Art of Manliness - Latest Comments in How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

orbooth.kr — Sat, 07 Jun 2014 16:45:21 -0000

I constantly spent my half an hour to read this website's articles
daily along with a mug of coffee.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Jim — Fri, 06 Jun 2014 05:41:16 -0000

Ment to get a safety razor about a few months ago; but instead just went straight to a straight razor i found in perfect condition made about 1906. It took only a single nick to learn to take my time and learn my face. After about four and a half months i now enjoy almost completly pain free shaves(even with a high alc.% aftershave), no razor burn, and my face no longer looks like i was attacked by a box grater. A bit of a hit for inital investment but a daily strop, and four and a half months of daily shaving a very thick beard. And it is still and almost effortless shave. Bit of a learning curve, but well worth the effort and time. Besides i've saved almost $200 on cart. Razor refills. The razor was the only change i made always done a wet shave. A 4 oz. puck of Bay Rhum soap lasts me roughly 7-8 months at $6 way better for your wallet and face.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

brandon j. — Mon, 02 Jun 2014 14:49:40 -0000

true.....who wants to use a stupid cheap plastic bic? MAN UP GENTS!

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Ben Austin — Fri, 30 May 2014 01:44:22 -0000

The hair on my face is just too damn thick to consistently shave with a blade. I'd have to sharpen that beast every single day.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

John A. — Thu, 08 May 2014 20:12:51 -0000

I have been using the the classic wet shave technique for several years. I have a Merkur as well as my grandfather's Gillette butterfly safety razor. One thing that was not mentioned during the prep phase is the use of a pre-shave oil. Most places (e.g. The Art of Shaving sell their own overpriced stuff) but you can use Jojoba oil which is pretty inexpensive and can be found at retailers such as the Vitamin Shoppe. When all is said and done it conditions your skin and leaves it smooth finish.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Phil — Thu, 08 May 2014 20:00:08 -0000

I have been using a safety razor for about 3 months now. I used one many years ago then changed to the cartridge type when they came out. Now that I am retired, pay 15 or so bucks every few weeks for blades is out of question. After getting a few nicks, I am now shaving well with the SR and find that it shaves just as close as the 3-5 blade razors do. I'm also enjoying the ritual of using the Safety Razor. It takes more time but then, at my age, most every thing else does too.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Scott — Thu, 24 Apr 2014 01:15:53 -0000

I have been using shaving soap & a brush for over 20 years, better than that can crap. I found my dad's safety razor from the 60's and just started using it. I does take some getting used to but gives a better shave.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Dr. Bronner — Sun, 20 Apr 2014 13:45:44 -0000

Feather razor blades. Don't waste your time with anything else.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

keen — Wed, 16 Apr 2014 15:57:37 -0000

While I do aspire to wield a safety razor some day (still intimidated - I have found that applying some of the techniques in the article above and others like it w/ modern razors still yield good results. Maybe using a safety/straight razor forces some of these but it seems like I am getting by... anyone have a similar experience?
1. Prep your face and beard well.
2. Go slow
3. Use no more pressure than needed
4. Stay w/ the grain
5. Keep the goal as "beard reduction" not elimination
I even suspect it may be possible to get BETTER results using the above methods in conjunction with some modern razors (blasphemy! I know!) I'd be happy to hear contrary inputs...

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Martin — Mon, 07 Apr 2014 07:03:00 -0000

Luckily you can still buy safety razors in the supermarkets here in Abu Dhabi. But, they are not very high quality brands (e.g. you can buy one generic brand for ~2$) Should I buy one or keep looking for a better one?

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Lynn — Thu, 03 Apr 2014 20:03:28 -0000

I am very new to the DE scene (1 week). I had no idea where to find one locally, then happened into a Sally's Beauty Supply while looking for a hair brush. They had one model of DE razor handle as well as several models of straight razors. I shave in the shower, and it has worked great using the DE. I kept expecting to cut myself up, but so far so good. One thing I have done for years is keep the heads of my razors in a cup of baby oil(mineral oil) between shaves. It keeps air and water off of the blades and extends the life significantly since the blades do not corrode between uses. I don't have a heavy beard, so I probably get more shaves than many folks because of that, but this tip might extend the life of the blades for those who want to try it. I have heard that the blades get dull more quickly due to corrosion during storage than from the actual shaving. Thanks for the tips everyone!

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Josh — Wed, 02 Apr 2014 16:12:24 -0000

I just started using a safety razor in December and its now April 2nd and I just today changed out my soap cake. I'm spending literally 1/4 of what I was shaving with a Mach 3 I love it.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Martin — Tue, 01 Apr 2014 18:13:30 -0000

Ok. So I've been considering the switch to a DE for years. My issue is that I also shave my head. Anybody else on here shave their head? What issues do you have?

