williamlayton
Member
THE END
Credits to follow---but not here.
Blessings
Credits to follow---but not here.
Blessings
How do you shave?
- Thread starter GKC
- Start date
finesse_r
Member
The Way I Shave
To my mind there are three steps more important than all the others. It took me many decades to finally figure this out and I expect many people knew it from the start.
1. I soak my beard with a steamy hot, wet, face cloth for several minutes. A step I overlooked for most of my life. I see many people accomplish this by shaving in the shower, something I never do.
2. I rub the shave cream lather in with my hand, not a brush, as I find I can do a much better job of getting the lather worked into the beard with my hand. To me it matters little about the type or brand of shave cream used, what is important is to work it into the beard while the beard is still hot from the soak.
3. I use a sharp razor (I still use a very old Schick injector single blade safety razor), but the type or brand of razor really does not matter as long as it is sharp. I don’t use electric razors at all.
I have found if I follow steps one and two above, the razor’s edge will last longer and will not have to be nearly as sharp for a close shave as it has to be if I don’t follow steps one and two.
I have tried using a straight razor, but the cost of band aids was just too great to continue that practice and I could never keep the blade sharp enough. LOL My skill with a straight razor was even worst than my accuracy with a handgun.
To my mind there are three steps more important than all the others. It took me many decades to finally figure this out and I expect many people knew it from the start.
1. I soak my beard with a steamy hot, wet, face cloth for several minutes. A step I overlooked for most of my life. I see many people accomplish this by shaving in the shower, something I never do.
2. I rub the shave cream lather in with my hand, not a brush, as I find I can do a much better job of getting the lather worked into the beard with my hand. To me it matters little about the type or brand of shave cream used, what is important is to work it into the beard while the beard is still hot from the soak.
3. I use a sharp razor (I still use a very old Schick injector single blade safety razor), but the type or brand of razor really does not matter as long as it is sharp. I don’t use electric razors at all.
I have found if I follow steps one and two above, the razor’s edge will last longer and will not have to be nearly as sharp for a close shave as it has to be if I don’t follow steps one and two.
I have tried using a straight razor, but the cost of band aids was just too great to continue that practice and I could never keep the blade sharp enough. LOL My skill with a straight razor was even worst than my accuracy with a handgun.
Eaglestroker
Member
I use an old Fatboy, a brush, and some Taylors cream. Cheaper to use and a much better shave.
I use Gillette Trac II blades with the lube strip, in the same holder I've been using for over 40 years. As someone mentioned, it's hard to find the blades now; there are some look-alikes that don't fit the old holder, and some look-alikes that don't shave as well. So I buy the blades in bulk on line; saves a trip to the drug store and frustration. I generally get about 2 weeks' use out of a single blade. I shave after getting out of the shower in the morning; I've used various brands of shaving cream, but right now get Edge gel at Sam's Club. I shave every day - hard habit to break; I can't stand the feel of stubble.
Once in a while I use a Braun electric razor, but it does not shave as close, requires a very dry beard, and is almost as much trouble to use as a blade.
When I was in the service I used a twin-blade safety razor, but found I could get only one shave per side. My beard was tough and the blades were pitiful then.
I have straight razors that belonged to my paternal grandfather, but for the life of me, I could never learn how to use one properly, and how the folks of that era used them without maiming themselves amazes me...
John
Once in a while I use a Braun electric razor, but it does not shave as close, requires a very dry beard, and is almost as much trouble to use as a blade.
When I was in the service I used a twin-blade safety razor, but found I could get only one shave per side. My beard was tough and the blades were pitiful then.
I have straight razors that belonged to my paternal grandfather, but for the life of me, I could never learn how to use one properly, and how the folks of that era used them without maiming themselves amazes me...
John
SmokewagonSD
Member
I used to use a Mach 3 and canned lather and I hated shaving. Then I received a double edge razor for Father's Day last year. Bought a few more vintage double edge razors. I use Astra blades at $15 a hundred on line. They last me about two weeks each. I use Mama Bears shaving lather applied with a badger hair brush. Shaving is no longer a burden.
Alpo
Member
Something to consider.
Even the shaving companies harp on how "hot water softens your beard". But if your whiskers are soft, it's like trying to cut the grass with an axe. The whiskers lay down when the blade touches them. You want them to be stiff enough that they will stand up and let the razor cut them.
Cold water will give you a closer shave. Blade might not last as long, but you get closer shave.
Even the shaving companies harp on how "hot water softens your beard". But if your whiskers are soft, it's like trying to cut the grass with an axe. The whiskers lay down when the blade touches them. You want them to be stiff enough that they will stand up and let the razor cut them.
Cold water will give you a closer shave. Blade might not last as long, but you get closer shave.
Sven
Member
I've heard about that cold water thing. I just as soon shave straight out of the shower with a Gillett Sensor Excell. They sent my son one in the mail when he was 18, I think. He had just bought one for himself a couple of months before, so being the nice Dad that I am, I bought his free one from him. I had quit shaving back in 1972, but 20 years later, the company interpreted OSHA rules about wearing respirators to mean no beards, period. Eventually a few of us started to sport goatees, which is what I'm wearing right now. One cartridge lasts me about a month, so at least shaving's fairly cheap. Last fall I grew a full beard back, but I had a hard time with it -- it was mostly white! A white goatee is bad enough!!! Funny thing is, no one in management said a thing about it. I'll probably try it agian this fall. If they don't like it, I'll just retire!
