supershaving

[pikler]

A safety razor thread in supershopper inspired me to invest in a straight razor with all the fixin's. I found this thread and decided it deserved a bump. I don't expect to get my stuff to arrive 'till late next week, anybody have any tips on honing? That's probably the part I'm most nervous about. I'll post pictures when I get everything.

[btbam]

Hey guys. I have been wanting a straight razor for so long.. since the day I could grow facial hair I have had it in some form. It’s odd my father and brothers have also always preferred having facial hair.

So I am after the full kit. Razor, Brush and Strop.

I want something really nice, this is kind of.. The razor I want to use for a very long time and maybe teach my son when I am at that age.

I don’t want the top of the line but I want the best I can get for the best price. I am happy to spend up to around 400-500 for the full kit.

I have taken a look at all the sites posted but it all really goes straight over my head atm.

Help appreciated

[35percent]

For a long time i've been using barbasol, gillette fusion razor, and some random kenneth cole aftershave. I've been wanting to step my shaving game, an finally taking the plunge into single blade straight safety razors.

I'm probably just going to get an entry level Merkur razor, multi pack of blades, a somewhat cheap badger brush, shaving soap, aftershave, and preshave gel. Just wondering if anyone is using a straight razor and how your transition was.

Shaving forum - http://www.shavemyface.com/forum/

Shave like a pro -

Mantic's youtube, decent info and FAQs - http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59

How to shave like a man - http://artofmanliness.com/2008/01/04/how-to-shave-like-your-grandpa/

tried to post some pics but imageshack isn't working or something.

[oOmegaOo]

I've been looking into this as well lately. I don't really grow that much facial hair to warrant a pricey blade, but when I do, I want to go the straight razor route.

Since I can't contribute, I'll just post a few more forums:

The Shave Den

Badger and Blade

Straight Razor Place

[TransparentCranium]

Ha, I was actually just browsing ebay for a safety razor and brush.

[debaser]

got into wetshaving a few years ago, still use my original setup

merkur futur + silvertip badger hair brush + proraso shaving soap + alcohol free witch hazel toner + proraso aftershave balm

=

greatest shave ever, makes my dick twitch just thinking about it

copped from: http://www.classicshaving.com/Home.html

[radiator]

I've got a Parker 3 piece razor I've been using for a little bit now usually with 7 AM blades. It's not the best razor (kind of a bitch to change the blades) but it does the trick and was cheap. My next razor will definitely be a twist to open style one.

In terms of soaps, I go Baxter of California face wash -> Art of Shaving Lavender Preshave Oil (let sit for a minute or so) -> "proraso" shaving cream -> Baxter of California aftershave balm

By "proraso" I mean the stuff they sell at bath and body works, which is made by Proraso but branded differently. From what I've read it's exactly the same as the Proraso green tubes. It's like $5, pretty cheap stuff. I just slap it on with my hands, but should probably get a brush...

[Charlie Delta]

99% sure thread exists already, but searching yields no results...

hmmmm

[ColdsnapBryan]

Merkur HD

Mama Bears Soap

E+J Brush

every night

[the_state]

gillette fusion razor, kiehls blue eagle shaving "cream" (more like a paste), and art of shaving sandlewood balm is what i exclusively fucks with.

those preshave oils are fucking amazing though. if i wasn't rocking the beard and had to shave more than just my neck, i'd prob use that often. especially b/c i have a really tough/curly beard.

[AgentRed]

The Shaving world is as full of fanboys and hyperlatives as fashion or video games. Most forums are filled with 40 year olds arguing over creams like teenagers. It can also be quite a drain on your wallet, but the fact that you're on sufu shows you're balling anyway, so pick up a Merker and get to work!

I've used a huge number of shaving creams, but for a beginner I'd highly recommend the Malin & Goetz cream. It isn't popular with the shave geeks and it doesn't require a brush, just use yer fingers for a close, comfortable and easy shave.

As you get more advanced, try the old English brands like Trumper or (my favourite) Taylor of St. James. When you get more comfortable with the razor, try shaving oils, but these can often be unforgiving.

After shave/balm is completely subjective, so just use whatever feels good on your skin and smells nice, I'd recommend the rose by Trumper.

With regards to the razors, stick with the Merker HD (AKA Heavy Classic or 34C) and the ubiquitous Merker platinum blades. I have far, far more expensive razors but always come back to the HD. If you have the time/energy/money you can look into importing blades, Gillette of Sweden has some really forgiving blades for beginners while there are a few ultra dangerous Japanese brands.

[AgentRed]

By "proraso" I mean the stuff they sell at bath and body works, which is made by Proraso but branded differently. From what I've read it's exactly the same as the Proraso green tubes. It's like $5, pretty cheap stuff. I just slap it on with my hands, but should probably get a brush...

That's funny, Proraso also make exactly the same shaving cream for Santa Maria Novella, only they charge £40 ($66) for it.

SMN make some excellent perfumes though, so all is forgiven.

[35percent]

Thanks for the posts, I've been reading reviews and articles for a while, and decided on this stuff:

Merkur classic safety razor

Blade pack (10 of each - Merkur, Feather, Derby, Personna)

Omega cream curved badger brush

Pacific Shaving Company - shaving oil and styptic pen

Williams mug shaving soap

Col. Cunk sampler

Poraso Eucalyptus shaving cream

Poraso pre/aftershave cream

Barber alum block

Figured I'd get a sampler pack of razors and a couple of soaps to see what I like.

