"How to shave like your grandpa" left out one very important and manly fact: facial hair IS manliness. There are many of us in fact that find the clean-shaved image quite unmanly and even suspect, as though one is 'trying to recreate their boyhood'.
The war going on between the conformists and the individual reveals one clear point: what did nature intend men to look like? For the overwhelming majority of us it became apparent in our teens that our male bodies sprouted hair in certain, if not many, places of the male body to make the strong and impressive fact that we look like we do because we are MEN...not boys anymore, not women!
And what do the gurus of Madison Avenue typically say? Well, based on 'what women want' or whatever flavor of style they wish to impose, we the mustached/go-teed/bearded are frequently squeezed into the box called nonconformist Neanderthal for being so. That's EXACTLY what manly men do. They do not give into popular opinion or culture; they know exactly who they are and are not afraid to flaunt that image (such as that of the Paul Mitchell from the hairstyle world or the legendary Ernest Hemingway).
It happens from time to time that the hairy may ends up the object of desire from others, and the pendulum swings now and again in our favor. However, we manly men don't need a swinging object to tell us that we do not need to test the wind direction to change our image; if anything, the rest of the world needs a strong reality check to find out why they are so easily manipulated into changing their own.
-Bill Alley Norwich CT
alan
· 1 year ago
Sorry but theres nothing manly about a safety razor, shaving isnt supposed to be a safe activity, comback once you've used a straight razor and we'll talk
Larryedit
· 1 year ago
I've been trying to get my 21-year-old son to switch to a razor for a while. I've used a double-blade cartridge style razor for years. It took care of a problem from which he still suffers: the irritation, razor burn, and ingrown hairs. BUT you have to use it right! You can't draw the razor up your neck, against the growing pattern of your beard. Same with your face. "Go with the grain, you'll avoid the pain!" (New marketing slogan for shaving with a razor.) 8^)
Shouldn't You Be Working?
· 1 year ago
[...]Just surfed over to a new blog on how to be more of a man in our modern age.
I like the author's writing style - brief, but with meat. Check out Brett McKay's "The Art of Manliness."
Brett McKay
· 1 year ago
@ Larryedit- "Go with grain, you'll avoid the pain." I like that. Send your son over here and we'll convince him to switch to wet shaving.
Doctuh
· 1 year ago
I am going to put another plug in for the straight razor. If you are going to go the environmental track it has 0 disposable parts. Yes a good one is a large capital cost, but once you have it you have it. If you take good care of it when you move on it can pass to your greatgrandson. It takes a little painful effort to get the hang of it but once you do you will never find anything that gives a better shave.
Bob Flanagan
· 1 year ago
May I suggest using Witch Hazel as an after shave instead of those perfumes? My grandfather and father used this natural astringent. It does a better job and you don't have to put up with the fragrance.
Brett McKay
· 1 year ago
@ Doctuh- I've put a straight razor on my wish list for next Christmas. Any suggestions on a particular one?
@Bob-I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the tip!
Mike Panic
· 1 year ago
I've been using a Futur razor since picking one up in Austria back in 1999, been on the same bar of DR Harris lavender soap for nearly 4 years now. I couldn't imagine shaving with anything but platinum coated double sided razors, a bar of shave soap and a badger brush.
Doctuh
· 1 year ago
I have a stainless steel one from Dovo in Germany. It has performed flawlessly, and as my barber attests: I have a very tough beard.
One drawback: no air travel with it, better pack the safeties for such travel.
As far as the Shave Soap / Aftershave I use the fantastical Burt's Bees / Bay Rum line of products, the shaving soap and cologne mixed with water for an aftershave. They discontinued this line over a year ago and I personally cleaned out most of the stock I could track down in New England. It is great stuff. Their new line of men's products is junk.
Ilya Monastyrsky
· 1 year ago
I have no problems with the cartridge blades. I stopped even bothering to use shaving cream and haven't had any problems...
Mike Anderson
· 1 year ago
When I was 14 I decided that I was a MAN and could shave -- I told my father this and he promptly went out and got me a Wade & Butcher straight razor, badger bush, shaving mug/soap, sharpening stone and strop ---- needless to say I spent the next couple of years learning how to shave with, strop and sharpen the thing and, once I really did start to get a beard, was able to produce the smoothest shave I think was possible. This all went on until I went into the Army (they didn't let me keep the thing there) and by the time I got out I was too lazy to keep up the ritual needed to shave this way. If, however, anyone is willing to go through the learning process you'll be able to enjoy the nicest shave there is.
Brett McKay
· 1 year ago
@ IIya- My father-in-law shaves like this. It works for him. I tried it for a bit, but I just couldn't get used to it.
@ Mike- I wish my dad got me a shaving kit like that! That's awesome. Are you starting to get back into the ritual again?
Brett McKay
· 1 year ago
@ Mike Panic- Wow! Four years with the same bar of soap! I'll have to look into that
Mike Anderson
· 1 year ago
No, I don't think I have the ambition needed to procure the supplies and relearn the old skills (funny how things used to seem so easy when you were young and so much trouble as you get older)
Mike Anderson
· 1 year ago
@Brett I did replace the soap from time to time (Old Spice and other suppliers would sell the cakes-and I imagine still do) -- they looked like hockey pucks and fit into a standard shaving mug.
Brian Milner
· 1 year ago
"4) go for bread reduction"
Woah Nellie! You got a typo there. :)
john
· 1 year ago
Let me tell you the biggest advantage of using a safety razor. My safety razor will cut through a weeks growth as easy as a days growth! Cartridge razors get all clogged up when I use with over 3 days growth. I love my safety razor, but you have to be careful and make sure you don't move it side to side. I bought a swank looking merkur futura adjustable safety razor about a year ago and love it! Like I said the best part is how it will mow down a weeks growth without clogging like a disposable razor cartridge, not to mention the cheap blades.
Shashank
· 1 year ago
My dad taught me to shave using a safety razor. I still have my granddad's safety razor, his brush and I used it before I came to US.
@Bob... I hate aftershaves that doesn't sting!
Derek
· 1 year ago
@ first comment, Bill Alley:
"The war going on between the conformists and the individual reveals one clear point: what did nature intend men to look like?"
Blah blah blah. It always amazes me how men like you will decry the same pressures that keep women shaving off their very natural hair. If you want to have a face like beast, that's cool. But don't come down on clean-shaven men because we like to kiss our women without leaving a rash on their face. Laziness does not equal manliness.
Or does it?
A P
· 1 year ago
Try dry-shaving with a bowie knife. That's the definition of man right there.
fprintf
· 1 year ago
Re: the comment about about shaving with the grain. Actually it is quite common to shave against the grain. I recommend http://www.badgerandblade.com and http://www.shavemyface.com for the real info from the hobbyists who are really into wet shaving.
I learned initially about wetshaving from a digg post suggesting a video series from a user called "mantic59". http://youtube.com/user/mantic59 The trick with a safety razor or a straight razor is multiple passes for beard reduction. 1st pass, with the grain. 2nd pass, with or across the grain, 3rd (and 4th passes if you want) goes against the grain.
The downside to all of this, once you have a really smooth shave anything less, such as a single pass disposable shave, will seem awfully stubbly. So prepare to spend 10 minutes every morning the rest of your life!
mdpdb
· 1 year ago
equating that which is natural with the good is something ethicists and other philosophers call "the naturalistic fallacy." case in point: if it were really true that natural things are good, we should all eschew modern medicine and die of cholera in our twenties.
sound like fun? :)
Animesh
· 1 year ago
Some wrong data there....
Shaving Gel Can (Nivea, 10 inch long) can be bought for $1 to $2 if you strike the right deal at Long's Walgreens Walmart etc. Gillette Mach 3 Turbo cartridges can be got for about $2 per cartridge if you strike the right deal.
One cartridge of Gillette goes about 4-6 months for me, if you don't wipe it after shaving. I shave twice a week. A can of gel goes for about a few years. The cost of cartridge + gel, compared to the monthly rent is negligible. It doesn't even compare to the phone bill.
