Shaving, Razors, etc. What you use?

[mougrim]

So. I got fed with modern 3-4-5-infinity cartridge razor. First, they begun to cost a little fortune to me, as cartriges for them are crap and need to be replaced often. Second, the're near to impossibe to clean shave with, and even if you manage it, you'll get a nice big irritation.

So. I thew all this contraptions in the trash, and got myself Muehle R89, brush, some DE blades to try and shaving soap.

And - it totally worth it. Cleaner shaving with less irritation.

And looks cool too. Look at this chromed brass beauty...

[graefeln]

Muhle r41 in rose gold mostly. I have a Merker laying around and a straight as well that I occasionally use. Still going through the thousand or so Astra blades I bought for like nine bucks off Amazon... So much cheaper than that Gillete crap!

Edit: Autocorrect is crap.

[mougrim]

Muhle r41 in rose gold mostly. I have a Merker laying around and a straight as well that I occasionally use. Still going through the thousand or so Astra blades I bought for like nine bucks off Amazon... So much cheaper than that Gillete crap!

Edit: Autocorrect is crap.

Well, I'm keen to try r41, and Muehle even sell replacement head to convert r89 to r41, but I'll wait for a month or so - i still need to weed out quite a few bad shaving habits. R89 is quite forgiving, but r41 might not be so.

As for Astra blades - I'll try them. Have a set of blades to try - Shark, Derby, Feather, Bic, Astra...

[njbair]

If you're not this committed but still want to save money, I highly recommend Dollar Shave Club's 4-blade razor and shave butter. I'm on the every 2 months plan and I still end up with a stockpile of extra blades.

[unipsykal]

Has anyone tried Harry's razors?

[Jokrik]

I might be on the lazy side, for me razor takes a lot of my morning time
so I use the easy fast shaver, Braun is the only one to go

[mougrim]

Well, you can get decent DE blades for as low as half a dollar/dollar a pack. And you can shave with one blade for about a week. Well, plus-minus day or two.

[mougrim]

I might be on the lazy side, for me razor takes a lot of my morning time
so I use the easy fast shaver, Braun is the only one to go

Well, I use an electric shaver, but only when I travelling. I found that I cannot get a clean shave with it - no matters how good the brand is.

[Jokrik]

I might be on the lazy side, for me razor takes a lot of my morning time
so I use the easy fast shaver, Braun is the only one to go

Well, I use an electric shaver, but only when I travelling. I found that I cannot get a clean shave with it - no matters how good the brand is.

I can tell that it has different result between people, from what I know the thickness of beard/hair you grow really makes the difference
for me it works very well, I use Braun series 7

[mougrim]

I might be on the lazy side, for me razor takes a lot of my morning time
so I use the easy fast shaver, Braun is the only one to go

Well, I use an electric shaver, but only when I travelling. I found that I cannot get a clean shave with it - no matters how good the brand is.

I can tell that it has different result between people, from what I know the thickness of beard/hair you grow really makes the difference
for me it works very well, I use Braun series 7

Well, I'm glad that for you this is the case. But, alas, for me it was only half-decent shaving with constant redness of the skin. So - I tried rotor and "net" electric shavers, then spent a lot on various cartrige razors, and returned to T-shape razors in the end.

P.S. Actually I tried Braun and it was quite good. If not for my sensitive skin...

[cmadrid]

Also on the every other month plan with Dollar Shave Club

the shave butter usually lasts even longer than that tho

[CPTBadAss]

Double edge safety razor here. Merkur 34C head with a Maggard Razor handle. Random Art of Shaving badger brush and an Imperial travel boar brush. I prefer Astra blades as well but iamtootallwiththis keeps hooking it up with new blades and shave soaps. Right now I really like Barrister and Mann's Limon Latha.

[njbair]

Also on the every other month plan with Dollar Shave Club

the shave butter usually lasts even longer than that tho

It's the only setup I've found that doesn't tear my face apart. Gillette blades are nice and all, but they're so expensive I was using them for way too long which is worse.

[jbondeson]

I've been rocking an Edwin Jagger DE89 on a short handle with Kai blade for the last year and have loved it.  I used to be an electric shaver for years, but wet shaving with a DE razor has been great.

