witch hazel is the only aftershave you should use

the "regular" witch hazel without fragrance is fine (i even use the cheap stuff with alcohol - 85/15, i think) - as it sterilizes in addition to being an astringent)...the smell goes away when it dries, and you should be using a moisturizer afterward, anyway

if you don't mind paying 10x more, you can get the fragrant 100% witch hazel

12/28/2010 11:36:10 AM

For Christmas, my wife got me a Merkur 34c, 5 of the Feather blades (and the one Merkur blade that came with the razor), some Jack Black shaving cream, and some styptic pencile. Her parents got me a small kit from The Art of Shaving -- pre-shave oil, shaving cream, a brush, and aftershave.

I tried it this morning after reading up on B&B and watching a bunch of mantic59's videos on YouTube. I did one downward pass, which did a decent job but didn't get everything (which is fine if you look at it as beard reduction instead of trying to cut it all off at once). Then I lathered up again and cut across the grain, then lathered up a third time and went mostly against the grain -- everywhere but my upper lip. Unfortunately I've always had to go against the grain on most of my face no matter what razor I've used.

So far after using it this once I'm impressed. I did have some blood involved, mostly on my neck (quickly fixed by the styptic pencil) and did have some razor burn, but after a splash of freezing cold water and then applying aftershave, I'm feeling good.

I could get this close (and closer) with the Mach 3 Turbo, but seeing as how I've only used the DE razor once, I think I'm going to stick to using this.

The small kit from The Art of Shaving will only last me perhaps a week or two so I'll have to get some more pre-shave oil and aftershave soon.


I'm looking forward to getting better and more proficient (and hopefully faster) with this new shaving technique.

[Edited on December 28, 2010 at 11:50 AM. Reason : ]

12/28/2010 11:48:52 AM

Also, I was reminded of this cartoon....

12/28/2010 12:33:11 PM

12/28/2010 10:37:40 PM

Shave #2 will be today, and I'm going to try a Feather blade.

It's either that or the Merkur blade that came with the razor (which I used on the first shave).

12/30/2010 8:53:06 AM

A bit of blood on the neck, but nothing too awful that a styptic pencil couldn't fix.

12/30/2010 6:21:13 PM

I've been doing the wet shaving thing for a little over a year now and I'm very glad I started. It no longer takes any more time to shave than it did before with the mach 3 and I always had much more irritation with the mach 3s and electric razors. Its all become routine now and I'll never go back to the old way of shaving, even when I'm travelling.

I'm currently using one of the Merkurs with Feather blades after starting out with Bic blades. I've been using Wal-Mart shaving soap but I think I might try the B.O. Bigelow cream thats been mentioned in this thread.

12/30/2010 11:35:46 PM

well, you can't travel on a plane with the safety razor blades.

i've gotten away with it a couple times. but once i was forced to throw out a pack of blades.

12/30/2010 11:37:55 PM

Picked up some Proraso at B&BW (small tube for $5) and some Witch Hazel at CVS. Used it twice and I like it so far.

My nose is stuffed, so it's hard to tell what it smells like, but the Proraso has a nice cool feel to it.

It's so cool, in fact, that I have to make sure the FREEZING COLD water from the faucet (in CT) is a little warm so I don't freeze my face when I rinse the Alum off.

1/5/2011 9:45:05 PM

Just had my first shave with a Derby blade. Started off with the Merkur blade that came with the razor. I think I like the Derby better...it definitely feels sharper and seems to give a better shave.

I have a blade called "Rainbow" but I haven't heard those mentioned in here. Are they shitty?

Still haven't tried the Personna (Israeli's) and I'll be trying the Feather's last

1/5/2011 10:41:16 PM

Just an FYI, Bath & Body Works has all C.O. Bigelow products on Buy 2 get 2 free deal right now (Or at least the Apex - Beaver Creek one did).

Got 3 large tubes of C.O. Bigelow and a thing of Bigelow body wash for a bit over $20.

No idea how long they'll be having this sale, but I went today

1/9/2011 6:10:30 PM

This may already be in the thread,

Guys don't really ned to shave with a blade if it causes irritation and what not. I think that more men should use beard clippers on a low setting to give a little bit of scruff (which may not even be noticeable).

It is much quicker than shaving and you don't get skin irritation. I don't know why shaving with a blade is so popular in this country, maybe it is to advertise/market shaving lotions.

1/9/2011 6:55:50 PM

I have to shave every day with a razor or my company gets upset. I wish I could get away with a bit of scruff. Shaving every day sucks.

1/9/2011 8:00:37 PM

^^ works great if you can pull off the scruff look, but i can't...i can do a mustache and goatee just fine, but my neck, sideburns, and hair that connects my mustache and beard area are all patchy and so if i DON'T shave totally, it's pretty unflattering

1/9/2011 9:06:46 PM

90 days!? nonsense. that being said i havent been cleanly shaven in a long time.

