction of the grain. The hair on my neck tends to grow out to the sides as you get further away from the centre. In the past, it's been really tricky to shave these areas with the grain because it's hard to get the angle of the razor correct. So today was the first time I truly shaved with the grain instead of just going straight down everywhere.

It's a really good idea to have a close look at your face in the mirror and notice which directions the hair grows in. You'll see that following the grain properly will mean that the razor moves in all different directions. Here's a map of my face with the red arrows being the most difficult areas that offen give me rashes and bumps.

 

[red+black]

You are indeed a handsome fellow Vendrell, you should look at getting into movies.

I will be checking out the MenzBiz office Friday next week. I wonder how much the trip will cost me!

 

[Rod Stroker]

You are indeed a handsome fellow Vendrell, you should look at getting into movies.

You see, DE wet shaving is doing wonders for his appearance already

I will be checking out the MenzBiz office Friday next week. I wonder how much the trip will cost me!

Think of it as an investment. It might cost you a bit for your initial rig but soon enough you'll be well ahead of where you'd be compared to cartridge shaving.
At quick glance from menzbiz, Merkur 1904 razor ($45) + Vulfix badger brush ($50) + Proraso Tube ($12) + blades ($10) for a starting rig is around $120. The razor and brush will last you forever, so it's just the cream and blades that you'll need to replace, and at cheaper prices than cartridge equivalents.

 

[red+black]

LOL $120. I know I'll be spending more than that! I need to nut up on my research before I go and I'll report back on the details of my personal loan

 

[Rod Stroker]

LOL $120. I know I'll be spending more than that! I need to nut up on my research before I go and I'll report back on the details of my personal loan

You don't need to though, at least not to start with.

 

[caMoGFC]

Pics of your rig (when it arrives) or GTFO!

Good that you've watched the videos because I didn't really have a clue how to use all the gear once I'd bought it. You can only read so many instructions and directions, but until you actually SEE someone show you how to do it, you're just guessing really.

Keen to hear how it goes. Just keep in mind that it might take a few shaves to get used to the technique of DE wet shaving and to achieve the results you are expecting, so don't give up if you're not babys butt cheek smooth from the get go, it will come. Keep us posted!

haha yeh i will take a pic once it is all here.
i only ordered it yesterday so not certain of when it will all arrive.

i'm really interested to see how it pans out regarding the bumps (they aren't really bad at all and oly last a lil while but i'd rather they never existed ever) and just how effectively it cuts through the growth at different lengths.

also i've never used aftershave before either so interested to see if it actually makes a difference...only cost me like 10 dollars anyways.

also i'll definitely give DE a decent crack and i don't expect to be a jedi of sorts to start but lucky for me i'm a fast learner so the results i desire are mere shaves away (hopefully )

 

[caMoGFC]

Top work. It might be a good idea to start shaving on the weekend and at night for the first couple of weeks just so you have plenty of time and don't rush (provided you work during the day). That way you also won't have to worry about getting blood on your work clothes .

i generally only shave about once a week and always do it at night time taking my time as it is.
even with a normal mach3 turbo it usually takes me about 30+ mins!

if i didn't do that my ultra sensitive skin would be a mess!

if this thing is as good as the results i have heard/read everywhere i might be able to shave a bit more often.

also regarding the blood let's just hope we both keep that to a minimum!

thanks for the tips regardless

 

[Rod Stroker]

also i've never used aftershave before either so interested to see if it actually makes a difference...only cost me like 10 dollars anyways.

Be careful with this. If you're read the links I've posted and seen the videos, they mention that most aftershaves contains alcohol, and there is nothing worse for a freshly shaven face than alcohol! (full of strong chemicals). It does not add any benefit to the shaving process at all, except the sexy smell. I never apply aftershave to my face or neck after I shave, but I apply it to the back of my neck, forehead, behind my ears, etc. Pretty much to the rest of the skin on my head EXCEPT to the areas where I have just shaved. So I still get the sexy smell without the irritation. But again, everyone is different, so you'll need to see what works and doesn't work for you, and adjust your shaving routine accordingly.

