What do you use to shave?

[Picard1138]

I don't have the stones to use a straight razor yet...

Currently, I alternate between a GEM single edge and a Gillette double edge. Other accoutrements are a boar hair brush, van der Hagen soap, and a shave mug that was my grandfather's and manufactured in England. I have a number of aftershaves that I alternate through, although my current go to is the family dollar version of old spice. I actually like it better than the real stuff, which I also have.

Mickey, I use a double edge Gillette safety razor most of the time as well. Specifically a 1950s "butterfly" opening model, as well as an adjustable on occasion. I have never gone back to cartridge razors in nearly two years. When I have more time in the morning I use the straight razor. I had my second shave with my Genco (pictured above) yesterday, and it was more pleasant than the first!

What I recommend for straight razors: start out with a disposal straight razor. The Parker Shavette is a great one, basically it's just a very sturdy razor holder. It uses half of a double edge razor in a straight razor configuration, allowing you to use a freshly sharp razor every time without worrying about stropping or honing an antique-style straight razor. It's what barbers use now because of health concerns, they just change razors between customers.

Best of luck!

-Max

 

[Giftmacher]

Found few vintage safety razors today. Gillette and two Czech Solunas.

 

[esteban68]

Found few vintage safety razors today. Gillette and two Czech Solunas.

nice finds!

 

[Giftmacher]

The case probably belongs to the first razor. I carefully removed leatherette cover, removed the rust in vinegar solution and then glued again. Looks like Gillette old type from 20's, what do you think?

 

[Shangas]

I'm amazed you managed to disassemble it and put it back together so well. I would've just resurfaced the interior with new felt.

 

[Giftmacher]

Such idea also crossed my mind, but there's a logo stamped on it and the whole thing is not worn too much, so I left it as it was.

 

[esteban68]

Here you go http://www.mr-razor.com/Rasierer/Old Type/1927 (2344 on blade) Old Type Pocket Edition.JPG

 

[Giftmacher]

Gee, thanks! I'm glad my suspicion was confirmed and I'm also glad I visited a scrapyard that day .))

 

[cchgn]

yes, I have a 20's old style open comb ball end and a 30's new style open comb ball end, which is my favorite.

That one on the bottom of your first pic look interesting.

 

[fashion frank]

I use a modern razor but I also use the old fashioned shaving mug and brush with shaving gel.
I place a small amount of gel in the mug and with the brush create a lot of foam and apply it to my face .
It always seems that I get a better shave when I shave in this manner .

It's funny how thing's can change so much in a persons life.
When I first started out shaving it was the double sided "safety razor " and the stepic pencil .

All the Best ,Fashion Frank

 

[Mickey85]

Yes, welcome aboard. I used to use a shaving mug, but found it to be too cumbersome and began working lather on my face. Saves soap, time and less to carry when traveling.

However, after saying that, a tip: microwave the mug and then lather- hot lather.

Thanks guys! I'll have to try that. Currently, I fill the mug with hot water, after plopping in my brush, then I get a shower. Everything is hot and I can build a pretty thick lather. Picard, I've heard of the "cartridge" straights, and have heard good and bad about them...I might have to pick one up and see how badly I can mess up my face.

 

[Shangas]

I use a shaving-scuttle when I whip up lather. I find it works very well. The holes under the soap-dish drain away all the excess water, which stops the lather from getting all soggy and sludgy.

 

[ebonysw45]

My razor for today's shave.

 

[Giftmacher]

That's a beauty!

 

[David Conwill]

My wife surprised me with this set the day after Christmas.

I'm usually leery of these pre-packaged sets, but for the price it was worth it just for the brush-and-razor stand. I must admit I was pleasantly surprised. The lather from the soap is nice and slick and I got a great shave - very close. The brush is nice too, quite a bit stiffer than many of the purported "badger" brushes I've encountered. I finally set aside my Burma Shave boar-bristle brush.

 

[DeaconKC]

David, I am a huge fan of the Van Der Hagen soap. If it cost three times more the snobs would rave over it!

 

[Michaelshane]

I used this ivory scaled Heljestrand,and ivory brush.

 

[Shangas]

Trust MichaelShane to have the nicest stuff...

 

[ebonysw45]

Some nice Trumpers Rose and a custom razor.

 

[David Conwill]

I would definitely get more once this cake is gone.