Bringing back the Art of Shaving

[synthsis]

Hawleywoods is the place to go in Cali. I was actually going to get a cut and shave when we went up the PCH on our honeymoon last year but I had just gotten a haircut before the wedding and we didn't have time. I do have a tub of their haircream in my cabinet though.

[weenerdog3443]

Hawleywoods is the place to go in Cali. I was actually going to get a cut and shave when we went up the PCH on our honeymoon last year but I had just gotten a haircut before the wedding and we didn't have time. I do have a tub of their haircream in my cabinet though.

Yea i was looking at some of their products... decent prices... need a place like that here in MD

[synthsis]

there's a pretty good barber about 25 minutes from here. traditional but not old school, if that makes any sense. they do it right, but don't have that old school vibe. I got my hair cut there for my wedding and the dude did a great job. It's hard to find someone who can cut a good pompadour these days, too bad it so far away and kinda expensive.

[weenerdog3443]

Here's my first brush restoration done

[President Lincoln]

Norelco FTW.

I hate a wet shave.

[weenerdog3443]

Norelco FTW.

I hate a wet shave.

Had 2 norelcos, both were garbage. Maybe you've just never had a good wet shave before and/or dont have the patience to do it yourself. A good shave is almost zen like

Got my silvertip knot yesterday, hopefully will have another brush done today.

[President Lincoln]

Ya gotta buy the real nice model man. I have had two as well... in the last 10 years.

The one I have now works in the shower for wet too. Replace the blades once a year.

I can't even remember the last time I wet shaved, let alone had the time too.

[CTAC2003]

different strokes for different folks. i may have used an electric razor 2-3 times in my life, and disliked it, been using multiblade razors for last 20 years or so and it was ok, but lately i started getting some irritation on my neck and i switched over to safety razors, and no more problems. i also think the safety razors look cool, i like how they feel, i get a better shave and its cheaper. i havent gotten into the whole brush/mug/soap thing yet cause i shave in the shower with just body wash so it doesnt take any extra time for me but eventually i wouldnt mind to give it a shot for like a weekend morning.

[weenerdog3443]

different strokes for different folks. i may have used an electric razor 2-3 times in my life, and disliked it, been using multiblade razors for last 20 years or so and it was ok, but lately i started getting some irritation on my neck and i switched over to safety razors, and no more problems. i also think the safety razors look cool, i like how they feel, i get a better shave and its cheaper. i havent gotten into the whole brush/mug/soap thing yet cause i shave in the shower with just body wash so it doesnt take any extra time for me but eventually i wouldnt mind to give it a shot for like a weekend morning.

If you or anyone else that doesnt have a brush I may be unloading one or 2 of mine here soon and If you want to give one a try i can send it your way.

[synthsis]

If you or anyone else that doesnt have a brush I may be unloading one or 2 of mine here soon and If you want to give one a try i can send it your way.

I might be in the market for a second/backup brush. I want to try something different than my Dovo Silvertip.

[weenerdog3443]

another brush completed. it got a 22mm silvertip knot

[synthsis]

Where are you getting your knots from? etc. This could be a cool resto project for me.

[weenerdog3443]

Where are you getting your knots from? etc. This could be a cool resto project for me.

I get them from TheGoldneNib.com prices are fairly decent. 10bucks-30 depending on what you want. Handles can be found cheap. I got a lot of about 10 for 13 bucks and 3 for 12 bucks. Its something cheap and fairly easy to do as long as you have the mechanical sense to use a dremel some sand paper and some epoxy. Be careful tho its addicting

[synthsis]

Cool. I might have to look into that. How do you deem a brush no good where it needs the knot replaced?

[weenerdog3443]

Cool. I might have to look into that. How do you deem a brush no good where it needs the knot replaced?

Most of the ones I get are 30+years old or already have them removed. But unless its new, or barely used I usually change it out. so cheap why not. I just cut the old hair real low and then with scissors, knife, and some other hand tools dig out all the old crap. some are easy to get out some are a PITA.

[rob32]

What's going on guys, just checking back on.

So, I have been wet shaving for the past 2 weeks or so, and I must say its very addictive. Like I said earlier, I decided to start out cheap, with a Lord razor and a few sample blades from amazon. I've been using colonel conk bay rum shave soap, and a badger hair brush I got from a art of shaving starter kit a year or so ago. I've been using a coffee mug to do my mixing.

So far, I've been very hit or miss on getting some good lather out of the shave soap, but have been sort of getting the hang of it lately. I think it may have to do with hard water, and I'm also having trouble keeping my lather warm.

