Octopus Overlords

Smoove_B wrote:I've said it a million times - when you factor in the actual hardware, various soaps, creams, oils, brushes, and techniques there's a dizzying number of combinations. Half the fun is finding the right one.

This sounds an awful lot like how my fountain pen hobby progressed. It started with "oh neat! I'll get a fountain pen!" and now I'm on an endless quest to find my perfect combination of pen body, nib, ink, and paper.

wonderpug wrote:

Smoove_B wrote:I've said it a million times - when you factor in the actual hardware, various soaps, creams, oils, brushes, and techniques there's a dizzying number of combinations. Half the fun is finding the right one.

This sounds an awful lot like how my fountain pen hobby progressed. It started with "oh neat! I'll get a fountain pen!" and now I'm on an endless quest to find my perfect combination of pen body, nib, ink, and paper.

To me sounds an awful lot like how they tried to "lower my stress level" with head meds.

Brushes are where you'll get into trouble. The shave doesn't change with a different brush, but the experience will be quite different. The good thing is you can always sell a brush you don't like on forums like Badger & Blade and Shavemyface.

If you want to try a bunch of different creams, try soaps instead. Much cheaper and the homemade stuff offers much more variety.

Ok, here comes the first attempt. Styptic pencil at the ready.

Woo! No blood!

When it comes time to get a new blade, how do you safely dispose of the old ones?

wonderpug wrote:Woo! No blood!

When it comes time to get a new blade, how do you safely dispose of the old ones?

I put mine back in the little paper wrapper, then put them in an empty aluminum can. Some containers also have a little used blade area.

You should totally install a wall slot so that it's the problem of the demolition crew when they tear down your house in 70 years.

I place mine in a blade bank. I've also seen a guy take a peanut butter jar, crazy glue it shut and cut a slit in the top. It would take many years to fill that up.

Smoove_B wrote:I have the 34C and it's fantastic. I toyed with getting one with a more aggressive action, but decided to just experiment with different blades instead. I like the weight and despite the short handle, I quickly learned to use it.

I had been using Shark blades, which worked quite well. However, when my pack of 100 ran out late last year, I decided to get random five packs (also from Amazon) that contained Derby Ultra blades (which I'm still using) and Feathers (which I'm terrified of).

I like the Sharks too. And another called Sharp is pretty good.

Does anyone like, or want to try some Astra blades? They're the one brand in my sample pack I can't get a comfortable shave with. They are Russian and have a light machine oil residue. I'll send a couple 5-packs if anyone wants.

Anyone notice what an international activity this is? Have Sharks from Egypt, Sharp from Switzerland, the Israeli Personnas, some brand I had from Bangladesh, Feathers from Japan, the Astras, etc. Makes think this type of shaving is still pretty common around the world.

I wanted to like the Feathers, but they draw blood too easily. I'll use just about anything else with ease.

I keep it simple, though - no brush, no cream, no mess - just some hot water splashed on the face after a shower and go to work with the razor. It's exactly what I used to do with the Mach3 blades and it works for me.

I typically fold my used razors up in the paper from the first and toss it in the trash - if - the blade box doesn't already have a disposal slit on the underside of it. I like the idea of keeping around an old peanut butter jar that's glued shut, but methinks the wife would find it tacky.

wonderpug wrote:Woo! No blood!

When it comes time to get a new blade, how do you safely dispose of the old ones?

Most blade containers include a slot for storing used blades beneath the new ones within the container.

For example, here's a photo illustrating the Derby Extra blade storage slot:

Couple weeks in and I'm absolutely loving the new shaving routine. The extra danger of getting nicks and cuts with a safety razor is highly overrated--I thought I would have to be exceedingly careful about holding the blade at the right angle but the way the razor is concealed it really doesn't feel all that different than a cartridge razor as far as deadly blade exposure.

I've tried 4 or 5 different blades so far from my sampler pack and so far my discerning palate has rated them as "this one seems good," and "this one also seems good." I'll keep on working through them though to see if there are any that do jump out as amazing or terrible.

Really my only complaint is that I have yet to find a good way to get at the moustache hair right below my nostrils. Just seems like no matter which way I angle the thing I just can't get at that area very well.

But other than that, the fanboy rants about the superiority of safety razors over cartridge razors are all completely true. It's a better shave, with less skin irritation, and for less money. And it makes me feel fancy.

