Octopus Overlords

This is what my 6-blade cartridge looks like. I guess there is some frame in the middle. The rest is pretty open. Does this look like what you used?

Any one use Catie's Bubbles soap? I got some last month, and the lather is freaking amazing. Lots of scents to choose from also. I got Le Piment de la Vie.

Ran across this story that appeared on my facebook news feed. I watched it, funny how something like a 14 year old beard has an effect on people when they finally realize who this guy is.

http://interestingthingsdaily.com/this- ... old-beard/

McNutt wrote:This is what my 6-blade cartridge looks like. I guess there is some frame in the middle. The rest is pretty open. Does this look like what you used?

Totally missed this when you posted it. Yeah, that's the same blade that DSC uses for the 6-blade cartridge. That blockage in the middle causes the center of the blades to be a little harder to keep clear. I don't care for it. Aside from that though, I had no complaints at all about their products. I just prefer the completely open back of the Gillette blades.

I also tried Harry's recently and did not like it at all. The handle is nice and that's about all the praise I can give it. The blades are ok, nothing special. There is a lubrication strip at the top and that strip on my pack was just a dry piece of rubber. It provided absolutely no lubrication. I sent them an email asking about that and they said it must have been a defective batch because that strip is supposed to be full of lubricants. They sent me a replacement pack and it too just had a piece of white rubber for a lubrication strip.

I decided to use the razor on a trip and when I arrived the cartridge had broken off from the handle, while still in the protective cardboard box it came in. It was useless.

Needless to say I canceled my subscription.

JSHAW wrote:Ran across this story that appeared on my facebook news feed. I watched it, funny how something like a 14 year old beard has an effect on people when they finally realize who this guy is.

http://interestingthingsdaily.com/this- ... old-beard/

Back in college I worked at a movie theater. One of the managers had a serious beard going on. He'd had it as long as I'd known him. He'd had it as long as the other manager had known him. 10+ years (I think).

One day he decided to shave it off. He walked through the lobby past all the employees. No one recognized him. I think he grew it back in about a week.

In his case, the problem was that he essentially had no chin. Or at least one that would be considered "weak". But with the beard you couldn't tell. So when he shaved, he really did look completely different.

Ok, need some shaving advice.

Since moving into a management position last week, the wife is insisting I stay more professional with my scruff and shave every couple days.

I don't have a really corse growth and its a relatively mild stubble after 2 days.

So I found this thread late last week and ordered myself a Merkur 34c, Badger brush, and Taylor of Old Bond Street cream. I've also drove my wife crazy with "how to" YouTube videos on shaving with a safety razor. Who would have thought there were this many men sharing their shaves on video!

Anyhow, tonight was my second attempt at a shave and I'm still struggling to get things right. Tonight I did 3 passes and still had several rough spots I had to really work on to get shaved.

I'm guessing my technique is bad and with practice I'll improve. But man, I'm really struggling. Question, is there really any right or wrong way to shave? What I mean is, with the grain? Across? Back and forth? Up and down?

I don't mean to sound silly. But the videos I watched had these men giving specific directions on how to do this. And after my second attempt tonight, I'm not seeing it.

Any opinions on techniques?

Xmann wrote:Question, is there really any right or wrong way to shave? What I mean is, with the grain? Across? Back and forth? Up and down?

I don't mean to sound silly. But the videos I watched had these men giving specific directions on how to do this. And after my second attempt tonight, I'm not seeing it.

Any opinions on techniques?

It's not silly at all and unfortunately there isn't a one-size fits all answer as there are many variables. My facial hair is like copper wire, particularly on my neck. I need to make multiple passes, first going with the grain, then I can usually do another pass against the grain, but not in all places as some of it grows in ad an odd angle. If I don't shave every day (rare), I can get a ridiculously smooth shave using the with/against technique. However for whatever reason daily shaving just doesn't seem to last. Typically then my 5 o'clock shadow would start around 3 on a normal day and if I'm in a shirt and tie scenario, my neck is a mess.

So yeah, the variables -- time between shave, type of blade, type of hair, orientation on your face of hair. You might also decide a more aggressive (different angle) DE safety razor is your strategy. Or switching to a different set of blades. Or switching to soap instead of cream. Shaving soap (for me) is functional and I'm pleased with it on most days. If I need a closer shave I will use the shaving cream instead. Regardless, it's always usually two passes on the neck and two to three passes on the cheeks. Sometimes I can get good action going first with the grain, then across or against. Depending on your skin, you really do need to be careful of ingrown hairs or razor burn which is something I was getting all the time with the crazy multi-blade Gillette razors. Sensitive skin, wire hair. It's absurd but ultimately I've found there's likely a trade off between having a really close shave daily and tearing the hell out of my face.

