The Shaving Thread

**spiffykyle** · 05-24-2007, 07:45 PM

So shaving my face has always been a pain in the

for me. My neck is just screaming in pain whenever I shave. So much so that I switched to an electric just to avoid the irritation from the Mach 3.

Do you think that the single/straight old-fashioned razor could help in this case?

My barber where I used to live (Albany, NY) ran an old-fashioned type shop and a shave was something he offered. I never got one but he always did your neck and sideburns with a straight razor.

Definitely puts out an air of sophistication.

spiffy

**Newfie** · 05-24-2007, 08:04 PM

Spiffy, I can only say yes it would. But while a DE razor can be very gentle, some can be very agressive. Like a Merkur HD Slant with a Feather Blade can take off layers of skin if you aren't careful.

If you want some suggestions from guys who are wayyyyyyyyyy more qualified than I, check out www.badgerandblade.com. Many guys there have forgotten more than I will ever know on the subject.

**HersheyWalker** · 05-24-2007, 11:09 PM

I can't believe this thread has past the four page mark.

**Kenyth** · 05-25-2007, 08:02 AM

Originally Posted by spiffykyle

So shaving my face has always been a pain in the

for me. My neck is just screaming in pain whenever I shave. So much so that I switched to an electric just to avoid the irritation from the Mach 3.

Do you think that the single/straight old-fashioned razor could help in this case?

My barber where I used to live (Albany, NY) ran an old-fashioned type shop and a shave was something he offered. I never got one but he always did your neck and sideburns with a straight razor.

Definitely puts out an air of sophistication.

spiffy

The neck is a sensitive area and needs to be treated gently. Shave in the shower, or right after the shower. Use plenty of shaving lubricant and luke warm water. Do not press the blade down in this area. Use more strokes. If you feel any whisker pulling at all, it's time for a new blade. Use an alcohol free, lotion type after shave. Many high quality hypo-allergenic lotions actually work much better than actual after-shave lotion. You also don't want to shave the crease of your neck too close or you will get ingrown hairs.

**Monk** · 05-26-2007, 11:46 AM

Originally Posted by Kenyth

The neck is a sensitive area and needs to be treated gently. Shave in the shower, or right after the shower. Use plenty of shaving lubricant and luke warm water. Do not press the blade down in this area. Use more strokes. If you feel any whisker pulling at all, it's time for a new blade. Use an alcohol free, lotion type after shave. Many high quality hypo-allergenic lotions actually work much better than actual after-shave lotion. You also don't want to shave the crease of your neck too close or you will get ingrown hairs.

Personally I wouldn't recommend shaving IN the shower although many do it. You are more likely to miss an area, or cut yourself. Afterwards definately, the key is to really soak your whiskers, hot water will help the hairs absorb water.

I agree with Kenyth on all other points however, and one KEY point he touches on is to not press too hard when shaving. It should be the downward motion of the razor that does the cutting, not the fact the blade is pressed hard against the skin. Ideally when doing a proper shave you would do this once in the direction of the growth (down usually) and then re-lather and then shave the opposite direction.

-W.

**prophetic_joe** · 06-13-2007, 01:40 AM

Ok so I read an article on MSNBC about this and they were talking about how this is so much better for your skin and all of that. I go out Saturday to some garage sales and find a bunch of old DE razors, all made by Gillette. I pick up a pack he has for $2 it's got a blue handled job and one that is all Silver looking that allows you to udjust the blade angle and all that. So now I need to find a Badger brush, some creams and other stuff. Where can I go?

This is what I got did I do ok?

**Kenyth** · 06-13-2007, 07:59 AM

Originally Posted by prophetic_joe

Ok so I read an article on MSNBC about this and they were talking about how this is so much better for your skin and all of that. I go out Saturday to some garage sales and find a bunch of old DE razors, all made by Gillette. I pick up a pack he has for $2 it's got a blue handled job and one that is all Silver looking that allows you to udjust the blade angle and all that. So now I need to find a Badger brush, some creams and other stuff. Where can I go?

This is what I got did I do ok?

Most drug stores sell specialty shaving items, including brushes and soap.

**Newfie** · 06-13-2007, 08:17 AM

Originally Posted by prophetic_joe

Ok so I read an article on MSNBC about this and they were talking about how this is so much better for your skin and all of that. I go out Saturday to some garage sales and find a bunch of old DE razors, all made by Gillette. I pick up a pack he has for $2 it's got a blue handled job and one that is all Silver looking that allows you to udjust the blade angle and all that. So now I need to find a Badger brush, some creams and other stuff. Where can I go?

This is what I got did I do ok?

Joe, the razor with the blue handle, I believe is a Lady Gillette. Actually quite good razors and good for beginners as they're considered somewhat gentle for the "fairer sex'" softer parts & nether regions!!! (LOL< imagine shaving with that and dreaming where it's been before!!!!)

