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Post by jray on Nov 10, 2014 11:19:35 GMT -6
I've been using a DE razor since the summer - edwin jagger chrome. I find the best bales are the feather yellow package. They've billed as being extra aggressive and sharp but I fine them to be superior to the other blades for me. I use the taylor of old bond street mr. taylors scent and then follow with this stuff called 444 from portugal as an after shave balm.
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Post by exophobe on Nov 10, 2014 12:34:20 GMT -6
I've been using a DE razor since the summer - edwin jagger chrome. I find the best bales are the feather yellow package. They've billed as being extra aggressive and sharp but I fine them to be superior to the other blades for me. I use the taylor of old bond street mr. taylors scent and then follow with this stuff called 444 from portugal as an after shave balm. I got the EJ with the smooth handle. The craft on that thing is simply impeccable. I don't take particularly good care of it and it's just as shiny as the day I pulled it out of the box. Not a single flaw that I was ever able to find, and it only cost about twice as much as the latest technical marvel from Gillette. It's something you feel proud to use instead of those over-designed plastic monsters of over-molding. |
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Post by Derek G on Nov 10, 2014 22:20:12 GMT -6
wanted to gain some more knowledge from you guys...When you speak of the "grail" razors...what brands/models are your grails? I have kinda sensitive skin, so I've been eyeballing schick superspeeds with the blue at the end of the handle. They say it has a lighter head weight for sensitive skin. I love my krona, but have been thinking of upgrading...any suggestions? What do you think of the older ones with the combs? are they as good as the "newer"... late 40's 50's 60's? I think this new hobby of mine will be like buying campers and aquariums etc. Buy the best you can afford, so you don't end up with a lot that you wont use, or just upgrade in few months. Also, any advice on what to look for when buying a used one on ebay? I don't want to get a good one, just to find that it's practically useless. I know what to look for when buying watches there, but this is still new to me. BTW thanks for turning me on to badger and blades. Found a lot of info there, You guys are the best  |
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Post by gaseousclay on Nov 11, 2014 7:16:28 GMT -6
wanted to gain some more knowledge from you guys...When you speak of the "grail" razors...what brands/models are your grails? I have kinda sensitive skin, so I've been eyeballing schick superspeeds with the blue at the end of the handle. They say it has a lighter head weight for sensitive skin. I love my krona, but have been thinking of upgrading...any suggestions? What do you think of the older ones with the combs? are they as good as the "newer"... late 40's 50's 60's? I think this new hobby of mine will be like buying campers and aquariums etc. Buy the best you can afford, so you don't end up with a lot that you wont use, or just upgrade in few months. Also, any advice on what to look for when buying a used one on ebay? I don't want to get a good one, just to find that it's practically useless. I know what to look for when buying watches there, but this is still new to me. BTW thanks for turning me on to badger and blades. Found a lot of info there, You guys are the best well, grail razors will vary from person to person as you know. A lot of shaving connoisseurs will probably point to a vintage Gillette Aristocrat or Gillette Fatboy in mint condition or some such thing. Incidentally, I scored a mint condition Aristocrat for $5 in a junk shop in Northern Minnesota a few years back I already have my grail razor but didn't know it was my grail until I used it, and that's a Gillette Fat Handle Tech. They're abundant, inexpensive and considered a mild razor. Plus, they're nickel plated which means they'll last forever. I have a couple of gold plated techs as well but I bought them for the aesthetics and because I was obsessed with fat handle techs at the time. The Aristocrat isn't a grail razor for me simply because I'm not a big fan of twist to open razors, and that's only because I don't feel like they give me the best shaves, especially under the nose. As far as what to look for on ebay, I always look at the condition of the razor, that is, it must be in its original condition (not replated). Having the original box is preferrable but not a deal breaker. And of course, set a budget for yourself. Because fat handle techs are so abundant I refused to pay over a certain amount for them on ebay. I think I got most of mine anywhere from $15-20 tops. |