As much as I love to shave, I really do envy people with what I can only assume is normal facial hair. I absolutely murder blades with whatever is growing out of my face. Murder them.

I stick with my electric razor... Norelco rotary. I tried disposables and while they gave me a bit closer shave, it also requires more attention to the mirror. Electric I can do it eyes off.

Xmann wrote:I've also drove my wife crazy with "how to" YouTube videos on shaving with a safety razor. Who would have thought there were this many men sharing their shaves on video!

And it's strangely relaxing.

Xmann wrote:I don't mean to sound silly. But the videos I watched had these men giving specific directions on how to do this. And after my second attempt tonight, I'm not seeing it.

Any opinions on techniques?

I almost always have to go with/across/against. If I try to skip across, I get a lot of irritation. Even then there are spots on my neck that I have to hit again if I really want smooth. Don't rush through it if you can help it. It takes me 17 minutes from start to applying tonic. Try as many different blades as you can. Don't to use them for too long. I go 3 to 4 shaves per blade, and my whiskers aren't that coarse.

A good soap makes so much difference. Sounds like you've probably got a good one, but I'll recommend Catie's Bubbles. Fantastic lather in lots of great scents.

I don't get the fascination with the old style "safety razors".

Personally, if I do disposables or cartridge, I'd go either Dollar Shave Club (for disposables) or Harry's (for cartridge).

Harry's supposedly has the best shaving cartridges around, and their starter kits are quite reasonable at $15 ($25 if you want the metal handle) and comes with choice of foam or cream.

Kasey Chang wrote:I don't get the fascination with the old style "safety razors".

It's one of life's great mysteries. As near as I can tell, it boils down to this:

Do you have 45 minutes available each morning to shave?

The thing that I found interesting when this first came up was just how many people really have no idea how to shave properly. The problem with disposables/cartridges is that they are very forgiving of miserable shaving habits. With the old style "safety razors", you shave correctly or you bleed.

Personally I think it has more to do with hipsters that want to pamper their face with scented soaps than anything else, but I could be wrong about that.

RunningMn9 wrote:

Kasey Chang wrote:I don't get the fascination with the old style "safety razors".

It's one of life's great mysteries. As near as I can tell, it boils down to this:

Do you have 45 minutes available each morning to shave?

The thing that I found interesting when this first came up was just how many people really have no idea how to shave properly. The problem with disposables/cartridges is that they are very forgiving of miserable shaving habits. With the old style "safety razors", you shave correctly or you bleed.

Personally I think it has more to do with hipsters that want to pamper their face with scented soaps than anything else, but I could be wrong about that.

Personally, I always shave in the evening before bed. I also love shaving, always have. I don't spend an hour, but I do spend a good 30 minutes.

Since getting my safety razor, I love the ceremony of lathering up with the cream and really trying to get a good/close shave. I'm very picky with my stubble and hate those small patches that only I can feel... even though no one can see it.

I have a small obsession, not going to lie

RunningMn9 wrote:Personally I think it has more to do with hipsters that want to pamper their face with scented soaps than anything else, but I could be wrong about that.

Indeed. One of the defining characteristics of hipsters is some type of beard variant. Shaving? No sir. Hipsters don't shave.

Xmann wrote: I also love shaving, always have. I don't spend an hour, but I do spend a good 30 minutes.

Since getting my safety razor, I love the ceremony of lathering up with the cream and really trying to get a good/close shave.

I wish I could ritualize it. I can only shave every 3-4 days due to sensitive skin that gets nasty razor burn if I shave too frequently (regardless of lotions, balms, or creams applied during or after shaving). I could certainly get into making a deal out of it, but since I don't need anything other than a sharp razor and hot water, it seems wasteful.

Instead, I get out of the shower (which is hot enough to fill the room with steam), wipe off a patch of mirror, get my razor wet with hot water, and shave using just hot water as a lubricant. I get a close enough shave to last 36 hours before it gets 'abrasive' and it takes another 36 for it to feel like a cactus. Just a safety razor and hot water. I splash hot water on my face when done, too.

I'd still like to thank OO for breaking me away from the foolishly expensive Gillette Mach3 razors I used to swear by.

Xmann wrote:Personally, I always shave in the evening before bed. I also love shaving, always have. I don't spend an hour, but I do spend a good 30 minutes.

I cannot understand this, even a little bit. I mean, to each his own of course. It's your time to spend and enjoy as you please, but I can't process this particular obsession in any way. When I shave, I use a shave gel, and either a Fusion or Mach 3 - and I at least shave correctly with it. But the process needs to be brief. I can't comprehend a 30 minute ritual.

Smoove_B wrote:Indeed. One of the defining characteristics of hipsters is some type of beard variant. Shaving? No sir. Hipsters don't shave.

