So I am deciding to man up from my pubescent video-game playing childhood and am attempting to learn how to shave with a straight razor. I just turned twenty and have always used an old hand-me-down electric mower (Norelco rotary) when I first started growing a beard. I have tried a few disposable safety razors mainly for special occasions where I needed a close shave for the ladies, but I have always heard that they aren't very good for your skin. My main reason for diving into this is to try something new.

So far what I need to do is get all the equipment. From reading This Article, I have gathered that I need

1. A carbon-steel razor
2. A hone
3. A strop
4. A badger brush
5. Good shaving cream
6. Aftershave

I think I am okay on the shaving cream, aftershave, and brush, but do any of you experts here know of any good basic brands for a razor, strop, and hone, and also be willing to share some tips for a young apprentice?

 

I've never heard of anyone using one other than going to a barber. Whats wrong with just using a ******* Gillette razor? (other than the ridiculous cost)

Shave down once, then shave across or up depending on how sensitive your skin is.

 

nothing beats a old fashion shave at the barber with the single blade razors

 

I don't leave myself enough time in the morning to hassle with that. Plus I'm still half a sleep on my way into work. I would have killed myself by now with a straight blade. Or at least be missing a few facial features ;p

 

Well i haven't tried the using a single razor system, but some of the benefits I have heard are:

much much cheaper. The buy in is kinda higher, depending on where you buy, but cost of new blades can be as cheap as 10cent each. Making use/ownship after a few months much cheaper.

Better products for you skin, as most of the products for straight shaven use more natural products.

Also so of the articles I have read, mention how it can be relaxing... guess they drive miata too

 

are you ******* serious?

 

No doubt, I have thought about getting into this, definitely a good read.

Edit: Shmebay delivers.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll...%3DI%26otn%3D2

 

I can't believe I just read that whole friken article. I felt dirty watching him shave, is that wrong?

On a serious note, I can see the benefits of slowing down and taking ten min to shave. It probably starts the day off at a slower less agitated state. With that said, I'll probably never do it. Seems kinda gay to have more face stuff than my wife.

 

3's

****.shower.shave.

 

A good source for this sort of thing can be found here.

http://www.knifecenter.com/knifecenter/conk/index.html

plenty of strops, hones, razors, and assorted supplies.

The gillette **** is to a real razor what an automatic trans is to a manual.

 

I used to go to an old school barber when I was younger, and that old man could do some awesome **** with a straight razor. Thinking back, I should have probably been a bit worried that he would fall over with a heart attack and cut my neck, he was at least 85. Awesome feel though, really close results. Beats anything a modern day disposable razor could pull off. I don't shave anymore honestly. Does nothing but create rough stubble after a day, and blades are expensive. I just use a trimmer and get it down to 2-3 day growth level (which for me isn't much), and never have to replace blades or worry about sandpaper face. My facial hair isn't dark anyway, so you can't see it much anyway.

 

A good way to practice with the straight blade is inflating a balloon, covering the hell out of it with shaving cream, and "shaving" the balloon without popping it.
I am fooking serious.

Then there's Gillette Mach III. No slit throats, no Godfather theme music in the background..

 

Is it just me, or is anything over 3 blades too much? I got a Fusion Proglide recently and swear I had to make 3 times as many passes as I ever had to do with a MachIII. 5 blades are just too many. I was reminded why I stopped shaving in the first place. Razor burn and rough stubble the next morning.

 

You're doing it wrong...

 

In for permanent facial hair removal product

 

I'm surprised you ladies actually have facial hair.

 

I tried a straight blade about a decade ago. My beard is tough as nails and grows at a phenomenal rate. If there's a benefit to being able to grow a full beard in less than 2 weeks, I've yet to find it. So, assuming a decent straight edge, here's my take.

Pros: closer shave, less razor burn.

Cons: difficult/pain in the *** to keep sharp, major blood loss, takes longer.


You WILL cut yourself. It will bleed like hell. If you're lucky, it will heal well, and you'll keep using the straight edge and get better. I found that the stropping and extra time/care needed to shave outweighed the benefits. I use the 5 blade shavers and change the head at least once a month.

 

I change my **** like every week. I'm RIIIIIICH BITCH!!

 

guy. camera. mirror.


sorry



Dude, we landed on the moon, and we use disposable razors. Like seriously.

 

This is how I shave. Try it sometime once you grow a set.