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Jonathan — Fri, 28 Mar 2014 14:27:21 -0000

Anybody has a good guide on how to straight shave someone else?

thanks

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Joe — Wed, 26 Mar 2014 20:02:48 -0000

Kevin, just a few things that might help:
1. what type of safety razor are you using? If you are using a butterfly one than ignore, if you are using a 3 piece one like I have make sure the bottom part is in the proper position. If you invert it you are covering up the razor.
2. You need to use a proper shave soap or cream with glycerin. Always use a shave brush, preferably badger hair.
3. Treat beard with warm to hot water or towels. I always wash with a facial scrub pre-shave.
4. consider using a pre-shave oil
5. I recommend 1st. pass with the grain, 2nd. pass across or against the grain. Lather up between passes.
6. Post-shave- witch hazel, an old school after shave like Bay Rum, or a nice after shave balm.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

joe — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 18:02:40 -0000

im 47 yrs old and have used a safety razor ever since I first started shaving when I was in my teens. I remember when the el cheapo disposable first came out. I tried it one time and hated the results. I threw it in the trash can and have never bought or used another one, I just don't like them. the safety DE razor is what I started out using and I see no reason to stop now. my dad used one and my granddad used one and I use one, the only problem I have is you cant find them in the stores no more. the store do have the blades, the cup, the shaving soap and even the brush, but not the razor itself. now where is the logic in that?

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Mike Fig — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 13:26:26 -0000

Just started with a safety razor. I have a very large adam's apple, and i slice it pretty good since ive ever been shaving. I was hoping that the safety razor would help. however, last night i still cut my neck at my adam's apple. Any advice? granted it was my first time with a safety razor. My facial hair grows really fast. So i'm trying to find a way to keep a smooth face, without cutting myself up. Thanks everyone!!

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Kevin — Tue, 25 Mar 2014 04:08:37 -0000

Ok, I tried my safety razor for the first time tonight and it was basically disastrous. When I stepped out of the shower it looked like a crime scene. lol. Hopefully I'll get some tips but after reading this I already see some things that I've done wrong.

I tried going with the grain but honestly it didn't feel like any hair came off at all. I tried passing the razor over the same area multiple times and I couldn't tell the difference at all. I'm sure part of it was the angle I was holding it at and I think that will get better over time as I learn.

Also, does the type of lather/soap really make a difference? With my cartridge razors I just took a regular bar of soap (Ivory) and lathered up my face as much as I could and went to town.

Finally, the worst thing I could've done I guess is I went against the grain. That's when things finally started feeling smooth but I'm assuming that's what caused my face lacerations?

My facial hair doesn't grow very fast but todays was about 2 1/2 days worth.

So other then me not going against the grain anymore....just keep passing it through more than once....what else can I do? Should I try the real shaving cream soap?

Thanks!

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Chris Meservey — Thu, 20 Mar 2014 18:49:20 -0000

Ive been at the safety razor technique for a couple of months now and have to say I love it. I use a Merkur Razor and toggle between the Proraso (Green) and the Old Bond Street Sandlewood Creme followed by the appropriately paired balm of the same brand. I defnitely feel I get a better shave after a hot shower and its almost a meditation for me. A reminder to relax and start my day off stress free and unhurried. Since I am new to it, I am still working from a sampler pack of blades I picked up on Amazon. This was some great advice I followed as I have defintiely discovered some blades perform better, last longer, etc. For me, the feather blades seem to work the best with Gillete blades close behind. This is one article every guy should read, and try at least once. Glad I did.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Sweden — Tue, 11 Mar 2014 15:08:11 -0000

Proraso is good product (shaving cream). I've been using it quite a while. I just discovered an old Spanish (Catalan) brand thanks to my father. It's called Floïd.
It's very good (shaving oil and aftershave), cheap and has long history. What else you need?

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

JSworth — Mon, 10 Mar 2014 19:47:29 -0000

I just started using a DE safety razor a week ago today. My wife purchased me one of the ones advertised by the Pawn Stars guy. For what it cost I couldn't be happier. I get a great shave. Close, no irritation. Best part though is that I've gone from having to shave twice a day to having to being able to shave once every other day. Only down side is that she didn't know to get a brush and shave soap. So I'm still using canned stuff until my order gets here from Amazon. And as for blade life, I use a 3 pass shave (with across against) and have gotten four shaves with one blade so far and it is still cutting rather then pulling.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

dave — Sun, 09 Mar 2014 05:52:48 -0000

will this cause ingrown hairs. im black and them mostly when i use disposables .

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Erica — Wed, 05 Mar 2014 16:39:18 -0000

I run a barber shop in New York and you'd be surprised how many people come in and don't know about the warm wash cloth on your face before shaving will enhance the pleasure of shaving tri-fold! Also, since we're talking about side burns... Back in the day sideburns used to look not so professional... But they are starting to come around and women are loving them more and more! I've actually created my own blog on how to do your sideburns so they don't look messy but very professional. Have a great year guys! By the way, keep up the great articles so I can keep learning more and more and sharing what information I know in them as well!

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

David — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 23:15:31 -0000

As an old an confirmed shaver of some 42 years, I have used a safety razor for most of my life. Moving to any other sort of blade literally does not cut it!
One thing that has not been mentioned is that the strokes you use to move the blade over the skin should be short strokes with the skin held in tension over the surface of the jawline by either the other hand or simply flexing the jaw. This will produce a very satisfying and very clean, smooth cut and best of all no nicks.
To those just discovering the sensation of properly cut skin, enjoy. You will never go back to the complicated, and very unsophisticated multi-blade/gel smoothing/face pampering contraption marketed by some company wanting you to use a new multi-blade device every time you shave. Their only motivation is their company profit.

Re: How To Shave Like Your Grandpa

Orin Sampson — Tue, 04 Mar 2014 15:12:22 -0000

Shaved with my new safety razor for the first time yesterday. It truly was a glorious experience. Probably would have never gone this route if I didn't come across this article. Thanks.