Any Double or Single Edged Brush and Blade Shavers Here?

[Moueix]

I took up straight razor after 25 years of using an electric (very convenient, and good for the septic system). My primary reason was to learn something new, and especially something that would require me to improve agility with my LEFT hand. Cognitive and motor skill benefits. The secondary reason, is that it is cool as hell, and luxurious to boot. I haven't an iota of vanity, but I learned what all women know. It's good to pamper yourself. The initial costs of good gear, like vaping, are probably daunting to many (I know, there are excellent inexpensive options, but gold wash, man! )

So it has been more than worthwhile to achieve those objectives. But I gotta tell ya. Sturgis's common bathroom during the rally? Big tough guys using their fusions and fissions... I felt the stares as I built my hot lather, and then applied it from multiple directions. But I pull out that straight and reach over my head to pull my sideburns tight and set the blade? The sound of jaws hitting the floor was deafening.Every bad ass wished he knew how to use one. I almost busted out laughing.

I think a lot of potential converts just haven't really SEEN it to think about it for themselves. I forget what inspired me, but it was like.. Ooooh, that looks like a worthwhile endeavor!

 

[Zamazam]

My Gramps told me some sage words of wisdom when teaching me to use a straight razor: "If you're in a rush, do it later. A razor sharp blade near your neck is the reason".

 

[eruannu]

I normally use a dovo folding replaceable blade straight edge and right now Derby blades as that is what my old barber used. I was making my own soap but I have a case of store bought soap to finish from my grandfather's closet. Maybe new soap next year.

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[UncleRJ]

Sadly at the moment, learning to use a straight razor is far out on my radar.

Before I start, I need to become self sufficient on learning to properly hone and stop a blade.

The good news is that my Darling Daughter is being married next month.

And in celebration (selfish I know) I have booked a barber for the morning of the wedding to in addition of giving my hair a trim, the total hot towel treatment, a straight razor shave and a beard and mustache trim!

That being said, thinking that 2017 will be the year of the straight razor!

 

[Moueix]

Sadly at the moment, learning to use a straight razor is far out on my radar.

Before I start, I need to become self sufficient on learning to properly hone and stop a blade.

The good news is that my Darling Daughter is being married next month.

And in celebration (selfish I know) I have booked a barber for the morning of the wedding to in addition of giving my hair a trim, the total hot towel treatment, a straight razor shave and a beard and mustache trim!

That being said, thinking that 2017 will be the year of the straight razor!

Hop in, Uncle! The water is fine. Reading the shaving forums in advance really made me think there was some voodoo and all to it, SO tough. It isn't.
A great place to start is to buy a decent "factory shave ready" (not) blade, a good leather and felt strop, a 10 or 12K and an 8K grit Naniwa superstone, a stone fixture to hold it. For a "first" dressing, I drop a palmful of water on the stone, smear it around, then with the lightest pressure you can, set the razor on the stone level, so the spine contacts first, let the blade gently drop to the stone surface. pass the stone in a consistent direction (with the superstone, the width is sufficient to make a perpindicular pass with no angling or "swipe".

The water on the stone has a feel when the blade is in contact and the line from the spine to the edge are in line with the bevel. It kinda sucks down to the water. Just a light pass on each side, back and forth. I'd do 10 wipes with 8 just to make sure you aren't having a taped vs non taped bevel disagreement. I don't tape. That spine will survive a millenia of re-honings. The ONE critical thing is to make sure you don't lift the spine off first, especiall in motion or you will microscopically obliterate the keen edge you are building.

Move for another 20 passes on the 10 or 12K. Some go back, to true up any beveling to make sure the next 10K passes are true.
If you ever want to resurrect an old blade, then you may want coarser stones like 6,4, or 2. Some Chromium oxide (greem paste or spray) to strop your fresh honed blades on. A further, finer abrasive polishing. I keep a seperate felt strop with my honing supplies, just for CrOx.

The guru on SRP has many fabulous videos on shaving technique. I just do a full "with the grain" and a full against and call that a day. Some have 3 passes, with, across and against. Just start safe, with a shallow angle that won't cut enough hair, but won't cut skin. You'll learn your face over several months, and learn when that is sufficient, where you need a more aggresive angle, or even where to "scythe", dragging the blade down and sideways for the tough stuff. Chin line is wherre I get some of my best scything.