Finally, i do agree that brushes and lather gives a better experience after shaving. I have a plastic brush working since past 9 years and it is still white as it was. Further, some brushes have Horse's hair as bristles too. But plastic one works well too!
gus
· 1 year ago
Scraping the fuck out of your face every morning is not only barbaric it prematurely ages your skin because skin living cells are removed, you end up looking old after your face toughens over the years. I've nearly always shaved electric and never had a problem that was not regular maintance related. (replace the foil) I've used numerous models. Some work a little better than others but it's the best shave and least abusive solution.
Try this, scrape your elbow or finger with an emery board every day for a month or two and let me know if a callus forms. Saving with a razor does the same thing to your face over time.
(ok, b 4 you flame, I recognize that everyone _IS_ different, I had a roomate and him using any electric shaver was like using a 8' chain saw to cut down redwoods. It just didn't work very well. He also had to use a two throw aways to get the job done right. )
Tom
· 1 year ago
What does everyone here think about shaving oils like Somersets? I started using it when I was travelling and now I can't go back to canned cream.
Has anyone tried both the oils and the cake w/ badger brush? How do they compare?
Yogi
· 1 year ago
Just don't shave at all thats what I do and I'm not only saving the environment but I look like a badass.
gary
· 1 year ago
Shaving cream? Lather? SOAP?! How is that manly? I haven't bought or used a dollop of lather or soap for my shave in at least five years. Hot water. That's all I've used. And disposable .50 Bic razors. No irritation, no smell of glycerin, and no more nicks or cuts than when I used cream. Just a teeth-gritting splash of Old Spice, and I'm done.
The only non-manly thing about using cream is that its messy, which is a common attribute to most manish activities.
If you really want a fancy shave, just go to a barber who still has a barber Pole out front, and get a tradition hot shave with a stropped straight razor. That is manly.
Leisureguy
· 1 year ago
One benefit of traditional shaving (whether with straight razor or single-bladed safety razor) is that most men start to *enjoy* the morning shave. It's true that this mode of shaving is easier on the skin and can give a smoother shave, but it's the benefit of enjoyment (from something that was once a chore) that means most to me. And this is from a guy who most of the time wore a beard simply to avoid shaving.
Leisureguy
· 1 year ago
One point I should make regarding double-edged blades. For reasons not fully understood, a shaver's response to a brand of blade varies widely from shaver to shaver. A wonderfully sharp and smooth blade for one shaver will be condemned as a terrible, dull blade by another. The only way to find the blade that works for you is to try a wide variety and find out by experience. ("Not working" generally means that, for you, the blade seems dull and pulls at your beard instead of cutting smoothly.) To that end, you can get sampler packs of blades: a package of a variety of brands, with 5 to 10 blades of each brand. This is a key step in finding a better shave, so don't neglect it.
kav
· 1 year ago
Real men don't shave, they growl at the mirror and scare the hair off their face.
Seriously, though, the straight razor ritual is king. There's a sense of accomplishment. It's a daily reminder that you're alive. A man can hardly shave with a straight razor and not feel more confident.
That, and I hate to give my money away for overpriced disposable cartridges.
Albert Ross
· 1 year ago
>>Try dry-shaving with a bowie knife. Thats the definition of man right there.
That's for limp wristed effetes. I smash one of last night's beer bottles on the rocks near an ice cold stagnant puddle out the back. A great edge and the slime acts a stubble softener.
bjarne
· 1 year ago
you're right, been doing it for 10 years as well, never wanted to go back the new way of doing things, a very good shaving soap is the Tabac soap, should be on your list of recommended soaps :-)
What about shaving IN the shower? Been doing that with a safety razor and plain old soap (lever 2000) for about 10 years now. Best shave ever. For best results (don't freakin laugh, it's the truth) I make lather by using the soap on my chest. Rubbing it around in the chest hair makes a great later. Seriously.
Bob
· 1 year ago
I'd have to argue with saying that a straight razor will give you a closer shave over the DE razor (most people who say this shave with straights and have never shaved with a DE), almost everyone I know who has shaved with, and are skilled with, both instruments will tell you that they can get equally close and comfortable shaves with both, some people even claim they can work a closer shave with their DE since its "easier". You're not missing out on anything with a DE as opposed to a straight, especially with decent blades like Derbys or the frightfully sharp Feathers.
Matt
· 1 year ago
Gus-scraping the skin cells off your face is actually good for your skin and will keep you looking younger. It forces your skin to rejuvenate and make new cells. This is why women use creams, scrubs, and chemical peels to burn or rub off the top layer of skin of their faces.
bbwdating
· 1 year ago
My grandpa had a beard.
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Brett McKay
· 1 year ago
Wow! Lots of great comments. I've learned a lot from you all.
Kevin
· 1 year ago
There is a new (at least in my neighborhood) store in the area called "The Art of Shaving" They sell badger brushes, kits with preshave oil, shaving cream and an after shave balm. They also sell safety razors, straight razors and ridiculously over priced handles for several cartridge razors. I received a starter kit for christmas and you do get a nice shave without the razor burn.
The company also has a website where you can spend quite a bit of money on your face.
@ Bill Alley. You took the words right out of my mouth.
I mean, if we were supposed to remove it, then it wouldn't come back again, right?
J.a.
· 1 year ago
My father also had a salt stone to rub on his face after the wet shave. Now that was badass! You forgot to mention that was oldschool too.
Leisureguy
· 1 year ago
The salt stone was probably an alum block, and quite a few shavers still use one after the shave. More info here.
Al Feldzamen
· 1 year ago
Albert Einstein once said he used the same soap for washing and shaving, because he didn't want to unnecessarily complicate his life. Remembering his, one day, when I ran out of shaving soap, I lathered up a bit with Ivory, and found that my shaving experience was exactly the same as with specialized shaving soap or gel!! So ever since, when having a set shave, I use ordinary soap. Try it. You'll see it's the same as those expensive "special" shaving soaps and gels.
pduff
· 1 year ago
I bought one of the shaving soap bars 2 YEARS ago and it is still going strong. This one to be specific
There are some *excellent* hand made shaving soaps available on the web. I use a Bay Rum shaving soap made with goat's milk (http://www.udderdelight.com/ - look in the catalogue under soaps).
On a day-to-day basis, I'm a 'shave in the shower' guy personally - a bar of soap and a three blad Shick disposable. The razors last for at least a couple of months with no noticable degradation in performance, and my wife thinks I'm smoother than a three year old's face (we have a three year old nehew so she can compare) afterwards. Every couple of years i grow a full beard for the winter, and when it's time to peel it off, I pull out a Rolls Razor that I bought years ago at an antique store. Not only does it do the job in two passes max, it is one of the neatest gadgets I own - built in stone and strop - basically a big piece of straight razor that mounts in the handle. You pull it back and forth inside the case with the stone side first, then a few strokes with the strip side and you're good to go. Thanks for all the great comments - really interesting article too.
Our best product for old fathers is walk-in bathtub!
Chris
· 1 year ago
Would any of you guys want your woman to not to shave? Well, treat shaving as a method of returning the favor. Better yet, ask her if she want you to shave. Manliness? If you need to prove your manliness to others by not shaving then apparently there is a reason why you have to do it. It probably has nothing to do with facial hair but with how you think others perceive you. If you are that concerned (whether you want to look manly by shaving or not) then... it is not very manly to even care about it too much.
joe mom
· 1 year ago
great article, thanks
i have 3 expensive electric shavers + mach2, mach3, fusion, shick, etc etc and i don't get a pleasant shave with any of them, i'm gonna go ahead and try the old school way...
