Cut-throat shaving

iPip

Looks like I'm going to dig out my kit this week and give it another go! I've got a Merkur that I haven't used for a couple of years as even though it was undeniably better (when done correctly) the plastic jobbies do it much quicker and I'm a get out of the door in 30mins man. I also get a shadow pretty quickly, so anything less than 2 passes barely lasts until lunch time.

However, there's nothing like it. You can't help but feel you've achieved a new skill, even though it's as basic as it gets. I haven't used them for a while, but I've had good service from http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/PBCPPlayer.asp?ID=985876 in the past.

PBo

iPip wrote:

Looks like I'm going to dig out my kit this week and give it another go! I've got a Merkur that I haven't used for a couple of years as even though it was undeniably better (when done correctly) the plastic jobbies do it much quicker and I'm a get out of the door in 30mins man. I also get a shadow pretty quickly, so anything less than 2 passes barely lasts until lunch time.

However, there's nothing like it. You can't help but feel you've achieved a new skill, even though it's as basic as it gets. I haven't used them for a while, but I've had good service from http://www.gentlemans-shop.com/PBCPPlayer.asp?ID=985876 in the past.

Trouble is, that site would need deleting from Internet history to avoid any misunderstandings with mrs PBo , 'WTF is this "gentleman's shop" you've been on? Is it the retail arm of spearmint rhino?...'

iPip

I think their boxes have their name on too, so the postie might start giving you a few smiles!

walkingbootweather

iPip wrote:

I think their boxes have their name on too, so the postie might start giving you a few smiles!

Good point. That's why I always use Shaven Ravers

EKE_38BPM

walkingbootweather wrote:

iPip wrote:

I think their boxes have their name on too, so the postie might start giving you a few smiles!

Good point. That's why I always use Shaven Ravers

Must
Not
Google

CiB

Awoke today to find a Muhle R89 at my disposal. Face is currently as smooth as a proverbial baby's wrong end that's been smoothed down with a fine pumice stone then gently polished by a 17th century French polisher. Neat bit of kit - thanks to those that suggested it as a decent DE razor.

veronese68

I got a Merkur somethingorother. Didn't dare try it today as I have had a few glasses, will give it a go tomorrow.

tlw1

Got a merkur for fathers day and love it, but time to update my cheap brush with my Christmas cash. So thanks for the decent links

magibob

Santa bought me a lovely Edwin Jagger de89.

Noticeable increase in comfort and smoooooothness compared to my earlier cheapo Wilkinson sword DE Razor, (as someone predicted it would be.)

Also going to upgrade my brush as my old one is over 10 years old and getting a bit threadbare. The spending has started!

Andy

lostboysaint

Magibob wrote:

Santa bought me a lovely Edwin Jagger de89.

Noticeable increase in comfort and smoooooothness compared to my earlier cheapo Wilkinson sword DE Razor, (as someone predicted it would be.)

Also going to upgrade my brush as my old one is over 10 years old and getting a bit threadbare. The spending has started!

Andy

Santa brought me the same In a Traditional Shaving Company box along with Derby blades, Sandalwood soap, badger hair brush. I can't get over how much more smooth my shave is now and how much more of an "event" that it seems to be. Thanks for all the advice through the thread. It works!!

EKE_38BPM

Oi! You wimpy DE shavers should leave this manly Cut-Throat Razor thread and start your own thread. I suggest the thread title of "The DE shaving scaredy cats thread"

Cut-Throat Razor shavers



DE Razor shavers


MTFU

CiB

EKE_38BPM wrote:

Oi! You wimpy DE shavers should leave this manly Cut-Throat Razor thread and start your own thread. I suggest the thread title of "The DE shaving scaredy cats thread"

Cut-Throat Razor shavers


MTFU

The bloke in the photo was me after my early attempts with the CT. After a few times the ordeal of trying not to hack my face to ribbons for half an hour followed by the ritual questioning at work - who murdered you then? - persuaded me to opt for the easy life. Like Mr Blonde said: "Torture you? That's a good idea. I like that." <wanders of humming song...>

veronese68

Ok EKE! Let me get this straight some bloke with a cut throat looks like he's about to die to death from leaking all over the place whilst the young lady with the facial hair problem has opted for a DE razor and has beautiful soft skin whilst completely eliminating the visible facial hair problem.
What's your point? I'd put a smily in here but you know I'm taking the p...