I assume you have the lathering items and techniques already. A big help right there. For a straight, I can highly recommend XPec. I like it 10 times better than prodcuts at half the price. My favorite mug is an enamel sea shell that I borrowed from a hotel, that sits perfectly in a larger dish of hot water to keep the porcelain warm. Nothing fancy there. But a good Muhle silvertip will add a lot of luxury,, aesthetically and performance wise.

Trust me, if I think this is easy stuff, you will breeze right through.

 

[R3alJim Shady]

So I had a pretty shitty vape day. Received a mod I've been waiting on for 3 1/2 months only to find out it's the wrong color and lacked engraving that I requested. Then my asshole dog chewed the battery door to my new wood, one of a kind mod to splinters. Luckily, both situations are being sorted out.

I decided I'd take some time to myself and have a nice straight razor shave. Last time around it bit me slightly and I have a good amount of razor burn. This time was different. No razor burn, no cuts, and a much better shave. The difference? Pulling my skin as tight as possible. Glad to have another passion of mine to keep me from losing my shit when life goes momentarily south.

That said, @UncleRJ, it's intimidating at first but the learning curve is a little smaller for us guys that already wet shave. Just like a chef knife- you don't need to fear the razor, just respect it.


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[joeyboy]

Tried it today for the first time with a cheap Van Der Hagen razor, their blade and canned Gillette shave cream. It worked pretty well but I can see that shave cream isn't good for DE shaving. I also got pretty good irritation or razor burn on my neck. I had to use my normal moisturizer to get rid of it. I did two passes.

 

[R3alJim Shady]

Tried it today for the first time with a cheap Van Der Hagen razor, their blade and canned Gillette shave cream. It worked pretty well but I can see that shave cream isn't good for DE shaving. I also got pretty good irritation or razor burn on my neck. I had to use my normal moisturizer to get rid of it. I did two passes.

I've read that in a pinch you can use hair conditioner. I imagine it would be way better than the canned goo.


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[joeyboy]

I've read that in a pinch you can use hair conditioner. I imagine it would be way better than the canned goo.


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Thanks for the tip. On a site, again, looking at DE and shave stuff. Looking at the Merkur 34c and definitely a different blade. May start with good shave cream and brush and same set-up to see the difference.

Anyone know is the Merkur leaves the edge of the blade exposed?

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

Thanks for the tip. On a site, again, looking at DE and shave stuff. Looking at the Merkur 34c and definitely a different blade. May start with good shave cream and brush and same set-up to see the difference.

Anyone know is the Merkur leaves the edge of the blade exposed?

Take look at this. It's a good starter razor & a decent brush, for a very reasonable price
http://www.italianbarber.com/pages/custom-shaving-kit-builder

 

[R3alJim Shady]

Maggard Razors has a great starter kit as well. Their house brand razors are top notch!


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[joeyboy]

I bought speick shaving cream a synthetic brush with good reviews and different blades to try in the same razor, gillette silver blues.

The next purchase will be a razor, maybe a merkur, and a blade sample pack. Still researching razors and aggressiveness. Don't need an open comb. I know the merkur HD is a medium aggressive.

 

[R3alJim Shady]

The Maggard V3 is very comparable to the Merkur in terms of aggressiveness and , IMHO, fit and finish for half the price. Plus, they offer that head on around 12 different handles if not more. Good decision on the Silver Blues as they are a nice, smooth blade.

A blade sample pack is definitely the way to go if you want find what works for you as well.


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[UncleRJ]

Tried it today for the first time with a cheap Van Der Hagen razor, their blade and canned Gillette shave cream. It worked pretty well but I can see that shave cream isn't good for DE shaving. I also got pretty good irritation or razor burn on my neck. I had to use my normal moisturizer to get rid of it. I did two passes.

Congrats and best wishes for your DE journey!

A couple of suggestions if you don't mind.

IMHO, canned shave cream is HORRIBLE and dries out your skin which is the last thing you want.