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Post by wisdom on Nov 11, 2014 9:56:06 GMT -6
wanted to gain some more knowledge from you guys...When you speak of the "grail" razors...what brands/models are your grails? I have kinda sensitive skin, so I've been eyeballing schick superspeeds with the blue at the end of the handle. They say it has a lighter head weight for sensitive skin. I love my krona, but have been thinking of upgrading...any suggestions? What do you think of the older ones with the combs? are they as good as the "newer"... late 40's 50's 60's? I think this new hobby of mine will be like buying campers and aquariums etc. Buy the best you can afford, so you don't end up with a lot that you wont use, or just upgrade in few months. Also, any advice on what to look for when buying a used one on ebay? I don't want to get a good one, just to find that it's practically useless. I know what to look for when buying watches there, but this is still new to me. BTW thanks for turning me on to badger and blades. Found a lot of info there, You guys are the best I completely agree with your approach that you should go for your grail once you know what that is, but finding out what your grail is is a process that may require you to buy a few other razors on the way. Buying a superspeed (or a rocket) is a great idea, since I think everyone should try one out and have one in their collection. They're plentiful and relatively inexpensive.. a great way to experience the TTO. I think you should try a Tech (vintage) or possibly a Merkur (modern) to get a feel for this style of razor, too. Pretty soon, you'll start to understand what characteristics of which razors you like and dislike.. some people settle on the Fatboy.. some like the Tech.. some like the heavier razors.. some even prefer to shave with the Lady Gillette's because they have a long handle. ..start with a Superspeed/Rocket and a Tech or Merkur, and you'll be off to a great start. If you want my recommendations, Red-Tip Superspeed/Rocket and Fat Handled Tech.. the heavier, modern Merkur HD handles a bit differently, but shaves really well. The following are just my opinions and will certainly differ from others ideas on what constitutes a good razor and a grail razor:
My favorite shavers are slightly different from my grail razors.. I love the Aristocrat '58. Mine is pretty beat up, but always provides a reliable shave and, because of its condition, I don't mind traveling with it. I also like the Gillette Red-Tip Rockets/Superspeeds, as they're pretty inexpensive (used to be, at least) and provide some of my closest shaves. In terms of engineering and the "action" of the razor, I like the Rocket action (Patent 403,030 stamped on head) of the twist-to-open razors versus the Superspeed action (Patent 694,093). If you see pictures of the two, you can see that when twisting the Rocket, the entire portion that tuns slides in to the handle.. solid action. The Superspeed is like a screw that actuates the doors on the head and just doesn't feel as solid. In terms of "grails.." I guess I'm referring to the more rare and unique razors out there. Gillette Psycho (that's what the community calls it) is a Gillette Tech that requires a special key to remove and replace the razor.. these were used in prisons and mental institutions. The Bottom-Dial Gillette looks like a Fatboy but the dial that adjusts the aggressiveness is, as you can probably gather, on the base of the handle, rather than underneath the head.. these were very limited in production and difficult to come by. The Wilkinson Sticky is another interesting piece that isn't too easy to find as is the Eclipse Red Ring. When it comes to luxury, I'd say the rhodium plated razors are where it's at.. Gillette Aristocrat #16 (British) and Gillette Executive (US) are my two favorite. #16 has the rocket mechanism.. Executive is the only US made Gillette plated in Rhodium. I can't possibly distill all my years of mistakes and successes with wetshaving in one post, unfortunately, but I wouldn't know what I know today unless I allowed myself to try! Go for it  |
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Post by Old26 on Nov 11, 2014 11:26:54 GMT -6
I've got girl skin and not much beard, so I asked the guys at the shoppe for advice and I just gave the wife a list of items I want to try. It's about $170 in a startup kit with razor, brush, soap, dish and a stand with some blades - two different ones to try. I expect like all my hobbies, I'll spend money trying to find what I like and what works, so I'd be very lucky to get it right on the first try. Will see come Xmas time!
