The Shaving Thread

[ghost]

MOMMY PARTS??  What is wrong with your mind?  I was talking about legs!!!

Wait.  Before I go and since YOU brought it up... do you shave your daddy parts with a straight razor?  Just wonderin'....

Of course.   

[Trippy]

MOMMY PARTS??  What is wrong with your mind?  I was talking about legs!!

Numtini brought it up.

[Strazos]

I've always found this thread interesting, but...I don't think I could ever try this crazy straight razor business. I can hardly even shave my 1-day growth with a new disposable razor, and I've been known to somehow cut myself with electrics.

I'd probably somehow decapitate myself with a straight razor. 

[DeathInABottle]

Any of you straight razor shavers out there do your own sharpening?  I'd love some advice. 

I've been using a combination 4000/8000 stone, and having the 4000 speeds up the process considerably.  I've read that you shouldn't need to run the razor along the stone more than a dozen times, but that's not been my experience at all: the last time I sharpened my razor I had to get rid of a couple of nicks that were the result of smacking it against the sink, and it took a good 20 minutes of continuous honing.  Point being: don't worry too much about honing; it's more forgiving than people make it out to be.

[JWIV]

I wouldn't mind fooling around with a straight edge, but I've continued to be happy with a double edged safety razor.

[ghost]

I've been using a combination 4000/8000 stone, and having the 4000 speeds up the process considerably.  I've read that you shouldn't need to run the razor along the stone more than a dozen times, but that's not been my experience at all: the last time I sharpened my razor I had to get rid of a couple of nicks that were the result of smacking it against the sink, and it took a good 20 minutes of continuous honing.  Point being: don't worry too much about honing; it's more forgiving than people make it out to be.

Thanks man.  I'll get myself that 4000 stone then. 

I've always found this thread interesting, but...I don't think I could ever try this crazy straight razor business. I can hardly even shave my 1-day growth with a new disposable razor, and I've been known to somehow cut myself with electrics.

I'd probably somehow decapitate myself with a straight razor. 

It's really not that dangerous unless you're trying to do it while driving. 

[Abagadro]

I have never tried to shave my legs in this way.  I wonder if I should.  Razor costs just don't get better, do they?  And it would be different!  I could start a fb page for women who shave their legs with old fashioned razors.  I've never started a real fb page except the little personal one.  And if someone tried to mug me in the bath, I'd have a weapon! 

I wouldn't suggest you use a straight razor (even if you wanted to the mechanics of shaving legs with a straight would be difficult), but if you use an older safety razor you can get blades on the order of 10-20 cents a piece that are every bit (if not more) as sharp and durable as the plastic monstrosities they current sell for 3 bucks a pop.  You can find a regular old Super-speed for 15-20 bucks online which is a nice little, light, and nimble razor or you can hunt down a Lady Gillette which has a longer handle for around 30 bucks.

[Signe]

oooo.  I like the little stars on that.  If I were to hunt one down, it's destined to be hung on my sister's xmas tree, along with the other strange things I hang on it which she's constantly taking down.  It gives her something to do in the morning.  If I remember correctly, Abagadro, you collect razors, no?  That's different!  Both my grandfathers shaved with old fashioned razors and had those leather straps and everything.  My grandfather from Norway had a very heavy beard and said it was the only thing that cut through it.  I never remember him having cuts on his face, either.  Me?  I'm sure my legs would be hamburger by the time I finished. 

[Abagadro]

Yes I collect them but have slowed way down from my manic heyday of buying every one I could find.  I have two of those Lady Gillete's: a Baby Blue one and a "Champagne" one.  I've tried to talk my wife into using one but she won't do it because she is afraid of cutting herself, which is nuts as I cut myself way worse with those cartridges than I ever have with a DE safety razor.

[Jimbo]

As I have gotten older, it seems my beard has gotten curlier (and I get a grey/white patch on it too), so shaving with a regular 2 blade would cause a break out.  My Pseudofolliculitis Barbae could be pretty bad sometimes, but then it would be just some areas that would pop up and be an irritation.  Now I've been using either clippers and/or Braun Series 3 electric razor.  I start off now by letting the beard grow at least a day or two (gonna suck if I ever need to shave every day), then washing beard with soap and water, drying it, then applying either electric shave or shaving powder.  Electric shave is way less messy and doesn't clog the clippers or razor as much, but the shaving powder feels nice.  Then use the clippers.  Then I can go over it with the razor if I need is smooth.  I don't think I could ever go back to regular shaving at this time.  Wish I could because the close feel of a razor blade shave is awesome.

[Abagadro]

I've been cursed with a curly viking beard since I was 16.

Using the single DE blade has cut way down on my irritation/ingrown (not eliminated but reduced). I also use an alum block, Tend Skin and a killer Japanese aftershave that I can't even read the label of but is really nice (and no scent) that is half way between a splash and a soothing balm.

[Hammond]

I use a one of those Merkur safety razors because I am not quite brave enough to use a straight razor yet.  Unfortunately I have one of those skin blemishes on my chin that I lop off occasionally which then bleeds like a fountain.  So I have to keep my old Gillette around to shave that part :(.

[Abagadro]

Heh. My chin mole is practically gone because it has been lopped off so many times.  Alum/Styptic pen cures all.

[Signe]

Gee, thanks you guys.  Now I have jelly knees.   

[ghost]

I've actually had a couple of moles removed because I kept trying to do it myself.  I am much less likely to try and bleed myself to death now.  I have only cut myself bad once with the straight razor so far.  The key thing, with either a straight razor or "safety" razor (they're really anything but) is that you have to go slow, pay attention and not get in a hurry.  Did I say take it slow and pay attention? 

[JWIV]

Just remembering to use a light hand with the safety razor goes a long way.  The weight of the razor on your face is more than enough.  Other than that, don't be shy with the lather, and take your time.  Nice triple pass shave (with, across, against the grain), and I usually don't have to shave for 2-3 days.

[Sky]

Most insurances will cover mole removal if it 'interferes with shaving'. Also, the local plastic surgeon/butcher here is really hot.

[murdoc]

For my birthday I got a straight razor, strop, Kent silvertip brush and lather so I'm bumping this back up to read over. Been wanting to get a real shaving kit for a long time and finally did. Can't remember the name of the razor, but it's a german company (will have to double check).

Figure I'll start out with the brush and lather and work my way up to trying the straight razor. Still need to pick up a hone and most importantly, an Alum Block.

[ghost]

My advice is to start shaving the easiest areas only at first.  I.E., shave the broad flat areas of your cheeks to practice instead of trying to shave under your nose.     Also, you might pay attention to any areas that you have moles or skin tags.  If you cut them with a regular razor, they are definitely on the "be careful" list with a straight razor. 

 Learn to strop really well.  You'll probably destroy your first one trying to learn.  As far as a hone, you may or may not need one to start, but  you'll need to put in a shitton of time stropping it at first to get it shave ready. 

[murdoc]

Definitely the thing I need to learn is how to prep the razor properly. I have a full beard at the moment so there's not much to shave other than high on my cheeks and my neck, which I am NOT wanting to start with.

[ghost]

The Straight Razor Place is a really good resource.  It's got instructions on just about anything you'd want to do and a decent forum too. 

[murdoc]

Awesome - thanks Ghost.

I think the thing I'm most looking forward to is using the brush and lather. I can't wait to ditch the crap in the can shaving cream.

[ghost]

I don't know if your kit has this, but look at getting some pre-shave oil.  It makes a huge difference and (I think) may help you from getting cut.  It definitely makes things a lot easier on the old face.