anyone want to suggest something for the shaving of a Mohawk? Crappy disposables don't cut close enough to the edge and I end up with a border of missed hair around the edge of the hawk.
And don't say clippers. Clippers leave stubble, and I never met a girl who wants to make out with a head of stubble.
Alright so, electric shaver makes my face all red (even a good one needs several passes on the same place to even come close to a good shave, and that fucks up my skin), and those 5-blade ULTRATURBO NUCLEAR-POWERED LASER-BEAM things don't do very well to my skin either.
So, safety or straight? I mean I figured I might as well just go for straight and learn how to use that (I'll nick myself a few times probably but the suspense is half the fun right?). Though how badly does one get cut with a straight? Don't really care about cuts on the face those heal, I do worry about cuts on the throat and neck though.
You can get really bad cuts and permanent scarring with a straight, this is of course you use it extremely poorly. You may as well go safety, if you're looking for practicality. Then get a straight if you want.
[QUOTE=Lamar;38345219]You can get really bad cuts and permanent scarring with a straight, this is of course you use it extremely poorly. You may as well go safety, if you're looking for practicality. Then get a straight if you want.[/QUOTE]
I think there might actually be a safety razor somewhere in a box in my house, so yeah definitely going to try that.
So I put my brush in a plastic bag while bringing it to my dad's house, and forgot about it and left it in there for a day or two. Now it's starting to crack and shit. Oops.
Some time ago, I mentioned a review. I've been side-lined from doing it, I've been busy lately. But I decided I may as well mention what I was planning to do and still give my opinions on the products I used.
Recently, I bought myself three of the often most highly regarded creams that are mentioned on Badger&Blade. These three are Musgo Real ($12), NancyBoy Signature ($16), and Castle Forbes ($38). Before I go any further, I should say these three creams are all very good and that two of these, Castle Forbes and Musgo Real were formulated for aristocracy.
[IMG]http://i193.photobucket.com/albums/z105/sporkfire222/PB040127.jpg[/IMG]
In my opinion the creams came out in this order by preference.
[i]Castle Forbes > Musgo Real > NancyBoy Signature[/i]
The Castle Forbes easily made the best lather and also providing a nice, slick cushion on my face. It doesn't contain any fragrance, yet it still has a pretty potent lavender smell. While it was the most expensive out of the bunch at 38 dollars a tub, it's actually more economical than NancyBoy. You only need a very small amount of this cream to effortlessly create gobs of later, I would say that you can get 6 to 12+ months of use just out of one tub. If there's one thing that this cream does not as well as the others is in how it leaves your face moisturized. It does a fine job of leaving your face soft, but it doesn't do this as well as Musgo Real and NancyBoy does.
Musgo Real is my second favorite. I would have liked this cream more if it wasn't such a hassle to lather. It takes a lot more time to lather this cream compared to the other creams I've tried, but nevertheless I still really like it's performance. Nice and slick, just not as much as Castle Forbes in my opinion. My face feels the best out of the three after using this cream though, the lanolin in this cream leaves your face incredibly soft and well moisturized. Be warned though, lanolin can cause allergic reaction to some people. This cream had a masculine and old-world kind of barbershop smell.
NancyBoy was a good cream, just not as good as the other two. Unlike MusgoReal and CastleForbes which were formulated for Aristocracy, NancyBoy is a modern cream from two gay guys who started their business in San Francisco. It's a good product and it's the only brushless cream out of the three. I thought being a brushless cream would make this one more convenient out of the three, but I found that wasn't necessarily true as I had to use more product with this and use more often at that. I found this cream to be slick, but in my opinion it didn't have the same amount of cushion as the other two. But it did leave my face feeling softer than Castle Forbes. Also this cream is the least economical of the three and it smelled like toothpaste.
So I realized after shaving a few times that I needed to use a lot more water for my shaving soap to make a good lather, and let me tell you, having the right amount of water makes all the difference, much much smoother shave.
