Do you Shave like your Grampa?

[Rich B]

I may have to give it a go in that case. Any pointers to a starter razor / blades / soap?

[Scooby]

I may have to give it a go in that case. Any pointers to a starter razor / blades / soap?

I recently made the change. I was advised an Edwin Jagger DE89 was a good starting point and picked up an Edwin Jagger synthetic brush too. It took me a little while to perfect my technique (learning to use no pressure + mapping hair growth helped) but now I couldn't go back to cartridges. The chaps over on The Shaving Room forum are very helpful, definitely worth a look

[moteyi]

I may have to give it a go in that case. Any pointers to a starter razor / blades / soap?

+1

[jerryr]

Over the years I've used tried the basic Palmolive shaving cream which wasn't bad for the price the Trumpers shaving creams and for the last ten years not so I've been using ProRaso which I'm happy with. I've always used a good brush and am on my second Kent silver tipped badger brush. What has amazed me over the years is the difference in DE blades, I must have tried about 8-10 different makes over the years, some I discarded after I shave.

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[Paul K]

I may have to give it a go in that case. Any pointers to a starter razor / blades / soap?

+1

Like anything else there will be your initial outlay. Good advice already given regarding Edwin Jagger. I started off with a Muhle R89 which retails around ?30, my brush is a best badger brush ?30 made by Executive Shaving in Glasgow which is along the road from where I work so makes sense to use them as there is o postage charges. If the badger brushes are not your thing you can get synthetic brushes that do the same job. Looking at ?15 up to around ?250. I bought a stand for the razor and brush ?35 because I'm that way inclined. I didn't want it lying around and the possibility of getting damaged.

There are two contenders for lather. One is shaving cream, or a hard soap puck. Benefits are slightly different. The shave cream is exactly what it is a cream and you will need a bowl to lather. a cheap plastic one will get you started. Pop about an almond size scoop in to a bowl add a little water and I mean a little and whisk it up until you get the lather. The hard soap like Mitchell's comes in a ceramic dish ?20 refills are ?8 (no need to purchase a shaving bowl and can be reused for other soap pucks or with shaving cream). Add some warm water, go for you shower, come out, empty the water and mix with your brush until you get the lather.

Whilst all that has been going on remember to soak your brush. Again some tepid water not hot, for the reason being the heat of the water softens the glue that holds all the hairs together. Then your brush will start haemorrhaging hairs like nobody's business.

Razors, this is where you will make your your money in the long run. 10 DE blades ?3.50 all different types from mild to aggressive, made by a host of companies. Take your pick and trial and error will get you where you want to go. Anything around 8 - 10 good shaves before the blades becomes blunt and starts to pull the hair. Basically you should get around 80 - 100 shaves per pack. Not sure how many shaves you get with the cartridge systems but at ?10 per pack of 4 works out at ?2.50 a blade or more pending who or what you use.

Have a look here http://shavedash.com/products/ all they sell is samples. So rather than fork out a load of money for something that doesn't work for you, you can buy samples and find what does.

Advice I was giving when doing my first shave, look at the direction of the hairs on you coupon (face) and paint the lather on in the opposite direction. This allows for the lather to get down and behind the hairs making them stand proud for shaving, then in small gentle strokes, shave. Take your time until you master the contours of your face and get used to using the razor.

There are loads of videos, reviews etc on YouTube and I would strongly suggest to look at some before taking the plunge. Also the forums online, The Shaving Room, Against the Grain, Badger and Blade, have a plethora or information and advice on what products to buy and how to do it properly.

Let us know how you get on.

[moteyi]

Thanks for such a comprehensive reply. Will let you know how I get on.

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[Rich B]

Thank you Paul, really appreciate the detail. Will also let you know how I get on.

[thedame007]

I third this - i may also take the plunge and give this a whirl - seems like a good way to clear the mind and reconnect with the moment - otherwise let your mind wander and have a face that looks like a bear has mauled the grief out of it!

[Toxophilite]

Big fan of the DE razor since starting to use one a few months ago. In terms of creams I initially used Taylor's, but recently I've switched to a Proraso soap, they both work perfectly well but I think the proraso gives a cleaner shave and leaves less oil on my skin.


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[PH45]

I recently made the change. I was advised an Edwin Jagger DE89 was a good starting point and picked up an Edwin Jagger synthetic brush too. It took me a little while to perfect my technique (learning to use no pressure + mapping hair growth helped) but now I couldn't go back to cartridges. The chaps over on The Shaving Room forum are very helpful, definitely worth a look

I have used synthetic and badger hair brushes and would say badger is worth the additional outlay

[ValeTudoGuy]

Made the move to DE a couple years ago probably longer than that actually. Never looked back.

I keep the straight edge for special occasions... But that a step up again... Requires much more time and skill though.

[PeeJay]

Made the move to DE a couple years ago probably longer than that actually. Never looked back.

I keep the straight edge for special occasions... But that a step up again... Requires much more time and skill though.

I thought you had a beard

[Paul K]

Made the move to DE a couple years ago probably longer than that actually. Never looked back.

I keep the straight edge for special occasions... But that a step up again... Requires much more time and skill though.

I think some people make the mistake of visiting a Turkish Barber and get the hot towel shave with the Shavette (Open Razor), but don't realise a proper open razor and Shavette are two different pieces of equipment, and shave completely different from each other. I tried the Shavette once and looked like Freddie Kruger and never again.

My two most used is a Claymore Mk1 and two DE's where I will interchange on a regular basis.

[ValeTudoGuy]

I thought you had a beard

I do most of the time these days. But beards have edges.

[Paul K]

I do most of the time these days. But beards have edges.

Got to keep those lines prominent and sharp