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[BertramCooper]

I have long had difficulties when it comes to shaving. I have very sensitive skin, so my face constantly breaks out when I shave it.

Out of desperation, I decided to go old school, and picked up the following off of Amazon:

Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor

100% Pure Badger Bristle Shaving Brush with Rosewood Handle

Proraso Shaving Cream

100 Shark Super Chrome Double Edge Safety Razor Blades

And I've continued using my Nivea for Men After Shave Replenishing Balm. For a supermarket aftershave, it's pretty damn good.

Two weeks later, I've already seen a huge difference. I still get a little bit of irritation, but not nearly as much as I used to. It's also the closest shave I've had in my entire life. I haven't perfected the motion yet, but I'm getting closer with every shave.

While the initial investment is high, you're actually saving money in the long run. Double-edged razor blades are dirt cheap - we're talking 10-15 cents per blade - and high-quality shaving soaps/creams will last you for months. If anyone else is dissatisfied with their current routine, I highly suggest going old school.

Any other old school GAF shavers out there? Super old school straight razor shavers are welcome as well.

 

[Pein]

you call that old school? I use a sharpened rock.

 

[Zabka]

you call that old school? I use a sharpened rock.

 

[Wanace]

Seriously considered doing this but I always thought it would make my skin worse. Maybe it's time to throw away the old Mach 3 razor.

 

[Flek]

Any other old school GAF shavers out there?

sure - i love my safety razor its sooo mouch better than the stupid electronic razors or the "30 blades in one" things.

oh and proraso is awesome <3

 

[Like the hat?]

Once I went safety razor, I never looked back.

 

[santouras]

there's no school like the old school. I'm currently using a double edge, hoping to migrate to a cut throat at some stage.

 

[Shinjitsu]

Only really use it to save my neck since I keep a pretty mean beard, but I wouldn't ever go back to a regular razor.

 

[ToxicAdam]

Do it dry. I use a disposable with no lube.

 

[BertramCooper]

oh and proraso is awesome <3

I love it.

I've read a lot of complaints about the smell, but I think it's refreshing. It really wakes me up in the morning.

Plus, a pea-sized drop gets you a ridiculous amount of lather. I'll be able to use the tube for ages.

 

[Hawkian]

TA, ow?

 

[slidewinder]

Just shave in the shower and it barely even matters what you use. Even one of those crappy old (or fancy new Merkur) safety razors.

 

[BertramCooper]

Just shave in the shower and it barely even matters what you use. Even one of those crappy old (or fancy new Merkur) safety razors.

For people with extremely taut skin, it may not.

But for guys with sensitive skin, it makes a huge difference.

 

[besada]

Old school is just growing a manly beard.

 

[1-D_FTW]

Seriously considered doing this but I always thought it would make my skin worse. Maybe it's time to throw away the old Mach 3 razor.

Or at least upgrade to the new Gilette Fusion ProGlide. I have sensitive skin and have long been considering a Merkur. I'm just paranoid it'll tear my skin up. Had been using the Mach 3 for many, many years. The ProGlide is so much nicer IMO. Definitely a nice upgrade.

 

[Numpt3]

Once I went safety razor, I never looked back.

+1

I've been using my merkur for over two years now and it's brilliant, plus the blades for safety razors are dirt cheap so like the op said you will save a lot of money in the long run.

 

[nomster]

I've seen this thread a lot lately. Gallbaro will be b shortly to tell op he's a fool for buying a new razor and that he should have just gone to a thrift store.

 

[Brofist]

No Predator references yet, I'm disappointed

 

[Sh1ner]

HOw dumbass proof is the Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor?

With my Mach 3 I can just not pay attention and swipe away and I dont get cuts, with the newer Gilletee Model, I have to be slow/soft to cut down on irritation.

With the Merkur I would assume I would be cutting my face off.

 

[Darkwater]

+1 for safety razors

Manly, cheap, effective.

With the Merkur I would assume I would be cutting my face off.

More or less. You can't daydream too much or go too fast with a safety razor. Especially when you're starting out. As with everything, though, practice makes perfect.

 

[Angry Grimace]

I like it when people try to convince themselves straight razors are the way to go, when really they just like making everything more complicated.

