Reposting for new page:


^ Well, crap. I did a search on their website (as well as Ace's and Home Depot) and didn't see it, so I got it from a merchant on Amazon. $10 for the tube.

But that is probably not necessary now. I have to give the proper credit for the merchants I am using. B&B has a merchant named Rudy Vey that has his own custom pen shop in his house in New Jersey. He also does brushes and brush restoration. His website is http://www.ultimatependesigns.com/Shaving.html. I emailed him and asked if he could restore the three brushes I have (picture below). And he said he could do it all for $50 (he normally chargers $25 per brush, but gave me a discount because I already did most of the work.



Pretty stoked about this. When I first started wet shaving two years ago, I bought a Mayfair badger brush (picture below). Over those two years, it has lost only a few hairs and has worked well. I would just like to have more brushes at my disposal.



And...once my dad says he's good to try it, I'm going to ask him to make me a few handles and do the knots myself.

12/19/2011 9:33:35 AM

So does anyone use a slant razor? I was reading a posting over on http://www.sharpologist.com about gift giving for those of us doing the DE thing and saw this snippet:

Quote :

"All DE safety razors except the Slant use a straight-ahead chopping action (cf. the Scottish Maiden). The trouble with the Scottish Maiden was that it crushed as much as chopped the victim’s neck, even when the blade was sharp. I believe a regular DE razor can simply push over short, thin stubble rather than cut it, leaving a rough patch once the whiskers dry and recover their strength. A Slant razor acts as a Guillotine, using a slanted blade to make a clean slice—with fine stubble the blade slides across the stubble, cutting it easily before it can bend. But the Slant is not just for the fine, weak stubble—it’s a Godsend to guys with tough, thick, wiry beards and sensitive skin—a combination seen on many red-haired men, for example."

This guy seems to think its a good thing, while Mantic has made comments about how it isn't any better or worse than regular DE razors. This just peeked my interest since that last line pretty much describes me. Didn't know if anyone had tried one or uses one on a regular basis?

12/20/2011 6:32:42 PM

Bruce on Shaving has a blog post about slant razors, and he has an included YouTube video of advanced shaving techniques.

Blog: http://www.bruceonshaving.com/2010/07/11/slant-bar-razors/
Video: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TQco5PWc2JU&feature=player_embedded

Until today, I really never knew what a slant razor was. In the two years that I've been wet shaving, I've seen them for sale, but never looked at the difference between the non-slant and slant razors.

Those techniques would be something I would try once m back gets better and I can stand up for longer periods of time.

As for getting a slant razor, I think I'll "pass" (pun intended).

12/20/2011 11:38:19 PM

Ok so I've been using the starter kit I got from The Art of Shaving for the last few days and its caused me to break out some so I'm going to stop using it. If anyone wants it or anything, feel free to PM me and you can come get it from me in Apex. I'll be honest and say I'm not going to meet anyone since I'm not trying to charge anything for it. The pre-shave oil is about 2/3 full and the shaving cream and post-shave balm are at least 3/4 full (all are little trial/travel size bottles). I never used the brush that came in the kit.

On a different note, has anyone discovered anything about their beard growth that they weren't expecting? I've never really paid attention to the growth direction before as I had always just shaved straight up or down. I've recently discovered that to go WITH the grain on and just above my jaw line, I have to go from chin to ear. Is that normal? I certainly wasn't expecting that.

12/22/2011 11:40:28 AM

I would like to hear what other's think of the Muhle R41.

12/22/2011 3:41:45 PM

^^Yep, except for me it's below the jaw line I have to go in that direction. I never really paid attention to this either until I started DE-shaving.

12/28/2011 1:36:40 PM

Since I've been shaving my head for about a month, I started looking online about the best ways and soaps, moisturizers, etc., for the dome. For a while, I was looking for BaldGuyz products (http://www.baldguyz.com/) because I heard they have some pretty good soap/cream for you scalp. It is clear with a good amount of glycerin so you can see and it's smooth.