It really can make a difference, I've noticed as well some products just need a lot more water than others.
Should I get top or bottom?
[img]http://rlv.zcache.com/isapi/designall.dll?rlvnet=1&realview=113383014369852142&design=4b99be94-1689-40e0-924e-d9b5e4e253f3&style=basic_dark_tshirt&size=a_l&color=black&pending=false&pdt=zazzle_shirt&max_dim=512[/img]
[img]http://rlv.zcache.com/isapi/designall.dll?rlvnet=1&realview=113325817518910754&design=e67257c7-d9f9-45ee-ad69-7c04aa7dffc2&style=basic_dark_tshirt&size=a_l&color=black&pending=false&pdt=zazzle_shirt&max_dim=512[/img]
My first time shaving I cut my upper lip, and it bled alot. Do I have manhood for shaving yet?
[QUOTE=Zarjk;38499808]My first time shaving I cut my upper lip, and it bled alot. Do I have manhood for shaving yet?[/QUOTE]
It depends how you handled the situation.
So I've been using the (new-old-stock) bakelite slant from [url]http://www.italianbarber.com/vintage-bakelite-slant-razor[/url] and I must say it provides a pretty incredible shave, better than anything I've ever used before. It has a more exaggerated cutting angle than the last slant I posted here which shears off facial hair like a scythe. Being made out of bakelite (early plastic), it's also stupidly light which gives you a lot of control over the shave which is very handy for clearing out stubborn stubble areas. Only thing I don't like about it is how cheap it feels and the light weight takes some getting used to as you actually have to apply some pressure with it in-order to cut things, which can easily lend yourself getting nicked if you press too much on the razor.
Still the best razor I've come across though and the reddit shaving board has been hyping it up lately. Good razor, would shave again. Razor is made in Germany and is probably at least a couple decades old since it's made out of bakelite.
[img]http://i1238.photobucket.com/albums/ff494/emanuelcoelho/SOTDs/P1060404.jpg[/img]
I've decided to man up and start wet-shaving, because fuck spending $20 on replacement razors every few weeks. The typical gilette razors give shit shaves, irritate my skin and leave bumps all over.
So, I've compiled a little list of things and I was hoping to run it by you guys:
- Merkur "1904" Classic Safety Razor - Open #41
- Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream
- Parker Safety Razor 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush with Black Deluxe Handle
- Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum aftershave
So, gentlemen, what do you think of these things? Should I go ahead and purchase it, or are a few of those things not good?
Are you ordering everything from Amazon? I'll just leave my thoughts in bold.
- Merkur "1904" Classic Safety Razor - Open #41
[b]The safety razor you've chosen so far looks like it would well. Many people say open-comb designs such as that one provide a closer shave. Just be aware that a open-comb razor maybe more difficult to learn to use. This is fine though, otherwise get a merkur 34c or 37c. If you'd like to shave money from your budget get a Gillette tech from ebay, they are good razors and cheap.[/b]
- Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream
[b]TOBS is universally liked and I had them in the OP at one point, but from my experience there are better creams out there. I'd recommend instead, "Musgo Real" which is in the same price range. If you want the best of the best then I recommend, [url]http://www.westcoastshaving.com/I-Coloniali-Softening-Shaving-Cream-Tube-with-Rhubarb_p_1216.html[/url][/b]
- Parker Safety Razor 100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush with Black Deluxe Handle
[b] If you live in the US I'd recommend getting the silvertip-brush and handle combo from whippeddog, ([url]http://www.whippeddog.com/products/find/brushes-knots[/url]). They're very cheap, but very high quality as well. I ordered a 26 dollar silvertip brush from him and it works as well as the 100+ dollar silver-tip I have.[/b]
- Clubman Pinaud Virgin Island Bay Rum aftershave
[b]I like clubman, but I'd recommend aftershaves from Speick if you want something that really promotes skin healing. [url]http://www.westcoastshaving.com/Speick-After-Shave-Lotion-Splash_p_135.html[/url][url]http://www.amazon.com/After-Shave-Lotion-lotion-Speick/dp/B0010V7CAO/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1354252324&sr=8-1&keywords=speick+aftershave[/url][/b]
I hope this will help with your shaving troubles,
Yeah, everything from Amazon. I tried finding the 34C and 37C but Amazon doesn't have them.