 

[esquire]

I hate shaving. I really do.

 

[Nizz]

Or at least upgrade to the new Gilette Fusion ProGlide. I have sensitive skin and have long been considering a Merkur. I'm just paranoid it'll tear my skin up. Had been using the Mach 3 for many, many years. The ProGlide is so much nicer IMO. Definitely a nice upgrade.

This another Fusion blade? Not too long ago I switched up from the Mach 3 to the Fusion. Didn't like it at first but now I like it. What's different about the ProGlide?

 

[Cosmonaut X]

I like it when people try to convince themselves straight razors are the way to go, when really they just like making everything more complicated.

Straight razors do increase the amount of time involved, and the care and skill you need, but a well-kept straight razor gives a hell of a nice shave. I've still got my set, and if it wasn't for the fact that I have children to get ready for school I'd be taking a nice 30-40 minutes to get showered and shaved every morning...

 

[1-D_FTW]

This another Fusion blade? Not too long ago I switched up from the Mach 3 to the Fusion. Didn't like it at first but now I like it. What's different about the ProGlide?

http://www.gillette.com/en/us/products/razors/proglide/fusion-proglide-power-razor.aspx

It's their first new razor in years. Just a lot of little changes like thinner blades. It's also the first time I've used one of their power blades (vibrates with battery). Maybe that's making a big difference, but it really does feel like it's gliding across your face.

 

[BertramCooper]

HOw dumbass proof is the Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor?

With my Mach 3 I can just not pay attention and swipe away and I dont get cuts, with the newer Gilletee Model, I have to be slow/soft to cut down on irritation.

With the Merkur I would assume I would be cutting my face off.

You definitely have to pay a great deal of attention when using a safety razor. We're not talking a quick two minute shave - you want to dedicate at least 10-15 minutes to the process.

 

[slidewinder]

HOw dumbass proof is the Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor?

Not at all. 0% dumbass-proof.

 

[Bowser]

http://www.gillette.com/en/us/products/razors/proglide/fusion-proglide-power-razor.aspx

It's their first new razor in years. Just a lot of little changes like thinner blades. It's also the first time I've used one of their power blades (vibrates with battery). Maybe that's making a big difference, but it really does feel like it's gliding across your face.

I just bought and used the ProGlide yesterday, and I have to say that it gives me a much closer shave then even the Fusion did. Plus, shaving seems much smoother as well. Probably the best blade Gillette's ever put out.

 

[Frustrated_me]

I like going for the rough look.

maybe completely shave one or twice a year using mach3 though.

 

[Numpt3]

A question to you guys who use a straight razor. How difficult is it to master? Since I started using a safety razor I've always wanted to try out a straight aswell, just don't have the courage to. :lol

 

[desertdroog]

I have both a vintage Gillette Fatboy and Slim adjustable DE razors and use them in combination with Feather blades, Simpson Colonel X2L Badger hair brush and the old Proraso standby.

Morning shaves are a Zen moment when they, otherwise used to be mundane. Nivea replenishing balm or Nivea cooling balm are my standards, though I have tried Crabtree & Evelyn Nomad shave cream and aftershave with success. This shave cream isn't as invigorating as the cooling Proraso, however the Nomad calming balm is luxurious.

My current kit:
http://m43.photobucket.com/albumview/albums/desertdroog/Vintage Shaving Gear/4297ec30.jpg.html

 

[Solaros]

There will be more irritation to your skin if you have 3-5 razors passing over your skin one after the other than if you just had one passing over your skin.

Less irritation means less razor burn and break outs.

 

[The Take Out Bandit]

Old school is just growing a manly beard.

If only I could.

 

[SUPREME1]

There's an existing shaving thread... Many great tips, tricks and products.


I too do wet shaving. Amazing experience.

 

[BertramCooper]

I have both a vintage Gillette Fatboy and Slim adjustable DE razors and use them in combination with Feather blades, Simpson Colonel X2L Badger hair brush and the old Proraso standby.

Are Feather blades as insanely sharp as I've heard? From what I understand, they're for expert shavers only.

If so, I might get them for my next batch. Hopefully my technique will have improved dramatically by that point. I'm very happy with my Sharks so far - they're far better than the Merkur blade that came with my razor.

