Shave Union

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#1416719 30-Oct-2015 09:48

Guv: I find it quicker to be honest. But you do you need to give it time to get used to it - you are probably going to be slower initially but over time you will speed up.

I only cut myself a) when I try and rush or b) when the blade is blunt.

I use a brush and some shave cream - this stuff is good http://www.mancave.co.nz/products/shaving/soaps-and-creams/taylor-of-old-bond-street

Post shave I use http://www.mancave.co.nz/products/shaving/post-shave/alum-block lasts for around 12 months.

Sounds simple enough. Startup costs though, probably $200 for a decent handle, $100 for brush and cream, a little for blades, but long term it pays back. Is there a cheap "give it a go" type set that's worthwhile? ie cheap handle that's not awful, a few blades, and some kind of foam/gel/cream?

Do you find you need alum after a shave? Do you with Gillette type products? I've never needed anything post shave using Gillette - I tend to wet my face thoroughly and shave before a shower. During/after shower works better but I prefer to shave before.

Tempted to give it a go, but the $300 start up cost for something I'm not sure about and may not work for my face seems a little high.

wasabi2k

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#1416736 30-Oct-2015 10:02

Safety Razor shaving:
First few times take a while - like 20 minutes or so from full beard - until you figure out your face's shape etc. Once you figure it out it isn't hard, doesn't take long and isn't dangerous at all.

Once you have it down - daily shaves can be 5-10 minutes + a few minutes for prep etc. Soap and brush take no time at all. My work is pretty lax so I only shave once a week, so I am normally shaving from a light beard.

I had a few cuts when I started, which usually comes down to pushing too hard, or rushing. They were minor - similar to cuts I got with traditional razors.

I very rarely cut myself now - only when changing blade makes and figuring out how different they are.

My straight razor arrives next week - that should be really exciting.

Guv

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Master Geek

#1416741 30-Oct-2015 10:07

timmmay:
Guv: I find it quicker to be honest. But you do you need to give it time to get used to it - you are probably going to be slower initially but over time you will speed up.

I only cut myself a) when I try and rush or b) when the blade is blunt.

I use a brush and some shave cream - this stuff is good http://www.mancave.co.nz/products/shaving/soaps-and-creams/taylor-of-old-bond-street

Post shave I use http://www.mancave.co.nz/products/shaving/post-shave/alum-block lasts for around 12 months.

Sounds simple enough. Startup costs though, probably $200 for a decent handle, $100 for brush and cream, a little for blades, but long term it pays back. Is there a cheap "give it a go" type set that's worthwhile? ie cheap handle that's not awful, a few blades, and some kind of foam/gel/cream?

Do you find you need alum after a shave? Do you with Gillette type products? I've never needed anything post shave using Gillette - I tend to wet my face thoroughly and shave before a shower. During/after shower works better but I prefer to shave before.

Tempted to give it a go, but the $300 start up cost for something I'm not sure about and may not work for my face seems a little high.

Up to you - I tried it over 5 years ago and have not regretted it at all.

http://www.goodfella.com/de-razor-nz/
razor and 100 blades (4 years worth for me) for $85

a brush and shave cream for $89
http://www.mancave.co.nz/brand/taylor-of-old-bond-street/taylors-brush-and-cream-gift-set-sandalwood

Alum - not needed. helps with rash etc if you are prone to that.

Guv

wasabi2k

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#1416743 30-Oct-2015 10:08

About startup costs, get a beginner set:

https://www.shaverhut.co.nz/edwin-jagger-de89-double-edge-wet-shaving-kit.html

$150 for everything. If you don't like it, not the end of the world.

If you DO like it - that set will be perfectly fine for years and you can upgrade when you want.

wasabi2k

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#1416773 30-Oct-2015 10:11

Regarding post shave (post 3, sorry):

I use Proraso Sensitiveve Aftershave Balm - just because it feels nice. Depends how sensitive your skin is.

I can't use electric razors as they ruin my face.

wasabi2k

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#1416774 30-Oct-2015 10:12

last one:

I got one of these: http://fineshave.co.nz/collections/stands-holders/products/razor-and-brush-stand-clear-plastic-large

to hold my brush and razor.