The Lord razor feels pretty decent for being so cheap, but at the same time I don't really have anything to compare it to. I'm planning on picking up a Merkur HD very soon.

My first pass is always with the grain, and the second pass is across. I've only gone up to two passes so far, and planning to graduate to a third against the grain pass soon. My only real issue is that I have a sensitive neck and big Adams Apple, so its a bit tough to shave that area.

Today, I purchased some of the c.o. bigelow cream, which I'm super excited to try out. The info I've gotten from this thread has been great, as well as all the other sources I've found from you guys. Thanks!!

[weenerdog3443]

[nextiger]

What is the difference between the Merkur 34C and 38C? Im thinking about putting some shaving stuff on my Christmas wish list lol. Would either of those Merkur's be good for a beginner. Ive always used a Mach 3 but I want to get into this way of shaving. Should I get a razor with the teeth or without? Whats the purpose of the teeth?

Could somebody maybe put together a hypothetical kit for me of things I would need.

Im guessing I need a Razor (Merkur), Brush (Boars head dont know what brand I should get), stand, blades (what kind?), shaving cream, after shave? Anything I might be missing?

Thanks for the help.

[jdmtite]

I like a clean shave

[SSj4G60]

38C has a longer handle, not sure on the weight difference. I have a 38C, it's what I started with and love it, thinking of getting something lighter for shaving the knoggin.

[weenerdog3443]

What is the difference between the Merkur 34C and 38C? Im thinking about putting some shaving stuff on my Christmas wish list lol. Would either of those Merkur's be good for a beginner. Ive always used a Mach 3 but I want to get into this way of shaving. Should I get a razor with the teeth or without? Whats the purpose of the teeth?

Could somebody maybe put together a hypothetical kit for me of things I would need.

Im guessing I need a Razor (Merkur), Brush (Boars head dont know what brand I should get), stand, blades (what kind?), shaving cream, after shave? Anything I might be missing?

Thanks for the help.

The open comb style razors are better for thicker and longer beards. My first was a merkur open comb and I love it. Open combs are a lil more aggressive than regular ones with the bars. As far as a first razor I would reccomend the Merkur 34c, which is the regular Heavy Durty model, or the 15c, which is the open comb. Merkur razors come with one merkur blade but personally I dont care for them. I would reccomend personna, crystal, blades. but there are so many different types of blades and each different type can work good in one razor and not so good in another or work with your face or not. that part is mainly trial and error to find the right blade for you but the personna and crystals would be a good starting point. For soaps or creams again that can come down to you. There is so much out there and in about every price range too. I personally like the Ogallala Bay Rum soaps. Col. Conk aslo makes some decent cheap beginner soaps. There is so many different scents so it really comes down to personal preference. Brush can run from 10 bucks to hundreds of dollars. You have Boar and Badger and synthetic brushes. Boar is usually cheaper but badger IMO is easier to work with and feels better on the face but I have a bunch of brushes that I rotate. 3 badgers and 1 boar. Really depends on your price range. Omega makes great boar and badger brushes , their boars are usually 15 bucks shipped and their badgers are 25-50. I'd reccomend the omega 599 or if you want to step it up a bit you can get a simpson brush. Target also sells a good stater brush but only some stores carry them, made by shea moisture. Or if you would like I have some vintage handles and I can order a knot and put it together for you. Or find a vintage handle that you like on ebay. typical brush I restore costs me about 30-40 ifor all the supplies including the handle and knot. Stands that is up to you. I dont use one but they can be found cheap. here ya go for stands. http://www.cuttingedgerazors.com/
and most other gear can be found at westcoastshaving.com. just remember to take your time and dont put too much pressure with the razor, just let it glide accross your face. Prep is key. befor you make the switch to DE practice a lil making lather.


so in short:
Razor: Merkur 34c, or 15c
Blades: Personna, crystal, feather
Soaps or creams: Ogallala, Col. conk, C.O. Bigelow(cream)
Aftershave: clubman, ogallala... again its all personal prefrence.
Brush: Omega, simpson depends on what you want to spend.

Lastly enjoy and have fun. I use to hate shaving and now it is pretty much a hobby and I look forward to shaving each day. Keep at it, its not something you're going to get perfect on the first try but it is worth it.

[synthsis]

just won an auction for 3 vintage brushes. $8.50 shipped, can't beat that. Gonna see which one I like the best and that'll be the one I put a new knot on.

[rob32]

Dammit, I caved in! I just won an ebay auction for a Edwin Jagger EJ89L. Really dam excited about this, and not gonna shave till it comes later this week haha! This is really addicting. BTW I absolutely love the Bigelow cream. Lathers up beautifully, and the feeling it gives is fantastic. Can't wait to try it out with a real razor, instead of the cheap Lord DE I started out with 2 weeks ago.

