Wet Shaving |OT| The Cutting Edge of Grooming

QualityPixel said:
Oh god! Don't use Dr. Carvers easy Shave Butter from dollar shave club. Instantly put my face on fire! I was using the sample that came with my razor and had to wash it off my face half way through. Went back with Cremo (the best shave cream ever) and finished my face with that.
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Sounds like a mild allergic reaction.
 
dionysus said:
Sounds like a mild allergic reaction.
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I considered that, but it felt more like a chemical burn. And it started to "burn" within seconds of rubbing it on my face, and didn't leave me with any hives or swelling. I think it's an attempt at a cooling/soothing/tingling feeling like some pimple treatments have.
 
Darryl M R said:
Any opinions or reviews for the Bevel shaving system?
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I've checked their website, and it seemed like a standard safety razor to me. They seem to market it towards black people, but I'm not sure why the Bevel would be better than another safety razor.

Perhaps you'd have more feedback on the Badger and Blade website.
 
Been using an Edwin Jagger DE89 safety razor for a few years now. Discovered the chrome plating was wearing off on the head and EJ were great about sending out a replacement free of charge. Went through a sampler pack I got on eBay and found the Derby to be forgiving and give fairly good results. I think I liked one or two of the others, Lord seemed okay.

I'm ready to buy in bulk now I think. The one thing that is turning me off about the Derby is knowing they're manufactured in Turkey. There seems to be a lot of political troubles in that region at the moment. I'm not sure I can support that in good faith. I appreciate that this isn't the topic for it, but if you can recommend a blade manufactured in the EU I'd love to give it a try.

As for general impressions of other products, I used Taylors of Bond Street Sandalwood cream. Found it to be okay but a little too pricey for me for every day use. As I'm on a budget I found the PalmOlive Classic to be a really good alternative.
 
Merkur blades are made in Germany, and so are some of the Wilkinsons (other Wilks are made in India).

But other than that I don't know if I can think of many made in the EU. Most that come to mind are made in either India or Russia. Feather and Kai blades come from Japan. And Personna blades are split from being built in either the US or Israel.
 
That really helps thanks. I get the impression that a lot of them use the same Swedish steel so environmentally it makes sense to buy stuff closer to home as well.
 
Got razor burn from trying to get too close with a Gillette again, and still had visible stubble. Fuck having coarse hair. Fuck it so much.

Impulse bought this set to see if I can get something closer and less irritating. Let me know if anything looks off or I cheaped out. Didn't wanna go over $100, but I can if it's necessary.


Edwin Jagger DE89bl

Edwin Jagger "Best Badger" shaving brush.

Proraso Soap-In-A-Bowl

Personna Double Edged Razor Blades

Proraso Pre-Shave Cream


Do I need aftershave? I moisturize after shaving, so I assume that's enough? Also, is this a terrible idea with sensitive skin?


Thanks!

If this doesn't work I swear to god I'm getting all this fucking hair lasered off.
 
Lucario said:
Got razor burn from trying to get too close with a Gillette again, and still had visible stubble. Fuck having coarse hair. Fuck it so much.

Impulse bought this set to see if I can get something closer and less irritating. Let me know if anything looks off or I cheaped out. Didn't wanna go over $100, but I can if it's necessary.


Edwin Jagger DE89bl

Edwin Jagger "Best Badger" shaving brush.

Proraso Soap-In-A-Bowl

Personna Double Edged Razor Blades

Proraso Pre-Shave Cream


Do I need aftershave? I moisturize after shaving, so I assume that's enough? Also, is this a terrible idea with sensitive skin?


Thanks!

If this doesn't work I swear to god I'm getting all this fucking hair lasered off.
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Yup looks like a good set, although I might replace the brush with one of the newer breed of synthetic brushed like this:
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B01CD6ZCC4/?tag=neogaf0e-20

Badger brushes are great at the high end, but some of the less expensive ones can be on the rough side and might not be the best for sensitive skin.

But for sensitive skin in general, once you get the hang of it this is probably the best way you could shaving. Aftershave isn't strictly necessary, but if you do get some irritation at first you might want to try one that contains witch hazel.
 
I need to get a shower mirror. I've wetshaved for years in the shower without a mirror just going by touch.

Most recently I've found myself fucking up my own sideburns by accident being overzealous lol
 
List of known EU brands
Apollo - made by Apollo in Solingen, Germany
Bolzano / Croma / Diamant / Elios - all made at Feintechnik in Eisfeld, Germany
Astor / BIC - made by BIC near Athens, Greece
Merkur - made presumably by Merkur in Solingen, Germany
Schick - made in Germany
Souplex - made by Medyna in Solingen, Germany
Timor - made by Giesen & Forsthoff in Solingen, Germany
Wilkinson Sword - boxes marked Classic seem to be made by Wilkinson Sword in Solingen, Germany
Tiger / LEON / TATRA / SOKOL - made in Czech Blades in Jevíčko, Czech Republic

excellent blog post about the blades.

Might try to keep this updated if I find more information.
 
Finally decided to try a double edge safety razor. What was I thinking using those discardable gillette...

