What do you use to shave?

[scotrace]

I found a '66 Gillette slim adjustable in a cup of old razors at an antique shop last week for $3 and grabbed it. It's working out really well and I see why so many members have spoken so highly of it. I'm giving my 1912 a rest for now since this one came along.

 

[Trenchfriend]

Actually using a Shavette to cut the bristles down and then shave with Gillette Blue II plus.

 

[Trenchfriend]

Say what you want. The Merkur 15c as the classic prototype Gillette-style open-comb razor is still one of the best. Totally indulgent, enough lather running through the open comb, easy handling, perfect short handle, well balanced!

I tried it today, after a long time, and the first time with the actual King C. Gillette DE blade. Worked well and gentle.

 

[Jeffrey Westcott]

Just a little hand soap and a plastic razor. May have to upgrade.

 

[Trenchfriend]

Just a little hand soap and a plastic razor. May have to upgrade.

I recommend the classic open-comb razor, with short handle.
The easiest way to start traditional wetshaving, in my opinion. And there is practically no real need for any other types.

Plus a greybadger brush (cheaper basic badgerbrush) for the best "massaging-in-effect".

 

[Seb Lucas]

I'm using a new generation Panasonic shaver. Ridiculously close shave in 3-4 minutes, no water or fuss. And it's true, there's no mystique or charm.

 

[Trenchfriend]

Today, I grabbed the solid Baili TTO with a King C. Gillette blade. Lathered with the Wilkinson shavesoap stick (which I prefer to the Palmolive stick).

This combination worked very well, sharp and efficient.
BUT I wouldn't recommend it for rookies! The Baili is still a gentle TTO razor, but with the Gillette blade it's going very sharp and direct! You have to make sure to use an excellent shavesoap!!

 

[Pinguinus impennis]

Chrome safety-razor (family antique of the Great War), "Repira" blades, collapsing brush (purchased antique of the same period, badger), D.R. Harris shaving soap (lavender) in family shaving mug.

 

[DoubleD]

Merkur slant with feather blades.

Sometimes I use my old two-man Superior straight.

 

[Horseoak]

Does anyone else shave their head with Double Edge Razors?

 

[Mr Oldschool]

Does anyone else shave their head with Double Edge Razors?

Pretty regularly. I actually started shaving my head with my straights, but when I was in a stage show, I didn't want to risk getting a nick, so I switched to using my 67 Gillette and found I could get a much smoother shave in about half the time. At the current moment, I'm letting my sparse hair grow out a little for another show, but I will be done with that next week and resume chroming the dome.

 

[clementishutin]

I use 3 blade razor for under arm and below navel hair.

 

[Trenchfriend]

I use 3 blade razor for under arm and below navel hair.

No shaving brush/soap/cream?

 

[robrinay]

My latest razor is a vintage Wilkinson Sword Kompakt. It uses the ‘Atra’ type two blade refill which are supplied by carefully breaking off the cartridges from a each of a lifetimes supply of two blade plastic disposables bought for £20 from Aldi a few years ago.
I got into this two blade cartridge system after reading an article on why multi blade systems are a scam as double edged or at most two blade cartridges do the job.

 

[Trenchfriend]

Anyone knows, if a synthetic fibre brush does soften after a while?

 

[aihpcfl]

Anyone knows, if a synthetic fibre brush does soften after a while?

Not in my experience. That is, there is no breaking in, no change with use. But for what it's worth, there are some very soft synthetic brushes on the market nowadays.

 

[Edward]

Does anyone else shave their head with Double Edge Razors?

I tried it, with messy and bloody results, when I first started shaving my head and so resorted to keeping a cartridge razor around just for that. Over lockdown I've gotten a little lazier often about doing my head every other day, which meant that the cartridge razors would clog up terribly. I have discovered that my DE is great for a first pass when that happens, as it take much of the worst off. It does take longer and require me to be a little more careful, though, so I tend to then still do the head with the cartridge after that for the last pass. The DE remains far more effective on my face than ever was any cartridge razor - even when using soap and a brush, so all other elements equalised.

Not in my experience. That is, there is no breaking in, no change with use. But for what it's worth, there are some very soft synthetic brushes on the market nowadays.

I've noticed the quality of synthetic brushes has improved significantly in recent years, perhaps an offshoot of the mainstreaming of vegetarianism and even veganism.

 

[Harp]

Started shaving in the Army during basic training. 'Earlobe to collarbone boy and be quick about it.'
Armed with a Gilette razor and shaving cream, added Old Spice in college; kept both razor and
ritual until last November when an ischemic stroke felled me for revised practice with an electric razor.
Still a shock jock rookie so cannot name my new culprit but it probably is a Remington.
Took a bit to get a grip on it, however once done with the old, in with the newbie, the three headed
roll pistol fits my southpaw reasonably well and gets the job done without fuss. Looking back,
never having used soap or shaving mug, strop honed a straight razor, I feel something of masculine
tradition was missed.

 

[Trenchfriend]

I will give my synthetic fibre brush some second chances, before wasting it. Tried it now the second time. I mean, yes, you can basically use it, but it's not fun with it's too much backbone. So lets see, if it will be soften a little the next five times. If not, then garbage can. It's just a 15 bucks-brush from "nom" by Mühle.

 

[Trenchfriend]

And my Merkur 15c with the prototype Gillette open comb-head is still my favorite. Excellent job, especially with the newer King C. Gillette DE blades.