Invest in a decent brush I use both Badger and Synthetic and a good cup to build your lather in. This is what I use...


Also get some decent soap. For starters, I suggest ARKO


A truly great soap with a huge fan-base. Be warned it smells like urinal cake but it rinses off!

Get yourself some decent blades. I use both the Feather and Personna Med Prep Blades (they used to be used in hospitals to shave you before surgery) .

And I also suggest using Witch Hazel after your shave. I like Thayers Witch Hazel with Aloe and Lemon.

I would also suggest that you upgrade your razor when you can. Some folks like the VDH razor. I am not one of them.

 

[joeyboy]

When you are using the same blade for the second shave and so on, do you flip it over? I read on de forum about that. Tried that with my Silver blue blade on the second shave. Not pretty.

Not really seeing much difference with the Silver blues vs the Vander der hagen blades. Still using the Van der hagen razor. I need to get a blade sample pack and work in my technique. May have to lay off a few days to let my face recover. Wet shaved two days in a row. Maybe a mistake.

Also not sure about the speick shave cream but I think this time was the blade and stubbornness.

 

[Zamazam]

No, do not flip it. That will result in a face scraping event. The blades wear best without flipping them. With the Silver Blue blades (among my top 3), you can get 5-6 shaves out of them. I wet shave daily, Use a milder razor if you are going to shave daily, a Merkur 134 long handle is one I use along with an AS-D2 (expensive as hell, but worth it, Solid SS. This will be the one you will give to your son if you have one).

I like the Silver Blue's, Gillette Super Thin (Thai Mfg), and Polsilvers. The Polsilvers are probably my favorite ATM.

If you are just making the switch to DE shaving, just shave from top down, no side to side. Let your face and skin get accustomed to it. A good aftershave balm works wonders. I use Geo F Trumpers skin food (Lime Scent). It works wonders on razor tender skin.

 

[joeyboy]

@Zamazam

Thanks for the info. Which merkur?

 

[UncleRJ]

The biggest thing for a new wet shaver to learn is................................

DO NOT EXERT ANY PRESSURE ON THE BLADE!

Let the weight of the razor itself do the work.

I really don't like to say negative things about a another man's razor but personally, I don't have positive thoughts about VDH razors. You can get esentially the same razor for under $3 from https://www.aliexpress.com including S&H.

Some very good razor's can be found here for very reasonable prices http://www.maggardrazors.com/product-category/safety-razors/maggard-razors-safety-razors/

Not quite the same quality as the Merkur razors but a solid option for you to start out with and they have their own well deserved fan base.

By all means try different blades BUT I strongly suggest that whatever blade you decide to try first, you stick with that same blade for a solid month as a learning curve.

Once that month is behind you, go on to try a different blade. At this point you will be able to tell the difference enough to make a decision on which one you like the best.

And again, I stress using a Witch Hazel with Aloe after you have washed your face to remove the soap after shaving.

And then like ZZ said, us a good aftershave balm.

Most of all, take your time!!!!

 

[Zamazam]

@Zamazam

Thanks for the info. Which merkur?

the 134 Long Handle

 

[UncleRJ]

I vastly prefer long handled razor myself.

IMHO, they give you much better control!

 

[joeyboy]

Okay, so I got the Maggard MR20 razor handle with the V3 head. Hopefully, that will be better than what I have been using.

 

[joeyboy]

I also bought the thayers and trumpers. No shaving until Tuesday, at least.

Edit: Thanks again for all the info and suggestions.

 

[UncleRJ]

CONGRATS!

I think you made a wise choice

Just so you now, if you have any problem at all with your new razor (which I doubt you will) Maggard has a well deserved reputation for Excellent Customer Service.

 

[joeyboy]

CONGRATS!

I think you made a wise choice

Just so you now, if you have any problem at all with your new razor (which I doubt you will) Maggard has a well deserved reputation for Excellent Customer Service.

I am excited. I got a bunch of blades too. I will use on kind until they are gone, unless they just don't work, and use your advise.

 

[UncleRJ]

I am exited for you as well!

