Wet shave ??

[tyred]

When I was a lad they got sewn into the inside of jacket lapels before a night out at the Ilford Palais to deter bouncers   Looking back on it with the wisdom of age,not so clever really...

 

[dellzeqq]

I go to the barber's. I don't care how he does it, as long as we can discuss the vicissitudes of professional football....

 

[CanucksTraveller]

How do you start to learn to use the traditional DE blades then? I like the idea but I've been a Gillette Sensor user for about 20 years so I'm scared I'd slash myself to death.

Sensor blades are getting quite scarce now, and there's no way I'm starting to pay 30 quid for only 4 Mach 5 Turbo Nutter Mark III cartridges with the 9 blades. Fickin rob dogs. As much as anything, the cartridge heads are massive now and they don't fit under my nose very well like the Sensor does.

 

[tyred]

How do you start to learn to use the traditional DE blades then?  I like the idea but I've been a Gillette Sensor user for about 20 years so I'm scared I'd slash myself to death.  

Sensor blades are getting quite scarce now, and there's no way I'm starting to pay 30 quid for only 4 Mach 5 Turbo Nutter Mark III cartridges with the 9 blades.  Fickin rob dogs.  As much as anything, the cartridge heads are massive now and they don't fit under my nose very well like the Sensor does.

With a DE, do not under any circumstances apply pressure to the razor. Just let the weight of the razor rest on your face and glide it across, while maintaining an approximate 30 degree blade angle between your face and the blade. Take your time and don't rush. If you go gently and pay attention to maintain the blade angle, and have a good slick lather, you shouldn't go to far wrong. Everyone's face is different and with time, you will develop a technique which works best for you. Accept that your first few shaves probably won't be very close, it's better to have a comfortable shave than to leave your face looking like a rasher of bacon. 


Here's a short video which will show you how it's done without being overtechnical like some of them - video

 

[Piemaster]

How do you start to learn to use the traditional DE blades then? I like the idea but I've been a Gillette Sensor user for about 20 years so I'm scared I'd slash myself to death.

Sensor blades are getting quite scarce now, and there's no way I'm starting to pay 30 quid for only 4 Mach 5 Turbo Nutter Mark III cartridges with the 9 blades. Fickin rob dogs. As much as anything, the cartridge heads are massive now and they don't fit under my nose very well like the Sensor does.

I tried for the first time last night, hence my post shortly afterwards. Didn't actually find it that difficult. Suggestion of a nick on my top lip but then under the nose was the only place I struggled a bit and guess practice will improve the technique in that area. Oh, and a bit of razor burn on a patch on my throat, but then I get that regularly with every type of multi-blade I've ever tried - think its just the way the hair grows in that area.
Think I'll be carrying on with it.

I had wanted to practice on the cat but both it and my wife didn't seem too keen on the idea.

 

[Fnaar]

Here's a short video which will show you how it's done without being overtechnical like some of them - video

Alternatively, realise 2 minutes before you go out that once again you've forgotten to shave, grab a bic (razor, not biro) and have a rapid 'dry shave' cutting the skin just under your ear, and bring some bogroll to stem the flow of claret all the way to work.

 

[biggs682]

went through period of about 3 yrs of wet shaving , so much better result than electric , but have resorted back to electric again at moment down to ease and being lazy

 

[CanucksTraveller]

Thanks for the comments, I'll see about having a go at some point I think. The video was most helpful.

 

[MrGrumpy]

hmm never ever used DE razors except when I was 2 and cut my lower lip, trying to copy my Dad

Anyway all this talk of shaving interests me, I get irritation frequently, but wonder if its just me poor technique. Must admit liked the fusion blades from gillette but gees o they are expensive

Used to have a shaving set, brush, soap bowl and DE razor but it was a fairly cheap affair. Quite fancy having another try certainly cheaper than all these fancy products, bet they smell nicer as well Think my Dad still shaves the ye olde fashion way. Whats the cuthroats like ? Look like potential murder implements.

 

[Piemaster]

Highly recommend the shaving soap/brush combo. As you say it smells nice, and there is a big variety of fragrances available. Plus a soap bowl will last for ages and working up a lather on your face is supposed to help to get the beard to stand up for a better shave.

 

[goo_mason]

hmm never ever used DE razors except when I was 2 and cut my lower lip, trying to copy my Dad

Anyway all this talk of shaving interests me, I get irritation frequently, but wonder if its just me poor technique. Must admit liked the fusion blades from gillette but gees o they are expensive

Used to have a shaving set, brush, soap bowl and DE razor but it was a fairly cheap affair. Quite fancy having another try certainly cheaper than all these fancy products, bet they smell nicer as well Think my Dad still shaves the ye olde fashion way. Whats the cuthroats like ? Look like potential murder implements.

Cut-throats (aka Straights) are fine - started using them about 4 months ago & now have 4 of them. Once you get the technique right & master being able to use it in both hands, you're rewarded with a cracking (and incredibly manly) shave. For help, advice & some beautifully restored straight razors, Neil Miller at www.strop-shop.co.uk is your man. I've bought one from him and had two shabby old antiques bought on eBay restored & honed to as-new condition by him. I can't recommend his work highly enough.

 

[Fnaar]

With all this 'technology' that goes into blades/disposables etc, you could say it's a cut-throat business. But you'd deserve a thump if you did.

 

[threebikesmcginty]

With all this 'technology' that goes into blades/disposables etc, you could say it's a cut-throat business. But you'd deserve a thump if you did.

 

[Dan B]

I've been using DE razors since I got one for my birthday and I hadn't realised how much better a shave I'm getting from soap and badger brush and all the rest of the paraphernalia than I was from a disposable and foam until I went back to the Mach 3 while on holiday.

Originally I wanted a straight razor, just because I think that, like most other everyday activities, shaving would be a whole lot more exciting if made complicated and potentially dangerous (that's why I use a stove-top coffee maker too), but it looked to be quite an expensive investment if done daily - I was reading for example that blades have to rest between uses, meaning you need more than one of them. And realistically I regularly manage to savage my adam's apple even with a DE razor, so perhaps I'm not quite ready for that level of risk just yet anyway

 

[Amheirchion]

I'm afraid I used to wetshave using the mach3 and squirty stuff method, although I always wanted to start using a cut throat razor it was always one of those pipe dreams (not unlike buying a smoking pipe, but that one came true). The whole point is now moot however, as I haven't shaved since February and only trimmed the sides of my beard down a bit 2 weeks ago.
I'd like to thank you all for a good read though, and some ideas for when the hair on top comes off (or heavens forbid, the beard).