[weenerdog3443]

just won an auction for 3 vintage brushes. $8.50 shipped, can't beat that. Gonna see which one I like the best and that'll be the one I put a new knot on.

Dammit, I caved in! I just won an ebay auction for a Edwin Jagger EJ89L. Really dam excited about this, and not gonna shave till it comes later this week haha! This is really addicting. BTW I absolutely love the Bigelow cream. Lathers up beautifully, and the feeling it gives is fantastic. Can't wait to try it out with a real razor, instead of the cheap Lord DE I started out with 2 weeks ago.

I've been wanting to try some bigelow cream. might have to pick me up a tube. I have 2 more handles on the way. a black and green bakelite one and a cream and purple one, I think the wifey will end up with it. I finished sanding and staining one of my wooen ones so it is ready. with the 2 new ones that gives me 9 to finish. I think I'll keep 3 and the rest will be gifts.

[winstonsmith84]

I use a vintage Gillette adjustable safety razor. I've had it for about 20 years.


not mine...

I generally use dollar store blades. 5 for $1.00. I've found them to be every bit as good as any of the other blades I've tried. I toss them after 3 shaves.

[CTAC2003]

thats cool, what does the adjustment allow for? how much of a blade sticks out?

[synthsis]

thats cool, what does the adjustment allow for? how much of a blade sticks out?

It's not how much the blade sticks out, per se. it's how much room between the safety edge and the edge of the blade. let me see if I can demonstrate it using text:

1- blade edge--> | |<--safety edge

5- blade edge--> | |<--safety edge

now just turn that sideways and you'll see what I mean.

[CTAC2003]

so what does the adjustment accomplish?

[Village Idiot™]

Did you guys remember to celebrate No Shave November?

[weenerdog3443]

so what does the adjustment accomplish?

It changes the aggressiveness of the blade. so at the highest setting it will take more of your beard off-maybe some skin and at the lowest setting it will take only a lil bit off

Did you guys remember to celebrate No Shave November?

Nope. I thought about it. but then I got new stuff in so it didn't happen. I usually end up growing a beard around Christmas through january, or whenever i go snowboarding. 4 days and I have a full beard so..

[synthsis]

Did you guys remember to celebrate No Shave November?

thought about it too, but as weenerdog said, I usually grow over the colder months too.

Speaking to shaving soaps, I have the cocoa soap from Classic Shaving, I got it last November on our honeymoon and man, let me tell you, I can NOT kill this bar of soap. I don't shave everyday but a couple times a week. I still have a new-in-package bar that I got last year for Christmas I want to bust out.

[CTAC2003]

It changes the aggressiveness of the blade. so at the highest setting it will take more of your beard off-maybe some skin and at the lowest setting it will take only a lil bit off

so at the lowest setting, will there be visible stubble?

[weenerdog3443]

thought about it too, but as weenerdog said, I usually grow over the colder months too.

Speaking to shaving soaps, I have the cocoa soap from Classic Shaving, I got it last November on our honeymoon and man, let me tell you, I can NOT kill this bar of soap. I don't shave everyday but a couple times a week. I still have a new-in-package bar that I got last year for Christmas I want to bust out.

I think I might be ordering like 4 dif soaps this week. Either from Queen Charlotte or Mama Bear . Both I've heard are good I like Mama Bears seasonal and novelty soaps. French toast, bacon, cannabis along with theyre ton of regular scents.

so at the lowest setting, will there be visible stubble?

could. I used an adjustable for about a week and liked it on the 6-7 range. to me when it was set at 1 just didnt feel right

[synthsis]

I have a travel kit, but those who don't, this is a good idea:

http://lifehacker.com/comment/32491609/



For those who use a shaving brush, here's a tip when traveling:

Instead of buying a dedicated travel shaving brush (which cost money), you can instead create a travel case for your brush with a used-up toilet paper roll. It works nicely — the brush fits just right, and the "casing" allows it to breath/air dry. I use a rubber band to secure it from falling out.

[winstonsmith84]

so at the lowest setting, will there be visible stubble?

No. The lowest ( which is the highest numerical) setting allows for a "first run" through thicker hair. You will cut the **** out of yourself if you try to shave a non bearded face on #9. Setting 3# seems to work the best for daily shaving for me, #5 for every few days and #8-9 for Grizzly Adams days, followed by a #3 for a smooth finish.

These things can be found on ebay or in antique shops for $5. They are stainless. I got mine NOS with paper wrapped blades in the original plastic clam shell box for $7.50.