 

[caMoGFC]

Be careful with this. If you're read the links I've posted and seen the videos, they mention that most aftershaves contains alcohol, and there is nothing worse for a freshly shaven face than alcohol! (full of strong chemicals). It does not add any benefit to the shaving process at all, except the sexy smell. I never apply aftershave to my face or neck after I shave, but I apply it to the back of my neck, forehead, behind my ears, etc. Pretty much to the rest of the skin on my head EXCEPT to the areas where I have just shaved. So I still get the sexy smell without the irritation. But again, everyone is different, so you'll need to see what works and doesn't work for you, and adjust your shaving routine accordingly.

you just scared the bejesus out of me then so i ran into the bathroom to check it out and when i saw it i remembered that i read it thoroughly already before i purchased because i didn't want anything with alcohol and i didn't want anything with a smell that would clash with my normal cologne.

this is the stuff i got here...
http://www.pulsepharmacy.com.au/Pro...-AfterShave-Balm.aspx?eVar3=internal+campaign
i basically chose it because it matches my face wash and moisturiser and since i was going all out with this shaving stuff it was worth a try.
probably does a similar thing to the witchhazel but oh well


also to anybody who uses it.....what's the shaving soap like?
what's a main difference to the cream?...is it a better lubricated shave or what?
i was tossing up whether to grab one or not but didn't really think it was necessary as i'd only ever used a cream. and now that i've studied up on how to perfectly lather the cream it would seem a waste to not use the newly acquired knowledge (not to mention the extra $$$ for potentially nothing)

any pros/cons of cream vs soap would be appreciated

 

[Power King]

I've always thought of aftershave as something similar to the l'oreal product in the link in the post immediately before mine, however when i google image the word (as well as my experience in hearing the word used), it seems as though a lot of people use it as a synonym for cologne.

 

[HBK619]

I've always thought of aftershave as something similar to the l'oreal product in the link in the post immediately before mine, however when i google image the word (as well as my experience in hearing the word used), it seems as though a lot of people use it as a synonym for cologne.

From what I know, it's an American term. Never heard a Yank say Aftershave and be meaning anything other than cologne.

FWIW I use 'Nivea For Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm'. Alcohol free, no odour and only costs about $10.

I rather use proper stuff for actual smelling niceness.

 

[caMoGFC]

I've always thought of aftershave as something similar to the l'oreal product in the link in the post immediately before mine, however when i google image the word (as well as my experience in hearing the word used), it seems as though a lot of people use it as a synonym for cologne.

that was one of the reasons i never used it! because i thought it was basically a cologne and didn't want it to full on sting my skin and interfere with my real colognes.

i still remember back when i was 6-8 or so and seeing macauly culkin in home alone aplying the aftershave and yelling.
that basically put me off it completely all this time since i started shaving til now.
but after studying it up i realised there are after shave balms and it isn't solely a scented stinging thing to burn? the pores shut and make you smell nice or whatever lol

 

[Vendrell]

From what I know, it's an American term. Never heard a Yank say Aftershave and be meaning anything other than cologne.

FWIW I use 'Nivea For Men Sensitive Post Shave Balm'. Alcohol free, no odour and only costs about $10.

I rather use proper stuff for actual smelling niceness.

Spot on. That Nivea post shave balm is good stuff. I also use proper cologne if I want to smell really good.

The thread is gradually heading down this path.

[youtube]CGeAMVK75T4[/youtube]

 

[Hoffy95]

Be careful with this. If you're read the links I've posted and seen the videos, they mention that most aftershaves contains alcohol, and there is nothing worse for a freshly shaven face than alcohol! (full of strong chemicals). It does not add any benefit to the shaving process at all, except the sexy smell. I never apply aftershave to my face or neck after I shave, but I apply it to the back of my neck, forehead, behind my ears, etc. Pretty much to the rest of the skin on my head EXCEPT to the areas where I have just shaved. So I still get the sexy smell without the irritation. But again, everyone is different, so you'll need to see what works and doesn't work for you, and adjust your shaving routine accordingly.

[Con from The Castle] It loses it's moisture. [/Con from The Castle]

 

[caMoGFC]

well my products all arrived in the mail yesterday and was pleased to find that himage gave me two complimentary testers of shaving cream (trumpers and e-shave i think) and the corker...two 5 packs of blades! (feathers x5 and derbys x5 which is awesome!)
mensbiz just gave a TINY shave cream but better than nothing i guess...even if it is coconut smell (ugh)

now onto the shave.

i lathered up with the proraso but i wasn't very happy with my lather which i made far too dry even though i thought i'd lathered it fine in the cup before i added it to my face. i'll know better for next time.

the merkur hd had the merkur super blade in the razor which was reccommended as the first use blade assumingly due to it being the least sharp of them all...that being said it's still shitloads sharper than anything i've ever used before!
my god that thing just cut through the hair with the most satisfying sound.
i ended up giving 4 passes with NONE against the grain since i'm waiting to improve my technique until i attempt that but even shaving with the grain it's clearly the closest shave i can ever remember having outside of summer.
the last 2 passes were for learning more than anything.
no irritation or rash/razor bump to speak of.

i found shaving over the face very easy but under the jawline relatively difficult in comparison.
i'm sure with more practice i won't even need to think when shaving that part of my face.

the witch hazel and aftershave stung a bit on contact but made my skin feel amazing afterwards.
soooo clean and smooth.

overall i'm very happy with my new purchases and look forward to using them again!