[evisu 2000]

gillette mach 3

gillette cream

gillette aftershave

the best a man can get

[ProfMonnitoff]

gillette mach 3

gillette cream

gillette aftershave

the best a man can get

word thats what im on right now, nivea product though except for the razor/blades

im thinking about an electrical jawn though cause i like that stubble look (and then fix it up with a single blade?)

[DaBestSpoona]

Gillette Fusion

King of Shaves Alpha Gel

Kiehls Facial Fuel

Braun Cruzr for my beard

[babybepeezy]

i shave the night before , right before i go to bed.

in the morning i get the 5pm fuzzbuzz which i rock the whole day.

ladies love it.

but someone recommend me a electric blade that will shave evenly like a milimeter left all around my face ?

[ProfMonnitoff]

Gillette Fusion

is that the vibrating thang?

copped it, used it once

[DaBestSpoona]

I'm using the non vibrating one

[nattomoto]

I've been wetshaving for about a half dozen years now, and it's been the greatest thing ever for my skin.

I recommend that you sample as many different products as possible to find what best suits your skin and senses. What works for one person is hell in a bottle/tube for someone else.

In terms of places to shop, the best I have found are classicshaving.com and emsplace.com

The gems I have found are:

Blades:

Israeli blades from ebay seller dssokhey - Great blades, great price. He sells essentially the same blades at different price points, with the difference being the age of the blades (they are all the same quality)

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-Super-Platinum-Israeli-Personna-Double-Edge-Blades_W0QQcmdZViewItemQQ_trkparmsZ65Q3a12Q7c66Q3a2Q7c39Q3a1Q7c72Q3a1205Q7c240Q3a1318Q7c301Q3a1Q7c293Q3a1Q7c294Q3a50QQ_trksidZp3286Q2ec0Q2em14QQhashZitem4398a28136QQitemZ290323595574QQptZLHQ5fDefaultDomainQ5f0QQsalenotsupported

Razor:

Ditch your multi-blade razor and get a safety razor. You'll get a better shave and save money on blades/cartridges.

The Merkur Classic for starters:

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522941/284046.htm

Brush:

A Simpson's Chubby 1 in Super Badger will likely be the only brush I'll ever use. It's pricey for a brush, but well worth the money:

http://www.emsplace.com/shaving/simpsons_shaving_brushes.aspx

Creams/Soaps:

Geo F. Trumpers suit me well

http://www.emsplace.com/grooming/geo_f_trumper_toiletries.aspx

as does Castle Forbes Lime

http://www.classicshaving.com/catalog/item/522960/4941321.htm

After Shaves:

GEO F Trumper Skin Food

http://www.emsplace.com/grooming/geo_f_trumper_toiletries.aspx

Hydrolast Aftershave Conditioner is wonderful!

http://www.enchanteonline.com/pages/shaveculture/hydrolast/hydrolast.htm

Samples:

Some manufacturer's will provide samples, either free or at a nominal cost. Read here for who to contact:

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=2765

Geo F. Trumper has an exceptional sample pack:

http://www.trumpers.com/product_detail.cfm?ProductID=111547656

[telluride11]

stayed at my girl's and used her shit.. best shave in awhile!

[Who?]

99% sure thread exists already, but searching yields no results...

hmmmm

Closest thing I could find was the straight razor thread:

http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showthread.php?t=23302

[po_boy_fuuma_hatesbargerz]

shaving forums = hypebeasting for 40 year old balding mid-lifers

But, I'm not prone to much facial hair, so, eh.

[xallanx]

I mostly shave with a safety razor but from time to time I'll shave with a Solingen straight razor. The best thing I ever did for my shave, regardless of the blade, was to start using a pre-shave oil. It made shaving a much more pleasant experience. I've used a few different kinds of pre-shave and I really liked The Gentleman's Refinery product. Anybody else have good recommendations for a pre-shave oil?

[cord13]

since every guy has to shave, I figured there should be a thread dedicated to it. what do you guys shave with? razors? creams? etc...

I'm thinking about picking up a straight razor, because my electric is a real pain in the ass. recomendations?

[THEBOY]

I shave with a straight razor. It takes longer than regular razors. You might save money over time vs. replaceable head razors if you stick with with long enough. You might be able to get good enough to give yourself a closer shave than a Mach3, but in all earnestly you probably won't.

It takes maintenance, patience and practice to keep the blade sharp and true as well as your technique dialed. You might cut yourself up learning but it's really not that hard. Enjoy always having to check you bag at airports, they're a big no-no on airplanes.

I really only shave with it because it gives me an adrenaline rush in the morning when I run it over my jugular. Helped me quit drinking coffee in the AM.

I use a Dovo, they make decent entry level blades.

[renski]

I can't use most shaving creams as my skin can be too sensitive with them, I have not used avenos yet but I do the warm towel thing before I

shave. still want to try a straight shave myself because I hate paying

for it. might go the disposable route for now.

also I think there's already a post on this.

[echoepidemic]

+

[35percent]

Started one already but it died, lots of good links in there though http://www.superfuture.com/supertalk/showthread.php?t=151979

I use a Merkur classic and persona or derby blades. Proraso, art of shaving, or col. conk for shaving creams. Pacific shaving company shaving oil. http://www.pacificshaving.com/

[FADEtoDARKNESS]

I use razorba