EKE_38BPM

Veronese68 wrote:

Ok EKE! Let me get this straight some bloke with a cut throat looks like he's about to die to death from leaking all over the place whilst the young lady with the facial hair problem has opted for a DE razor and has beautiful soft skin whilst completely eliminating the visible facial hair problem.
What's your point? I'd put a smily in here but you know I'm taking the p...

The cut throater is about to give the cut throatee a really bad shave and then singe more than just his eyebrows off. I think he does that because he heard the other bloke say DE shaving is what real men do.

In the other pic, the bloke has done his make up and is now about to DE shave.

veronese68

EKE_38BPM wrote:

In the other pic, the bloke has done his make up and is now about to DE shave.

Sigh. I wish I could do my make up as well as that.

Pross

I've always hated shaving. I generally used a cartridge razor as when I do shave I like to have a really close finish but my throat area in particular is pretty sensitive but got fed up paying ridiculous amounts for the cartridges and went electric. However, I had been considering a straight razor then stumbled on this thread and decided to try a double edged safety razor. I asked for a badger tail brush, shaving bowl and razor for Christmas (I got a Merkur 34c as this seemed to get good recommendations for beginners). I have also bought a sample pack of blades, some Taylors of Old Bond Street Jermyn Street shaving soap and aftershave balm and styptic pencil. So far I have used the Merkur blades but will be trying a Derby Extra next.

After a couple of weeks with a 3 pass shave (with grain and across grain in each direction) my observations are:-

1. I'm getting a nice close cut and although I am getting some irritation around the Adam's apple this is better than it was with a cartridge razor and is easing as my skin gets used to the razor.

2. I was expecting to nick myself a lot until I got used to it but this hasn't happened. I've been working hard to let the razor's weight (and my shoulder) do the work and not put any pressure on the blade.

3. I've taken to treating a shave as a pampering session like a woman doing her nails rather than a chore. I don't usually shave daily so 15 minutes spent shaving after a relaxing soak in the bath is far more enjoyable than when it was thing you have to do each day.

I'd say to anyone considering making the switch to give it a go. Having made the initial outlay (or having someone do it for me!) I'm now looking forward to avoiding forking out on those over priced 25 blade shaving systems. I'm still tempted to try a straight blade in the future though.

Anonymous

Well after monumentally cocking up my 1st attempt (put the bit under the blade upside down), I thought I'd dive in with my experiences.

Got a EJ DE89 but with the grippiest handle (not polished or striped), a synthetic brush and a giant pot of brush-specific foam.

Used about a walnut sized amount of the sample foam which came with it all and whipped it into a lather in my hand. The one thing I would say is that I found the foam went right up the bristles of the brush towards the handle, so I had to grip the brush between my fingers to pull some out.

Went onto my face fine with the brush, but I think I need some more practice using it.

Shaving was a delight. Its so satisfying shaving properly, and without multiple attempts and directions over the same area of my face! I was careful not to apply any additional pressure as the razor really does do all the work itself. One pass with the grain was plenty to achieve the same effect as my normal razor and as I get used to it, I will start coming across and against in future. I did go for a 2nd pass, but be sure to relather as the razor does take all the foam off your face.

Pretty much no irritation around my neck (except where I had gone against the grain or pushed too hard) and it is dead easy to get to the hard-to-reach areas behind the jawbones and under the nose etc. No nicks either, which surprised me!

It really doesn't feel like a chore any more and now I shave in the evenings every couple of days so there is no rush, as above. All in all, couldn't be happier!

DonDaddyD

Has the internet decided what razor I should get yet.

I'm still on whatever latest Gillette is in the market.

I want to spend around £20

Anonymous

http://agreatshave.co.uk/shop/safety-ra ... bl-barley/

this is the one I have with the better grip.

veronese68

Or get one like SimonAH modelled on page 1 of this thread.
Talking of which where is he? Did he slip whilst shaving with that?

lostboysaint

DonDaddyD wrote:

Has the internet decided what razor I should get yet.

