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Shave without nicks?

#41
farace said:
I use a Merkur Slant Bar razor with Gillette Silver Blue blades. (I also have a number of vintage Gillette razors, Schicks, Gems, etc., and I've tried straight razors, but they require too much maintenance for me.) The other half of the process is a nice slick cream whipped up with a badger hair brush. I will never give up on warm lather and go back to cold goo in a can.

The wetshaving version of TB is badgerandblade.com where you'll find an enormous amount of advice and information.

Go to YouTube and look up the series of excellent how-to videos by Mantic59.

After-shave is not going to help, as that's after the fact (though it can help tone your skin after shaving). You need to make sure you prep properly. That can mean many things depending on your particular skin and beard, but always, always start by hydrating your beard. A dry whisker is as tough as steel.

If you do the double-edge razor, you want to try a number of brands of blades and see which works best for you. Many people like Derby blades, but my beard is a bit too tough for them. Feather blades are sharper than anything, but can be harsh. There are a number of different Gillette blades to try, as well as many other brands. Several shave suppliers, such as West Coast Shaving, offer sample packs.
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Yep. That's my shaving style as well though I'm partial to Persona blades or generic blades mad in Israel. I probably nick myself about three or four times a year. Max.
 
#42
I've used an electric rig since I was like 12. If I use a razor, I get razor burn no matter what. I've tried different blades and creams.

Now I just cut my hair and beard at the same time, once a week, with the clippers.
 
#43
PillO said:
3 months? No commitment.
LeeSklar-440x440.jpg

Dusty_Hill_of_ZZ_Top_performing_in_San_Antonio%2C_Texas_2015.jpg
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For me a full beard feels gross
 
#45
While it probably won't help with the nicks (for the time being, while you get your technique down), it's probably a good time to start shaving with a safety razor. Get a nice razor like a Merkur, start with some less aggressive blades like Derbys, and start shaving that way. It will be infinitely superior to any disposable or cartridge-based shaving system and will end up being cheaper in the long-run once you take care of the initial expense of the razor itself.
 
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#46
LiquidMidnight said:
While it probably won't help with the nicks (for the time being, while you get your technique down), it's probably a good time to start shaving with a safety razor. Get a nice razor like a Merkur, start with some less aggressive blades like Derbys, and start shaving that way. It will be infinitely superior to any disposable or cartridge-based shaving system and will end up being cheaper in the long-run once you take care of the initial expense of the razor itself.
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Just by keeping your eyes open, too, at yard sales and flea markets you can often find vintage Gillettes at very cheap prices. '50s/'60s Super Speeds or Techs are rather mild razors (I have a Super Speed set aside for when my son is ready). Adjustables like the "Fat Boy" can be more aggressive. Clean them well, and they'll work for another several decades.
 
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#53
One Drop said:
My tips:

Gillette Sensor double blade cartidges- not too pricey, great close shave. Any closer with those crazy multi-blade monstrosities is not necessary, IMO, and just irritates the skin. Straight razors give great shaves too but it takes tons of practice and isn't worth the hassle unless it's a hobby.

Throw away your canned shaving cream and get a brush and shaving soap or cream in a tube. This is the most important thing by far, prepping your skin and using small amounts of stiff cream or lathered soap.

Work the cream or soap in your hand, a bowl, or on one part of your cheek at the jaw before spreading it with the brush in small circular or back and forth movements on your face, this lifts the beard for a closer shave.

Try to shave the same time every day, after a shower, as it softens your beard and moisturizes your skin, and your body reacts well to routine.

I have found that shaving downstrokes then across the grain gives me a great close shave without irritation- shaving upstrokes the second time irritates my skin too much. You'll get a feel for the lay of your beard quickly enough, I shave across from the ears to the mouth on my cheeks and from right to left, ear to ear, under my chin.

Finally, ice cold water after shaving. Never use alcohol based aftershaves, all they do is dry out your face. Some people use shaving balms or creams for afterwards, I find water lets your skin keep its natural oils and to stay hydrated.

Good luck!

PS: I tried Bic disposables once, it was gruesome, just a horrible hacking dull blade and a cheap nasty feel in your hand, plus insanely and pointlessly polluting. They are Satan's arse razor.
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Yes, Sensor or Sensor Excel. Those 13-blade monstrosities aren't accurate for trimming next to beards, sideburns and stuff. I get a nick every couple of months, but over 50 years of shaving experience helps.
 
#56
farace said:
I use a Merkur Slant Bar razor with Gillette Silver Blue blades. (I also have a number of vintage Gillette razors, Schicks, Gems, etc., and I've tried straight razors, but they require too much maintenance for me.) The other half of the process is a nice slick cream whipped up with a badger hair brush. I will never give up on warm lather and go back to cold goo in a can.

The wetshaving version of TB is badgerandblade.com where you'll find an enormous amount of advice and information.

Go to YouTube and look up the series of excellent how-to videos by Mantic59.

After-shave is not going to help, as that's after the fact (though it can help tone your skin after shaving). You need to make sure you prep properly. That can mean many things depending on your particular skin and beard, but always, always start by hydrating your beard. A dry whisker is as tough as steel.

If you do the double-edge razor, you want to try a number of brands of blades and see which works best for you. Many people like Derby blades, but my beard is a bit too tough for them. Feather blades are sharper than anything, but can be harsh. There are a number of different Gillette blades to try, as well as many other brands. Several shave suppliers, such as West Coast Shaving, offer sample packs.
Click to expand...

I've been using badger brushes since the early '80s when I walked into a barber shop on Savile Row on a whim and bought one with some soap. Even abusing it by not washing out the soap between shaves it lasted about 35 years, until I ordered a new Best Badger one from Simpson's. It's a smaller (the Classic IIRC) one that fits in a little travel tube, very handy.

To be honest a 10 buck boar brush lathers just as well but doesn't feel nearly as luxurious.

I never went for the double-edge blades, I just remember how happy my father and everyone else was when they could abandon them for cartridges. Steptic pencils became obsolete overnight.
 
#57
With no intent of offending anyone, I am usually amazed at the song and dance some people seem to make shaving into.
Maybe I have other "male rituals" I get off on. Shaving isn't one.

Wet
Lather
Shave
After shave
Glad I got that miserable task over with... :thumbsup:

Enjoy the dance, fellas !
 
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#60
Buy a quality 3+ bladed razor. Skip the cheap disposables. Even a generic brand 3+ bladed razor will be fine.

Now throw out the shaving cream and stop using it. The stuff is crap, whatever brand, and is most of the problem.

Wet shave in the shower with just the blades. You can thank me later.
 

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