Your post has really helped me out, I appreciate it buddy. You're like the Guru of wetshaving.
I'll go with all your advice, and just change out the safety razor, TOBS and brush and aftershave. Cheers man!
[editline]30th November 2012[/editline]
I'm having a bit of difficulty ordering the brush, the options are a bit confusing. Do I pay for the brush and handle separately?
IE: 30/65-$32.00 is that the price for the brush diameter / loft & handle?
[editline]30th November 2012[/editline]
Oh, as for the razor, turns out they have the 34C, so I'll get it.
[QUOTE=loopoo;38648111]Yeah, everything from Amazon. I tried finding the 34C and 37C but Amazon doesn't have them.
Your post has really helped me out, I appreciate it buddy. You're like the Guru of wetshaving.
I'll go with all your advice, and just change out the TOBS and brush and aftershave. Cheers man!
[editline]30th November 2012[/editline]
I'm having a bit of difficulty ordering the brush, the options are a bit confusing. Do I pay for the brush and handle separately?
IE: 30/65-$32.00 is that the price for the brush diameter / loft & handle?[/QUOTE]
whippeddog doesn't have an "order" button per say on his site. You order a handle like this [url]http://www.whippeddog.com/products/view/24mm-handle-b0829f[/url] and then on the order field write your shipping address, email and specify you want to get the brush/handle combo, which makes the total cheaper together. He will get back to you through email, he's a very easy guy to work with. Once everything is setup he'll link you to a payment page where you can send him the money.
If you get a 24mm silvertip brush with that handle the total will be 26 dollars. The total of 32 dollars you have is because that's for the 30mm brush and handle combo. I recommend going no bigger than 24, as that's plenty big enough.
You've been great, thanks a bunch.
Just shaved, and I can tell each time that I'm getting a little better at it, and it's awesome. Seriously everyone should do this.
Just finished my [B][U]first ever wetshave.[/U][/B] It feels pretty fucking great. Only problem is I haven't got the whole angle thing down yet, so it's not the closest shave ever, but it sure as hell was fun. Beats the shit out of using gillete cartridge razors. Lathering up and putting it all on my face just felt brilliant.
Only casualty was a little spot on my chin. Got lopped clean off, didn't even notice till I started bleeding profusely, but that was all fine, bought a little thing that stops nicks and cuts from bleeding that worked well.
Had this song playing in my head the entire time:
[video=youtube;oiXaT_1I-vw]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=oiXaT_1I-vw[/video]
[editline]7th December 2012[/editline]
I can also tell the difference it has made on my skin already. Skin is feeling really clean and soft, have a feeling it'll help me get a good complexion.
Glad it worked out so well for you. As you'd expect, you'll get closer shaves once you've used the DE for some time. What kind of blades did you use and what cream did you end up getting, the musgo real or I Coloniali?
You might find it easier to get a closer shave by using a facial cleanser, if you're not already are when you wash your face before the shave. It'll wash off the dead skin and oils that prevent the blade from getting really close. Blades will make a difference in the closeness of shave as well, a lot of people swear by feather blades.
I'll admit I was using Wilkinson blades, rather than the Feather razor ones, so perhaps that's why the shave wasn't as close. But to be fair, I knew I wasn't getting the angle right. Some times I'd get a real satisfactory tug, letting me know it's shaving close, and other times there'd be nothing because I'm angling it all wrong.
As for the cream, I'm using the I Coloniali. Gotta look up some lathering guides, cause I was terrible today. The badger brush you recommended is pretty decent, really works well. Glad I took your advice.