After striking out at the local Walgreens and CVS, I had another idea. A while ago, when I first started wet shaving, I bought this product called Creamo Creme (http://cremocompany.com/). It's has a lot of glycerin in it. It requires no shaving brush to apply. You simply wet your face with the hottest water you can stand, rub in an almond amount and it will suds a little, then shave.

Honestly, I didn't think I liked it for my face. It made it VERY slick, which was good. I don't know...I guess it was just not aesthetically pleasing like lathering, soaping, and shaving.

Anyhow, I wanted to try it on my head today after showering and OMG it was awesome! Granted, it has no menthol, no scent. It was slick as could be, and it didn't come off like lather when I wanted to tweak and get a smooth dome. It was way better than traditional soap.

They now sell a moisturizer, and I think I'm going to get some and see how it works for the dome, post shave.

Just wanted to let you guys know, if you were curious about other products.

1/3/2012 5:10:52 PM

Picked up some HeadWash and HeadLube SPF 30 today at the Navy Exchange. $13 for the two of them, which is cheaper than anywhere I can find.

1/6/2012 3:15:49 PM

I "won" the Art of Shaving Sweepstakes for the free starter kit. On its way. I told my wife and she just rolled her eyes, as if I needed any more shaving gear.

1/14/2012 8:53:11 AM

^ x2

1/15/2012 10:00:43 AM

the edwin jagger de89lbl razor (5/5 stars, 120 reviews) is on sale for $23 at amazon: http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-De89lbl-Double-Safety/dp/B002RBF1PO/

i don't NEED it...but do i WANT it?

3/1/2012 6:48:59 AM

I wonder if that creamo cream would be good for my muffin

3/7/2012 12:53:59 AM

They sell the cream and moisturizer at Bed Bath & Beyond

3/7/2012 10:16:59 AM

Your grandfather used a straight razor only because safety razors weren't invented yet. Next you faggots will be talking about sock garters because real men don't use elastic.

3/7/2012 10:45:25 AM

Dollar Shave Club.

Pretty legit - https://www.dollarshaveclub.com/ref/7o3/11i62i6

Check it out.

3/7/2012 11:44:45 AM

^There is nothing "shaving like a man" there. .

[Edited on March 7, 2012 at 11:56 AM. Reason : .]

3/7/2012 11:49:33 AM

^^ nice referral link

3/7/2012 12:55:29 PM

Quote :

"Wow. Five blades. As if one razor wasn't enough for your face, let's use four more to peel the skin off after the hair! I pay about $0.17 for a razor blade, and it lasts me about a week."

3/7/2012 3:17:14 PM

http://us4.campaign-archive1.com/?u=f8fd02fcd8fbced235d2a62c5&id=6607531677

DE razor with 10-pack of blades for $20 from http://www.classicshaving.com

3/14/2012 10:00:04 AM

Has anyone used a fog free mirror that actually works?

4/15/2012 9:31:42 PM

Self-designed shaving cabinet I'm getting my dad to make. I made up some drawing for him but he couldn't visualize them, so I used Google SketchUp and made this:

5/6/2012 5:23:50 PM

Okay...cabinet is done, save for the knobs on the doors. Pics below:

6/4/2012 9:04:49 PM

sweet

6/6/2012 3:00:44 AM

I don't shave like a man. I shave like a whiny little cunt.

6/8/2012 5:05:02 PM

Anybody interested in buying my stuff? Changes at work mean I've got to be in too early and I just plain don't have the time to shave 3-4 times each morning.

Merkur 23C (I think? long version of the 34C)
Edwin Jagger Best Badger brush (small chip on handle)
full jar of TOBS Sandalwood cream
nearly full tube of C.O. Biggelow cream (think I used it 3 times)
Blades: 27 Derby, 10, Persona (red israeli), 7 Feather, & 4 Astra

I'm in Hickory but can ship at no cost.


other images: http://smg.photobucket.com/albums/v617/dave421/ForSale/

7/28/2012 5:48:13 PM

What you want for it?

7/28/2012 10:38:08 PM

I'm really not sure what its worth aftermarket. I've got about $100 in it. Would half that be fair?

[Edited on July 29, 2012 at 12:19 AM. Reason : .]

