Wet Shaving Thread!

[cdarwin]

I just started using a double edged safety razor about six months ago. I've got a Merkur 180 razor that's pretty substantial and doesn't require me to apply pressure to my skin. I've just got a cheap-ish Tweezerman badger brush. I buy Merker blades in bulk in Amazon. For soap I just use a Van Der Hagen 'puck' in a ceramic ramequin.

I now have the best and closest shaves of my life with little to no irritation of my skin. This probably has as much to do with the preparation and shaving techniques that I have picked up with my new shaving style. I can't see myself ever going back to the days of disposable blades and creams in aerosol cans.

I can also second the recommendation of the book above - "Leisureguy's Guide to Gourmet Shaving"

[CDNSushi]

While on holiday, I heard an advert on the radio here in Lethbridge about a new men's barbershop called "Tommy Gun's" that offered hot shaves. I went in two days ago... They did a fantastic job. 6 hot towels, some nice shaving soap and face creams before and after... And they did use a straight razor (disposable blade)... Only problem is.... Set me back $42 + tip!

[Droid]

Has anyone heard of using a straight razor to shave a head? I generally shave my head and face all at once. Currently, I shave once every 6-10 days using electric clippers (no guard, just on the lowest setting). My cheeks and scalp have not been completely bare for 8 or so years now, I'm always a little scruffy. I have a long goatee (chin only, I don't do mustaches) and twice a year I grow the whole beard out while still trimming my head hair.

The last straight razor shave I had was before prom in '99. I'd like to have another one, but I don't really go to barber's shops. My grandfather was a barber and my mother was a hair dresser, so, I grew up getting hair cuts and shaves at home.

Is the head just too round to get a descent straight razor shave?

[GrainReaper]

Has anyone heard of using a straight razor to shave a head? I generally shave my head and face all at once. Currently, I shave once every 6-10 days using electric clippers (no guard, just on the lowest setting). My cheeks and scalp have not been completely bare for 8 or so years now, I'm always a little scruffy. I have a long goatee (chin only, I don't do mustaches) and twice a year I grow the whole beard out while still trimming my head hair.

The last straight razor shave I had was before prom in '99. I'd like to have another one, but I don't really go to barber's shops. My grandfather was a barber and my mother was a hair dresser, so, I grew up getting hair cuts and shaves at home.

Is the head just too round to get a descent straight razor shave?

Though I haven't personally shaved my melon with a straight, I have done it with a Gillette tech razor with a shark blade with no ill effect, I could see the issue being method, when shaving with a straight I pull my cheeks, neck etc. tight and flat to give me the best shave, curves can get dodgy with a straight, and I might be apprehensive on going at my gourd with one.

Perhaps you may want to look into a mellow shaver like a Gillette tech and start there, then get into a straight and see how you feel about each in regards to getting your head clean shaven.

Where I still shaving my head I would likely use a DE on both my head and face during the week, and treat myself to a combo DE on my head and a straight razor face shave on the weekend when I have more free time.

[12stones]

I have three straights that I use...one is also a Dubl Duck. I only use Tabac shaving cream (not the soap) as I find it's the best for my skin. For great and affordable starter blades and strops, also check out www.ruprazor.com. I have a basic badger brush from Lee's that I've used for years. I can't recommend boar because I've just not had good experience with them. Wet shaving is a great feeling once you master it and I recommend it to anyone thinking of trying it. It's not difficult to learn.

[Creeker]

[IMG][/IMG]
The Merkur Barber Pole safety razor is my everyday shaver. I use the Dovo shavette when i leave myself some extra time. The straight razors are vintage; Wade & Butcher, The Perfect Razor and something I found in my dad's workshop. I don't use them because I don't know how to properly hone and strop a razor. I use pre shave oil, soap and after shave balm from the Art of Shaving.

[fshguy]

I've been wet shaving for about 8 months now. My current shave is a Parker 98R, Col. Conk's Lime soap and a witchhazel splash. It takes a bit of training, but is a much better shave than the old cartridge. My daily is a single pass while in the shower. Sunday morning is three-pass depletion.

I'm still searching for the optimal blade...

[linedrive]

I bought a DE TTO superpeed (Twist to Open) that is from about 1958. I bought it last fall and decided to shave with it for my neck (I am bearded from Oct to March). Anyway, I decided to give the whole face a try a week ago when the beard left.

I got a lot of info from Blade and Badger and I gave it a whirl (bought an inexpensive Boar brush and soap). I am blown away! Best shave I've had! Plus, I've really adopted the therapeutic and mindset of the experience ... I actually look forward to the shave each morning.

... Linedrive

[dadgad]

I got a lot of info from Blade and Badger and I gave it a whirl (bought an inexpensive Boar brush and soap). I am blown away! Best shave I've had! Plus, I've really adopted the therapeutic and mindset of the experience ... I actually look forward to the shave each morning.

... Linedrive

The zen of shaving, as it were. The Straight Razor Place is another good source of information.

[RunTheWorldOnMac]

I got into wet shaving over a year ago and my skin never looked / felt better. I use a DE safety razor and love Kent/Mitchell shaving soap.

I came across a place in Toronto, (I'm in Ottawa) with great selection and pricing. Fendrihan.com

Cheers,

Scott