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Shaving razors and products

k4lnamja

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Hello,

I'm new to this thread but I'd like to upgrade and buy a nice razor along with products. Is Art of Shaving a good start?
I'd like to spend less than $50 on a razor and I guess $50 more for whatever products out there would help me with my shave.

I shave every other day and I'm using one of those $15 gillette razors with the battery inside. I constantly cut myself so either 1. I have no idea how to shave properly or 2. the razor isn't a good razor. Yes, these are with new replacement blades and not dull ones.


I'd also like to find a razor in which I could self sharpen the blades. Is that possible

Cheers
 

salisboss

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Get a double edge safety razor (I have a merkur and it works great). The razor was less than $50 and the blades are like a nickel a piece and I get two to three shaves per but I have thick beard hair.

The best drugstore razor for me is the plain single blade Gillette Good News. All multi-blade razors cut the hell out my face.
 

salisboss

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The de razor will teach you to shave properly and at 5 cents a blade you can always use a sharp one since you aren't compelled to use a regular blade because they are so darn expensive.
 

k4lnamja

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Thank you, salisboss!

I'll look into a Merkur. I don't have a beard, quite honestly, I don't think I could ever grow one nor a full on moustache. I do need a razor b/c I'm not fond of electrics

Cheers
 

Harold falcon

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+1 on Merkur. Quality product, and DE blade shaving is the way to go.
 

Lagrangian

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the harvey, he speaketh the truth
 

Mark Anthony

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I am relatively new (18 months) to DE shaving and won't go back to anything else.

Merkur is my razor, but the key will be the blades you use. Some are more aggressive than others and it also depends how thick your beard is.

I am medium/heavy facial hair and I went with Israeli Personna Red. It was suggested on the Badger and Blade forum as a good first blade when you move to the DE. I found the Merkur blade that came with the razor a bit too aggressive on my skin.

From what you say it appears you have a light beard, so a less aggressive blade is probably better. The IP Red should do you.

The blades are very inexpensive and you change them every 5-7 shavings in my experience, less often with light beards.

I have used Art of Shaving and it was good, now I use Proraso in the tube (stupid cheap) and it does the trick nicely.

good luck.
 

Bakes11771

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I use a Parker SR1 ($15), which is a shavette ( like a strait razor, but uses disposable blades like a DE) and just regular shaving cream. I use Shark Super Stainless blades. Finish up with Nivea aftershave balm for men.

The preshave routine is the most important part. I put shaving cream on before I get in the shower because it stands up the cuticles (scales) of the hair, aiding in water absorption. Wet hair is softer, so it's easier to cut. Get out of the shower, reapply shaving cream, 1 pass with the grain, splash with cold water, reapply cream, 1 pass against the grain, splash with cold water. (cold water prevents/stops bleeding because it constricts the blood vessels) I always shave with cold water for this reason. Apply minimal pressure, just enough to wipe the lather off of your face. Hold blade at 15 degree angle.

I have used preshave balm from The Art of Shaving, but determined that it doesn't create any additional benefit. Its just a $20 bottle of vegtable oils with fragrance added.

I learned how to shave from blade and badger, mentioned above. I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more. You dont need any of the fancy stuff, just need to know what you're doing and the science of shaving.
 

dragon8

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I use a Parker SR1 ($15), which is a shavette ( like a strait razor, but uses disposable blades like a DE) and just regular shaving cream.  I use Shark Super Stainless blades.  Finish up with Nivea aftershave balm for men.

The preshave routine is the most important part.  I put shaving cream on before I get in the shower because it stands up the cuticles (scales) of the hair, aiding in water absorption.  Wet hair is softer, so it's easier to cut.  Get out of the shower, reapply shaving cream, 1 pass with the grain, splash with cold water, reapply cream, 1 pass against the grain, splash with cold water.  (cold water prevents/stops bleeding because it constricts the blood vessels)  I always shave with cold water for this reason.  Apply minimal pressure, just enough to wipe the lather off of your face.  Hold blade at 15 degree angle.

I have used preshave balm from The Art of Shaving, but determined that it doesn't create any additional benefit.  Its just a $20 bottle of vegtable oils with fragrance added.

I learned how to shave from blade and badger, mentioned above.  I recommend it to anyone who wants to learn more.  You dont need any of the fancy stuff, just need to know what you're doing and the science of shaving.


I agree with most of what you said but I disagree with the preshave oil from AOS. I think it softens the beard and reduces cuts and nicks.
 

doyleclark

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Question:

I have been shaving with artisanal soap (Merkur and Badger brush of course) but due to unstoppable reasons, I will no longer be able to get it. I'm looking for suggestions on good soap. None of the foaming gel stuff please, I've tried it all and it isn't the same as good soap. What about Col. Ichabod Conk?
 

Matt

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I'm tempted to order the Bay Rum, so if that's on your sample list, let me know what you think of it...
 

Rambo

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I'm tempted to order the Bay Rum, so if that's on your sample list, let me know what you think of it...


Its nice. A little tingly with a great smell. Given your love of bay rum I think you'd enjoy it.
 

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