My recommendation is to get an intermediate razor like an 89 and get a sampler of the nicer blades to find the combination of blade and razor that works for you. I found that Feather blades were too aggressive, but the Russian made Astra and Gillette blades would pull rather than get a clean cut on my hair.

Second recommendation would be to get a good triple-milled soap rather than a cream. It'll save you some money in the long run, and is only slightly less convenient.

[FreeCopy]

I've been rocking an Edwin Jagger DE89 on a short handle with Kai blade for the last year and have loved it.  I used to be an electric shaver for years, but wet shaving with a DE razor has been great.

My recommendation is to get an intermediate razor like an 89 and get a sampler of the nicer blades to find the combination of blade and razor that works for you. I found that Feather blades were too aggressive, but the Russian made Astra and Gillette blades would pull rather than get a clean cut on my hair.

Second recommendation would be to get a good triple-milled soap rather than a cream. It'll save you some money in the long run, and is only slightly less convenient.

Also using an Edwin Jagger, DE89L with a Feather blade. Before that used a Merkur Barber Pole and before that was a Merkur 23C long handle.

I second the sampler pack of blades if you're newer to wet shaving. I went through probably 10 different kinds of blades before finding that Feather worked best for me.

I usually use soaps but am currently trying the Cella shaving creme and it's working out quite well. I'm using a generic boar brush for now.

[jbondeson]

Also using an Edwin Jagger, DE89L with a Feather blade. Before that used a Merkur Barber Pole and before that was a Merkur 23C long handle.

I second the sampler pack of blades if you're newer to wet shaving. I went through probably 10 different kinds of blades before finding that Feather worked best for me.

I usually use soaps but am currently trying the Cella shaving creme and it's working out quite well. I'm using a generic boar brush for now.

If I was still traveling a lot I would probably go with a good shaving creme, but with my recent change to zero work travel I'm loving D.R. Harris soaps.

On the brush I spent a little more for a firmer finest badger brush.

Have you tried a shorter handle before? I've been tempted to get a longer one to compare.

[Kola93]

I use a Braun electric razor with its own self-cleaning dock.

It works really great, but I have to buy cleaning fluid cartridges for the dock every few months.

I would love to try a traditional razor, but it is almost intimidating to think about it.

[mougrim]

I use a Braun electric razor with its own self-cleaning dock.

It works really great, but I have to buy cleaning fluid cartridges for the dock every few months.

I would love to try a traditional razor, but it is almost intimidating to think about it.

Nah, it's nothing to fear. Just begin with non-agressive razor like Muehle r89 or Edwin Jagger DE89.

[FreeCopy]

Also using an Edwin Jagger, DE89L with a Feather blade. Before that used a Merkur Barber Pole and before that was a Merkur 23C long handle.

I second the sampler pack of blades if you're newer to wet shaving. I went through probably 10 different kinds of blades before finding that Feather worked best for me.

I usually use soaps but am currently trying the Cella shaving creme and it's working out quite well. I'm using a generic boar brush for now.

If I was still traveling a lot I would probably go with a good shaving creme, but with my recent change to zero work travel I'm loving D.R. Harris soaps.

On the brush I spent a little more for a firmer finest badger brush.

Have you tried a shorter handle before? I've been tempted to get a longer one to compare.

I got the shaving creme from Amazon and it was priced right. I decided on it against the D.R. Harris soaps which is next on my tryouts list.

I've been looking into a better brush. I just haven't decided what I think I need or want. I just know I need to go softer.

The EJ I'm using now is the shortest handle I've used and I definitely prefer it. I feel like I have better control and more finesse.

[Kola93]

I use a Braun electric razor with its own self-cleaning dock.

It works really great, but I have to buy cleaning fluid cartridges for the dock every few months.

I would love to try a traditional razor, but it is almost intimidating to think about it.

Nah, it's nothing to fear. Just begin with non-agressive razor like Muehle r89 or Edwin Jagger DE89.

Thanks for the recommendations. Is it expensive to get everything I need for a setup? I'm not entirely sure what would be required.

[Melvang]

None, I would rather have a beard than shave. 

Though when I was in the Navy, I used a combination depending on what I needed to shave for.