 

[Numpt3]

Forgot to add...

Talking about aftershave balms, this stuff f***** rocks.

 

[Nizz]

http://www.gillette.com/en/us/products/razors/proglide/fusion-proglide-power-razor.aspx

It's their first new razor in years. Just a lot of little changes like thinner blades. It's also the first time I've used one of their power blades (vibrates with battery). Maybe that's making a big difference, but it really does feel like it's gliding across your face.

Sounds good. May have to try it. But Fusion blades alone are pretty damn expensive.

 

[desertdroog]

Are Feather blades as insanely sharp as I've heard? From what I understand, they're for expert shavers only.

If so, I might get them for my next batch. Hopefully my technique will have improved dramatically by that point. I'm very happy with my Sharks so far - they're far better than the Merkur blade that came with my razor.

Yes, they are top end. The reason I use them is due to having an adjustable DE razor. Where I would use Derby or Persona reds on setting 5, the Feather commands a setting of 3. These razors go to 9 fyi.

 

[speculawyer]

Do it dry. I use a disposable with no lube.

Ouch. That is like pulling out each hair one by one.

 

[TheLastCandle]

I hate shaving. I really do.

Amen.

I put that shit off way longer than I should, too. I always have one or two days a week where I look a bit too scruffy for comfort.

 

[elrechazado]

beards

/thread

 

[devildog820]

I use a classic Merkur DE handle and a vulfix brush. I stick to trumper cream and aftershave while using Personna blades. I haven't looked back, it's been awesome.

There are some good write-ups done by the shaveblog guy, but I think his site went away a long time ago.

 

[krypt0nian]

No fucking way.

Top of the line Braun electric and you're out the door in minutes.

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

Do you really use shark blades? I only get 2 shaves out of them before they go completely dull...

No fucking way.

Top of the line Braun electric and you're out the door in minutes.

It doesn't take that long to shave...

 

[Shiv47]

A question to you guys who use a straight razor. How difficult is it to master? Since I started using a safety razor I've always wanted to try out a straight aswell, just don't have the courage to. :lol

My main difficulty with using my straight was getting my chin and mustache region, as that area was most awkward to shave smoothly. Most difficult to me however was keeping my straight sharp; once it started to lose its edge, I found honing to be an absolute bitch, and eventually gave up. I'd have to send my straight out to be honed by someone else at this point. That said, if you learn how, you can use the same blade the rest of your life if you maintain it correctly. It would be a cool thing to pass on to my son.

 

[Desiato]

I'm never going back to electric razors. A rare small cut is way better than irritated skin all over the place. And that Nivea stuff is indeed great.

 

[Mudkips]

Brushes for shaving cream are a joke. Your stubble does the exact same thing as the brush!

And now, commence Real Men Shave With... meme!

 

[Zaraki_Kenpachi]

My main difficulty with using my straight was getting my chin and mustache region, as that area was most awkward to shave smoothly. Most difficult to me however was keeping my straight sharp; once it started to lose its edge, I found honing to be an absolute bitch, and eventually gave up. I'd have to send my straight out to be honed by someone else at this point. That said, if you learn how, you can use the same blade the rest of your life if you maintain it correctly. It would be a cool thing to pass on to my son.

Did you strop your straight? You don't really have to hone it that often. And chin is a bitch in the beginning but you should get used to it pretty quickly.

 

[industrian]

Do it dry. I use a disposable with no lube.

My body momentarily seized up reading this.

I've been using the Mach3 for ten years. I don't think I'll switch to any other razor. I'm on the Mach3 Power (or whatever the green one that doubles as a vibrator is called.)

 

[whatsinaname]

Did the jump end of last year. Got annoyed with the Mach 3s and Fusion blades. Didn't last long, expensive, and not a very close shave.

Parker 91R DE razor
Colonel Conk's Bay Rum Shaving Soap
Feather Blades
Badger Hair Brush
Old Spice After Shave (<-- have been using this for ages now. Burns a lot more after switching to the double edged razor but feels/smells awesome)

Only issue is while traveling. The TSA does not like razor blades in carry on luggage. :lol