Hizzoner
· 1 year ago
My grampa said shaving is for pussies - just shuddup and grow a beard you goddamn pansy.
rob
· 1 year ago
I guess that I must have a particularly stiff beard. Evidence is that a mach3 cartridge lasts 3 weeks before it starts pulling from dullness. A couple of factors to add, I shave my head (going bald, so the blade is not working that hard) only shave every other day, and have a goatee. I am also one of those men that have never found an electric of any kind that did not rip my face off during use. I have been on the lookout for a decent safety razor for a while now.
hint: for those of you that deign to use canned cream, fill your sink with hot, hot water and drop the can in before you get into the shower.
Rob
bingo
· 1 year ago
what should i shave my frank and beans with?
Warren
· 1 year ago
When I was young, my dad taught me to use a safety razor. Great shave. As I grew up and moved out, I moved to the disposables until I started growing a full beard - which I kept into my late 30's. Then back to disposables... When my dad passed away at 85 a few years ago, I found his old Gillete, gold plated, safety razor from the 1940's along with his mug, badger hair brush and a couple tubes of Gillette shaving cream. It brought back a lot of nostalgia from when I was a little boy watching him shave. When I got back home, I brought all that with me and went back to the old-school methods and haven't even thought of switching back. I find myself thinking of my dad every time I shave now. Great article. Thanks...
Ian Millard
· 1 year ago
As an alternative treatment after shaving....
Wash your face with warm water. Make sure you remove all the remaining lather/soap.
Then use an aftershave cream or balm, or a gel. Nivea for Men or Gillette after shave gel will keep your skin in better condition than the alcohol-based perfumes.
It's important to moisturize, especially if you're outdoors in the winter. It also keeps us mature men looking a little younger.
Thanks for the tip Ian. I've used Nivea before and liked it.
PheerMee
· 1 year ago
If you really and truely want to shave like your grandpa and save money and reduce you environmental impact, simple use a straight razor, leather strap, and water (no lather)
Dan
· 1 year ago
It seems that one giant demographic has been left out of this discussion... the people who shave the most: people with shaved heads. I learned to shave with a safety razor and thought it to be fine until I came across Gillette's Mach-3's. I get the same exact shave from both razors on my face, but the Mach-3 does a far superior job on my head. No matter how careful I am with the safety razor, it doesn't conform to the curves of my head like the Mach-3 can and I usually end up with irritation and/or nicks at the base of my ears and neck and on the top of my head. My balding father began shaving his head a few years ago and he even began using the Mach-3's over his decades old safety razor because of the noticeable improvement in irritation.
As for the cost of the cartridges, I've found that I can get 3-4 great shaves out of each Mach-3 by simply shaving once I get out of the shower. I shave once every couple days, so 16 shaves from 4 cartridges @ $8-something a box comes out to roughly .50 cents a shave. If you take care of the handle of the razor, you can easily get many good years out of just one.
A. Human
· 1 year ago
You forgot to post a link to Mantic59's educational series on classic shaving via youtube. Look it up, he is the master symposium of shaving knowledge and will improve your shave 10fold.
Also: I am a manly man and enjoy being clean shaven.
JR
· 1 year ago
Nice article. I may attempt implementing some of these ideas someday. But for now, I have a full on wild man beard, and I like it.
Anyway, as I was reading this I remembered a story about a guy who was seemingly obsesed with freezing things with liquid nitrogen. Car engine blocks, razor blades etc. I couldn't find whatever article it was that I read about him, but I did find something that I think most here will appreciate. It's an article that talks about how just drying your disposable cartridge blades can extend their life by more than double. Here it is:
Whoever said that shaving ages your skin is very wrong. Shaving is the same as a women who ex foliates their skin. The process of ex foliation removes dead skin cells and allows your body to create new skin. Without the removal of dead skin cells skin becomes tough and dark. Shaving allows your face to ex foliate. Research also shows that ex foliation of the skin helps prevents skin cancer. I also recently read that guys do not ex foliate the rest of their body enough.
Captain D
· 1 year ago
Also the ones that say not shaving is very manly. It's fine if you don't want to shave, but most research shows women are attracted to clean shaven men. Also if you like the natural feel; try running your hand up a girls leg that has not shaved and see if you like that.
Thanks for the link. I saw a similar article a few months ago and started implementing drying my blades. I can vouch for its effectiveness. My blade stay sharper, longer.
someone mentioned using lavender soap or aftershave. While we're on the topic of manliness... DO NOT use lavender if you want to maintain your manliness. Lavender oil mimics estrogen and studies are finding young boys developing breasts because of using lavender in soaps and other things. some say the effect is negligible in adult males, but I wouldn't take my chances.
Denis J
· 1 year ago
This looks like a very interesting prospect, if what it says is true then all the water, shaving soap and brushes might be something for grandpa but maybe not for the newer generation.
I'm a fairly lazy bastard, and only shave when I have to. What this usually means is when I am working, once every three days, or when I'm not working, about once a month. I use a Gilette Mach 3, and the cartridges are useless after the second use, and vastly overpriced. I'm going to have to give this a shot. I assume that it will be as simple to keep the shape of the beard I keep with a safety razor as it is with a disposable?
Martin Olsson
· 1 year ago
Excellent article! I have an old-fashioned pointy moustache, and I use classic tools to groom it. I even made my own moustache wax according to an old Hungarian recipe. A video and pictures are available here: http://www.smpl.se/blog/2007/05/03/diy-moustach...
I hope you don't think this is spam: I'd be more than willing to write a "real" article on moustache-grooming for Art of Manliness if you think there is an interest.
On an outing to the local mall I discovered "C.O. Bigelow Premium Shaving Creme". Outstanding stuff, the smell is wonderful and it leaves skin feeling extremely smooth. It's got eucalyptus and it comes in a tube. Like the cremes mentioned on here a small dab on your finger will yield a generous lather. I found it at Bath and Body Works, and refuse to use anything else. Strongly recommended.
When I went to the barber and beauty supply store, the gentleman there showed me a "hair shaper" for less than $5.00 It had a removable tooth guide which I promptly threw away. It uses single sided razor blades, sold in a box of 5 for $2.99. Works and looks just like a straight razor, but I don't have to go through the ritual of sharpening and stroping the blade, I just toss and replace once a week at the most. Best shave I have ever gotten. Just took a week to get use to doing it without nicking myself. and about a week after that for the "learning" nicks to heal. My wife loves the feel and look. In the mornings before I shave, I have less shadow than I use to come home with i the evenings when I was using the multi-blade disposables.
this is very odd do not right stuff like this ever agen!!!
Neon John
· 1 year ago
Egads! The yuppification of shaving?. Chocolate, cookware and coffee are bad enough. Now shaving? I'm old enough to remember how GREAT it was when disposable came out!
Awhile back I saw something on the net about the new fad of safety razors. I sez, what the heck? So I dug out grand dad's old Gillette. Damn! That hurt. Falling for the "cheap can't be good" yuppy fallacy, I ordered one of those fancy import razors and blades. Damn, that still hurt! Back to the disposables.
Here are a few things I've learned over the years. A mug and brush are da bomb! No need for fancy, expensive soaps, though. Wallyworld sells Williams Mug shaving soap at $0.99 a chunk. That's what my dad used and his dad and..... Still as good now as then. With one trick.
When you're buying that soap, drop over an isle and get a bottle of pure glycerin. It has no odor, contrary to a claim in this thread. About once a week put a teaspoon full of glycerin in your soap mug. The effect is remarkable. It makes a lather that looks and feels like whipped cream.
Don't wash out the brush after each shave. That just wastes soap. Just plop it back in the mug. It'll stay wet until the next shave. A chunk of soap lasts me 2-3 months. I can't tell enough difference between badger and boar bristles but then again, maybe I'm not SENSITIVE enough.....
Nothing beats shaving in the shower. Make it the last thing you do before getting out. Let the steam soften your beard during the rest of your shower. While lathering up the shampoo, give your face a good rub. This cuts the oil from the beard and gives it a head start on getting soft.
About disposable razors. The "problem" with them is that they're very inconsistent. In a given package, some will be extremely sharp and some duller'n dirt. I've found that to be the case regardless of brand or price.