You think that sculpting and preening is produced by magic? It's not.

Paingod wrote:I'd still like to thank OO for breaking me away from the foolishly expensive Gillette Mach3 razors I used to swear by.

I can certainly get on board with the cost considerations, although DSC and Harry's provide cost-effective alternatives to Gillette. Also, it's not like there aren't foolishly expensive options in the safety razor market too, right?

Hobbies exist to consume time and money. De gustibus non est disputandum

Also, daily or every other day shaving with razors such as the Mach3 cartridge razors just tore my face up. I can't shave with those cartridge razors. Factor in the ridiculous cost of buying more cartridges and I couldn't do it any longer.

But as stated, I love shaving and spending that 30 minutes it takes me. I throw on some music and I really enjoy it before bed.

Xmann wrote:Also, daily or every other day shaving with razors such as the Mach3 cartridge razors just tore my face up.

Do you shave the same way with your new setup as you did with the Mach3?

Typically when people make the switch, they make substantial changes to how they actually shave (generally out of self-defense ). And I've found that those changes are typically what was causing their face to be torn up by disposables/cartridge. But by then, the expected "ex-smoker" psychology sets in, so the tools are blamed instead of the craftsman.

RunningMn9 wrote:

Xmann wrote:Also, daily or every other day shaving with razors such as the Mach3 cartridge razors just tore my face up.

Do you shave the same way with your new setup as you did with the Mach3?

Typically when people make the switch, they make substantial changes to how they actually shave (generally out of self-defense ). And I've found that those changes are typically what was causing their face to be torn up by disposables/cartridge. But by then, the expected "ex-smoker" psychology sets in, so the tools are blamed instead of the craftsman.

My first shave I completely changed my routine and went with suggestions from the so called experts. The shave was very mediocre.

Last night I went back to how I shaved with my cartridge shaver and it was better. Biggest thing for me thus far is I don't get the skin irritation I had with shaving every couple days like I did with the Mach3. I like the control I get with the safety razor. It's like I have more say on how the shave turns out, rather than the razor.

Just my early impressions.

Xmann wrote:My first shave I completely changed my routine and went with suggestions from the so called experts. The shave was very mediocre.

I remember when I was talking to Smoove about this many years ago, he was explaining how he shaved with disposables/cartridges and I was horrified. OF COURSE shaving like that would result in terrible things happening to your face.

I mean - I get that if I go pay someone to shave me, they aren't going to whip out a Gillette Mach 3 and some Barbasol canned shaving cream. I understand that if I am willing to spend the time, I can get an incrementally better shave using soaps and lotions and brushes and safety razors. But when I shave now, the shave I can get in <4 minutes doesn't have a whole of room for improvement.

Because I already shave correctly. And I don't have 9 gauge steel wires growing out of my face like Smoove.

I gave up on proper shaving years ago. I tear through blades and by late afternoon it was like I never shaved anyway. Straight razors, 5-blade cartridges, safety razors, electrics, brushes, creams, gels, didn't matter.


So got some clippers. I always look like I shaved yesterday. Close enough.

Do you go for a Lhasa Apso or more of a Bichon Frise?

Isgrimnur wrote:Do you go for a Lhasa Apso or more of a Bichon Frise?

More sheared sheep. I take it down to a 000.

Xmann wrote: I'm guessing my technique is bad and with practice I'll improve. But man, I'm really struggling. Question, is there really any right or wrong way to shave? What I mean is, with the grain? Across? Back and forth? Up and down?

You have to figure out what works for you. I have to go against the grain or else it's going to look like I didn't shave. I've heard people say that it's terrible for your face to go against the grain. I think that's true if you don't give yourself some prep work first. I shave in the shower at night and that much time in the hot water lets me shave against the grain with no skin irritation. It also makes the shave close enough that it's more than passable when I wake up for work. It would be very hard for me to shave against the grain without the shower.

There is a false belief that using a DE razor adds an extra 30 minutes to your shave. When you first start using one you will certainly take longer as you have to retrain yourself to hold the razor at a different angle than a cartridge razor. However, once you're accustomed to it the shave itself takes no more time than with a cartridge razor. I spend an extra 30 seconds or so applying a lather with a brush (I build the lather on my face and not with a bowl) and then my shave might take three minutes. It's very quick.

Harry's supposedly has the best shaving cartridges around, and their starter kits are quite reasonable at $15 ($25 if you want the metal handle) and comes with choice of foam or cream.

That has not been my experience. I do not care for Harry's cartridges and think they are sub par. I had ordered a set and after disliking them decided to use them as my travel razors (can't take DE blades in your carry on). When I got to my destination the razor cartridge broke as I was taking it out of the box. So in addition to not providing a shave as nice as my DEs or Dorco blades, the cartridges have a tendency to break.

