****OFFICIAL**** TRADITIONAL WETSHAVING THREAD - Part 2

[SDOptimist]

my beard grows asymmetrically

any solutions ??

As does everybody else's. Just know the direction and adjust accordingly.

On my left side, if I started at my chin and went towards the ear, I would basically be going against the grain and feel stubble. If I were to go from the ear to the chin on my left side, it would be smooth, even if there were stubble. It is the opposite on my right side. Going from the ear to the chin, I would be feeling stubble and going against the grain and from the chin to the ear, it would be smooth even if there were stubble.

[CodeMan8]

razor: try one with a closed comb. some good razors are edwin jagger de89 (there are several versions which differ by handle design and color), merkur 34c which is similar to de89. if you're looking to spend $25 or less, then have a look at matador razors at http://www.razorbladesandmore.com/ca...matador-razors

blades: this is tough one since different blades perform differently with different faces/beards. there are lots of sampler packs out there that you can buy to find which blade works best for you. some stores such as westcoastshaving sell 5 blade packs for $1.25-$2.50, so you can buy a few packs instead of going with a sampler pack. some good choices are personna lab blue, astra, personna israeli red, gillette silver blue, feather and voskhod.

brush: whippeddog.com sells very affordable silvertip badger brushes. you can also try the tweezerman badger brush. it's not that great, but it's cheap. semogue makes good and affordable boar brushes.

cream/soap: i suggest you go with cream because it's easier to lather for beginners. proraso or co bigelow are common choices. other good choices are razorock and taylor of old bond street. for soap you can try synergy shaving soap by howtogrowamoustache.com

you can also get a styptic pencil to stop bleeding in case you get nicked. some people recommend alum blocks. i don't see much point in them if you can shave with a minimal amount or no of nicks. if i get nicked, i just splash cold water on it a few times, and it stops the bleeding.

aftershave: if you already have something, then use that. if not, you can always try the nivea sensitive skin balm.

hit up youtube on safety razor shaving tutorials.

Awesome response man, I appreciate it. Do you use the cream like you would the soap in lathering it in a bowl with a wet brush? Or do you just apply it to the brush and add to your face? I've been looking at amazon and will probably either go with the Jagger or pick up a Gillette Tech razor from ebay. Will also probably pick up a brush and cream/soap from eBay as well

[SDOptimist]

Awesome response man, I appreciate it. Do you use the cream like you would the soap in lathering it in a bowl with a wet brush?

Ya you lather it regardless if it is a cream, soap or "croap". You can lather in a bowl, in your hand or on your face. Whatever your preference is. If you have time to put in a good lather, then bowl might be the way to go. If you are like me and shaves last minute right before I head to work, ditching the bowl in those situations will save you a bunch of time, and can still get great lathers on your face.

[CodeMan8]

Ya you lather it regardless if it is a cream, soap or "croap". You can lather in a bowl, in your hand or on your face. Whatever your preference is. If you have time to put in a good lather, then bowl might be the way to go. If you are like me and shaves last minute right before I head to work, ditching the bowl in those situations will save you a bunch of time, and can still get great lathers on your face.

Ok, cool. So what exactly would be the difference between soap vs cream then if there is one?

[SDOptimist]

Ok, cool. So what exactly would be the difference between soap vs cream then if there is one?

I am sure someone can give you a more precise answer. But for the most part it is preference. I have yet to use soap. I have only used creams and croaps. I would think it might take a bit more work to build a lather with soaps. but once you get to that point, I doubt there is a difference between it and creams and croaps. At that point it comes down to the ingredients and quality of the soap/croap/cream, and not whether is it s soap/croap/cream.

[MuscleXtreme]

Ya you lather it regardless if it is a cream, soap or "croap". You can lather in a bowl, in your hand or on your face. Whatever your preference is. If you have time to put in a good lather, then bowl might be the way to go. If you are like me and shaves last minute right before I head to work, ditching the bowl in those situations will save you a bunch of time, and can still get great lathers on your face.

This is how I do it as well. I don't have much time in the morning so I just lather up my face then brush.

[2Rude4MyOwnGood]

If anyone is looking for a cheap alum block, check out Wind Salt on Amazon. I paid $5 including shipping and this thing is freakin massive.

[ispy]

Awesome response man, I appreciate it. Do you use the cream like you would the soap in lathering it in a bowl with a wet brush? Or do you just apply it to the brush and add to your face? I've been looking at amazon and will probably either go with the Jagger or pick up a Gillette Tech razor from ebay. Will also probably pick up a brush and cream/soap from eBay as well

It doesn't make a difference. I prefer to face lather with cream, because it takes up the least amount of time for me. I just take a tiny bit, put it on a soaked brush, and lather it in circles. This usually creates enough lather for 2-3 passes.