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Post by Derek G on Nov 11, 2014 16:16:07 GMT -6
Thanks wisdom and Gaseousclay great advice that I'll certainly take! very informative Can't tell you how much I appreciate it! Scott, I think your really going to like DE wet shaving...I'm only into it about 2 months, but I already know I'll never go back to the mach 3 and shave gel I used to shave with |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2014 16:20:33 GMT -6
i'm going to have to read through this thread before i eventually shave my beard off...though not sure new gear & techniques will convert me to a regular shaver (vs beard wearer)
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Post by exophobe on Nov 11, 2014 17:08:20 GMT -6
i'm going to have to read through this thread before i eventually shave my beard off...though not sure new gear & techniques will convert me to a regular shaver (vs beard wearer) it's old gear and techniques that will get you there. I'm coming up on the middle of a no-shave november, so I'm all bearded now, but look forward to cutting it all off come December. |
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Post by Deleted on Nov 11, 2014 17:10:45 GMT -6
exophobe understood re: old gear...by 'new' i meant new to me (in both type and ownership)
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Post by exophobe on Nov 11, 2014 17:57:49 GMT -6
exophobe understood re: old gear...by 'new' i meant new to me (in both type and ownership) yeah I gotcha. The cool (or afwul, depending on your personality) thing about DE Shaving is that suggestions will only get you so far, so you end up experimenting. wisdom can give you a lot of good places to start, but it truly is a "your mileage may vary" situation. Look for things listed as less aggressive for starting out, though cutting yourself will speed up your desire to learn good technique. There are tons of videos on the proper way to prep for the shave. If Standard Razors had an entry level price, I wouldn't hesitate recommending them for a beginner, but their price unfortunately puts them at odds with the learning shaver. Everything you use will make a difference, except for the brand of alum block you use, but I've kinda stopped using those. Like I've said, I think Imperial Barber Products makes some great stuff, but I don't know how popular they are in the shaving circles. I don't think I've ever read a bad review of Taylor of Old Bond Street, or a decent Merkur, and even the Edwin Jagger I got has proven to be good for me, and if you look around you can pick them up at very entry level prices. I don't ebay often, but I've figured I'll get in there if/when I start desiring a broad collection, but so far, I really haven't felt the need. |
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Post by gaseousclay on Nov 11, 2014 19:36:14 GMT -6
@ Derek G, one thing to be mindful of when pursuing DE shaving is that while it is an economical way to shave it does get expensive once develop RAD, or Razor Acquisition Disorder. Not to mention the numerous shave creams, soaps, brushes and blades you will eventually acquire with your newfound hobby.
I actually haven't purchased any shaving accoutrements since 2010, largely because I have enough gear to last me for years. I have all the DE razors a guy could ever need and I'm set with blades and soaps/creams. I guess I've found what works for me and haven't found any necessity in buying more just for the sake of it. I know some DE users are fanatical about accumulating thousands of razor blades in case the 'shavepocalypse' were to ever come. I still have the hundred pack I bought 4 yrs ago and they'll likely last me at least 10 yrs.
But I digress. The point is, have fun, enjoy the hunt and experiment. It's an addictive hobby but cool nonetheless
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Post by Griffin on Nov 18, 2014 3:35:46 GMT -6
I also like the yellow feathers. I also have pussyskin in the neck but the sharp feathers actually gives me less redskin. (but i have to not put preasure on, and be kinda careful)
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Post by wisdom on Nov 18, 2014 6:33:31 GMT -6
I also like the yellow feathers. I also have pussyskin in the neck but the sharp feathers actually gives me less redskin. (but i have to not put preasure on, and be kinda careful) This is great advice when handling a blade you don't have experience with, too. See how just the razor weight works with the blade angle and sharpness.. no application of pressure. When it all comes together, you will hear the blade cut through hairs but will feel little or nothing. |
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Post by Griffin on Nov 18, 2014 6:40:16 GMT -6
It is something to relearn for sure. With gilette modern, you have to press. In the beginning its unreal how often I put preassure on it and were like "!#%"¤ again...really!
Im starting to learn and its sucha great feeling, if I shave often, it just slides on the side of the neck as if im not even shaving, but it gets babyface-smooth.