7/29/2012 12:18:37 AM

So I guess that's a no. Can anyone give me an idea of what this stuff is worth? $30?

7/31/2012 7:37:55 PM

just by some quick searching on Badger & Blade it appears that brush, used, is being sold for around $25-$30 and similar "full kits" are going for around $50-$60


if anyone is seriously interested in DE Shaving, the stuff he has for sale is top of the line and look to be in great condition. I would not hesitate to take him up on this kit.

the 23C, CE Bigelow, and Jagger brush are my most used shaving tools when i'm shaving regularly. all good stuff

8/2/2012 4:43:03 PM

Got to Seattle yesterday.

Walked around Southcenter Mall and ran right into a TAOS Store. Talked to the guys in the store and they have another store in Bellevue that shaves faces and heads.

Problem is that I probably need to be at work Tuesday and will have to do it myself.

8/18/2012 10:13:02 PM

A little while ago when I ran out of Art of Shaving cream (while on vacation, of course) I went to the local Lowe's Foods and grabbed a puck of generic shaving soap for ~$2.00.

Works ~95% as well as the expensive cream, and this puck is lasting forever.

So right now I am using Wilkinson Sword blades from Wal-Mart ($1.78 for 10 blades) and a ~$2 puck of shaving soap.

Yeah, this is much cheaper than the standard Mach 3 + expensive goo shaving kit that most people use, and i get a fantastic shave as a bonus.

8/19/2012 11:35:32 AM

I was using a 10-pack of Feather blades for my face and ran out this morning, so I had to switch to the Wilkinson blades I usually use for my head.

I'm a fan of the Wilkinson blades.

My parents visited a few months ago and gave me some old Gillette blades that looked in pristine condition, but I want to wait until I can get some Barbicide before I try them.

And...I'm going to have to order some more Tabac. My soap is out.

8/19/2012 4:17:47 PM

I finally bought myself a butterfly-style safety razor. So far, I like it. I think I can still get very slightly closer with my old Gilette Fusion, but only because I can safely apply more pressure with it. So far, I'm liking the single-edge deal. It works better if we don't count scrubbing my face with with cartridge razor.


I thought this was a bunch of people just being trendy and whatever...I thought the great claims on these old razors were hype, but I'm pleasantly surprised.

[Edited on November 28, 2012 at 11:57 PM. Reason : ]

11/28/2012 11:55:24 PM

It takes multiple passes to get a baby-smooth shave. And in different directions. My first pass is usually straight down, second pass is sideways (outside of face to center), third pass is against the grain.

Definitely dont try to get a smooth shave in a single pass. You'll tear yourself to pieces.

11/29/2012 12:01:00 AM

^^ which butterfly? the only one i ever used was a parker and while i thought it was great at the time, i have come to realize that it was comparatively sucky

not saying yours is sucky (or even that butterflies in general are "bad"), just noting my one experience

11/29/2012 9:14:28 AM

^i have a vintage 50's Gillette Red Tip butterfly




and it's such an amazing razor. It's weighted so light strokes provide such close shaves. no problems with the butterfly action. blades fit snug and aligned.



when i'm going clean shaved (rare these days) i do a three pass shave. North to South, East to West, West to East. I never go ATG. my neck and skin is too sensitive and the 3 pass shave gives me similar results.

11/29/2012 10:40:28 AM

Thanks to this thread Christmas shopping for husband was great success

12/26/2012 6:02:36 PM

I'm stoked, I got a new Thiers-Issard razor for Christmas.



[Edited on December 26, 2012 at 6:04 PM. Reason : j]

12/26/2012 6:04:40 PM

I don't use a straight edge razor (use a disposable Gillette 3), but I do use an authentic Italian made Omega brand brush which has real hair from some animal and an old school type of shaving cream (Gillette brand) which requires the use of a brush.

Does that make me half a man? (as opposed to not a man if one uses everything modern)

12/26/2012 9:29:13 PM

^^ sweet! I want to try my hand at an old cutthroat razor. i have a genetic essential (familial) tremor, so i doubt ill ever try one. its not a bad tremor at all, just barely noticeable with things requiring fine motor skills, but im terrified it would really cause me trouble and that could be bad with a straight razor.