I have some facial cleanser, so I'll use it next time, no harm in doing that. But the evidence is on my face. Some parts are really close-shaved, others are not-so-much :v: I just gotta get the angle right.
[editline]7th December 2012[/editline]
Oh also, the safety razor is amazing. Great hefty weight to it, feels really solid. Plus it looks completely badass on the stand.
[editline]7th December 2012[/editline]
I just shaved again now, before bed. Had a little better luck this time, my top lip is shaved real close, it's perfect. Just I can't create lather for the life of me. That I Coloniali is gorgeous, smells so damn good. And it's strong smelling too! Wish I found this sooner.
Badgerandblade has lots of guides, here's one on lathering if you're still having trouble.
[url]http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Category:Lathering[/url]
Really getting the hang of shaving. Much more amazing than cartridge razors. I smell better, my skin is much better, and it's a much closer shave. Really happy I made the change.
Also, everything about the shaving process is something I really look forward to. Soaking the brush, lathering up the cream, applying it then finally shaving. All in all, I couldn't be happier. Much less scruffier looking than I used to be.
Since Christmas is soon I'd thought I'd give a few gift ideas for those who haven't bought anything yet. I know a DE Razor for christmas isn't necessarily the best gift idea as you won't know for certain that person would want to use it, but quality shaving creams, brushes, and aftershaves can definitely be appreciated. Here's a few ideas, I chose all of these because they're good but also look really nice as gifts.
Penhaligons Blenheim Bouquet Shaving Cream Jar - 50 dollars, comes in a glass jar, metal lid, and nice looking box.
[img]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AuYp7YBkL._SX300_.jpg[/img]
[url]http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/41AuYp7YBkL._SX300_.jpg[/url]
Truefitt and Hill Aftershave - 45 dollars, glass jar. You can tell them you bought them aftershave made for Royalty.
[img]http://s3.amazonaws.com/production.taigan/item_photos/photos/000/007/953/main_item_IMG_0376.JPG[/img]
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Truefitt-Hill-1805-Aftershave-Balm/dp/B000RG8D6K/ref=sr_1_6?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1355815038&sr=1-6&keywords=truefitt+and+hill[/url]
Truefitt and Hill Shaving cream - 30 dollars, plastic jar but still nice looking and comes in a nice box
[img]http://www.instash.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/03/truefitt-hill-shaving-cream.jpg[/img]
[url]http://www.amazon.com/Truefitt-Hill-1805-Shave-Cream/dp/B00020UQQQ/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1355815267&sr=1-2&keywords=truefitt+and+hill+shaving+cream[/url]
make sure you get a brush if you get any of the creams.
I would shave like this but I look like a child without a beard haha
So glad I picked up wet shaving. I get much closer shaves than I ever did before, and I look [I]damn[/I] good due to the fact I'm always clean shaven. Can't believe the impact it has on your look, and as a result of that, your confidence.
I've become addicted to shopping about for different shaving creams / soaps / etc. My bathroom is pretty awesome right now, thanks to the corner I have dedicated to all the shaving equipment. The stand and brush and razor look really aesthetic and it's just a really cool thing to have on my bathroom counter.
[editline]19th December 2012[/editline]
And on top of all that, my skin is better than ever. Really clean and bright looking. No blackheads or spots or unpleasantness. It's a win win situation all round!
So I mentioned to my mom that I wanted some DE shaving equipment for Christmas, and she got the biggest smile on her face and told me that there's a store near her house in Oregon that's perfect for this sort of thing.
Now I can't bloody wait till Christmas to see what she's got :v:
Merry Christmas man, hope the gifts turn out great.
Thanks mate, I need it considering how low my budget is and how fast my facial hair grows :v:
I go broke buying decent disposable razors, and last time I used a $2 pack of Bic razors I shaved more skin than I did hair
I have seen the light and am now a convert! Granted I'm using a Gillette cartridge, but it's a start.
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