I buy the cheapest brand that I can find at the grocery surplus outlet. I rarely pay over a dime a razor. I take one swipe at my face with a new one. If it shows the least bit of pull or discomfort, it goes in the trash. Probably 2/3s of the package ends up that way. But when I find a sharp one, I baby it. It lasts me a month or better. The combo of Williams, glycerin and a steamed beard is super gentle on the blade.
Y'all can mutilate your face all you want with those old safety razors. I'll stick with my carefully selected double bladed disposable.
John
drawlr
· 1 year ago
I thought I was going to get a lesson on shaving with a straight razor; that's what my grandpa used. That's how men shaved for centuries. Safety razors are for the faint-of-heart.
Willofgod
· 1 year ago
I use my saftey ravor with shaving oil.... works wonders.
John T
· 1 year ago
When I learned to shave from my father and grandfather I did as they did and learned to use a straight razor. Sadly as I grew older and succumbed to modern conveninces I too changed over to a safety razor as my father did in his later years. My grandfather would never have considered such a thing and still used his straight razor even when his sight was almost gone.
Jeff
· 1 year ago
You can use a straight razor around the edges of your beard. I currently do that, and before I grew the beard last year used a straight razor for quite a while for the complete shave. I would never go back.
Jeff
· 1 year ago
Oh, and straight razor place is the place to go to learn how. Lynn, who runs the site, has some good videos available and sharpens blades as well.
For supplies, a good central location is http://www.classicshaving.com. They have everything you need for manly grooming :).
Johnny
· 1 year ago
For many years I went to the same old barber(who much to my dismay retired in his mid 90s). He would give me a good haircut and(when I got older) a straight razor shave. I noticed that the straight razor shave didn't give me razor burn and just generally felt better.
Several years ago I bought a Dovo straight razor and the necessary accessories online. I used Colonel Conk's Shave Soap(http://www.col-conk.com/) with a badger hair brush. I absolutely love shaving with a straight razor. The shave soap doesn't have an over powering odor, and it goes well with my cologne.
Unfortunately I've since gone to a Mach 3(mainly due to not being a morning person). I can't stand to use a disposable at all, the same goes for an electric(they tremble at the mere mention of my name). I've considered using the old double edge style razors but I've never tried it. I think I will soon be returning to my old methods, hopefully never again to depart.
Dan
· 1 year ago
Two tips to save yourself a ton of money.
1. Buy a single pack of mach4s (or whatever brand you prefer) with the handle. Often the with-handle packs are cheaper than just the blades.
2. If you've used the blade a few times and you're worried it's not as sharp as it used to be, run it backwards over your palm a few times. There's no risk of cutting yourself this way, but the rubbing action smooths the blade and coats it with a bit of oil from your skin.
Using these two tips I can spend a grand total of $10 a year on blades.
serge
· 1 year ago
Dan,are you crazy? Do you want us to cut our hands? Oil from your skin...what a bunch of BS.
Dan
· 1 year ago
Well I've been using it and it's great. You won't cut your hands because you're going the other direction - away from the cutting edge. imagine you were shaving your palm. (heh.) now do the same movement backwards. see? no cut. i've been using it to great success.
Voice Of Dingchao
· 1 year ago
That's very funny! The pity thing is that I don't have a grandpa, so I can't shave like my grandpa. Haha! I just shave in my style.
Codius
· 1 year ago
To all who think that shaving isn't manly, remember:
Some of the manliest professions require a clean shaven appearance. Soldiers, police officers, and firefighters are all (typically) required to be clean cheeked.
AJ
· 1 year ago
Baby oil works for me (it does eat up the rubber parts on the newer cyborg 20 blade razors out there). I clean up with hot water. I've never tried the safety razor thing. I might have to now.
Jon
· 1 year ago
I've tried all of the methods listed above, from the straight edge to the disposable. The straight edge does work extremely well, but the maintenance and time spent on the blade is simply too much for me. I used a safety-razor for a while as well. The blades always start off wicked sharp. In shaving there is such a thing as "too sharp." Usually takes a few uses to get into that smooth zone (I really hope I'm not the only one to experience that. Ha). My morning ritual went as such: shower, wait and dry off a bit (as my face would be a bit 'puffy' from the warm water), I would then apply olive oil (it's what I have around the house anyways) to my beard (but just a little!), then use hot water to lather up some Col. Conk's amber shave soap, and top it off with a few passes with an alum block (salt stone). Best shaves ever!
I must say, however, that I am fully bearded at the moment. I went on a camping trip for about a week and didn't feel like lugging shaving stuff with me. I was surprised to hear from female friends that they really liked the beard. I do rigorously maintain the appearance by trimming and maintaining clean cut angles (done with a Gillette Sensor).
I think having a beard is just as manly as being clean shaven assuming you're not just being lazy. Maintain that sucker! Think shampoo, regular edging, and combing. Whatever you do, do it with some dignity and pride!
Dr. Lao
· 1 year ago
Bravo for a great article!
I made the switch from an electric to a DE razor and have never looked back
Guys don't know what they're missing when they keep shaving with a five-blade rake and crap-in-a-can.
person
· 1 year ago
According to Lupo: “Cold water can keep your pores from producing excess oil, but they will never close. Alternately, steam won’t cause them to open, but it will stimulate the oil glands.”
I tought this blog was about manliness? DE safet razors?!? Those are for pussies. There's only one type of implement for removing a beard: a straight razor. Learn how to hone, learn how to shave with a straight, and THEN, my son, you're a man.
Tron
· 1 year ago
i just use a regular, non disposable razor (as in one that you gotta buy new blades for now n then). Never had a problem with it, I probably spend roughly $20 every 2 months for blades, so not like it's forcing me to choose between rent and shaving. Just a note for anyone who's using any aftershave products, if you really care about your skin, look for something that contains minimal (or preferebly NO) alcohol as THAT will dry out your skin and kill newly forming skin cells. (which is exactly the reason you're not supposed to use rubbing alcohol to clean new piercings/tattoos, it'll just kill any healing tissue) It's pretty common knowledge to not use alochol based aftershaves but there's always people who don't know/think about it, so figured id just leave a post.
Erikson
· 1 year ago
this article just makes me wish i could grow something on my face that needs shaving. i feel that there's a whole ritual, a rite of passage even, that i'm missing out on. that said, being somewhat of a traditionalist when it comes to tools, i'd likely opt for the straight-razor myself.
wanngbing
· 1 year ago
we can design and produce full range of cosmetic brushes, including Powder Brush, Brush Set, Powder Brush, Blusher Brush, Lip Brush, Eyebrow Brush and other kinds of animal hair brushes. Different animal hair materials available in varied colors and formula. Copper or aluminum ferrule with plastic or wooden handles at your option.
tomrollock
· 1 year ago
All you so called "men" shaving with your straights and knives need to strap on a pair and sharpen up a hatchet - now that's shaving...
JOKAH
· 1 year ago
MY FATHER HAD A BEAUTIFUL SET OF SEVEN STRAIGHT RAZORS WITH MOTHER OF PEARL HANDLES. ONCE A WEEK, EVERY WEEK, WHEN HE WENT TO RALPH THE BARBER FOR HIS HAIRCUT HE WOULD BRING THE RAZORS AND RALPH WOULD STROP THEM ON A LONG LEATHER STRAP HANGING FROM THE COUNTER WITH THE WARM SHAVE CREAM MACHINE AND BOTTLES OF STEPHENS HAIR TONIC.
Nofmeister
· 1 year ago
Being able to shave "old school style" is a pretty nice skill to have as a bachelor. Whenever I spent a night at my girlfriends house, she would always be interested in standing in the bathroom doorway, watching me shave in the morning. This has happened with several women that I have dated, and I have to say, I'm in my 30's and have been married for less than 2 years, so I would think this would apply pretty well to today as well as back then.
ninepoundhammer
· 1 year ago
I agree with Mr Alley in the first comment: shaving your face is the antithesis of manliness. Women's faces are meant to be smooth. Wear a beard--and wear it proud!