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Post by gaseousclay on Nov 21, 2014 7:06:40 GMT -6
I also like the yellow feathers. I also have pussyskin in the neck but the sharp feathers actually gives me less redskin. (but i have to not put preasure on, and be kinda careful) This is great advice when handling a blade you don't have experience with, too. See how just the razor weight works with the blade angle and sharpness.. no application of pressure. When it all comes together, you will hear the blade cut through hairs but will feel little or nothing. this was my experience when I first got into DE shaving. initially I pressed down on my razor and shredded my face, but over time I learned to lighten up and use less pressure. now I rarely nick myself when shaving. |
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Post by bentin on Nov 21, 2014 9:43:15 GMT -6
About six years into DE shaving. Tried a handful of Merkur and Parker razors before settling into a Merkur Futur. Run through a hundred Feathers, but find that my face prefers Personna Med Preps. Used Personna Israeli Reds too and would give the Feathers a slight advantage over those.
After starting with AoS and moving through the three T's, I seem to be most content with Truefitt & Hill creams, but TOBS and Trumpers both work great too.
I still eye straight razors, I'm sure I'll end up with one at some point, but also know DE is more than sufficient.
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Post by gaseousclay on Nov 21, 2014 10:06:59 GMT -6
About six years into DE shaving. Tried a handful of Merkur and Parker razors before settling into a Merkur Futur. Run through a hundred Feathers, but find that my face prefers Personna Med Preps. Used Personna Israeli Reds too and would give the Feathers a slight advantage over those. After starting with AoS and moving through the three T's, I seem to be most content with Truefitt & Hill creams, but TOBS and Trumpers both work great too. I still eye straight razors, I'm sure I'll end up with one at some point, but also know DE is more than sufficient. I have more than enough shave soaps and creams to last me for years. I tried some of the highly recommended soaps like Mitchell's Wool Fat and Tabac, but didn't find them to be as great as people made them out to be. Oddly enough, i've had great success with cheaper shaving creams like Godrej and PalmOlive shave sticks. they're inexpensive and provide excellent glide. |
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Post by Griffin on Nov 21, 2014 14:09:22 GMT -6
So Is Movember a big thing where you live? We all are going around with idiotic looking moustaches. We look like pedophiles and serialkillers the whole bunch. I long for when December starts.
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Post by bentin on Nov 21, 2014 14:42:01 GMT -6
Haha, we hired a new guy who has a Pornstache and I'm just waiting until December to see if he's serious about it or not. I grew my beard out in October, so I've avoided the stache only look.
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Post by gaseousclay on Nov 22, 2014 20:38:48 GMT -6
So Is Movember a big thing where you live? We all are going around with idiotic looking moustaches. We look like pedophiles and serialkillers the whole bunch. I long for when December starts. I'm sure there are guys everywhere that are into, just not me. I could certainly grow a Stache if I wanted to but I'd like to avoid looking like Freddy Mercury. |
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Post by Griffin on Nov 23, 2014 3:19:59 GMT -6
I'd like to avoid looking like Freddy Mercury. Thats the whole point. Its a sacrifice. And with the rules it makes it really tempting to shave it off every single day. I try not to look myself in the mirror if I dont have to. You have to make en effort. Its canser. |
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Post by gaseousclay on Nov 27, 2014 18:51:34 GMT -6
^^
Actually, the stache topic made me think of that line from Seinfeld when George, Jerry and Kramer grew mustaches. George said he felt like an unemployed porno actor. I do not want to look like an unemployed porno actor
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Post by jamesr on Nov 28, 2014 21:13:18 GMT -6
What's all this DE talk? Straight razor. Strop. Trumper's Sandalwood soap. DH Harris Sandalwood aftershave.
Get 'er done.
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Post by Griffin on Dec 7, 2014 15:24:18 GMT -6
Ok so movember is gone - thank god. I cheated and shaved the 29. I kept a little goatie. Used to have one when I was under 30 so I dunno if this is a crisis of some sort, but I gotta say I rock this little thing! So my soap is starting to be empty, any suggestions for a new one, preferably in its own bowl, and maybe from this site: www.barbershop.no/barberprodukter/barbersape |
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