4/27/2011 7:50:58 AM

Thanks, Jeep.

Got some Ogallala Bay Rum & Sweet Orange shaving soap, a Bay Rum A/S sampler pack, and a Tabac shaving soap refill yesterday.

The box on the sample pack said "Not for sissies!"

Tried the BR this morning and the soap was nice. Then I splashed the A/S on my face and WOW.

Not.

For.

Sissies.

4/27/2011 5:28:21 PM

Epilator, wax or laser.... Shaving is for the birds...

4/27/2011 9:51:46 PM

Well, when you are talking about down there, you gotta be careful...

4/29/2011 9:43:57 PM

where in raleigh can i get shaving soap? i used to buy the stuff sold at walmart, but they don't sell it anymore...i really liked it, actually...mild fragrance, good lather, didn't bother my skin at all...crazy cheap at $1.50 per puck and best of all, easy to get

stopped by bath and body works and couldn't find any c.o. bigelow

5/1/2011 7:33:47 PM

Quote :

"Then I splashed the A/S on my face and WOW. Not. For. Sissies."

don't use aftershave that has alcohol in it.

5/1/2011 9:16:30 PM

Quote :

"don't use aftershave that has alcohol in it isn't witch hazel."

5/1/2011 10:02:37 PM

Quag...try Target for that stuff.

5/1/2011 11:47:03 PM

i did (target is closer and i MUCH prefer shopping there to going to walmart) and i couldn't find any

5/2/2011 6:56:47 AM

use witch hazel and then aftershave. there is nothing like a clean shave, a few splashes of witch hazel and finishing it off with a splah of aqua velva. makes my skin feel amazing.

5/2/2011 7:59:09 AM

So I just picked up a Merkur and some feather blades. Should be here in a couple of days. I have been shaving with a puck and brush for a couple of years, but was still using a mach 3. I figured it was time for a change.

I figured now is a good time to mix up my routine and products as well.

I've been using Ichabod soap from the beginning. I guess it's good, but I don't really have anything to compare it to.


I also have a tube of Kiss My Face that was recommended to me for extra sensitive skin. I never really gave it a fair shot.


I've never really used any products post shave. What do you guys recommend? I see Aqua Vela, Tabac, and Witch Hazel all mentioned here recently.

7/8/2011 8:49:46 AM

Col Conk soap is glycerin based. Some people like that, some don't. It's just a matter of preference. I've used it quite a bit and have no problems with it. A lot of people enjoy the "slippery" feeling it gives to the face and blade. I'm still a fan of creams over hard soaps just for the ease of whipping up a thick lather.

I've also used KMF quite a bit and i'm not a huge fan. I tend to use it when in a pinch and need to shave quickly or tame the neck lines. I'm a slow shaver and KMF seems to dry out quickly on my face making the shave less comfortable. Also, KMF doesn't need to be bowl and brush lathered and actually works better just working between your hands and applying directly to the face.


As for post shave this is my routine. Rinse with luke warm to cool water, then apply Witch Hazel generously, let air dry for a few moments, then apply After Shave.

My go-to after shave is Aqua Velva, especially in the summer it makes the face feel great. I also use Speick (germany) and dollar store Old Spice (known to be the original recipe of the 50's and not the new style which smells more classic. I have bay rums, pinaud clubman, and a few others but 8 times out of 10 it'll be Aqua Velva though

7/8/2011 9:01:13 AM

Went on ebay and got three safety razors (one SE, two DEs), and some old keys for $15.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=270786890498&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT#ht_500wt_1180

All cleaned up and ready to go!

Man...I'm going to need a bigger razor shelf.

8/7/2011 9:45:35 AM

I went to an antique store in a backwoods town called Prosperity, SC and got an old antique Gilette 3-piece for $3. I've been using it more than my Merkur lately

Anyone have any idea about how old this one below is? Mine looks to be made around this time (Handle is the exact same detail...top is 2-pieces and screws on to handle), but mine isn't an open-tooth and I don't have the box (This is not an actual picture of mine)





After looking around a bit more, I keep seeing this style being made around the depression era 1920's-1930's. They keep referring to it as a 'Ball End', for obvious reasons, but mine definitely matches this style minus the open tooth design.

http://community.artofmanliness.com/photo/gillette-windsor-safety-razor?context=user



[Edited on August 7, 2011 at 11:08 AM. Reason : ]

8/7/2011 10:40:19 AM

Hmm...research is telling me i have a 'Gilette Tech Ball End' instead, which are very common. Made anywhere from the 20's to the 70's. Mine is a solid handle (not hollow) which means it's one of the later ones (Post 40's maybe)

Oh well, works great for me

[Edited on August 7, 2011 at 11:28 AM. Reason : ]

8/7/2011 11:19:04 AM

Happened to be in a mall today with an Art of Shaving store. I'm almost out of cream, and I've been out of aftershave and pre-shave oil for awhile now.