When I would shave every day during the week, I used a double edged safety razor with everyday blades from a local drug store.  If I had to have a really close shave for an inspection or event of some sort, I would use that, then a quick shave with a Mach 3.

The Mach 3 gave me a very close shave, but to much irritation for every day use.  the one exception was when I was underway on the ship.  There I used a Mach 3 everyday straight out of the shower to minimize the irritation.

[mougrim]

I use a Braun electric razor with its own self-cleaning dock.

It works really great, but I have to buy cleaning fluid cartridges for the dock every few months.

I would love to try a traditional razor, but it is almost intimidating to think about it.

Nah, it's nothing to fear. Just begin with non-agressive razor like Muehle r89 or Edwin Jagger DE89.

Thanks for the recommendations. Is it expensive to get everything I need for a setup? I'm not entirely sure what would be required.

You're looking on a 50 bucks or so for a decent razor (in my opinion, you can not do wrong with aforementioned Muhle or Edwin Jagger -  they're of superb quality), a pack of a blades to try (diffetent kinds) - about ten bucks, brush (synthetic or hog will be OK for beginner, but you can go for badger at once) - 10-20 bucks, good shaving soap (try Proraso - it's good and pretty cheap). All in all, be ready to spent up to 100 USD.

You can spent less, go for Lord, or, god forbid, Weishi razor, but if you're want to save a few bucks, it's better to go without shaving soap and brush and use your current shaving foam or cream. But good razor is good razor.

[Kola93]

I use a Braun electric razor with its own self-cleaning dock.

It works really great, but I have to buy cleaning fluid cartridges for the dock every few months.

I would love to try a traditional razor, but it is almost intimidating to think about it.

Nah, it's nothing to fear. Just begin with non-agressive razor like Muehle r89 or Edwin Jagger DE89.

Thanks for the recommendations. Is it expensive to get everything I need for a setup? I'm not entirely sure what would be required.

You're looking on a 50 bucks or so for a decent razor (in my opinion, you can not do wrong with aforementioned Muhle or Edwin Jagger -  they're of superb quality), a pack of a blades to try (diffetent kinds) - about ten bucks, brush (synthetic or hog will be OK for beginner, but you can go for badger at once) - 10-20 bucks, good shaving soap (try Proraso - it's good and pretty cheap). All in all, be ready to spent up to 100 USD.

You can spent less, go for Lord, or, god forbid, Weishi razor, but if you're want to save a few bucks, it's better to go without shaving soap and brush and use your current shaving foam or cream. But good razor is good razor.

Thanks for the recommendations.

I am always willing to spend a few extra dollars on the good stuff, and this seems to be a fair investment towards something different. I'll look around and post back if I do get into it.

[mougrim]

I use a Braun electric razor with its own self-cleaning dock.

It works really great, but I have to buy cleaning fluid cartridges for the dock every few months.

I would love to try a traditional razor, but it is almost intimidating to think about it.

Nah, it's nothing to fear. Just begin with non-agressive razor like Muehle r89 or Edwin Jagger DE89.

Thanks for the recommendations. Is it expensive to get everything I need for a setup? I'm not entirely sure what would be required.

You're looking on a 50 bucks or so for a decent razor (in my opinion, you can not do wrong with aforementioned Muhle or Edwin Jagger -  they're of superb quality), a pack of a blades to try (diffetent kinds) - about ten bucks, brush (synthetic or hog will be OK for beginner, but you can go for badger at once) - 10-20 bucks, good shaving soap (try Proraso - it's good and pretty cheap). All in all, be ready to spent up to 100 USD.

You can spent less, go for Lord, or, god forbid, Weishi razor, but if you're want to save a few bucks, it's better to go without shaving soap and brush and use your current shaving foam or cream. But good razor is good razor.

Thanks for the recommendations.

I am always willing to spend a few extra dollars on the good stuff, and this seems to be a fair investment towards something different. I'll look around and post back if I do get into it.

Yep. You right on it. Oh, and if you'll buy natural brush - get stand for it, when it will be drying upside-down. It helps to prolong its "life". Plastic ones cost about 3 bucks.

[graefeln]

You can spent less, go for Lord, or, god forbid, Weishi razor, but if you're want to save a few bucks, it's better to go without shaving soap and brush and use your current shaving foam or cream. But good razor is good razor.