 

[Rod Stroker]

^^^
Good stuff!

Personally I wasn't happy with lathering in a cup, just couldn't seem to get the right amount of density, would either usually end up too runny or too thick. So I changed my routine and now what I do is squeeze some Proraso cream on to my shaving brush (with the brush being a bit wet/damp) and then lather up directly on my face until I'm happy with the density. This has the advantage of lifting the hair ups on your face as you lather on it, while also pushing the good stuff from the cream into the pores of the face for a better shave.

Agree that the sound of the blade cutting through the hair is awesome!

 

[omit]

Rod Stroker should be receiving commission from mensbiz and himage

 

[Rod Stroker]

Rod Stroker should be receiving commission from mensbiz and himage

Funnily enough I've never bought from either of them. But yeah if they want to throw some coin my way I won't object

 

[omit]

providing your location is accurate then It doesn't surprise me you haven't bought from them

 

[Rod Stroker]

Location is correct, steamy Singers is home.
Until now I've always ordered my razors and blades from these guys in the US:
http://www.leesrazors.com/
Proraso I usually grab from a number of places in Melb whenever I'm down there.

 

[Vendrell]

Used my TOBS Sandalwood soap today and the lather was great. Very creamy and a lot smoother than the Proraso. I've now done about 7 or 8 shaves with the Merkur blades so I'm going to try the Derby's next.

One good trick I've discovered is after the first lather you should put the mug and brush in the sink of hot water. Mantic does this in his videos and it makes the second lather very nice and warm.

 

[lemon chicken]

Been wanting a DE razor for a while now and ran out of dipsables during the week so ended up making the trip to the Mens Biz office. Recommend that people go to a store or somewhere that stock them first as the choice is quite wide and until you pick them up and get a feel for one you wont know what you want. Initially i was going to buy a Merkur Futur set with brush but once i held it it was quite bulky and heavy and i didnt like the colour they had. Ended up with a Merkur barber pole instead and the company's brand badger brush and saved myself well over $100.

 

[caMoGFC]

i had my second shave this morning and boy what an improvement!

i mixed basically the perfect lather, this time in a bowl not a cup and it was about as perfect as i think i could do. VERY happy with it and could notice the difference while shaving instantly.

when summer comes around this proraso with the mentholated cooling is going to feel unbelievable i'm thinking.
i'm also thinking that i may use the proraso as solely a summer cream and buy another cream or possibly a soap for the cooler months as the menthol feeling is unnecessary when it's not hot imo.
either way the cream (and brush) is excellent.

shaving technique was noticably improved with it only being the second shave with a fresh merkur super blade.
i think with blades being so cheap i will change blades after every use. if not every second use at maximum.

my face is currently the smoothest it's ever been since i started shaving and still no irritation.
i'm actually bewildered at the fact that i've shaved this close to my last shave (3 days i think) because with the mach 3 i literally couldn't shave within a week of each other because there was simply far too much pulling and my face would bump up and become extremely red....hence my avoidance.
literally only shaved today because i wanted to see my faces reaction and there was no problem at all in regards to razor bump/rash.

the only place i have a slight problem with my actual shaving is underneath the jawline on my right hand side just as it's hitting the neck. not with bumps or rash but with the actual shaving itself.
underneath the jaw on the left hand side is a piece of cake but i have drawn blood twice now (without feeling it both times) on the right side.
i think i'll need to change to my left hand to do that spot.

other than that AMAZING!

btw i will probably keep these annoying (to some) updates coming with each new branded blade use which the next wont be for a while because i will use up a few of the merkurs first since i'm still learning.

i also look forward to hearing your experiences with the new blades as well vendrell. thanks for the info on the soap!
i might have to look into picking one of those up as well.

 

[Rod Stroker]

Nice work Camo!

I feed my razor with a new blade before every shave, because simply, the sharper the blade the better the shave. And given that each blade costs peanuts, to me it's a no-brainer. On rare occasions I've used the same blade twice, like if I'm traveling and didn't bring a spare fresh blade, but that is not often.

Keep the updates coming!