Grabbed some of all 3, in the lavender scent.

8/7/2011 6:15:08 PM

^Where are you located?

8/7/2011 9:51:07 PM

Live in NC but was in Miami at the time.

8/14/2011 5:46:22 PM

Been using a Merkur for about a month now. Couldn't be happier. Using the feather blades.

8/14/2011 6:50:25 PM

i love my merkur and derby blades lol
proraso ftw

8/14/2011 9:07:09 PM

^You like Derby? I hate them. Have at least 3 left over that came with my Edwin Jagger. You can have 'em!

8/20/2011 3:31:44 PM

I had to head to Dallas and D.C. for some interviews in the past week, and I didn't check a bag, so I couldn't bring my straight razor. I haven't shaved with anything else in years, and so I had to shave with one of those four or five bladed safety razors that are all over the place. I realized they fucking suck, except for one thing. They are great on the chin area, very nice for getting a close shave at the tip of the chin.

Everywhere else, however, it takes forever. They clog with shaving cream and are too narrow, it's insane. It's strange how you really don't appreciate something entirely until it's gone.

8/21/2011 1:36:35 AM

About a month ago, I was headed back to a submarine and was dreading how I was going to shave with my DE. The sinks are small, and it just takes longer than shaving "the other way."

Thankfully, I completely re-destroyed my back and will probably never go on another submarine again.

But I'll ALWAYS have a good shave!

8/22/2011 7:49:34 PM

so, what's so good about this shit, again?

8/22/2011 8:02:19 PM

So...you guys may recall from Page 9 where I was trying to get my brother to get me some Proraso from Italy (he lives there).

If you don't remember, don't worry about it, as it was last year!

Anyway, he finally got around to mailing it to me and I got it last week.

Pre/After Shave creme, shaving soap, and aftershave balm.

Wow.

MENTHOL.

9/3/2011 8:55:43 AM

^ Interesting, I might have to give that a try (in a year or two when my Art of Shaving stuff runs out).

I recently ran out of my initial starter-pack of 5 Feather blades. I happened to be in a Wal-Mart and saw some "Wilkinson Sword" blades -- ~$1.75 for 10 blades. Figured I'd give them a try.

I've only used the first blade twice but it is doing a decent job so far...probably 90-95% as good as the Feather, for < 1/2 the price.

9/3/2011 9:46:37 PM

So I ordered a Merkur Futur this weekend and a bunch of blades. I know you're supposed to use all sorts of special oils and creams, but I'm gonna free ball it with hot water, normal shaving cream, and normal after shave. If any of you hear a scream echoing across the sky sometime tomorrow evening, that's just me.

[Edited on September 26, 2011 at 11:52 AM. Reason : :]

9/26/2011 11:52:00 AM

I've tried a lot of shaving techniques and I must say the t-outliner http://www.amazon.com/Andis-Professional-T-Outliner-Personal-Trimmer/dp/B000143C0K
was the only one to not irritate my face and give me razor bumps but recently a power surge killed it. I've replaced it with this braun 700 http://www.walmart.com/ip/Braun-Series-7-790CC-Shaver-System/15105098 and I must say I get a much closer shave with similar low irritation levels

havent tried the straight razor yet but I'm hoping I don't have to.

9/27/2011 9:04:29 AM

suggest a razor and brush stand for $20 or less...i was looking at something like this for $15



this is only $10, but i don't really like the look of acrylic



this one is kind of ugly



[Edited on October 6, 2011 at 4:23 PM. Reason : moar]

10/6/2011 4:13:01 PM

I ended up buying a brush that came with it's own stand, and just keep my razor in a leather case after drying it off. I have a pretty nasty hard water problem where I live so I need to make sure it's bone dry before I store it anyway.

10/6/2011 5:17:53 PM

^^ where'd you find that first stand? Most that I've seen are pretty much like the 2nd & 3rd (boring).

10/6/2011 7:04:34 PM

Shaving your head with mentholated shaving cream = one of the greatest things ever.

That is all

10/6/2011 8:06:02 PM

^^ ebay: http://www.ebay.com/itm/320662095226

10/7/2011 12:12:09 PM

Quote :

"Shaving your head with mentholated shaving cream = one of the greatest things ever."

I'm going to shave my head for the first time today.

I've wanted to for a while, but the wife has been against it. My hairline has been receding for some time and I'm wanted to do it for that reason and now I'm going to have back surgery on 1 December and I won't be able to shower for 10 to 14 days and so I think it's a good time to do one thing to make it easier for me.

And I'll be using Proraso.

11/20/2011 12:43:49 PM

11/20/2011 2:18:03 PM

Where does everyone buy their blades from? I just placed an order from http://www.bestgroomingtools.com. Seemed like decent prices.

11/20/2011 7:26:14 PM