You can be mental and spend hundreds on a fancy one.

nzkiwiman

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#1416776 30-Oct-2015 10:15

My beard growing skills are useless, so I just use an electric razor every 2-3 days (but can go a week if needed)
Saves me lots of money :-)

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timmmay

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#1416784 30-Oct-2015 10:24

Thanks Guv, wasabi. That starter kit looks pretty good.

I need to shave every day. 5-10 minutes to shave seems pretty high, with Gillette it takes 30 seconds to wet the face and put on gel/foam, then probably 1-2 minutes to shave. 10 minutes is crazy!

Have you tried using a standard shaving gel/foam instead of brush and such? Does it work ok? Just getting that stuff out, using it, cleaning up and putting it away could be the most time consuming part of the shave.

Guv

94 posts

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#1416795 30-Oct-2015 10:31

timmmay: Thanks Guv, wasabi. That starter kit looks pretty good.

I need to shave every day. 5-10 minutes to shave seems pretty high, with Gillette it takes 30 seconds to wet the face and put on gel/foam, then probably 1-2 minutes to shave. 10 minutes is crazy!

Have you tried using a standard shaving gel/foam instead of brush and such? Does it work ok? Just getting that stuff out, using it, cleaning up and putting it away could be the most time consuming part of the shave.

I use standard shave foam when travelling and it is fine.

Guv

94 posts

Master Geek

#1416884 30-Oct-2015 11:46

Guv:
timmmay: Thanks Guv, wasabi. That starter kit looks pretty good.

I need to shave every day. 5-10 minutes to shave seems pretty high, with Gillette it takes 30 seconds to wet the face and put on gel/foam, then probably 1-2 minutes to shave. 10 minutes is crazy!

Have you tried using a standard shaving gel/foam instead of brush and such? Does it work ok? Just getting that stuff out, using it, cleaning up and putting it away could be the most time consuming part of the shave.

I use standard shave foam when travelling and it is fine.

There are no rules here - you can do whatever you want. If you want to use your current foam etc and whatever aftershave you want then just get the razer and blades.

If you want to try the foam/brush etc then go for it.

timmmay

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#1416900 30-Oct-2015 12:01

I like the way you quoted yourself @guv ;) Appreciate the advice.

I'm going to give it a go. Now to find a handle that I like (maybe one with a grip rather than dead smooth), choose blades (derby/feather), and might as well get a brush and stuff for special occasions. Will probably use gel regularly. Probably just get a cheap kit to start.

andrew027

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#1416956 30-Oct-2015 12:53

Reading this thread makes me feel positively out of touch. I hate shaving and wouldn't bother with it except my beard coverage is poor - I can get away with a goatee but any hair growth on the sides just looks a mess. I shave three or four times a week, less if I'm on holiday. I have a Gillette Mach3 handle that must be at least 15 years old and buy an 8-pack of cartridges at the supermarket for around $35. I get between two and three months out of one cartridge, so the 8-pack usually lasts me 18 months, or a bit more.

timmmay

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#1416970 30-Oct-2015 13:05

Ok, final thoughts appreciated (tagging @wasabi2k, @guv):
- Open comb (Goodfella) or safety bar (Edwin Jagger I guess)? As I understand it open comb is a bit more aggressive and is better for someone shaving a beard, safety bar is more gentle.
- Smooth metal handle or something with texture? I like the look of the second image on the first link, but it doesn't say what it is.

Also, Sharpologist has a great free e-book which has HEAPS of information for beginners. You have to subscribe to get it.

Guv

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#1416997 30-Oct-2015 13:38

timmmay: I like the way you quoted yourself @guv ;) Appreciate the advice.

I'm going to give it a go. Now to find a handle that I like (maybe one with a grip rather than dead smooth), choose blades (derby/feather), and might as well get a brush and stuff for special occasions. Will probably use gel regularly. Probably just get a cheap kit to start.

lol - I do that from time to time... sometimes I disagree with myself too.. then it gets interesting.

wasabi2k

2096 posts

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#1417011 30-Oct-2015 13:59

I would go for something with a bit of grip - but if you're going for a beginner kit it probably doesn't matter too much.

http://www.artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

is how I learnt - but really get the basics (don't push, follow the grain, aim for beard reduction - not removal with each stroke, use lots of soap) then it is just practice.

If you are daily shaving it will take less time - the 5 to ten minutes is really when you have a bit of growth - it takes multiple passes. Just practice.

You can use standard foam if you want - but soap is reaalllly nice.

edit: I wouldn't start with open comb.

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