Is this your first experience with one? Let us know how it goes!

[Edited on December 26, 2012 at 9:48 PM. Reason : aaa]

12/26/2012 9:44:45 PM

Oh, no, I've been shaving with a straight razor for about ten years now. I love it. This was just one to add to my collection. Every razor shaves differently, and depending on what you want out of the shave, it's important to use the right one.

Also, I rarely even nick myself; it's not nearly as dangerous as people make it out to be.

[Edited on December 27, 2012 at 1:30 AM. Reason : b]

12/27/2012 1:29:38 AM

I've never seriously considered a straight razor. I've tried safety razor'ing on a submarine, and it wasn't too difficult (not a lot of room there), but I could see the issues of using a straight razor on one.

I think once I'm underway for a prolonged period (longer than a week), I could see how I would need to change how I shave, particularly what I shave with. I don't think the hard soap will work, only because it will take some time to lather up.

I've been thinking of getting my face (and process) used to using Creamo Cream for a while...it's good stuff, and doesn't require anything but hot water.

12/28/2012 3:46:45 PM

My Merkur and grandfathers 1954 Gillette SuperSpeed. Just got the Gillette nice and cleaned up, so going to try it out for the first time soon.

1/7/2013 4:06:35 PM

I finally bought beard lube - that stuff is amazing

1/16/2013 8:49:51 AM

Just shaved for the first time with a DE safety razor.

I can't imagine shaving with a Mach 3 ever again.

1/19/2013 12:47:21 PM

If I wanted to switch from the can and a fusion to a de razor and good shaving cream, how much should I budget?

Do you guys have any recommendations for what to start out with?

1/22/2013 6:57:14 PM

the Prorazo creme that you can get from bath and body works in the mall is pretty good (its branded C. O. Bigelow or something like that) for the $. Also, an old Gillette adjustable razor and a sampler pack of DE blades is what I would suggest for the beginner. Find a decent brush though, badger fur if possible.

1/22/2013 7:18:15 PM

^^ this will get you started:

$13 for badger-hair brush: http://www.amazon.com/Escali-100%25-Badger-Shaving-Brush/dp/B003WR3QSG/
$39 for edwin jagger razor and 5 derby blades: http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-De89bl-Double-Safety/dp/B003LW4L2W/
$7 for colonel conk bay rum shaving soap: http://www.amazon.com/Conk-Worlds-Famous-Shaving-Weight/dp/B000MXGMHU/
$2 for any appropriately-sized bowl from walmart or target

that's just one option...the EJ razors are great, especially for the price (and they go on sale pretty regularly if you check slickdeals)...another great starter DE razor is the merkur 34C (or any other merkur short-handle)

i started with derbys and they're still some of my favorite blades...they're a fantastic value (quality for the price)...if you get the EJ razor (or any other razor) with derby blades, i'd just start there

most decently-sized walmarts sell a DE starter set that includes a bowl, boar-hair brush, and glycerin soap...they also (should) sell the soap separately for $2 or something...it works just fine, it's just not especially fragrant (but it's where i'd start, were i you)

definitely go with badger over boar for your brush...as for blades, i've mentioned derbys...israeli personnas are spectacular, as well (just more expensive)

i picked up some of the old gillette razors for a couple of bucks at an "antique" show...they're extremely forgiving and still give a good shave...i got one of the travel-sized ones (super-short aluminum handle) that i do actually use for traveling

[Edited on January 22, 2013 at 10:22 PM. Reason : .]

1/22/2013 10:19:50 PM

I started wet shaving last summer and it was fucking amazing compared to the 5 blade crap i used to use. I could cut through a weeks worth of growth in a single, painless pass. I started with the Edwin Jagger de89 with some Proraso cream and I haven't needed anything else.

Can't ever go back to shaving my face with the other stuff.

2/17/2013 8:03:13 PM

Double post. My bad

[Edited on February 17, 2013 at 8:03 PM. Reason : double]

2/17/2013 8:03:21 PM