Dan
· 1 year ago
i first came across this over the summer, and i'd been looking for products locally. about 2 months ago, i came across The Art of Shaving at Westfields Topanga in Woodland Hills CA. All I can say is that Gillette has lost a customer since i found this place. Now that i've started using a safety razor and new shave cream, i'm not breaking out below my jawline. that alone makes it worth the cost.
Sorry safety shavers, although you want to start your day off with a satisfying rewarding activity, the protected blade is simply like wearing a condom. Come out of the closet of your five o'clock shadow and become a straight man. Woman who like men prefer straight men. (Men too, I suppose) . The reason is simple, bigger is better. A straight razor is the biggest, both in length and girth. Next would be the safety razor, but it is almost three times smaller, and the cartridge, even with 5 blades its just teeny tiny, then there is the electric razor, with it's itsy bitsy rotary blades, and ribbons of steel(ribbons? WTF, ribbons are not manly.)and that is the smallest of all. No matter how many blades, they are smaller and cannot match up to a big one.
I currently have a Wapienica straight razor. ($20)(new old stock carbon steel Soviet made in the 70's) It was cheap and easy to sharpen, and the shave is just fantastic. Ebay has many razors. Look for shave ready, and check the forums. I use an e-shave badger brush($55), and switch between Poraso soap ($11)and The Art of Shaving Sandlewood cream.($22) I have purchased all of the drug store aftershaves. Old Spice(mostly because I dig that movie it made a cameo in, starring Linda Lovelace.), Brut, Clubman, Lime SEC, and Aqua Velva. I bought them all for under $30. I had to break a 6 year Cerutti Image habit. I took the money I saved and went to a biker bar and drank Tequila all night. the straight is actually a heck of a lot of fun, and has a very Zen-like quality.
Andrei
· 1 year ago
My Grandpa had a DE safety razor, so I'll be sure to look for that.
Safety razors aside, I've been looking for a good quality straight razor and strop, but I don't know the difference between the different kinds in terms of quality, useful life, etc. I see hundreds of cheap straight razors and strops on e-bay made of stainless steel, carbon steel; and then the strops, which don't have much else on the listing other than length (or maybe if it has leather and canvas).
I don't want to spend a ton to get a super expensive straight razor, but I also don't know if I can trust the ones that go for under $10. What would be the 'specs' and cost of a decent one? What about strops?
@Brett - Have you tried out the straight razor yet?
bstyles
· 1 year ago
I've recently started shaving with a brush and soap, the other day was in a rush and jst grabbed the closest thing, a can of shaving foam. its terrible compared!! now i just gotta get me a safety razor :)
bstyles
· 1 year ago
or a straight razor
Murdering Muses
· 1 year ago
I have to ask a question similar to those previously mentioned by many, that being simply, what are the pros and cons of a straight blade?
I've been looking into making a purchase and want to know what the differences are here, both between it and the safety razor, and also within the straight blade market.
Any helpful facts here?
PDole
· 1 year ago
Originally Posted By A PTry dry-shaving with a bowie knife. That's the definition of man right there.
That is awesome! I was just thinking of saying it when I came across this, I did it and made all of my less manly friends wince like girls, I use a safety razor and hot water. thats it. no foofy soaps or astringents or any other metrosexual type stuff. I wish I could find a really sharp bear claw to use...........yeah thats the ticket!
a. S. h.
· 1 year ago
Well, I believe that electric razors may be the most benefitial way of the future, personally. This is not because of its ease, or even just because of its speed... but call me unmanly if you want to, but what is more many than getting the chicks. This is my reasoning.. even a crappy electric can shave down your beard and in 30 seconds you can get down to that stubble. In EVERY EVERY scientific study on how women perceive men, the clean shaven is not the considered the most handsome, but is perceived more handsome than a man with a beard, goat beard, or soul patch (as they score worst), the highest scorer, always in every test is a man with stubble. Not clean shaven, not bearded, but stubble. You can't get that with any kind of razor, and while you can get a clean shave with an electric, if you just run the razor over your face it is a perfect stubble... Call me unmanly, but i dont care if men like me or how i look or do things.. i care about the wo-mans... I win--
sir_flexalot
· 1 year ago
The history of shaving points to it being a characteristic of either a ruling class or otherwise relegated to the people who could afford the equipment, so it's cool that there are so many affordable options to getting the 'ruler of the world a thousand years ago' look. (http://www.heart.net/~krumholz/history.html)
ALLYN D. THOMPSON
· 1 year ago
During WW2 my father and all the gents of that era had it tough if they were dedicated shavers (aka: slick faces) because of the shortage of good steel which was used by the war effort and therefore unattainable for the faces of the slobs not in the service of the United States. Blades were kept sharp by many means that were dream of by the few. My dad was showing me how to sharpen a safety, 2 sided blade. He took a water glass that was smooth and with out distortion of design. Wetting the blade and placing it on the inside of the glass with the axis of the blade aimed from top to bottom. He then placed his finger on the blade causing it to conform to the shape of the glass and pushing it around and around and up and down. The only abrasive used was the glass it's self. With little effort the blade was sharp again and dad didn't have those little cut marks all over his face. He had reformed the edge of the blade to get him through until the next time. Thank goodness things have changed and I don't shave until I am good and ready. Usually in about a week. However I must say that nothing feels as good on my face as the hands of a grandbaby or the hot lather applied by the badger brush. By the way, I can remember a little girl watching me shave and wish she could see me now.
Vance
· 1 year ago
I've been using a brush and safety razor for a few years now. My absolute best tip to share is this (and it took me a while to figure out): After a day or so of not shaving, look at your face VERY CLOSELY in the mirror. You want to see exactly how your hair grows, so that you can shave precisely WITH the grain.
My neck always broke out, even after I switched to the classic wet shave. It was only after carefully learning which direction the hair grew in which spot did I finally attain that "perfect" shave. the face was easy, but the neck took careful study to get right. Now, my neck never breaks out (unless I'm careless).
Very creamee, so a very SMOOTHE shave And they smell nice! And are made by a good company! And you can take a bath with these soaps and shave all at once.
Nice!
I sure hope I win still. I miss my olden saftey razor.
camilo atehoruta
· 1 year ago
if there is a secret to a good shave it has to be slow is smooth and smooth is fast its a little secret that i use to say when i had to shave really fast back in iraq
Jon Reiswig
· 1 year ago
I've not purchased a safety razor yet and I just recently changed over to a cartridge razor from an electric Braun. I never had razor burn until now. Is razor burn normal with a cartridge razor because it's drivin' me nuts and looks terrible. Is this something to expect due to my recent change and therefore my skin is not used to it, or am I to expect this every time I shave? I've used an Anthony razor burn gel as well as tried an after shave balm from "Art of Shaving" (Lavender for sensitive skin) Neither one seems to help much. Thanks.
JulioAlejandro
· 1 year ago
I think both facial hair and clean shaven may look well if they are neat. It's all a matter of preference. I myself prefer to be clean cut with my side burns very short, ending right where my ear lobe starts.
I happen to have a problem with irritation on my neck, which through the years has severely gotten better. I found letting the weight of a razor shave you and taking your time works best, any stay hairs on my neck (they grow all sorts of messed up ways) I don't insist upon with a razor. Where ever I feel I might get irritation I pluck a few hairs out and for some reason I don't get the irritation. Yes some might find it effeminate but it works so I stick by it.
I can shave both ways, with a mach 3 or a straight razor. I prefer a straight razor mostly because when I shave I am ridiculously ritualistic about shaving. Close the doors, normally take off my shirt, take my sweet ass time and have a smoke during it. Normally will play Bach or Beethoven.
Don't hate on stubble though on days off, I have found that most women are highly attracted to stubble.
And I'm sorry but I found women prefer groomed pubes, not shaven. Yes totally off to bring this up but well taken care pubes is better than a furry mess. I'm going what I've been told and experienced. Way I see it, they take care of themselves as should we.