Check your PM's

 

[joeyboy]

So after my blade flip excitement I had to let my face recover so no shaves for two days. I also got a couple a few ingrown hairs in one area so several times a day iv washed my face using circular motions so they could escape. After work Monday I had to lose the beard so I got the vdh razor, my new buy isn't here yet, and a new silver blue blade. Did a good peep and went to it. I REALLY concentrated on angle keeping the back of the razor against my face with NO pressure. I did one pass N to S, as suggested.

Wow, what a difference. No cuts or bumps and the ingrown hairs are gone. But, I really had to concentrate on technique which told me last time I was sloppy plus the blade flip.

Now that I see how good these silver blues are I am a little hesitant to try to many from my blade pack. I got derby, persona red, Israeli crystal, feather, astra sp and polsilver iridium.

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

So after my blade flip excitement I had to let my face recover so no shaves for two days. I also got a couple a few ingrown hairs in one area so several times a day iv washed my face using circular motions so they could escape. After work Monday I had to lose the beard so I got the vdh razor, my new buy isn't here yet, and a new silver blue blade. Did a good peep and went to it. I REALLY concentrated on angle keeping the back of the razor against my face with NO pressure. I did one pass N to S, as suggested.

Wow, what a difference. No cuts or bumps and the ingrown hairs are gone. But, I really had to concentrate on technique which told me last time I was sloppy plus the blade flip.

Now that I see how good these silver blues are I am a little hesitant to try to many from my blade pack. I got derby, persona red, Israeli crystal, feather, astra sp and polsilver iridium.

Polsilver SI(s) are pretty fucking phenominal

 

[joeyboy]

So would this be logical order to try the blades? Crystal, derby, astra sp, gillette silver, persona red, iridium, feather.

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

So would this be logical order to try the blades? Crystal, derby, astra sp, gillette silver, persona red, iridium, feather.

Lol try them however you want. Just remember, blades are one of the most "to each his own" things there is.

 

[Zamazam]

Iridium, Gillette Blue, Polsilver and Feather are all superior blades. Try the Feathers next, they are a solid and sharp blade that will last 4-5 shaves.

 

[R3alJim Shady]

Just got a 100 pack of Silver Blues in not 5 minutes ago. Perfect blade for my Maggard V3A head.

 

[joeyboy]

Just got a 100 pack of Silver Blues in not 5 minutes ago. Perfect blade for my Maggard V3A head.

Can't wait for mine to arrive

 

[joeyboy]

Iridium, Gillette Blue, Polsilver and Feather are all superior blades. Try the Feathers next, they are a solid and sharp blade that will last 4-5 shaves.

I think I will but wait until the razor gets here and I get used to it.

Thanks all

 

[Zamazam]

Just a caution on the Derby's. They are hit and miss. Some batches are great, some shitty. Made in China.

 

[joeyboy]

Just a caution on the Derby's. They are hit and miss. Some batches are great, some shitty. Made in China.

I read that. I think I have a good spread of blades to try. I also made a spread sheet to document. I already think silver blue blades will be in my top three.

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

I read that. I think I have a good spread of blades to try. I also made a spread sheet to document. I already think silver blue blades will be in my top three.

I think you'll be surprised. There's been quite a few highly recommended blades that did, exactly, diddlysquat for me

 

[R3alJim Shady]

I think you'll be surprised. There's been quite a few highly recommended blades that did, exactly, diddlysquat for me

For me it seemed to be finding a good blade/ razor match. Silver Blues and Seven O'Clocks are awesome in more aggressive razors (for me). Feathers, Astra SP's, and Personna Lab Blues work great in less aggressive ones because they are sharper (IMHO).

 

[joeyboy]

I have some testing to do. Keeping voskhod in memory to try if I get bored or don't like what I have. I should be set for a while since I don't shave every day.

@jmoney426 I can understand that. I don't know how aggressive the maggard v3 head is. Still just going to test in a round a bout matter and record.

 

[R3alJim Shady]

The Maggard is mild. Definitely more aggressive than your VDH, but not enough blade exposure to be called aggressive. Make sense?