Nobody has mentioned the old Shick injector razor. That's what I first cut myself with. I still have the old Shick "4-speed" I got as a novelty back about 1971. Can't find blades for it any more.
Nobody has mentioned the old Shick injector razor. That's what I first cut myself with. I still have the old Shick "4-speed" I got as a novelty back about 1971. Can't find blades for it any more.
Schick Extreme 3 disposable razor in the 8pack on Amazon.
Many have hit on the key! do not let water dry on the blade. It is the minerals and solids in the water that mess up a sharp edge.
I usually find them for about $1.50 a razor. They last a bout a month, in the shower. So if kept dry, who knows.
Chuck
Many have hit on the key! do not let water dry on the blade. It is the minerals and solids in the water that mess up a sharp edge.
I usually find them for about $1.50 a razor. They last a bout a month, in the shower. So if kept dry, who knows.
Chuck
In the shower
,with a bar of soap and a razor I should have replaced 3 days ago
,with a bar of soap and a razor I should have replaced 3 days ago
mjr
Member
Aren't there any machos here who use a butane torch?
I use a Fusion, but I only shave my neck & cheeks (the rest is covered by white beard) and I only shave e/o day. I wash and "dry" the razor, and I customarily get about 3 months from every blade. One 4 pack per year isn't too expensive.
Alpo
Member
I started with an Auto-Band. One long razor blade, coiled up on a spool, and when the edge got dull you turned the handle and it rolled a new edge up. Like a typewriter ribbon.
http://acimg.auctivacommerce.com/imgdata/0/2/4/6/4/0/webimg/5117375.jpg
http://acimg.auctivacommerce.com/imgdata/0/2/4/6/4/0/webimg/5117375.jpg
silentflyer
Member
I shave my head/face all but the stash, in the shower with a 3 or 4 blade razor just about every day. To cheap to pay full price for 1/2 a hair cut, besides Bald is Beautiful...at least on me, and don't ask my friends for a 2nd opinion...LOL
I quit shaving in 1996. I don't even look in the mirror anymore.
wildenout
Member
After you're done with the blade rinse it well and throw in blade first into a tiny bit of Olive Oil (Olive works best, little less acidic than reg. veg oil or mineral) When you're ready to shave again, rinse and go. This will extend the life of the blade a tiche' longer. Occasionally running it backwards on a pair of jeans after the rinse will help the blade a bit too. Also, if you can go to costco that is the best place to buy them! They come out cheaper than the dept. stores and you end up with a year or so supply. Don't spend extra to get the vibrating ones (if your razor vibrates) just buy the reg they're the same they just charge more for the vibrating heads. Also if you use gillette's specialty shaving cream (the one that comes out green then turns to foam) stop! It has a polymer in it that builds up and gets gunky on your razor dulling it faster. I believe this is part of their evil plot to get you to buy more crapola from them. Lastly, I believe I saw a thing on TV a while back that said it resharpens those disposable blades, that may be worth looking into. I may be young, but I have had a full beard since sophmore year and it has only gotten thicker. On top of that, my face is super sensitive and I would break out with anything less than a 3 blade and a shaving oil with aloe and eukalyptus. I spent a number of years in Albania perfecting the above tips since my replacement heads were few and far between. Nowadays, I just shave 2 times a week once for the Lord on his day and Wed or Thurs and that seems to help extend my blades lives.
Good luck!
wildenout
Member
Oh, hey also...dollarshaveclub.com
Chubbs103
US Veteran
The Wilkinson Sword blades are usually available at Walmart. I just bought a pack of ten for less than $2.00. They are a pretty good shave. I was griping about the cost of Mach 3 cartridges about two months ago and the wife bought me a vintage Gillette Adjustable DE at a second hand store for $10.00.
I've been using cake soap and a badger brush for years.
Chubbs
LoboGunLeather
US Veteran
Not having a heavy beard, and not being obsessive about maintaining anything, I insist on using a shaving brush and mug with hot water for a nice creamy soap application. Just about any good razor will do the rest of the job.
I have noticed that I get much longer service from my razors now that I am retired. Shaving only once every week or two allows me to use the same blades for a year or two every time.
I have noticed that I get much longer service from my razors now that I am retired. Shaving only once every week or two allows me to use the same blades for a year or two every time.
dcxplant
Member
I have always shaved in the shower using soap instead of shaving cream.
One day I was out of razors so I used one of my wife's pink Gillettes.
I got the best shave ever, and I've been buying them ever since.
I am convinced since they are made for women (whom have a lot more area to cover, legs and um all that) they are made to last longer. These pink razors out last and outshave the green men's ones all day every day.
One day I was out of razors so I used one of my wife's pink Gillettes.
I got the best shave ever, and I've been buying them ever since.
I am convinced since they are made for women (whom have a lot more area to cover, legs and um all that) they are made to last longer. These pink razors out last and outshave the green men's ones all day every day.
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