Joe
· 11 months ago
Why would I shave? What's manly about scraping a sharp object over my skin to remove what God and nature put there?
300baud
· 11 months ago
Bald faces, bald legs and bald armpits are acquired tastes. Shaving sucks. Would never ask my wife to go through that every day or week.
Jeremy McBane
· 11 months ago
@ Jon Reiswig on December 14th, 2008 11:53 am
I'd like to offer some suggestions to help you combat that razor burn. I'm no skin expert but I've been more "into" shaving properly as of the past few months so I can offer some tips based on my research and personal experience.
1. Use a DE (double edge) safety razor instead of a standard cartridge style razor. With a DE you will be passing only one blade against your skin instead of multiple blades. Less blades rubbing up against your skin lessens the chance for irritation. I use a Merkur "Hefty Classic" and highly recommend it.
DE blades are pretty inexpensive too in comparison to most cartridges.
2. What kind of shaving cream or soap are you using? The irritation may be due to not enough lubrication. If the blade's rubbing up against your skin and there's friction, that could cause razor burn.
3. Are you prepping your beard well? I recommend soaking a medium sized towel in a sink full of hot (not warm) water, lifting it just out of the water and soaking and finally putting your face down into it, covering all of the areas - neck, jawline, cheeks and mouth. Leave it there for about a minute or until the water isn't hot any more. Soak the towel again and repeat. Do this for at least a few minutes. THEN apply shaving cream/soap/gel/whatever you use. If you want to take it to the next level, you would wait about another minute for that to soak in and once more apply the hot towel, then later again before shaving. Might sound like a lot of work but it pays off in the end, resulting in a much easier shave since your whiskers are softer.
4. Use as few strokes as possible.
5. Keep the blades very wet. I shave a pretty small area, then wet the blade continuously.
Some of these are more general tips than specifically related to combating razor burn. I ended up rambling a little bit. Anyway let me know if any of these suggestions help you (or anyone else for that matter).
charles goodall
· 11 months ago
Hi. Love the website. Hey where's the printable version of this article? Would like to share it.
Thanks
joe
· 11 months ago
I think we all need to slow down and regain some roots every once in a while, this is a fantastic article! In this day and age we have all became used to doing everything way to fast, for example , electric razors, disposable razors, SHAVE GELL for crying out loud! Sure we DO live in a busy world, and yes, we can cut down on grooming time by using modern grooming devices, but PLEASE take some time to yourself and practice some of these techniques. For example I have a wife, and two crazy little boys, I shave with one of those crazy 3 or 4 bladed razors most days, but on Sunday morning I get out my WWII issued Gillette safety razor with that beautifull butterscotch bakelite handle, my shaving soap and brush, and I spend about 15 minutes shaving my face, and when I stroll out of that bathroom I can't help but feel manly. So please, men, take some time to do this and don't forget to teach it to your kids!!
Rob Van Brunt
· 11 months ago
Based on this entry, I went and ordered a safety razor and blades off of ebay. Worked great the first time out. I guess my "girly" beard ain't as tough of some of you.
Robert Black
· 11 months ago
I just finished shaving with a safety razor. I will never go back to cartridges again.
Andrew
· 9 months ago
All you straight razor guys are over-compensating for something else. I've used all kinds of razors and straights are a gigantic waste of time. Besides I doubt any of you pussies are as tough as the WWII Gi's who were issued safety razors.
James at Virginia Tech
· 9 months ago
I read this article months ago, and I have come back to it today to re-read. I'm a college kid, for at least a few more months 'fore they kick me out with a degree, but I've been wearing a beard on and off for the past three years, and I'm proud of it. My girlfriend loves the beard, and says I just look wrong without some hair on my face (shes seen me cleanshaven, and over the summer, with a goatee, because I thought I wouldnt beable to get a job with a beard....i was wrong, by the way,but thats not the point)
I trim it (the beard itself) with an electric beard trimmer/shaper, to keep it neat, and at a (mostly) even length. I am sad to say that I have been using the same electric trimmer to keep my neck bare.
Well, that ends today. Today, I found my grandfathers old gold plated Gillette Double Edged Safety Razor up in the attic of my grandparents house. It needs to be cleaned I think, but other then that, its in great condition. I plan to go get some blades, a brush, and some soap tomorrow. From here on out, I'll shave my neck, and sharpen/shape the edges of my beard with my grandfathers old razor. Best of both worlds of manliness, if you ask me :)
Eric
· 9 months ago
While I agree with some of what this article said, the best shaving advice I've come across for the modern man comes from www.theartofshaving.com. This site has very good advice on shaving techniques and the sell products that are top quality for getting a great shave. They are probably a bit more commercial and cost slightly more to use but the results are awesome.
All Comments
The war going on between the conformists and the individual reveals one clear point: what did nature intend men to look like? For the overwhelming majority of us it became apparent in our teens that our male bodies sprouted hair in certain, if not many, places of the male body to make the strong and impressive fact that we look like we do because we are MEN...not boys anymore, not women!
And what do the gurus of Madison Avenue typically say? Well, based on 'what women want' or whatever flavor of style they wish to impose, we the mustached/go-teed/bearded are frequently squeezed into the box called nonconformist Neanderthal for being so. That's EXACTLY what manly men do. They do not give into popular opinion or culture; they know exactly who they are and are not afraid to flaunt that image (such as that of the Paul Mitchell from the hairstyle world or the legendary Ernest Hemingway).
It happens from time to time that the hairy may ends up the object of desire from others, and the pendulum swings now and again in our favor. However, we manly men don't need a swinging object to tell us that we do not need to test the wind direction to change our image; if anything, the rest of the world needs a strong reality check to find out why they are so easily manipulated into changing their own.
-Bill Alley
Norwich CT
Here's a great article on classic shaving technique:
http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-sha... [...]
I like the author's writing style - brief, but with meat. Check out Brett McKay's "The Art of Manliness."
@Bob-I'll have to give that a try. Thanks for the tip!
One drawback: no air travel with it, better pack the safeties for such travel.
As far as the Shave Soap / Aftershave I use the fantastical Burt's Bees / Bay Rum line of products, the shaving soap and cologne mixed with water for an aftershave. They discontinued this line over a year ago and I personally cleaned out most of the stock I could track down in New England. It is great stuff. Their new line of men's products is junk.
This all went on until I went into the Army (they didn't let me keep the thing there) and by the time I got out I was too lazy to keep up the ritual needed to shave this way.
If, however, anyone is willing to go through the learning process you'll be able to enjoy the nicest shave there is.
@ Mike- I wish my dad got me a shaving kit like that! That's awesome. Are you starting to get back into the ritual again?
Wow! Four years with the same bar of soap! I'll have to look into that
I did replace the soap from time to time (Old Spice and other suppliers would sell the cakes-and I imagine still do) -- they looked like hockey pucks and fit into a standard shaving mug.
Woah Nellie! You got a typo there. :)
@Bob... I hate aftershaves that doesn't sting!
"The war going on between the conformists and the individual reveals one clear point: what did nature intend men to look like?"
Blah blah blah. It always amazes me how men like you will decry the same pressures that keep women shaving off their very natural hair. If you want to have a face like beast, that's cool. But don't come down on clean-shaven men because we like to kiss our women without leaving a rash on their face. Laziness does not equal manliness.
Or does it?
I learned initially about wetshaving from a digg post suggesting a video series from a user called "mantic59". http://youtube.com/user/mantic59 The trick with a safety razor or a straight razor is multiple passes for beard reduction. 1st pass, with the grain. 2nd pass, with or across the grain, 3rd (and 4th passes if you want) goes against the grain.
The downside to all of this, once you have a really smooth shave anything less, such as a single pass disposable shave, will seem awfully stubbly. So prepare to spend 10 minutes every morning the rest of your life!
sound like fun? :)
Shaving Gel Can (Nivea, 10 inch long) can be bought for $1 to $2 if you strike the right deal at Long's Walgreens Walmart etc. Gillette Mach 3 Turbo cartridges can be got for about $2 per cartridge if you strike the right deal.