McNutt wrote:(I build the lather on my face and not with a bowl)

Barbarian.

Also - literally one example does not make something a "tendency".

It's about a 5 minute process for me, possibly shorter. I don't time it and I'm certainly not late for things nor do I get up early to make sure I have extra time to complete the ritualized steps involved in removing facial hair.

About the only way I could imagine it taking me 30 minutes would be if I used a straight razor -- and that would probably be 25 minutes of hesitation and 5 minutes of actual shaving.

Like I said, I enjoy the process. 30 minutes is enough to listen to an album or something.

It's not a chore for me. I can see why others feel that way, but I don't

A straight razor takes a ton of prep work to keep it sharp, but the shave itself isn't that long. Less than 10 minutes for sure. The key to shaving with a straight is to NOT go slowly and to use strokes that are as quick as if you were using a Gillette. If you go slowly you risk giving yourself a nasty cut. Unfortunately it takes a lot of confidence to fly around your face with that razor and you're going to naturally go slowly until you gain that confidence. Well, you will always have to go somewhat slowly when doing the upper lip. The nose is a bitch to work around.

Kasey Chang wrote:I don't get the fascination with the old style "safety razors".

Personally, if I do disposables or cartridge, I'd go either Dollar Shave Club (for disposables) or Harry's (for cartridge).

When I used to shave I would use the double bladed safety razors primarily because it's ludicrously inexpensive. I bought a pack of 100 Astra blades for $8.76 and they lasted me a year and a half and I could have made it last longer than that if I had wanted. You aren't going to get a better shave than that for anywhere near that price with disposables or cartridges.

I could afford to spend more, but why would I want to do that? I was perfectly happy with the results I was getting (it was actually a better shave than the Mach 3 or whatever I was using prior to that) and was paying close to nothing.

RunningMn9 wrote: Also, it's not like there aren't foolishly expensive options in the safety razor market too, right?

I have a brush that costs about that much. It's a Rooney and is much stiffer than the Kents. I swear to God that if anything happened to that brush I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I own about eight brushes right now and this one blows the others away. I'm not kidding when I say I will pass this brush down to my son. It's bad ass.

I switched from an electric razor to DE a month ago. I went with DE because after the initial purchase supplies are dirt cheap compared to other options. And I'm getting quicker with the actual shave. I could do the entire thing in under five minutes if I need to, but I shave at night so I can take my time.

Around the time that I switched I was going to a wedding, and decided to pay for a straight razor shave from my barber. The bastard shredded my face. Multiple cuts including a huge gash on my cheek. I felt like De Niro in The Untouchables.

Anybody know of a rosemary scented shaving soap or cream they can recommend?

I have used a rosemary bath soap and found it invigorating. I imaging shaving with that scent would be very nice...

I just bought some Taylor of Old Bond Street avocado soap and like that a lot.

Just use rosemary butter!

I'm a heathen. I could manage a perfectly passable shave using a disposable razor in the shower. I did tend to use a nice shaving soap and brush to build up a lather on my face but it certainly wasn't a time consuming ritual.

Its even faster now that I haven't shaved in 10+ months.

Mama Bear makes a rosemary lime soap. I've never tried it but her other soaps are really good.

I'm not sure if the last time I shaved was before my wedding. If it wasn't, it was less than a month afterwards.

McNutt wrote:I have a brush that costs about that much. It's a Rooney and is much stiffer than the Kents. I swear to God that if anything happened to that brush I would buy another one in a heartbeat. I own about eight brushes right now and this one blows the others away. I'm not kidding when I say I will pass this brush down to my son. It's bad ass.

Well, I would argue that it doesn't really matter that the blades are $0.03 each if you have almost $1000 in brushes.

I have about 4 years worth of cartridges (for me), and I'm guessing I spent $40. It's not crushingly expensive. You just have to not shave very much.

McNutt wrote:Mama Bear makes a rosemary lime soap. I've never tried it but her other soaps are really good.

Definitely going to try some of those. Have you used the glycerin soaps? How do they lather?

Alefroth wrote:

McNutt wrote:Mama Bear makes a rosemary lime soap. I've never tried it but her other soaps are really good.

Definitely going to try some of those. Have you used the glycerin soaps? How do they lather?

I own several Mama Bear soaps, and as McNutt said, they're pretty good with some really pleasant scents. That said, I find the lather quality of Mama Bear soaps do not provide nearly as much cushion as I prefer.

As glycerin soaps go, I much prefer Provence Sante Green Tea Shaving Soap, as that generates the sort of copious, super-slick lather more akin to Tabac and the like. It also has a great subtle clean scent; in fact, I enjoyed the scent so much, I subsequently purchased the matching cologne.