Tech is a good choice for a razor. Another good one is Superspeed. Just make sure it's clean and disinfected/sanitized. Since these razors are over 40 years old, they can have rust, and all kinds of dirt on them, so they have to be cleaned first.

[alex2363]

It doesn't make a difference. I prefer to face lather with cream, because it takes up the least amount of time for me. I just take a tiny bit, put it on a soaked brush, and lather it in circles. This usually creates enough lather for 2-3 passes.

Tech is a good choice for a razor. Another good one is Superspeed. Just make sure it's clean and disinfected/sanitized. Since these razors are over 40 years old, they can have rust, and all kinds of dirt on them, so they have to be cleaned first.

First shave post of 2014

[CodeMan8]

It doesn't make a difference. I prefer to face lather with cream, because it takes up the least amount of time for me. I just take a tiny bit, put it on a soaked brush, and lather it in circles. This usually creates enough lather for 2-3 passes.

Tech is a good choice for a razor. Another good one is Superspeed. Just make sure it's clean and disinfected/sanitized. Since these razors are over 40 years old, they can have rust, and all kinds of dirt on them, so they have to be cleaned first.

Browsing around Amazon and putting everything together. Anybody have input on an Edwin Jagger De86bl Faux Ebony razor? Found one on Amazon for $26. Would save myself about $10 by getting that one instead of the De89. I prefer to get everything off Amazon as I have gift cards I can use.

In my cart I have:
-Proraso cream
-Tweezerman brush
-The Edwin Jagger De86 razor
-Clubman Pinaud styptic pencil, just in case the shaver and I get into a fight

Gonna try out the Derby blades that come with the razor and go from there.

Thanks again for the help!


Edit: Went ahead and ordered the above. Should have everything by Monday!

[MuscleXtreme]

I need a razor for a closer shave. Currently I have the Merkur 34 and it does well, just not as close of a shavr as I would like. I have heard about the Gillette Slim, is it any good?

[spacecowboy00]

gonna go buy my supplies tomorrow at a local store that sells these materials.

my selection:

- Edwin Jagger DE87bl double edge safety razor
- Progress Vulpix Pure Badger Shaving Brush
- Proraso Menthol & Eucalyptus Shaving Cream
- Razorock Alum Stick

pls respond

[2Rude4MyOwnGood]

Browsing around Amazon and putting everything together. Anybody have input on an Edwin Jagger De86bl Faux Ebony razor? Found one on Amazon for $26. Would save myself about $10 by getting that one instead of the De89. I prefer to get everything off Amazon as I have gift cards I can use.

In my cart I have:
-Proraso cream
-Tweezerman brush
-The Edwin Jagger De86 razor
-Clubman Pinaud styptic pencil, just in case the shaver and I get into a fight

Gonna try out the Derby blades that come with the razor and go from there.

Thanks again for the help!


Edit: Went ahead and ordered the above. Should have everything by Monday!

Yes, that's a perfectly fine razor. I wouldn't get the Tweezerman brush though, it's a piece of sht. Really coarse bristles and the quality is just awful. Check out the Simply Beautiful badger brush on Amazon, the one with the black handle. It's much better quality than the Tweezerman and it's in the same price range.

I need a razor for a closer shave. Currently I have the Merkur 34 and it does well, just not as close of a shavr as I would like. I have heard about the Gillette Slim, is it any good?

The Slim is my go to razor and I would highly recommend it. Adjustable is the way to go, and the Slim is a great adjustable razor for a good price. You won't regret buying one.

[CodeMan8]

Yes, that's a perfectly fine razor. I wouldn't get the Tweezerman brush though, it's a piece of sht. Really coarse bristles and the quality is just awful. Check out the Simply Beautiful badger brush on Amazon, the one with the black handle. It's much better quality than the Tweezerman and it's in the same price range.

Thanks, actually placed the order right before you posted this, but went ahead and cancelled the Tweezerman and went with the Simply Beautiful brush since it was only like a dollar more. Thank god I had $50 in Amazon gift cards from Christmas. Only ended up paying about $4 for my stuff I know I'll be saving money in the long run though

[ManWithNoName93]

Created a thread on switching over to double edge shaving and was directed here. In short, switching from lifetime of electric razors to double edge. searching around for some equipment and will be in this thread for advice/success story


edit: Just wanted to ask how long a 5 oz. jar of shave soap typically lasts?

