Shaving - Page 4 - PeachParts Mercedes-Benz Forum

Dee8go · #46 07-15-2006, 12:15 PM

I thought as much. We do enjoy your story-telling skills, Bot. It's is one of the things that keeps me coming back.

mgburg · #47 07-15-2006, 11:20 PM

"My boyfriend trusts me with his straight razor, its the best shave ever." -Siduri19-

And if you slip,

you'll be right there to take the autopsy photos!!

I shave with a Gillette "Trac II" w/the "LubriStrip" and pivoting head. I still have the handle for the earlier, non-pivoting head blades. Every once in a while, you can't find the PHBs and have to go back.

What I found that works the best for my face and neck is to get the face nice and wet w/warm-hot water, wash it with soap and then rinse. Apparently, removing the facial oils helps in allowing the stubble to stand up as opposed to being "glued" down to your face. Then I start shaving, against the "grain." In my case, since my face was scarred in a head-on back in '83, I've got alot of "grain" going alot of directions. But, when I'm finished, it's smo-o-o-o-o-th! Then, the next morning, I start the process all over again.

Dee8go · #48 07-15-2006, 11:27 PM

Yeah, MB, I'm with you on the "lubristrips, multiple blades, shaving against the grain, etc., but I still find a lot of rough patches after all is said and done. That's why I'm interested in the straight razor thing.

I usually shave in the shower, so everything is moist, clean, softened up, etc. Yet, I still end up with rough spots, and I still need to shave again in eight hours. Besides that, I've never been in a head-on. Glad the Trac II is working for you.

I'll have to let you know haow the straight razor works out.

Dee8go · #49 11-02-2009, 08:48 AM

I finally bought a good straight razor last week from The Art of Shaving store in Tyson's Corner. It is definitely something that is going to take practice in order to develope. I'm convinced that the effort will be worth it.

After 3-4 shaves, I am getting much better. Last night there was very little bloodshed, so I'm on the right track! Woohoo! It is rather hard on the skin when you first start, but it seems to be getting less so with each shave.

If this goes well, I'm going to learn how to tie a bow tie properly. Who knows WHAT I might do after that.

#50 11-02-2009, 08:51 AM

I solved the whole shaving issue 30+ years ago, I grew a beard and never looked back.

Dee8go · #51 11-02-2009, 08:53 AM

I had a beard for many years, but it started drying the skin on my face out and itching so much I had to get rid of it. Besides, I'm just so damned good-looking, it just didn't seem fair to the women of the world to keep that face hidden any longer . . . .

Crazy_Nate · #52 11-02-2009, 09:15 AM

I use DE safety razors. I've found them to be pretty comfortable. Technique really makes all the difference.

I get razor bumps on my neck with cartridge razors (and they tug a lot - not particularly pleasant). Combined with the fact that they only last 2 or maybe 3 shaves and cost a bundle, well, hell with that!

I made the switch to double-edge safety razors over a year ago. I'm not going back. Blades are dirt cheap, sharper, and you can control blade angle a lot easier. When you start using sharper razors (and especially straights), lock the bathroom door and take the phone off the hook! Unintended interruptions may result in scars...

Perhaps one day, I'll man up and try a straight razor. There's a higher up front cost (a good french or german razor being somewhere in the $100-150 range), and then you need a whole set of hones (probably at least 3), unless you intend on shipping your razor(s) out to be honed professionally. Then there's strops and pastes. Whoof. Maybe someday

PS. I absolutely love my German hardware:

12C open comb:

Futur (adjustable):

PPS: If anybody is really curious about switching - the internet is your friend (and, there are even forums!)

Dee8go · #53 11-02-2009, 09:37 AM

Yeah, my straight razor is French. I forget the name of the manufacturer, but it's carbon steel. There's a German brand called Dovo or Dovos, something like that. They're supposed to be very good. I have a strop, which I was told is all I need to keep the razor sharp. We'll see. The razor was $150, but I was buying Mach Three cartridges (I think). Even at the Push 'n' Shove (Costco) they were $40 a package. In a year's time I was spending more buying those. At least that's the way I justified it in my head.

SwampYankee · #54 11-02-2009, 09:44 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Dee8go

I finally bought a good straight razor last week from The Art of Shaving store in Tyson's Corner. It is definitely something that is going to take practice in order to develope. I'm convinced that the effort will be worth it.

After 3-4 shaves, I am getting much better. Last night there was very little bloodshed, so I'm on the right track! Woohoo! It is rather hard on the skin when you first start, but it seems to be getting less so with each shave.

If this goes well, I'm going to learn how to tie a bow tie properly. Who knows WHAT I might do after that.

And you haven't decapitated yourself yet so that's a plus!

Quote:

Originally Posted by Craig

I solved the whole shaving issue 30+ years ago, I grew a beard and never looked back.

Thanks to Alopecia I haven't touched a razor in almost 20 years and am still baby-butt smooth.

Dee8go · #55 11-02-2009, 09:49 AM

It's ironic that I started shaving with this thing right at Halloween, isn't it. That thought did cross my mind on Saturday while I was dragging that razor across my throat . . .

Crazy_Nate · #56 11-02-2009, 09:50 AM

Thiers Issard?

Yeah. I buy DE razor blades in 100 packs (some at $15 and some at $35 - depends on the brand - analogous to what brand & weight of oil, haha). Regardless of whether the blade costs 15 cents or 35 cents, it's still WAY cheaper that the Mach 3 blades I was using. The $50 up front cost for a high quality DE razor is not much to consider, when you price out the long term costs.

When I man up (and have the money to cough up the investment), I'd love to hop into the str8 arena. I'm still kinda paranoid about my neck. Maybe watching Sweeney Todd did it for me?

The strop will help keep the edge smooth and aligned, but periodically (maybe every several months), the razor should be honed (however - honing improperly can severely and permanently affect the performance). This, of course, also depends on the amount of use it gets. There are professionals that can hone your razors for not much money at all. Again, the information is out there (I used shavemyface.com for information - there's a huge pdf on the front page about shaving with a straight razor).

If the razor is carbon steel, make sure to keep it in a dry place (and maybe put a pack of desiccant in the case. Carbon steel rusts. Especially in humid bathrooms. EDIT: a light coat of oil can also help prevent rust. Just keep it clean, dry, and it'll last a very long time

I think Dovo owns the Merkur brand (my razors). Pretty high quality stuff!

Mistress · #57 11-02-2009, 10:47 AM

Where is Aklim? This is right down his Brazillian alley.

SwampYankee · #58 11-02-2009, 10:49 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mistress

Where is Aklim? This is right down his Brazillian alley.

Shhhhhhhhh!

Dee8go · #59 11-02-2009, 10:57 AM

[QUOTE=Crazy_Nate;2329859]Thiers Issard?
. . . [QUOTE]

That's the one. I found this place on the Internet which looks good:

http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html

Their prices seem reasonable, at least. Also, they have a sharpening service.

Crazy_Nate · #60 11-02-2009, 11:10 AM

Yeah, I expected as much. Very good quality razors

Most sharpening services are about $20, not bad at all. Good hones (like spyderco's ceramics) are pretty pricey. That, and I'd probably rather practice honing something other than a brand new, $150 razor!

PS. Don't forget to read this pdf. It's only 40 pages, and contains a wealth of information.