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

I just want to thank all of y'all for reminding me that I'm running dangerously low on Polsilvers, mofuckers

 

[Zamazam]

I just want to thank all of y'all for reminding me that I'm running dangerously low on Polsilvers, mofuckers

Want some Bic DE blades?

 

[Etown smoke]

So after watching and reading this thread for a while now I'm thinking I might have to try it out. I haven't had a razor on my face for about 10 years now, only use a trimmer to keep if short. My face has never like razors even the most expensive ones out there that I would toss out after one shave. I'm looking at the maggard site and well wow so many options. Where do I start? MR6 with a V3 head? Then is aftershave a must? So many questions lol


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[Zamazam]

The Maggard V3 with a good handle is a start, you will need a decent badger hair brush and a good soap such as Proraso or a tube of Palmolive shave cream. Aftershave should be a balm, not the alcoholic stuff. I recommend Geo F Trumper Lime Skin Food. I use it and it works really well.

Some use witch hazel afterwards Like UncleRJ, some use a Barber Alum block (I do). It cools and seals the skin after the shave before the Aftershave balm.

The great thing about DE razors is that you get a close shave, but not like the multiblade cartridges which tend to pull the whisker out and shave it so close it retracts under the skin and causes ingrown hairs for a lot of men, particularly if you have a curly beard and/or hair.

 

[R3alJim Shady]

I would recommend the Maggard V3 head to start. For the handle I would recommend starting with something medium length and thickness to start. Sort of middle of the road.

Their starter kits are an awesome value. So to start successfully you'll need:
A safety razor
Blade sample packs
A brush
Soap
Witch Hazel
Aftershave (I recommend Nivea Balm, it's good for sensitive skin and easily found).

 

[joeyboy]

Can someone tell me the angle for the maggard v3 closed comb head? I had gotten pretty good with the vdh razor and kept the top ramp slightly touching my skin. Is it the same with the v3 head?

Also starting to doubt speick cream some since I seem to get 3 slight bleeds each shave. Today was the first with the maggard and I could tell it is more aggressive.

I ordered some cream samples to try something different. I got tobs, proraso, one dr Harris and two trumper.

Looking mainly for help on the angle. Should the top of the razor drag a little like I did with the vdh? I used an iridium blade.

Blade combos would be nice. I have others...astra sp, silver blue, derby, persona red, crystal, feather. A little scared of feather until I get this razor. Got a little more post shave feedback than normal but no redness or bumps.

Thanks so much.

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

Italian Barber's newest
http://www.italianbarber.com/collections/safety-razors/products/razorock-teck-ii-safety-razor

 

[R3alJim Shady]

Italian Barber's newest
http://www.italianbarber.com/collections/safety-razors/products/razorock-teck-ii-safety-razor

Damn! $10?! Between that and their twenty dollar slant I may have found my next two razors!

 

[Hank F. Spankman]

Damn! $10?! Between that and their twenty dollar slant I may have found my next two razors!

It's a damn pretty razor for $10 lol

 

[Zamazam]

Can someone tell me the angle for the maggard v3 closed comb head? I had gotten pretty good with the vdh razor and kept the top ramp slightly touching my skin. Is it the same with the v3 head?

Also starting to doubt speick cream some since I seem to get 3 slight bleeds each shave. Today was the first with the maggard and I could tell it is more aggressive.

I ordered some cream samples to try something different. I got tobs, proraso, one dr Harris and two trumper.

Looking mainly for help on the angle. Should the top of the razor drag a little like I did with the vdh? I used an iridium blade.

Blade combos would be nice. I have others...astra sp, silver blue, derby, persona red, crystal, feather. A little scared of feather until I get this razor. Got a little more post shave feedback than normal but no redness or bumps.

Thanks so much.

The angle is totally up to you. Aural feed back (sound) is the best help, if it;s loud when you are shaving then you are close or closer to your perfect angle. Faces differ, so the angle is not a constant.

 

[joeyboy]

The angle is totally up to you. Aural feed back (sound) is the best help, if it;s loud when you are shaving then you are close or closer to your perfect angle. Faces differ, so the angle is not a constant.

Thanks, guess I was right on then. Could have been the blade. Been using the silver blues. I will continue on my quest.