As for the other shaving products, I've been happy with the Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving cream I got, but I think I'd like to try a shaving soap next to see what that's like. Any suggestions on what to try first?

wonderpug wrote:But other than that, the fanboy rants about the superiority of safety razors over cartridge razors are all completely true. It's a better shave, with less skin irritation, and for less money. And it makes me feel fancy.

That's my experience as well. I made some clumsy strokes that I thought for sure would end in blood. I'm almost two years in and I think I've only once had to use a tissue, and that was with an Astra blade.

wonderpug wrote:But other than that, the fanboy rants about the superiority of safety razors over cartridge razors are all completely true. It's a better shave, with less skin irritation, and for less money. And it makes me feel fancy.

That sums it up pretty well. My only complaint is the longer time it takes, but I've made allowances. My routine takes 17 minutes now.

I started with Prosario, but am on a bowl of Tabac now. This one's lasting forever, but when it's out, I might try out some Mama Bear soaps just for fun.

For the just-below-the-nostril area, I usually go in with just the corner of the razor. You're right, that's a tricky area. I'd say it's the hardest to get, but I've got a mole and an area on the right side of my neck that are worse. The mole is tricky because it sticks out just enough that if I'm not careful, I can slice myself good. The spot next to it has the hair grain growing in a spiral, so you're always going against the grain, and that's easy to cut myself on too.

For soaps I would try Tabac, a glycerine soap like Mama Bear, and Proraso.

Yes, what Chaz said.

I'm wading into these waters!

I soon need to buy new cartridges for my Mach 3 and figured I may as well put that $30 or so to better use and pick up a new hobby/habit.

I picked up a cheap badger brush and some Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor's Shaving Cream. Smells nice!

Anybody got a quick recommendation for a razor in the under $50 range? I probably want something with a smaller head so shaving under my nose won't be difficult.

I have the 34C and it's fantastic.

Z-Corn wrote:I'm wading into these waters!

I soon need to buy new cartridges for my Mach 3 and figured I may as well put that $30 or so to better use and pick up a new hobby/habit.

I picked up a cheap badger brush and some Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor's Shaving Cream. Smells nice!

Anybody got a quick recommendation for a razor in the under $50 range? I probably want something with a smaller head so shaving under my nose won't be difficult.

I'd second wonderpug's recommendation of a Merkur Heavy Duty (34C) -- hand-crafted German quality, and built like a Tiger 2 tank.

I like my Edwin Jagger DE89 a lot. Sheffield steel!

Anonymous Bosch wrote:

Z-Corn wrote:I'm wading into these waters!

I soon need to buy new cartridges for my Mach 3 and figured I may as well put that $30 or so to better use and pick up a new hobby/habit.

I picked up a cheap badger brush and some Taylor of Old Bond Street Mr. Taylor's Shaving Cream. Smells nice!

Anybody got a quick recommendation for a razor in the under $50 range? I probably want something with a smaller head so shaving under my nose won't be difficult.

I'd second wonderpug's recommendation of a Merkur Heavy Duty (34C) -- hand-crafted German quality, and built like a Tiger 2 tank.

Mind you, I have absolutely no point of comparison since it's the first safety razor I've ever used, but I love it so far and have no complaints and no itch for an upgrade.

I was looking at the 34C, I think Smoove recommended it too. Small enough to fit under my nose? My wife requires my mustache to be STRICTLY POLICED...

I'll check out the Edwin Jagger DE89 too...

Edit to add:

That means "No mustache at all." She hates facial hair...

Alefroth wrote:I like my Edwin Jagger DE89 a lot. Sheffield steel!

That'd work fine too, though I prefer the Merkur HD's knurled handle. Also, the Merkur is a two-piece razor, while the DE89 is a three-piece razor. I generally prefer two-piece razors, which make changing and replacing blades a little easier than three-piece razors. However, the Edwin Jagger DE89 definitely has a more elegant and stylish polished chrome finish. But the tank-like build-quality of a Merkur HD is also a thing of beauty.

You can't go wrong with either of 'em, really.

Anonymous Bosch wrote:

Alefroth wrote:I like my Edwin Jagger DE89 a lot. Sheffield steel!

