• TalkBass has been independent since 1998. Add your voice.
    Create a free account to reply to discussions, view embedded media, and browse with fewer display ads.
    Join freeLog in
    Want zero display ads or expanded classifieds tools? Compare plans.

Shave without nicks?

Odd how I've been using alcohol based aftershave since I was 14 with no ill effect and have received only complements on the subtle scent. Maybe opinions are subjective and not universally true.

It's not about opinions but skin types. Many people can do everything opposite to what we are saying with no adverse effects, but this is advice for those who are not getting a good shave.

Scent is objective, you must really want to pick a fight to take that one up. In other words, yes, opinions are objective and not universally true, no one claims otherwise.
 
I started using Shave Secret oil earlier this year. I also shave after I shower which opens the pores. I also use the least expensive double-bladed safety razors. I usually get by without nicking, but sometimes still do...

I tried King of Shaved oil when it first came out, but it caused the cut hairs to clog the space between the twin blades, had to keep banging the stem of the razor on the sink edge to dislodge it.
 
I've had very few nics for over a decade with my old Gillette Mach3 or the Schick Quatro ... I shave in one direction ... with the growth, maybe gently against in a spot or 2 that needs it, & change the blade cartridge approx monthly.

Disposo razors generally suck, unless they're the thin headed twin bladed Schicks with the push thingy that cleans between the blades pretty well.

Maybe most importantly (& i didn't see you mention your method) is do you shave before, during, or after a shower? Either during or after will always warmly moisten your face and follicles ... making them easier to lop off and less tearing like when dragging a razor over your skin. Also, very light pressure and not being in a hurry helps :thumbsup:
 
  • Like
Reactions: Derp and One Drop
I tried King of Shaved oil when it first came out, but it caused the cut hairs to clog the space between the twin blades, had to keep banging the stem of the razor on the sink edge to dislodge it.

That happens, but I don't think the clogging effects the shave as much as it looks like it would.

I really like Sommerset's shaving oils. I don't know if they are available everywhere, but they smell so good, and make for a cofortabke, clean shave. They also work well with wet/dry electric shavers too.
 
I mostly skimmed this so sorry if this was mentioned but my co worker uses the dollar shave club razors and he loves them. Another uses the German single blade safety razors in the black and orange box(can't remember the name) and he swears by them.

As for me.....beard, lol I shave the neck with those over priced 5 blade garbage razors every few days. After I shave though I always put ice cold water on and then use alcohol free sensitive balm. Works for me.

Also if a beard is itchy, try some good beard oil like Sylva Pagana
 
I second the Badger and Blade forum. It's been great help for me getting a system down, at the ripe old age of 43. Yes it has taken me over 20 years to get a good shaving system down with no nicks or irritation most days, and minor irritation other days. Usually my nicks happen because I'm careless, or I didn't drink enough water the previous day. Yes, I believe staying well hydrated improves my shave.

I use a double edge safety razor, shaving soap, brush, preshave butter, shaving scuttle (for warm lather). I've discovered that the combination of razors and blades makes a difference and the preference/performance is very different for everyone. I think wet shaving with a razor and blade that you like, when your face is properly prepped, is a real joy. It's self-care time, enjoy it. It's totally worth the initial investment to get set up well.

A few pointers from things I've learned:
1. The first step is to create a map of your beard growth. You can find pictures of faces that are made for this purpose. Draw arrows of the direction of growth for your facial hair. I added some extra quadrants that weren't on the blank "map".

2. Always shave after a hot shower. I keep my face wet, apply preshave butter, then lather in my scuttle, finish with a good face lather to get the hairs nice and exposed.

3. Always use a fresh edge. DE blades are cheap. My favorite blades are $0.10 each. I get two shaves out 1 blade and don't mind using it only once at that price point.

4. Your first pass should be with the grain (I.e. same direction of hair growth)

5. Your second pass, if you do one, is across the grain (perpendicular to hair growth).

6. Never go against the grain. There's the potential for all kinds of problems.

Toss the cheap single blade plastic bic. they're terrible. I've never had close comfortable shaves with electric razors. I've done pretty well with Schick Hydra -5. But a single cartridge runs about $4. It's outrageous. I use it for travel only now.

Message me off line of you have more questions. I'm happy to help out.
 
Do what i do.
-Rose oil imbued milk, heated to body temprature and applied to the face via towel.
-Gingerly (GINGERLY!!!!) remove towel after 10 minutes FOLLOWING THE NATURAL DIRECTION OF THE HAIR (very important).
-Hold the razor at the bottom 1/3rd of the handle, so to have firm, yet supple purchase while maximizing the fluid motion of your impendinf strokes.
-Face your right cheek west. This step needs no explanation.
-Visualize the countours of your face. Concentrate. See in your minds eye, the successful shave.
-Shave.

Just kidding.
GOTTA TOUGHEN UP THAT FACE, PRETTY BOY!
 
  • Like
Reactions: tkonbass and Derp
I've had very few nics for over a decade with my old Gillette Mach3 or the Schick Quatro ... I shave in one direction ... with the growth, maybe gently against in a spot or 2 that needs it, & change the blade cartridge approx monthly.

Disposo razors generally suck, unless they're the thin headed twin bladed Schicks with the push thingy that cleans between the blades pretty well.

Maybe most importantly (& i didn't see you mention your method) is do you shave before, during, or after a shower? Either during or after will always warmly moisten your face and follicles ... making them easier to lop off and less tearing like when dragging a razor over your skin. Also, very light pressure and not being in a hurry helps :thumbsup:
Yes, I always shave after a shower and always wash my face with hot water before the shave. I also like to rinse the blade with hot water as it seems to shave better when warm. I've gone as far as taking freshly boiled water in a cup with me to the bathroom to dip the blade in.
 
That happens, but I don't think the clogging effects the shave as much as it looks like it would.

I really like Sommerset's shaving oils. I don't know if they are available everywhere, but they smell so good, and make for a cofortabke, clean shave. They also work well with wet/dry electric shavers too.

They did with me, but I have a fairly thick beard. It just didn't work for me at all.
 
I did for about three month and it was rough and itchy.
3 months? No commitment.
LeeSklar-440x440.jpg

Dusty_Hill_of_ZZ_Top_performing_in_San_Antonio%2C_Texas_2015.jpg
 
  • Like
Reactions: bassdude51
I use an electric head shaver with no guard . never have nicks and always have 5oclock shadow.
Shaving too close can cause irritation.

I'd say this guy has the best advice! Forget about razor shaving. Forget about trying to get a skin smooth shave. Live with the 5 o'clock shadow all of the time. A light electric shave is the answer to avoid nicks and cuts and razor rash.

A skin smooth shave only lasts a few hours and then the whiskers start popping up again. It is an endless and futile effort to razor shave down to the skin.

Some advice for shaving..........Google, "best way to shave".

Razor shaving is really very bad for our facial skin. The razor micro scratches our face all over the surface. Thia leaves our skin open for infections. As an example, take a sharp pocket or hunting knife and drag the sharp edge over the underside of your arm. You will see redness. It's the same with the razor dragging on your face!

Go with the Miami Vice stubble style or the constant 5 PM shadow.

Shaving SUCKS BIG TIME! It's un-natural and un-healthy.
 
  • Like
Reactions: rufus.K