We are a commune of inquiring, skeptical, politically centrist, capitalist, anglophile, traditionalist New England Yankee humans, humanoids, and animals with many interests beyond and above politics. Each of us has had a high-school education (or GED), but all had ADD so didn't pay attention very well, especially the dogs. Each one of us does "try my best to be just like I am," and none of us enjoys working for others, including for Maggie, from whom we receive neither a nickel nor a dime. Freedom from nags, cranks, government, do-gooders, control-freaks and idiots is all that we ask for.
I started using a safety razor after that awful Super Bowl ad from Gillette. Never going back. I recommend the Feather blades. At the same time I started using Taylor of Old Bond shaving cream, and I am done with the foam in a can too. Shaving is a ritual for me now. Try it.
I did the brush/cup and safety razor routine for over a decade, but no longer bother. I have started giving such sets to young men coming of age (consult with parents on that), as something of an introduction to a nearly-lost world of men. Even if they only use them a few times I think it is worth it.
Amazing that such thing was called a "safety" razor when it came out. We wouldn't let patients use them at the state hospital, for obvious reasons.
#5
Assistant Village Idiot
on
2022-02-26 19:16
(Reply)
I use a safety razor and soap. You would have to shave three times a day with a disposable to compare to two passes with a safety razor. I would use a straight razor if my honing skills were better.
My problem is I can't find reasonbly priced shaving soap in stores. I like to avoid Amazon when I can.
Of the precious little time we all have allotted on this planet I refuse to spend more than a second longer than I have to shaving. In the shower with electric.
Razors and shaving is the biggest con and rip off. They put something in the shaving cream that makes your skin mealy and offering no support so that the hairs can be cut with anything except the freshest blade.
Years ago, I switched to a shaving brush and soap. Since then I use the cheap disposable razors for months. Usually only getting a new one just because.
Unfortunately, the shaving soap I used, Van Der Hagen, got bought out and now their soap leaves skin mealy, almost like skin beneath a wet bandage. But regular soap works but is a bit squeaky clean so not the bests for shaving. I have some Van Der Hagen of the new formula that I'm probably just going to throw away.
I recently been testing the Wahl Exfoliating & Moisturizing Face & Body Soap Bar. Shaved some off in my shaving cup. Good lather and leaves skin firm, but lubricated.
Okay, having watched the first video, I will add, that since starting to shave with a brush, I have a holder that hangs the brush and, also the razor stands in with blades in the air. So maybe I'm getting the benefit of rapid air drying?
I read an article about people using double safety razors about a decade ago and decided to give it a try. I started using Dad's Army issued Gillette razor and a generic Meier razor blade I later learned is made by Personna in Israel. When I feel extravagant, I order a batch of Feather blades from Wal-Mart. I have good results with Colonel Conk's shave soap although Creamo works when I'm traveling.
I have maintained a love of double edge razors and blades now for many years. The very act of warming the mug with the brush and gathering the lather from the soap or cream and then frothing it in the warm shaving mug every morning brings a zen moment to start the day. My razor collection goes back to the first Gillette razor to current versions of the tried and true double edge razor. Sharp steel, warm lather, and precise strokes, that is how a man was meant to shave!
I have a very heavy beard and in my 20's would cut myself at least once or twice a week shaving over the bathroom sink, even after showering, then prepping my face with warm water and shaving cream. Messy, too.
Forty years ago, I switch to shaving in the shower with cheap disposable razors (twin-blade, pivot head). I just do it by feel as the last step, after washing my face/hair, so the beard is nice and soft. No shaving cream needed, and it goes faster than doing it over the sink.
It gives a very close shave and I cut myself so infrequently I cannot remember the last time that happened. Not within the last year, for sure.
I replace the razor every two weeks at a cost of around $0.60 per razor. Can't beat that with a stick.
You can buy the disposables in bulk at Costco or Sam. Save yourself some money.