Great choice on the switch. Once I switched from disposable razors to safety razors and I have never looked back. The difference is so amazing.
I don't know an exact amount of time a 5oz jar of shave soap will last but you could expect it to last you a long while.

[tmartin89]

Why can't I get a think enough lather?! I use soap in a dish. Also, I find my neck gets irritated after shaving. I'm still completely new to shaving with a DE so I know it's going to take some time to get used to it.

[ManWithNoName93]

Why can't I get a think enough lather?! I use soap in a dish. Also, I find my neck gets irritated after shaving. I'm still completely new to shaving with a DE so I know it's going to take some time to get used to it.

Maybe you're using too much water to get a thick enough lather?
What passes are you doing on your neck? The neck is a sensitive spot for some people so it may just take you a bit to get used to it.

[tmartin89]

Maybe you're using too much water to get a thick enough lather?
What passes are you doing on your neck? The neck is a sensitive spot for some people so it may just take you a bit to get used to it.

Tonight was the 2nd time I've ever done it and I first passed down, then across and then up. It feels like to go ATG I need to go across the neck.

[S.T.A.R.S.]

Yes, that's a perfectly fine razor. I wouldn't get the Tweezerman brush though, it's a piece of sht. Really coarse bristles and the quality is just awful. Check out the Simply Beautiful badger brush on Amazon, the one with the black handle. It's much better quality than the Tweezerman and it's in the same price range.

cancelled my Tweezerman order just now after i read your post brah thanks

[2Rude4MyOwnGood]

Why can't I get a think enough lather?! I use soap in a dish. Also, I find my neck gets irritated after shaving. I'm still completely new to shaving with a DE so I know it's going to take some time to get used to it.

Skip the bowl and just make your lather directly on your face. Works better for a lot of people. Just shake your brush out after wetting it with warm water, put cream on brush, lather on face.

It's the only way I do it these days.

Tonight was the 2nd time I've ever done it and I first passed down, then across and then up. It feels like to go ATG I need to go across the neck.

If you're still having irritation, try skipping the ATG pass. Going against the grain just isn't a good idea for some people, including myself.

[JDizleSwoleizle]

Why can't I get a think enough lather?! I use soap in a dish. Also, I find my neck gets irritated after shaving. I'm still completely new to shaving with a DE so I know it's going to take some time to get used to it.

2Rude, quite trolling with the face lathering posts bro. The amount of lather you get has nothing to do with where you lather, horrible advice for a newb with a legit question.

TM most likely you have too much water or not enough soap on your brush. So start out with more soap and slowly add water if it appears to be too dry. If your soap is really hard some of them (especially a new puck) can be helped by soaking the soap in warm water for a bit before your shave, also if you turn the container upside down while you load the brush sometimes that helps get more soap in your brush.

The neck is a tough spot, most people have issues with more sensitivity in that area. Best advice I can give is take it easier on that spot until you get better at wet shaving, so maybe just one pass WTG until you get it down better. The shave won't be as close so there is a trade up for less irritation.

[CodeMan8]

2Rude, quite trolling with the face lathering posts bro. The amount of lather you get has nothing to do with where you lather, horrible advice for a newb with a legit question.

TM most likely you have too much water or not enough soap on your brush. So start out with more soap and slowly add water if it appears to be too dry. If your soap is really hard some of them (especially a new puck) can be helped by soaking the soap in warm water for a bit before your shave, also if you turn the container upside down while you load the brush sometimes that helps get more soap in your brush.

The neck is a tough spot, most people have issues with more sensitivity in that area. Best advice I can give is take it easier on that spot until you get better at wet shaving, so maybe just one pass WTG until you get it down better. The shave won't be as close so there is a trade up for less irritation.

I'll probably go with one pass myself as it'll be my first time shaving with a DE razor. I don't need a super close shave for any reason, so fortunately I can take it a bit slower until I get used to it. Anything to lessen the chances of little red spots on my neck from my electric!

Great choice on the switch. Once I switched from disposable razors to safety razors and I have never looked back. The difference is so amazing.
I don't know an exact amount of time a 5oz jar of shave soap will last but you could expect it to last you a long while.

Yeah, I'm looking forward to trying it out! I shave either every other day or every 3 days depending on if I feel like it so the cream should last me a good deal of time then.

[MrSilverback]

Well I think it's been about a year now since I've purchased a new shave product lol. I'm working with this rotation:

Razor: Fat Boy
Blades: Feather
Brusher: Restored Ever Ready with a Silvertip Knot

Soaps:

Mikes Pine and Cedarwood
Mikes Bay Rum
Cella
AoS Sandalwood
RazoRock Boston Tea Party

Cream: AoS Ocean Kelp

AS:
Alt Innsbruck
Floid Blue
Pinaud Clubman
Family Dollar OS
Osage Rub
4711

I pretty much only shave my neck, behind jaw, and cheeks now as I have a manicured beard.

