Let's Talk About Shaving

[cybercoma]

Recently, the major razor companies were whining that the "hipster" beard trend is ruining their razor sales. A pack of Gillette Fusion blades costs nearly $35 for 8. I've decided that I'm going to switch to a double-edged Merkur safety razor (kit also has a top quality badger hair brush) and see if I can get the knack for that down. There's a fantastic Canadian site with great deals on shaving supplies. I don't want this thread deleted as "spam," so if anyone's interested let me know and I'll pass along the details. So what are we shaving with these days, gentlemen?

Edited August 8, 2013 by cybercoma

[Mighty AC]

Ladies shave too, don't exclude sir. I also use a Gillete Fusion and I complain every time I buy new blades. I pair that with old fashioned shaving soap in a cup with a brush.

[guyser]

Fusion here too. I can make a blade last two weeks max, but no shaving on Sundays or weekends I am alone at the cottage.,....ever !

Also shave in the shower everyday and no problems.

Apparently the blades dont go dull but the minerals in our water accumulate on the blade itself, anyone know about this?

And yes....the price is completely ridiculous.

[cybercoma]

i doubt minerals from the water accumulate that quickly on the blades. Even if they did, it's a failure in engineering (or perhaps a success, since we're stupid enough to keep buying them).

[Boges]

Fusion is great. I always ask for more razors at Christmas time.

[guyser]

Fusion is great. I always ask for more razors at Christmas time.

You should atb the damn price of them! Smart thinking.

[guyser]

i doubt minerals from the water accumulate that quickly on the blades. Even if they did, it's a failure in engineering (or perhaps a success, since we're stupid enough to keep buying them).

Apparently they do, these guys say so anyway.

http://www.eng-tips.com/viewthread.cfm?qid=53716

[AngusThermopyle]

Don't buy razors anymore, I got tired of constantly being fleeced. Instead I took the one time hit and bought a high end Braun electric. Although it doesn't shave as close as a blade it does do a good job. Faster, more convenient and no constant expense, I like that.

Edited August 8, 2013 by AngusThermopyle

[guyser]

Don't buy razors anymore, I got tired of constantly being fleeced. Instead I took the one time hit and bought a high end Braun electric. Although it doesn't shave as close as a blade it does do a good job. Faster, more convenient and no constant expense, I like that.

Wish I could agree w you Angus, I too have a high end Braun, but man, not even close to a razor shave. Use it but once a year.

[Scotty]

Don't buy razors anymore, I got tired of constantly being fleeced. Instead I took the one time hit and bought a high end Braun electric. Although it doesn't shave as close as a blade it does do a good job. Faster, more convenient and no constant expense, I like that.

I also have a high end Braun. I only use it to trim under the chin, and in hard to reach places. It is nothing near as good as a blade. I have heard, however, that if you stop using blades period, the shaver will wind up improving. Something about blades producing scar tissue which makes it hard for the electric razor to shave closely.

[kimmy]

And yes....the price is completely ridiculous.

Don't worry, guys! Help is on the way!

(this is the best advertisement I have seen in a while.)

-k

{"I'm no Vanderbilt, but this train makes hay!"}

Edited August 8, 2013 by kimmy

[Cameron]

I used and old double edge safety razor, design circa 1950's. Along with that, some nice Feather blades and a badger hair brush with nice creams from England. The way it should be done.

Blades last about a week and 200 blades run about $80.

[BC_chick]

Ladies shave too, don't exclude sir.

True. We're not growing out beards, but with all the permanent hair-removal solutions out there, I can see the decline of razor sales being applicable to our gender too.

I bucked up a few years ago and I haven't touched a razor since. It's awesome!

Edited August 9, 2013 by BC_chick

[Shady]

That's it. Laser hair removal on my face!

[cybercoma]

I've tried electric. Top of the line Philips and my neck can't take it. Tried everything from shaving in the shower to high end aftershaves to preshave oil. It helped, but I'd still get burn really bad. After 3 mos hoping my skin would adjust, I had to go back to razors.

[Bryan]

I've tried electric. Top of the line Philips and my neck can't take it. Tried everything from shaving in the shower to high end aftershaves to preshave oil. It helped, but I'd still get burn really bad. After 3 mos hoping my skin would adjust, I had to go back to razors.

Same here. Every electric shaver I've tried has burned my neck something fierce.

Blades are expensive, but there are ways to minimize it. I have several handles of different brands of razors, and I only buy blades that are on sale and/or I have coupon for (preferably both). No matter which one I can get the best price on, I always have a handle that will use them. Once I got the triple discount: blades already on sale, and a $2 off coupon, and I paid for them using my Shopper's Optimum points.

[Bonam]

I gave up, my skin reacts poorly to close shaving whether electric or razor. Now I just keep a short trimmed beard. Only takes about 1 minute every morning to trim it to length, no skin issues, no razor expenses. And most people tell me it looks better too...

[Mighty AC]

Any back shaving tips? I'm fair haired and not very furry but I still don't like the fuzz that grows back there. I used to ask my wife to do it but I prefer to handle it myself. It's not exactly a romantic job. Anyway, I take care of it by tethering a razor to a long handled shower brush. Has anyone tried any products meant for the task?

[guyser]

Any back shaving tips?

Sure do! Try this

http://www.canadiantire.ca/AST/browse/6/Tools/2/CordedPowerTools/AngleGrinders/PRDOVR~0547247P/DeWALT%AE+5-in.+Heavy-Duty+Angle+Grinder.jsp?locale=en

[Mighty AC]

=) A perfect Tim the toolman solution!

[guyser]

=) A perfect Tim the toolman solution!

True story, a woman I hang with in the summer (shes a teacher thus off all summer) pretty much goes barefoot at the cottage. Morning noon and night. If she comes over she is 99% of the time shoeless.

She has to use a sander come Sept 1 to get rid of the calluses that build up. If she doesnt her dress shoes wont fit.

[cybercoma]

Blades are expensive, but there are ways to minimize it. I have several handles of different brands of razors, and I only buy blades that are on sale and/or I have coupon for (preferably both). No matter which one I can get the best price on, I always have a handle that will use them. Once I got the triple discount: blades already on sale, and a $2 off coupon, and I paid for them using my Shopper's Optimum points.

That's a really good idea. Do you prefer a particular blade over others, since you've tried so many? I had the best luck with Schick products, believe it or not. I got the new Fusion Glide on sale when I tossed my electric and these have been better than the Schick Quattros that I used to use.

In any case, I'm looking forward to learning how to use a safety razor, since blades cost about $0.10 each.

[Shady]

Any tips for shaving your head? I think I might try it for the rest of the summer.

[Shakeyhands]

Any tips for shaving your head? I think I might try it for the rest of the summer.

Yes, move the razor that you use to shave your face a few inches higher! Viola!

[jbg]

So what are we shaving with these days, gentlemen?

Gillette Fusion Pro-Glide.