The one on the left is a Gillette Fat Boy, and I've seen those go for anywhere from $10 to $150+ on FleaBay depending on the year and more importantly, the condition. That one looks in pretty good shape and if you look close, you'll see an "E" stamped close to the handle under the "Made In USA" and "Gillette". That E signifies it's a 1959, and on the other side of the handle, there'll be a number (1 through 4) that tells you what quarter it was made in. So if it's an E3 as example, it was made in the 3rd quarter of '59.

I'll trade ya an Opus and a Padron '26 for it!!!

And yes, almost any drugstore sells decent shaving supplies. Nuttin wrong with a puck of Williams soap, or the blue tub of Wilkinson Sword soap and a Boar Hair brush. Careful of the blades you buy though. A bad blade can make it a horrible experience and you'll be begging me to take that Fat Boy off your hands for a Swisher in trade!!!

**prophetic_joe** · 06-13-2007, 08:10 PM

The guy that I bought these from has a few more I was going to look at, all Gillette, those razors are pretty cool. I know I'm going to shave with the Fat Boy , thanks Newf for the info on that btw, looking at it, it does have a 2 next to the handle so 2nd quarter, but I was also intered in having a couple to collect. Who knows.

**TampaSupremo** · 06-13-2007, 10:20 PM

Originally Posted by prophetic_joe

So now I need to find a Badger brush, some creams and other stuff. Where can I go?

classicshaving.com

Also, follow newfie's lead and join up at badgerandblade.com. Knowledgable folks and good shaving info.

TampaSupremo

**Kenyth** · 06-18-2007, 04:28 PM

I know most shaving enthusiasts will mock me, but there is one constrution point to be appreciated on the Gillette Mach 3. It's not the triple blade or the fancy Aloe strips. It's the improved pivot head design. The blade head pivots at the bottom with a gentle spring action, rather than in the middle. If you'll notice, this protects you from accidentally pushing too hard and cutting yourself. Held at the proper angle, the blades will actually compensate if you push too hard. (to a reasonable degree of course) The little spring keeps a constant gentle pressure helping the blade to follow the contours of your face at the proper pressure.

On the other hand, most other razor "advancements" are the equivalent of snake oil. The Shick "bend in the middle" design is worthles IMHO. The pressure required to flex the head is more than enough to give you raw skin. Not to mention, it tends to flex unevenly. The "vibrating" design confuses me as well. What's the point? I prefer to have a fine sense of touch while dragging razor blades across my skin thank you! Not something that will numb my nerves with vibration.

**Monk** · 06-19-2007, 02:22 PM

Originally Posted by Kenyth

I know most shaving enthusiasts will mock me, but there is one constrution point to be appreciated on the Gillette Mach 3. It's not the triple blade or the fancy Aloe strips. It's the improved pivot head design. The blade head pivots at the bottom with a gentle spring action, rather than in the middle. If you'll notice, this protects you from accidentally pushing too hard and cutting yourself. Held at the proper angle, the blades will actually compensate if you push too hard. (to a reasonable degree of course) The little spring keeps a constant gentle pressure helping the blade to follow the contours of your face at the proper pressure.

I don't disagree actually, it works great on my artofshaving.com razor.

-W.

**WOXOF** · 12-09-2007, 04:10 AM

Speaking of shaving, does anybody on here shave their head? Any tips? What do you use to keep your dome from getting to dried out and irritated?

**heftysmokes** · 12-09-2007, 01:05 PM

I've been shaving my head for about 10 years now and have used everything from the Mach III to a ladies' bic to a really nice Norelco electric my wife got me for Christmas last year.
The best way to go, imho, is the Mach 3 in the shower with some good quality shaving gel. I keep my head under the hot water for a few minutes, apply gel, and get to it.
As far as dry head, I use a scentless lotion and I'm good to go.

**dustinpollock** · 12-09-2007, 02:11 PM

all i have to say is has anyone read "american physco"

dustin

**heftysmokes** · 12-09-2007, 03:32 PM

Originally Posted by dustinpollock

all i have to say is has anyone read "american physco"

dustin

Nope, you'll have to fill me in.

**WOXOF** · 12-10-2007, 02:24 PM

Originally Posted by dustinpollock

all i have to say is has anyone read "american physco"

dustin

Nope, I haven't read american physco or American Psycho either. Is the movie a good representation of the book?

**WOXOF** · 12-10-2007, 02:31 PM

Originally Posted by heftysmokes

I've been shaving my head for about 10 years now and have used everything from the Mach III to a ladies' bic to a really nice Norelco electric my wife got me for Christmas last year.
The best way to go, imho, is the Mach 3 in the shower with some good quality shaving gel. I keep my head under the hot water for a few minutes, apply gel, and get to it.
As far as dry head, I use a scentless lotion and I'm good to go.

Thanks Aaron. I haven't shaved it with a razor yet. I'm keeping it as short as I can with the trimmers and no guard. I'm finally getting used to the sensation of no hair. The mach 3 scares the hell out of me. I'm scared to put one of those on my face, much less my noggin. I saw a razor at the drugstore called a Headblade. I might start off with that. It has wheels on it that keep the blades aligned right.