If you really wanted to spend less, I wouldn't even recommend going without the soap/brush (it really does make a difference in how easily the blade glides across your face) - I would recommend checking the classifieds on a site like badgerandblade.com. Seriously, it's a site worth checking out anyways if you are interested in getting into traditional wet shaving - a lot of experienced people always willing to help and give advice.

[SpAmRaY]

I've still got one of those blue and black 3 blade gilette things from the late 90's. Still on the original pack of blades.

[mougrim]

I've still got one of those blue and black 3 blade gilette things from the late 90's. Still on the original pack of blades.

Nowadays Gilette cartriges ai'nt made to be durable as it was in the nineties.

[CPTBadAss]

I spent $60ish for my first setup.

$30ish for a Merkur DE from Amazon
$20ish for the Art of Shaving travel pack with the little boar brush and soap
$5-8 for a 30pack of Astra blades from Amazon

[mougrim]

I spent $60ish for my first setup.

$30ish for a Merkur DE from Amazon
$20ish for the Art of Shaving travel pack with the little boar brush and soap
$5-8 for a 30pack of Astra blades from Amazon

Well, when you a newbie, you can't be sure you'll like Astra. So I advise a sample pack with first kit. And then yes, buying you favourite blades in a bulk saves your monies.

[Zaskar]

If you're not this committed but still want to save money, I highly recommend Dollar Shave Club's 4-blade razor and shave butter. I'm on the every 2 months plan and I still end up with a stockpile of extra blades.

Just got that exact plan, takes a while to get use to changing them as often as you can now as I still get a stockpile too.

[iamtootallforthis]

Double edge safety razor here. Merkur 34C head with a Maggard Razor handle. Random Art of Shaving badger brush and an Imperial travel boar brush. I prefer Astra blades as well but iamtootallwiththis keeps hooking it up with new blades and shave soaps. Right now I really like Barrister and Mann's Limon Latha.

+1 for Barrister and Mann!

Seriously though everyone should check out maggardrazors.com

Great selection of stuff and wonderful customer service.

Right now I am using a bunch of different blades and soaps but my go to razor is my Gillette Slim adjustable from 1964.

[CPTBadAss]

Well, when you a newbie, you can't be sure you'll like Astra. So I advise a sample pack with first kit. And then yes, buying you favourite blades in a bulk saves your monies.

I wasn't sure I'd like em either but I just picked a brand and tried it out. A single pack or a 3 pack of anything isn't too pricey. Under $5.

And trust me, I'm still new to wetshaving.

[mougrim]

Well, when you a newbie, you can't be sure you'll like Astra. So I advise a sample pack with first kit. And then yes, buying you favourite blades in a bulk saves your monies.

I wasn't sure I'd like em either but I just picked a brand and tried it out. A single pack or a 3 pack of anything isn't too pricey. Under $5.

And trust me, I'm still new to wetshaving.

Me too. Loaded Feather blade in my razor for tomorrow shaving. Wish me luck

[Spopepro]

I use a kamisori. I also have an old super speed if I don't have time to strop.

There are places that offer sample packs of DE blades. I got a sampler many years ago from bullgoose shaving. It was something like 20 bucks for 10 different brands. Totally worth it. The blade/handle/face combo is important for long term happiness.

[heedpantsnow]

I use my grandfather's old Gillette Fat Boy DE handle. Old Safari brush and mug. All I paid for was blades (feather) and soap (new old stock Safari, then Taylor of Old Bond's on close out). I'm spending about $20 for a year's worth of shaving, or less, since I have some left over.

Don't think I can get it any cheaper than this.

[Binge]

iKon OSS,


Actually it is an iKon P2B



Persona blades and a variety of soaps.

My skin prefers boars hair brushes.

[graefeln]

I use a kamisori. I also have an old super speed if I don't have time to strop.

There are places that offer sample packs of DE blades. I got a sampler many years ago from bullgoose shaving. It was something like 20 bucks for 10 different brands. Totally worth it. The blade/handle/face combo is important for long term happiness.

I have been wanting to try a kamisori for awhile, but never really known anyone to have one. Have you ever used a traditional straight and, if so, what is it about the kamisori you prefer?