Feels good to not be buying soaps every month lol

[2Rude4MyOwnGood]

2Rude, quite trolling with the face lathering posts bro. The amount of lather you get has nothing to do with where you lather, horrible advice for a newb with a legit question.

TM most likely you have too much water or not enough soap on your brush. So start out with more soap and slowly add water if it appears to be too dry. If your soap is really hard some of them (especially a new puck) can be helped by soaking the soap in warm water for a bit before your shave, also if you turn the container upside down while you load the brush sometimes that helps get more soap in your brush.

The neck is a tough spot, most people have issues with more sensitivity in that area. Best advice I can give is take it easier on that spot until you get better at wet shaving, so maybe just one pass WTG until you get it down better. The shave won't be as close so there is a trade up for less irritation.

I'm not talking about the amount of lather, I'm talking about the quality. It's not like I'm the only person who advocates face lathering.

Read through this thread, or browse any shaving forum. They are filled with questions from people who have trouble building a good lather in a bowl. The replies are always the same, use less water or build the lather on your face. If you like bowl lathering that's fine, I'm just pointing out that many people have an easier time just skipping the bowl altogether.

What a stupid thing to get butthurt about. It's just shaving dude. There is no right or wrong way to do it, whatever works for the individual is what they should stick with.

[mantic59]

I need a razor for a closer shave. Currently I have the Merkur 34 and it does well, just not as close of a shavr as I would like. I have heard about the Gillette Slim, is it any good?

What brand of blade are you currently using? Maybe it's the blade and not the razor?

[JDizleSwoleizle]

I'm not talking about the amount of lather, I'm talking about the quality.
Read through this thread, or browse any shaving forum.
There is no right or wrong way to do it, whatever works for the individual is what they should stick with.

His question was about Quantity, hence me calling you out for bad advice.
Been on shaving forums for years, no need buddy.
Agreed, no reason to advocate one specific way for every question. I face lather, it doesn't sound like it would help this guy out.

What brand of blade are you currently using? Maybe it's the blade and not the razor?

In after the king.

[tmartin89]

I have a bunch of vintage gillette DEs in great shape if your interested. Unless you want something brand new then let me know

You still got some for sale?

[_Ishy]

Why can't I get a think enough lather?! I use soap in a dish. Also, I find my neck gets irritated after shaving. I'm still completely new to shaving with a DE so I know it's going to take some time to get used to it.

I found I never used to use enough water. I soak the brush in the bowl before shaving now then spill out contains and lather up without drying it off too much.

[SDOptimist]

I'm not talking about the amount of lather, I'm talking about the quality. It's not like I'm the only person who advocates face lathering.

Read through this thread, or browse any shaving forum. They are filled with questions from people who have trouble building a good lather in a bowl. The replies are always the same, use less water or build the lather on your face. If you like bowl lathering that's fine, I'm just pointing out that many people have an easier time just skipping the bowl altogether.

What a stupid thing to get butthurt about. It's just shaving dude. There is no right or wrong way to do it, whatever works for the individual is what they should stick with.

This.

When we recommend something, we aren't saying that it is THE answer. We are giving advice from our own experience. That person could then take our advice from our own experiences, give them and try and see if they work for them. If they don't, that's fine, it doesn't always, but you at least tried and narrowed down the solution by eliminating that as a possible fix.

If you have the time, you can build great lathers in the bowl. The good thing about face lathering is that while you are building the lather, you are exfoliating your skin and working the cream into your face, which CAN result in a smoother shave since you spend more time working the cream into your face. That isn't to say you can't eventual achieve that with bowl lather. If you have the time, you can do it. The reason I no longer bowl lather is not because it is inferior to face lather, but rather because it cuts down on a significant amount of time, while also killing two birds with one stone - building a lather and prepping/exfoliating your skin. That right there is like 5 mins tops, compared to 15-20mins. It has nothing to do with the quality of the lather.

And yah, pretty stupid on your part JDizle. Not just because of you getting butthurt, or thinking you are swole lol, but because you don't know the difference between quite and quit. And you also don't know the definition of Troll. What 2rude, or anybody else who shares their personal experiences, is not trolling. When someone comes in here and then attack that, now that is trolling. So you pretty much called yourself out on that one. This isn't a place to stroke your ego. The dumbells are in your local gym, not an internet message board.

[jwtiger69]

It has arrived! I am now the owner of a Kanayama #3. Please do not be jealous....