I went with a Muhle R89 and some Feather blades. Never in my life did I imagine I could have a shave like this. Even against the grain, the blade just passes smoothly and I feel no pain/irritation. The first time I tried to shave against the grain was the last time I tried it (with those awful gillette). Now, I've been converted.

What else is a MUST for honing the craft? I've also bought an alum block, a brush and some sandalwood shaving cream.

For people hesitant about trying it, don't keep fooling yourselves.
 
Borboleta Amarela said:
Finally decided to try a double edge safety razor. What was I thinking using those discardable gillette...

I went with a Muhle R89 and some Feather blades. Never in my life did I imagine I could have a shave like this. Even against the grain, the blade just passes smoothly and I feel no pain/irritation. The first time I tried to shave against the grain was the last time I tried it (with those awful gillette). Now, I've been converted.

What else is a MUST for honing the craft? I've also bought an alum block, a brush and some sandalwood shaving cream.

For people hesitant about trying it, don't keep fooling yourselves.
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Welcome to the club!
As for basics I think you're pretty much covered. Maybe pick up some witch hazel splash to use alongside or even instead of the alum side. I think it does wonders for my skin.
 
Taborcarn said:
Welcome to the club!
As for basics I think you're pretty much covered. Maybe pick up some witch hazel splash to use alongside or even instead of the alum side. I think it does wonders for my skin.
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Thanks for the info!
I'll ride it out for now. After 2/3 weeks I'll think about swapping my routine.
 
Sooo wet-shaving-gaf,

I'm needing your elderly advice: I'm looking to replace my 15 year old no-name brush with a nice silvertip bager brush. ATM I'm face lathering but open for bowl lathering as well (never tried it though). Can you guys reccomend me a good silvertip badger brush that doesn't cost a fortune and is available in Germany?

Thanks a lot in advance!
 
wilder.Boy said:
Sooo wet-shaving-gaf,

I'm needing your elderly advice: I'm looking to replace my 15 year old no-name brush with a nice silvertip bager brush. ATM I'm face lathering but open for bowl lathering as well (never tried it though). Can you guys reccomend me a good silvertip badger brush that doesn't cost a fortune and is available in Germany?

Thanks a lot in advance!
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Does it really need to be a silvertip brush? The Mühle synthetics are very nice and are great for face lathering. But if you really want to, I remember the real fibre ones being very nice too (my skin just didn't seem to like them.)

Both versions can be found below, directly from Mühle. (Look at all the options, not just directly under brushes, Stylo for instance, has silvertip badger/fibre brushes too)

http://www.muehle-shaving.com/
 
Knch said:
Does it really need to be a silvertip brush? The Mühle synthetics are very nice and are great for face lathering. But if you really want to, I remember the real fibre ones being very nice too (my skin just didn't seem to like them.)

Both versions can be found below, directly from Mühle. (Look at all the options, not just directly under brushes, Stylo for instance, has silvertip badger/fibre brushes too)

http://www.muehle-shaving.com/
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Thank you for your reply. I've never held a synthetic brush in my Hand. Are they any good? Seems like the Mühle 21mm Classic Silberspitz is the brush I'm looking for.


Though I'm still open for reccommendations.
 
wilder.Boy said:
Thank you for your reply. I've never held a synthetic brush in my Hand. Are they any good? Seems like the Mühle 21mm Classic Silberspitz is the brush I'm looking for.


Though I'm still open for reccommendations.
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They're a little softer than natural fibres in my experience, and Mühle's are very good, they also don't require you soak the brush.

I'd personally go for a Kosmo (I prefer that look.)
 
So, I've had the Mühle STF M at home and already returned it. Didn't quite like the stiffness of the hair. My old 10€ Mühle bore brush is a lot softer in the face.

I've now ordered a plisson sythetic "la maison du barbier" of which I've read they are a lot softer than the Mühle STF. I will report back if this is true ;)
 
I can vouch that the Plisson is softer, it's the same as the one they used to sell in L'Occitane stores. I think Italian Barber has their own version of it now too.
 
I am simpling asking this as I can not find one in the country I live in. My mother is flying over in a few weeks and I just thought she could buy for me Still hard to figure it out after reading OP. I have a few lined up, but would like to see some suggestions, as I haven't use one before.

Also what else do I need to buy with it? Oil/lather/brush or ? Kind of have to go somewhat all in I guess at start. Hard to ship here, even for something so little.
 
Taborcarn said:
Yes I looks like a good started to me. Only other thing you might want to add is an aftershave product, but those can usually be found locally in stores.
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Kind of hard here, as most don't get facial hair here..

What aftershave you recommend? Also anything pre-shave?
 
Hope it's OK to bump this; it's been a while since anybody last posted.

I'm trying to put together a Christmas wishlist for my girlfriend and her family, and I thought it might be nice to up my shaving game from cartridges and canned shaving gel, and ask for some stuff accordingly.

I'm a complete newcomer to all of this, and find it a bit intimidating. Based on what I've read, I might go for a Merkur, but there seem to be multiple types (30, 31, 32, etc). I'm guessing some are more recent, but are the more recent ones inherently better? Any recommendations in particular?