[Bigpock]

Dollar shave club 6$ package, bi-monthly 

Could I post my referral URL HERE!?

[nova779]

Again Geekhack makes me want something better than what I have!  I use the cheapest disposable I can find and hope it doesn't cut me and ruin my skin with razor burn

[njbair]

Again Geekhack makes me want something better than what I have!  I use the cheapest disposable I can find and hope it doesn't cut me and ruin my skin with razor burn

Dollar shave club is super cheap and you get 4 blades. There's literally no reason not to try it.

[iamtootallforthis]

iKon OSS,

Show Image

Persona blades and a variety of soaps.

My skin prefers boars hair brushes.

What's your favorite soap brand/scent?

[VinnyCordeiro]

[Spopepro]

I use a kamisori. I also have an old super speed if I don't have time to strop.

There are places that offer sample packs of DE blades. I got a sampler many years ago from bullgoose shaving. It was something like 20 bucks for 10 different brands. Totally worth it. The blade/handle/face combo is important for long term happiness.

I have been wanting to try a kamisori for awhile, but never really known anyone to have one. Have you ever used a traditional straight and, if so, what is it about the kamisori you prefer?

I haven't used a nice western straight razor, so a comparison is probably not possible.  Theoretically, a single bevel razor can be honed to a finer angle than a double hollow ground blade.  Generally, I am a huge fan of Japanese cutlery which is a lot of why I went this direction.

It is a little odd at first not being able to use your other hand, or flip the blade around.  Some strokes, like going against the grain on my left cheek, are somewhat awkward.  I do appreciate the narrowness of the blade, and the feel of the whole thing.  The very hard steel, and larger surface does make it a pain to hone.  I'm actually in need of a different stone, and am currently shopping for a reasonably priced nakayama (which is a real challenge).

tl;dr: I like it, but it's a real commitment.

[mougrim]

OK, now I officially like Feather blades. They're really smooth and nice - gave me pretty clean shave with only one nick - and that one due to mine lack of experence.

Also, for me Proraso Red worked better than Green. I found it more smooth and better smelling - although I like cooling effect of Green.

[My_Thoughts]

Taylor of Old Bond Street are my go to for soaps, creams, aftershave etc

and the products last for many many months

www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk

[mougrim]

Taylor of Old Bond Street are my go to for soaps, creams, aftershave etc

and the products last for many many months

www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk

Heard it's good, even if a bit pricey.

[iamtootallforthis]

Taylor of Old Bond Street are my go to for soaps, creams, aftershave etc

and the products last for many many months

www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk

Heard it's good, even if a bit pricey.

maggardrazors.com has samplers of a lot of different soaps if you're ever looking to try anything out.

[THSdrummer]

I use a Merkur 38c. I own two of TryABlade's Top 10 Samplers. I've gone through one and am on the second run through. I bought a pack of 100 Racer blades since I race cross country and track and I enjoyed the name. It's in my top 5 favorite blades, but it's sitting at 5th-ish.

I also have a Shumate's Ben Hur straight razor I use on my cheeks when I have a few weeks worth of growth going that I need to shave off. Still haven't manned up and used it under the corners of my jaw. I have used it on my neck and under my chin once. Unfortunately, I don't know the size on this.... It was honed and sold by someone on Reddit.

[cwils0n]

I started using a straight razor from the art of shaving a few years ago. It's a little time consuming at first, but once you get comfortable dragging a sharp knife across your face it doesn't take much longer than a regular razor.  It's weirdly relaxing now and I quite enjoy the whole process.

It's also not a great time sink for me because I can go a couple of days without shaving and won't look like a haggard mess.

[mougrim]

Taylor of Old Bond Street are my go to for soaps, creams, aftershave etc

and the products last for many many months

www.tayloroldbondst.co.uk

Heard it's good, even if a bit pricey.

maggardrazors.com has samplers of a lot of different soaps if you're ever looking to try anything out.

Thanks! I'll check it someday. For now, I'll stick to what is readily available in my country, though. And those two 150ml jars of soap I have will go for a long way

Oh, and this site have a nice starter kit with EJ razor for under a 100 bucks.