One cartridge of Gillette goes about 4-6 months for me, if you don't wipe it after shaving. I shave twice a week. A can of gel goes for about a few years. The cost of cartridge + gel, compared to the monthly rent is negligible. It doesn't even compare to the phone bill.
Finally, i do agree that brushes and lather gives a better experience after shaving. I have a plastic brush working since past 9 years and it is still white as it was. Further, some brushes have Horse's hair as bristles too. But plastic one works well too!
Try this, scrape your elbow or finger with an emery board every day for a month or two and let me know if a callus forms. Saving with a razor does the same thing to your face over time.
(ok, b 4 you flame, I recognize that everyone _IS_ different, I had a roomate and him using any electric shaver was like using a 8' chain saw to cut down redwoods. It just didn't work very well. He also had to use a two throw aways to get the job done right. )
Has anyone tried both the oils and the cake w/ badger brush? How do they compare?
I haven't bought or used a dollop of lather or soap for my shave in at least five years. Hot water. That's all I've used. And disposable .50 Bic razors. No irritation, no smell of glycerin, and no more nicks or cuts than when I used cream. Just a teeth-gritting splash of Old Spice, and I'm done.
The only non-manly thing about using cream is that its messy, which is a common attribute to most manish activities.
If you really want a fancy shave, just go to a barber who still has a barber Pole out front, and get a tradition hot shave with a stropped straight razor. That is manly.
Seriously, though, the straight razor ritual is king. There's a sense of accomplishment. It's a daily reminder that you're alive. A man can hardly shave with a straight razor and not feel more confident.
That, and I hate to give my money away for overpriced disposable cartridges.
That's for limp wristed effetes. I smash one of last night's beer bottles on the rocks near an ice cold stagnant puddle out the back. A great edge and the slime acts a stubble softener.
http://www.nextag.com/TABAC-Soap-by-MAURER-5281...
I use a Ka-Bar when I'm camping...
https://www.kabar.com/product_detail.jsp?produc...
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The company also has a website where you can spend quite a bit of money on your face.
Introduction to Traditional Wetshaving: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xjhIy9rgWQU
I mean, if we were supposed to remove it, then it wouldn't come back again, right?
A lot of great classic shaving tools can be found at http://www.classicshaving.com/
www.bestoou.com
i have 3 expensive electric shavers + mach2, mach3, fusion, shick, etc etc and i don't get a pleasant shave with any of them, i'm gonna go ahead and try the old school way...
A couple of factors to add, I shave my head (going bald, so the blade is not working that hard) only shave every other day, and have a goatee.
I am also one of those men that have never found an electric of any kind that did not rip my face off during use. I have been on the lookout for a decent safety razor for a while now.
hint: for those of you that deign to use canned cream, fill your sink with hot, hot water and drop the can in before you get into the shower.
Rob
Wash your face with warm water. Make sure you remove all the remaining lather/soap.
Then use an aftershave cream or balm, or a gel. Nivea for Men or Gillette after shave gel will keep your skin in better condition than the alcohol-based perfumes.
It's important to moisturize, especially if you're outdoors in the winter. It also keeps us mature men looking a little younger.
Thanks for the tip Ian. I've used Nivea before and liked it.
As for the cost of the cartridges, I've found that I can get 3-4 great shaves out of each Mach-3 by simply shaving once I get out of the shower. I shave once every couple days, so 16 shaves from 4 cartridges @ $8-something a box comes out to roughly .50 cents a shave. If you take care of the handle of the razor, you can easily get many good years out of just one.
Also: I am a manly man and enjoy being clean shaven.
Anyway, as I was reading this I remembered a story about a guy who was seemingly obsesed with freezing things with liquid nitrogen. Car engine blocks, razor blades etc. I couldn't find whatever article it was that I read about him, but I did find something that I think most here will appreciate. It's an article that talks about how just drying your disposable cartridge blades can extend their life by more than double. Here it is:
http://www.chicagotribune.com/business/yourmone...
Thanks for the link. I saw a similar article a few months ago and started implementing drying my blades. I can vouch for its effectiveness. My blade stay sharper, longer.
I'll have to add a link at the end of the post. Thanks for the suggestion.
I just saw this razor in a swedish auction site, anyone knows how old this might be?
http://www.tradera.com/Gilette_Rakhyvel-auktion...
Check at www.straightrazorplace.com, I bet they can tell you more about it.
While we're on the topic of manliness... DO NOT use lavender if you want to maintain your manliness. Lavender oil mimics estrogen and studies are finding young boys developing breasts because of using lavender in soaps and other things.
some say the effect is negligible in adult males, but I wouldn't take my chances.
http://www.untwistedvortex.com/2008/02/13/a-sha...
I hope you don't think this is spam: I'd be more than willing to write a "real" article on moustache-grooming for Art of Manliness if you think there is an interest.
Regars,
Martin Olsson
On an outing to the local mall I discovered "C.O. Bigelow Premium Shaving Creme". Outstanding stuff, the smell is wonderful and it leaves skin feeling extremely smooth. It's got eucalyptus and it comes in a tube. Like the cremes mentioned on here a small dab on your finger will yield a generous lather. I found it at Bath and Body Works, and refuse to use anything else. Strongly recommended.
Awhile back I saw something on the net about the new fad of safety razors. I sez, what the heck? So I dug out grand dad's old Gillette. Damn! That hurt. Falling for the "cheap can't be good" yuppy fallacy, I ordered one of those fancy import razors and blades. Damn, that still hurt! Back to the disposables.
Here are a few things I've learned over the years. A mug and brush are da bomb! No need for fancy, expensive soaps, though. Wallyworld sells Williams Mug shaving soap at $0.99 a chunk. That's what my dad used and his dad and..... Still as good now as then. With one trick.
When you're buying that soap, drop over an isle and get a bottle of pure glycerin. It has no odor, contrary to a claim in this thread. About once a week put a teaspoon full of glycerin in your soap mug. The effect is remarkable. It makes a lather that looks and feels like whipped cream.
Don't wash out the brush after each shave. That just wastes soap. Just plop it back in the mug. It'll stay wet until the next shave. A chunk of soap lasts me 2-3 months. I can't tell enough difference between badger and boar bristles but then again, maybe I'm not SENSITIVE enough.....
Nothing beats shaving in the shower. Make it the last thing you do before getting out. Let the steam soften your beard during the rest of your shower. While lathering up the shampoo, give your face a good rub. This cuts the oil from the beard and gives it a head start on getting soft.
About disposable razors. The "problem" with them is that they're very inconsistent. In a given package, some will be extremely sharp and some duller'n dirt. I've found that to be the case regardless of brand or price.
I buy the cheapest brand that I can find at the grocery surplus outlet. I rarely pay over a dime a razor. I take one swipe at my face with a new one. If it shows the least bit of pull or discomfort, it goes in the trash. Probably 2/3s of the package ends up that way. But when I find a sharp one, I baby it. It lasts me a month or better. The combo of Williams, glycerin and a steamed beard is super gentle on the blade.
Y'all can mutilate your face all you want with those old safety razors. I'll stick with my carefully selected double bladed disposable.
John
For supplies, a good central location is http://www.classicshaving.com. They have everything you need for manly grooming :).
Several years ago I bought a Dovo straight razor and the necessary accessories online. I used Colonel Conk's Shave Soap(http://www.col-conk.com/) with a badger hair brush. I absolutely love shaving with a straight razor. The shave soap doesn't have an over powering odor, and it goes well with my cologne.
Unfortunately I've since gone to a Mach 3(mainly due to not being a morning person). I can't stand to use a disposable at all, the same goes for an electric(they tremble at the mere mention of my name). I've considered using the old double edge style razors but I've never tried it. I think I will soon be returning to my old methods, hopefully never again to depart.
1. Buy a single pack of mach4s (or whatever brand you prefer) with the handle. Often the with-handle packs are cheaper than just the blades.