I'm still on whatever latest Gillette is in the market.

I want to spend around £20

This is the boy - http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk/en/Edwin-Jagger/4265052-Edwin-Jagger-DE-Razor-Black-DE86.html

Best to get as part of this to begin with - http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk/en/Shaving-Starter-Kits/5325431-shaving-starter-kits-shaving-soap.html (or it would be if they had any brushes in stock!)

EKE_38BPM

DonDaddyD wrote:

Has the internet decided what razor I should get yet.

I'm still on whatever latest Gillette is in the market.

I want to spend around £20

Here you go.

CiB

The Muhle 89 is nice but as it's all about providing a platform to support the blade as you drag it across your face there probably isn't much difference once you're past the Boots £5 plastic razors, good though they are as introduction.

A brush is the other requirement. Choose at will.

A good soap appears to be the Palmolive soap sticks for 50p (really) in most supermarkets. As a base they're pretty good but if you want the full Hogwarts Cream Of Bat Limited Edition at thirty quid a pot option the choice is yours.

I don't use the bowl now. Wet the brush, soap & face. Rub the brush round the soap for a few seconds then rub the brush round your face and it does what has to be done; in a few seconds you're nicely soaped up & ready.

Shave with one, two or three passes, rinse then apply balm to soften the skin and glisten like a male model. Await coo-ing from OH, once you've marched up to her and made her admire it.

Captain Slackbladder

I'm a 40year old bum fluff billy so the cheap ones thankfully do the job for me.

CiB

Captain Slackbladder wrote:

I'm a 40year old bum fluff billy so the cheap ones thankfully do the job for me.

Maybe so, but this a cycling forum and we're looking at more convoluted and expensive ways of achieving the same result as can be achieved by doing it on the cheap. Keep up.

graeme_s-2

Captain Slackbladder wrote:

I'm a 40year old bum fluff billy so the cheap ones thankfully do the job for me.

I think this from the first page basically explains why you're wrong

kelsen wrote:

Kieran_Burns wrote:

Is there ANYTHING that can be bought that we don't have a complete snob on this forum for?

Honestly - you lot.... coffee, shaving, watches, bloody MOISTURISER.

I'm going to go and buy some white sliced bread from Aldi.

Try one of the loaves from here and you'll never look at another slice of bread the same way

It also describes my approach to virtually any interest or hobby that I have .

I'm still rocking my winter beard at the moment, but I can already tell I'm going to be all over a DE razor come the spring!

Ian.B

Hi, DE converts, can you tell me what an "open comb" razor is? is it different from a "safety razor"? If so which should a DE novice go for?

magibob

Hi.

An open comb razor is a safety razor...er.. with an open comb. Instead of a solid metal support for the blade, it has one with gaps that look...er.. like an open comb.

Never tried one myself, but perceived wisdom is that generally they are a bit harsher than a normal DE type:

Depending how much you want to spend, I started with a plastic Wilkinson Sword one which cost around 4 quid with 5 blades from the likes of Boots, and was fine. Then Santa upgraded me to an Edwin Jagger DE89 which was 20 quid from Amazon and that was a lot better. Having always had problems holding metal fountain pens, I went for one with an imitation Ebony, (plastic ) handle and it works great.

Again, perceived wisdom is that the blades make a big difference. So far I've tried Wilkinson sword, Derby and the basic Personna ones. Of those I prefer the Wilkinson Sword ones, but there are many more out there that I've yet to try.

Took me about a week or 2 to be able to consistently get a comfortable and nick free shave when I started DE shaving, (couple of months ago,) and am still working on my technique, but getting some seriously smooooth shaves now.

Hop over to http://www.theshavingroom.co.uk or http://www.badgerandblade.com for much better informed people than me.

As many others have said, Overall, it turns a daily chore into a pleasure.

Cheers

Andy

Underscore

A picture being worth a thousand words, this is a open comb:



Whereas this is a closed comb:



It is normally suggested that a closed comb is used to begin with - that's certainly what I did.

_

Ian.B

@Underscore - thanks!