Should I start off by going for a sampler pack in regards to DE safety blades? And do I need to be careful of getting the right size blade to fit in the Merkur, or is there only one size as standard?

Are you only supposed to use a blade once, and replace it each time you shave?

How often do brushes tend to need replacing? And does this one look OK for a beginner?
 
Shotgun Kiss said:
Should I start off by going for a sampler pack in regards to DE safety blades? And do I need to be careful of getting the right size blade to fit in the Merkur, or is there only one size as standard?

Are you only supposed to use a blade once, and replace it each time you shave?

How often do brushes tend to need replacing? And does this one look OK for a beginner?
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Sampler packs are a great way to try out blades. You'll probably end up preferring Feathers like everyone else.
All the double-edge blades are the same size.
Use a blade until you feel it tug instead of cut. Probably 4-5 shaves.
I've never replaced a brush. That one looks a little stiff and coarse to me; I think it might be boar hair instead of badger. "Silvertip" badger hair is best, but more expensive. I would look for a gradation in hair coloring, at least, and a head that fans/puffs out, rather than being narrow and pointy.
 
adamsappel said:
Sampler packs are a great way to try out blades. You'll probably end up preferring Feathers like everyone else.
All the double-edge blades are the same size.
Use a blade until you feel it tug instead of cut. Probably 4-5 shaves.
I've never replaced a brush. That one looks a little stiff and coarse to me; I think it might be boar hair instead of badger. "Silvertip" badger hair is best, but more expensive. I would look for a gradation in hair coloring, at least, and a head that fans/puffs out, rather than being narrow and pointy.
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Thanks!

I heard that coarser brushes can be better for tougher stubble, which I think I have (it's definitely no peach fuzz). Plus I don't want to break the bank when I'm just a beginner. Maybe I'll look for pure or best badger hair. Any particular recommendations?
 
Shotgun Kiss said:
Hope it's OK to bump this; it's been a while since anybody last posted.
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Don't worry about it, sadly the thread died once it got moved to Community for some reason. There are a lot more popular threads that are still in off-topic, we're getting a like page of posts per year now... maybe I'll try contacting a Mod.

For brushes, I read that synthetic brushes have greatly improved in quality since the creation of this thread, so you might want to check out a RazoRock Plissoft. Boar brushes are good for harder soaps, but the one you posted does look a little rough. I have a Semogue 620 boar brush that I enjoy a lot.
 
Any recommendations for post-shaving products that don't contain alcohol, perfumes, mineral oil or any sort of plant oils or other irritants? My skin is very dry and also very sensitive, so anything that is even slightly irritating will ruin my week. Because of the beforementioned issues, I can barely use any of the cremes, moisterizers, peelings/scrubs, etc. on the market.

Also, are shaving brushes essential? I assume they require soaps or gels.
 
Welp after many years of shaving my face with cartridges like a chump I decided it was finally time to class up my act and dive into this. I just ordered a Merkur, some Truefitt and Hill cream, a blade sampler pack, a badger brush and some Tendskin. Even ordered a scuttle because warm lather sounds fucking luxurious. Here goes.
 
Any tips on shaving the chin atg? I've nailed everywhere else but my chin hair is too coarse and can't get the skin taut.
 
I thought this thread needed more pics. This is what I use.

nXERZ5E.jpg
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Gillette razor, blades are Feather, Kent brush and the ceramic bowl I actually made it myself.
 
SpeedOfNuts said:
I thought this thread needed more pics. This is what I use.




Gillette razor, blades are Feather, Kent brush and the ceramic bowl I actually made it myself.
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Nice lookin'. What kind of cream? :)

And you mean you made the bowl from scratch like in a damn kiln and everything?

edit: My razor isn't here yet so I can't use it, but my 1805 cream just came and damn it smells like heaven.
 
Tabac shaving soap for that grandpa smell... :). May check this 1805 when I run out.

Yeah I did it on a potter's wheel, I'm a total newbie but that's a fairly easy job.
 
My razor and even my scuttle just got in, the only stuff that hasn't arrived is nonessential, so either tonight or tomorrow will be my first ever wet shave.
 
Very nice equipment you got there Hawkian! Congrats. Now indulge and enjoy. ;) Still don't have a scuttle myself, my Ikea bambu bowl is enough for now hehe
 
Started wet shaving about 2 weeks ago and initially only got some merkur blades. Ended up ordering the sampler pack from WCS. Tried out the feather blades first. People weren't kidding when they said you would get nicked like crazy =/ . Promptly switched to the astra and I think I have found my preferred blade but will give the others a try as well and see how that goes.
 
Hey GAF, I need to get a razor or shaver for someone who has very little knowledge about shaving. (She been shaving her legs without shaving cream for years until like 2 months ago when I told her about it. It changed her life. Yeah I know, it's bad. How do you not know about shaving cream?)

Anyway, I've been looking around at electric shaver like this one. Parasonic Close Shaver.

What do you guys recommend as a good razor or shaver for a woman's body? Price isn't a problem unless it's outrageously expensive.
 
So, I've been trying to use a razor & shave gel for years, but I still always get razor burn. Any tips to prevent that, or do I just have weak skin?
 
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