2. If you've used the blade a few times and you're worried it's not as sharp as it used to be, run it backwards over your palm a few times. There's no risk of cutting yourself this way, but the rubbing action smooths the blade and coats it with a bit of oil from your skin.
Using these two tips I can spend a grand total of $10 a year on blades.
Do you want us to cut our hands?
Oil from your skin...what a bunch of BS.
Some of the manliest professions require a clean shaven appearance. Soldiers, police officers, and firefighters are all (typically) required to be clean cheeked.
I must say, however, that I am fully bearded at the moment. I went on a camping trip for about a week and didn't feel like lugging shaving stuff with me. I was surprised to hear from female friends that they really liked the beard. I do rigorously maintain the appearance by trimming and maintaining clean cut angles (done with a Gillette Sensor).
I think having a beard is just as manly as being clean shaven assuming you're not just being lazy. Maintain that sucker! Think shampoo, regular edging, and combing. Whatever you do, do it with some dignity and pride!
I made the switch from an electric to a DE razor and have never looked back
Guys don't know what they're missing when they keep shaving with a five-blade rake and crap-in-a-can.
http://futurederm.wordpress.com/2008/01/02/does...
Never had a problem with it, I probably spend roughly $20 every 2 months for blades, so not like it's forcing me to choose between rent and shaving.
Just a note for anyone who's using any aftershave products, if you really care about your skin, look for something that contains minimal (or preferebly NO) alcohol as THAT will dry out your skin and kill newly forming skin cells. (which is exactly the reason you're not supposed to use rubbing alcohol to clean new piercings/tattoos, it'll just kill any healing tissue)
It's pretty common knowledge to not use alochol based aftershaves but there's always people who don't know/think about it, so figured id just leave a post.
the store's website is www.theartofshaving.com
I currently have a Wapienica straight razor. ($20)(new old stock carbon steel Soviet made in the 70's) It was cheap and easy to sharpen, and the shave is just fantastic. Ebay has many razors. Look for shave ready, and check the forums. I use an e-shave badger brush($55), and switch between Poraso soap ($11)and The Art of Shaving Sandlewood cream.($22) I have purchased all of the drug store aftershaves. Old Spice(mostly because I dig that movie it made a cameo in, starring Linda Lovelace.), Brut, Clubman, Lime SEC, and Aqua Velva. I bought them all for under $30. I had to break a 6 year Cerutti Image habit. I took the money I saved and went to a biker bar and drank Tequila all night. the straight is actually a heck of a lot of fun, and has a very Zen-like quality.
Safety razors aside, I've been looking for a good quality straight razor and strop, but I don't know the difference between the different kinds in terms of quality, useful life, etc. I see hundreds of cheap straight razors and strops on e-bay made of stainless steel, carbon steel; and then the strops, which don't have much else on the listing other than length (or maybe if it has leather and canvas).
I don't want to spend a ton to get a super expensive straight razor, but I also don't know if I can trust the ones that go for under $10. What would be the 'specs' and cost of a decent one? What about strops?
@Brett - Have you tried out the straight razor yet?
I've been looking into making a purchase and want to know what the differences are here, both between it and the safety razor, and also within the straight blade market.
Any helpful facts here?
That is awesome! I was just thinking of saying it when I came across this, I did it and made all of my less manly friends wince like girls, I use a safety razor and hot water. thats it. no foofy soaps or astringents or any other metrosexual type stuff.
I wish I could find a really sharp bear claw to use...........yeah thats the ticket!
(http://www.heart.net/~krumholz/history.html)
means that were dream of by the few.
My dad was showing me how to sharpen a safety, 2 sided blade. He took a water glass that was smooth and with out distortion of design. Wetting the blade
and placing it on the inside of the glass with the axis of the blade aimed from top to bottom. He then placed his finger on the blade causing it to conform to the shape of the glass and pushing it around and around and up and down. The only abrasive used was the glass it's self. With little effort the blade was sharp again and dad didn't have those little cut marks all over his face. He had reformed the edge of the blade to get him through until the next time.
Thank goodness things have changed and I don't shave until I am good and ready. Usually in about a week. However I must say that nothing feels as good on my face as the hands of a grandbaby or the hot lather applied by the badger brush.
By the way, I can remember a little girl watching me shave and wish she could see me now.
My neck always broke out, even after I switched to the classic wet shave. It was only after carefully learning which direction the hair grew in which spot did I finally attain that "perfect" shave. the face was easy, but the neck took careful study to get right. Now, my neck never breaks out (unless I'm careless).
Very creamee, so a very SMOOTHE shave
And they smell nice!
And are made by a good company!
And you can take a bath with these soaps and shave all at once.
Nice!
I sure hope I win still. I miss my olden saftey razor.
Thanks.
I happen to have a problem with irritation on my neck, which through the years has severely gotten better. I found letting the weight of a razor shave you and taking your time works best, any stay hairs on my neck (they grow all sorts of messed up ways) I don't insist upon with a razor. Where ever I feel I might get irritation I pluck a few hairs out and for some reason I don't get the irritation. Yes some might find it effeminate but it works so I stick by it.
I can shave both ways, with a mach 3 or a straight razor. I prefer a straight razor mostly because when I shave I am ridiculously ritualistic about shaving. Close the doors, normally take off my shirt, take my sweet ass time and have a smoke during it. Normally will play Bach or Beethoven.
Don't hate on stubble though on days off, I have found that most women are highly attracted to stubble.
And I'm sorry but I found women prefer groomed pubes, not shaven. Yes totally off to bring this up but well taken care pubes is better than a furry mess. I'm going what I've been told and experienced. Way I see it, they take care of themselves as should we.
I'd like to offer some suggestions to help you combat that razor burn. I'm no skin expert but I've been more "into" shaving properly as of the past few months so I can offer some tips based on my research and personal experience.
1. Use a DE (double edge) safety razor instead of a standard cartridge style razor. With a DE you will be passing only one blade against your skin instead of multiple blades. Less blades rubbing up against your skin lessens the chance for irritation. I use a Merkur "Hefty Classic" and highly recommend it.
http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/5229...
DE blades are pretty inexpensive too in comparison to most cartridges.
2. What kind of shaving cream or soap are you using? The irritation may be due to not enough lubrication. If the blade's rubbing up against your skin and there's friction, that could cause razor burn.
3. Are you prepping your beard well? I recommend soaking a medium sized towel in a sink full of hot (not warm) water, lifting it just out of the water and soaking and finally putting your face down into it, covering all of the areas - neck, jawline, cheeks and mouth. Leave it there for about a minute or until the water isn't hot any more. Soak the towel again and repeat. Do this for at least a few minutes. THEN apply shaving cream/soap/gel/whatever you use. If you want to take it to the next level, you would wait about another minute for that to soak in and once more apply the hot towel, then later again before shaving. Might sound like a lot of work but it pays off in the end, resulting in a much easier shave since your whiskers are softer.
4. Use as few strokes as possible.
5. Keep the blades very wet. I shave a pretty small area, then wet the blade continuously.
Some of these are more general tips than specifically related to combating razor burn. I ended up rambling a little bit. Anyway let me know if any of these suggestions help you (or anyone else for that matter).
Hey where's the printable version of this article? Would like to share it.
Thanks
I trim it (the beard itself) with an electric beard trimmer/shaper, to keep it neat, and at a (mostly) even length. I am sad to say that I have been using the same electric trimmer to keep my neck bare.
Well, that ends today. Today, I found my grandfathers old gold plated Gillette Double Edged Safety Razor up in the attic of my grandparents house. It needs to be cleaned I think, but other then that, its in great condition. I plan to go get some blades, a brush, and some soap tomorrow. From here on out, I'll shave my neck, and sharpen/shape the edges of my beard with my grandfathers old razor. Best of both worlds of manliness, if you ask me :)
Just wanted to let readers know to check out http://wwwtheartofshaving.com
Thanks!
Eric