That'd work fine too, though I prefer the Merkur HD's knurled handle. Also, the Merkur is a two-piece razor, while the DE89 is a three-piece razor. I generally prefer two-piece razors, which make changing and replacing blades a little easier than three-piece razors. However, the Edwin Jagger DE89 definitely has a more elegant and stylish polished chrome finish. But the tank-like build-quality of a Merkur HD is also a thing of beauty.

You can't go wrong with either of 'em, really.

I initially thought the slick handle might be a problem, but it isn't at all. I love the chrome finish on the razor. It's really thick and seems like it'll last forever.

As noted, I have the 34C and it's fantastic (tm). Unfortunately as someone that sports facial hair, I can't comment on how well it does under the nose. However the hallmark of the 34C (besides the weight) is the shorter, thicker handle. I would *think* that makes for easier handling (i.e. deftly maneuver under the nose), but someone else will need to confirm that.

I am happy to report that the below-the-nose issues I reported a bit earlier in the thread are now over. I have figured out the right angle to hold the thing, and now my undernostril region is no longer a safe haven for hair stumps.

Yes, shaving the upper lip will most likely boil down to learning the correct technique than have much to do with the use of any particular DE razor.

Just remember to let the razor do the work (i.e. avoid applying any pressure) and do not try to acheive a 'perfect' shave when you're just starting out. You get the hang of shaving with a DE razor soon enough.

Awesome advice, thanks fellas.

I've got the 34C in my cart along with some blades. About to pull the trigger!

I have tried a few razors that made under the nose difficult. The 34C is not one of them.

Harry's seems to be doing well. I just saw a promo for them on another youtube video. Did anyone ever try them?

Also do you have to join their club for shipments or can you just buy a kit and then later buy some blades when you want them? I dont even need 8 every 5 months. I haven't shaved since last Oct and did no shave November. Im trimming it. But Im about ti shave completely and would like a nice cheap alternative to my awesome yet horrifyingly expensive Gilette blades. Its like $20+ for 4 blades

Daehawk wrote:Harry's seems to be doing well. I just saw a promo for them on another youtube video. Did anyone ever try them?

Also do you have to join their club for shipments or can you just buy a kit and then later buy some blades when you want them? I dont even need 8 every 5 months. I haven't shaved since last Oct and did no shave November. Im trimming it. But Im about ti shave completely and would like a nice cheap alternative to my awesome yet horrifyingly expensive Gilette blades. Its like $20+ for 4 blades

I got a Harry's kit and it seemed great. I didn't use it long, though, because shortly after I converted to double edged razor, and a bit after that I ended up growing out my facial hair. My Harry's razor is now what my wife uses, and she seems to see no difference between it and the Mach 3 stuff she used to use (other than the lower cartridge cost).

Crap thats right..now i remember I have an old old safety razor. I could try buying some Wilkinson Steel blades. As I recall I can never remember how tight to screw that thing down. The more you tighten them the more curved the blade becomes.

Daehawk wrote:Crap thats right..now i remember I have an old old safety razor. I could try buying some Wilkinson Steel blades.

I forget where you are financially these days, but if it would help you out I have some packs of blades I could send you. I got a big sampler pack when I bought my razor and have some leftovers of the blade brands I tried that weren't right for me.

If you want want a really good cartridge, get Dorco. Their Pace line is excellent. It's the cartridges that Dollar Shave Club uses. Much cheaper than Gillette and just as good.

Thanks WP but Im good. I found one blade still in the paper sleeve. Must be 10 years old but looks fine. The yaren't much either. Its jus tthe tightening Im still not sure or since it warps the blade.

Don't know what kind of razor you have, but it should stop on it's own and be at the right angle.

The blade is meant to curve. Tighten it until it stops.

Thanks guys...will do.

McNutt wrote:If you want want a really good cartridge, get Dorco. Their Pace line is excellent. It's the cartridges that Dollar Shave Club uses. Much cheaper than Gillette and just as good.

For anyone interested, I don't agree with this statement. I used DSC for many months, but the cartridge partially blocks the back of the blades. The Gillette cartridges are completely open.

As a result, the DSC cartridges clog much more frequently. IMO of course.

That's interesting. I wonder if those were indeed Dorco blades. It's possible that I was incorrectly told that's what DSC used. I have tried the 3-, 4-, and 6-blade Dorco cartridges and the backs were wide open.