Author Topic: How to get out of a consumer marketing trap with a straight razor (Read 11682 times)

ttubravesrock · « **Reply #90 on:** July 19, 2012, 03:34:40 PM »

I escaped the consumer marketing trap by never shaving down to skin. I don't have sensitive skin, I just prefer having at least some facial hair. I have an electric razor for trimming up every once and a while.

Josh the Aspie · « **Reply #91 on:** July 20, 2012, 12:34:15 PM »

@ttubravesrock,

My preference is the same from late fall to early spring. I just let it grow, and have a beard I trim with the same trimmers I trim my hair with. During summer, however, I prefer shorter hair on my head, and none on my face. It's seasonal for me.

Howard Wallace · « **Reply #92 on:** July 21, 2012, 08:32:59 AM »

Doc, Williams is a tried and true old standby puck soap that can be found cheaply in the shaving sections of many drugstores. If you want more variety go to an online shaving store. Then there is a whole world of handmade soaps.

I usually put a puck or odd shaped soap pieces in the mug and then melt some glycerine soap to pour over the top. This gives a perfect fit to the mug.

x462 · « **Reply #93 on:** July 23, 2012, 02:26:18 PM »

I don't use a straight razor, but I use a safety razor w/ replaceable blades like this one:

http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Model-178-Classic-Straight/dp/B000LY2AKI/ref=sr_1_2?ie=UTF8&qid=1343071412&sr=8-2&keywords=merkur+razor

About $30 for the razor, and about $2 per dozen for blades Walmart. I can get a month from a blade, at least.

Docwatmo · « **Reply #94 on:** July 23, 2012, 02:29:47 PM »

Thanks Howard, I'll pick one up Wednesday. Can't wait to try it.

idelphic · « **Reply #95 on:** July 23, 2012, 04:46:49 PM »

I have to admit that when I have seen this thread come up I related it to something entirely different then shaving...

I'm only on my second Williams Puck having gone from the "consumer marketing trap" just over a year ago. The Williams Soap is about a $1.60 or so in the local store. I've been using the store brand blades and they are okay for my needs for now.

At some point I wouldn't mind adding another safety razor to the box, I only have the one that is 'stolen' from my FIL's. He's go to electric and hasn't used for some time.

I've seen some of the safety razors at places like a Peddler's Mall - All kinds of things of old there. Ebay is,... eh.. ok, but can be pricy.

zanedclark · « **Reply #96 on:** July 24, 2012, 06:34:04 PM »

I've been using shaving soap and mug with brush for decades and still do unless I'm traveling. I have a use a straight razor when I have the time to take the time, otherwise I use a CostCo disposable.

There was nothing like the first time I brought the straight razor up to my face!
z

TexDaddy · « **Reply #97 on:** July 24, 2012, 07:49:30 PM »

I have used a mug and brush for over 35 years.

I am working up to the straight razor thing.

I see them for from $6 to $60. I am sure the cheap ones are junk. Plus then there's the strop and the grind stone.

I am sure I will make it, but the idea is taking a little getting used to.

RobertE2E · « **Reply #98 on:** September 17, 2012, 03:23:07 PM »

yep,,,,gonna have to make the switch.

ttubravesrock · « **Reply #99 on:** September 17, 2012, 08:50:41 PM »

www.thebeardly.com

Read through this site to get out of a consumer marketing trap.

madcap1one · « **Reply #100 on:** October 24, 2012, 08:35:41 PM »

This past weekend I was introduced to I Coloniali shave creme - about 18 per tube. Holy cow, I have been using various cremes and soaps for years, and this one blows the others away (yes, DR Harris, Trumper, all glycerines, etc.) I am not sure how long the 18 tube will last, but a little sure goes a loooonggg way from my first experiments using a badger brush. If you have a good shop near you, its well worth checking out.

So far I have tried it with both a Dovo straight, and a DE Merkur - fantastic.

madcap1one · « **Reply #101 on:** December 13, 2012, 03:37:43 PM »

Quote from: madcap1one on October 24, 2012, 08:35:41 PM

This past weekend I was introduced to I Coloniali shave creme - about 18 per tube. Holy cow, I have been using various cremes and soaps for years, and this one blows the others away (yes, DR Harris, Trumper, all glycerines, etc.) I am not sure how long the 18 tube will last, but a little sure goes a loooonggg way from my first experiments using a badger brush. If you have a good shop near you, its well worth checking out.

So far I have tried it with both a Dovo straight, and a DE Merkur - fantastic.

Almost Christmas, so about 2 months of use now. Still loving the I Coloniali, about 1/4 of the tube gone. So it goes a little faster than others, but the love is much greater. I am using it in about dime sized with a good brush in a wooden wide mouth bowl to get the proper lather texture (for those interested, the proper texture is the consistency of meringue, i.e. standing up in little mountains on its own when whipped into lather by your brush in the bowl.) I shave daily full face minus goatee, and probably am slightly wasteful in using to much (i.e. the dimes worth.) STRONG BUY recommendation by me.

As an aside, while shopping in an antique mall over Thanksgiving (thanks for that sidetrack honey...) I picked up two old razors, one a Solingen of unknown manufacture, and one a British firm I have dated to early 20th Century (name escapes me as I type this at the office.) I intend on regrinding/honing them and trying them out over the weekend (yes, they have been on my to-do projects for a month.)

Archer · « **Reply #102 on:** December 13, 2012, 03:57:43 PM »

Quote from: madcap1one on December 13, 2012, 03:37:43 PM

Almost Christmas, so about 2 months of use now. Still loving the I Coloniali, about 1/4 of the tube gone. So it goes a little faster than others, but the love is much greater. I am using it in about dime sized with a good brush in a wooden wide mouth bowl to get the proper lather texture (for those interested, the proper texture is the consistency of meringue, i.e. standing up in little mountains on its own when whipped into lather by your brush in the bowl.) I shave daily full face minus goatee, and probably am slightly wasteful in using to much (i.e. the dimes worth.) STRONG BUY recommendation by me.

is this the creme one you have?

http://www.amazon.com/Coloniali-Rituals-Shave-Cream-Rhubarb/dp/B0068RWZ7K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1355435761&sr=8-4&keywords=Coloniali+shave

Bolomark · « **Reply #103 on:** December 13, 2012, 06:34:15 PM »

I'm slowing working my way from safety razor to straight.
practice practice practice go slow.
i figure i can knock out a couple of skills for the 13 in 13.
shaving,first aid,wound management,suturing,and the ever popular self- administer blood transfusions.

"i know why all the crazed killers favor a straight razor for their weapons".

Morning Sunshine · « **Reply #104 on:** December 13, 2012, 06:38:56 PM »

Quote from: Bolomark on December 13, 2012, 06:34:15 PM

I'm slowing working my way from safety razor to straight.
practice practice practice go slow.
i figure i can knock out a couple of skills for the 13 in 13.
shaving,first aid,wound management,suturing,and the ever popular self- administer blood transfusions.

Dredrum · « **Reply #105 on:** December 13, 2012, 10:48:29 PM »

I use a stainless steel camping cup for my shaving mug..flat bottom so its sits anywhere..small curve on the inside so you can get all with the brush and if you drop it it doesnt break..(important for us shave in the shower guys)...I just drop a new puck in when the old one is almost gone

madcap1one · « **Reply #106 on:** December 13, 2012, 11:44:17 PM »

Quote from: Archer on December 13, 2012, 03:57:43 PM

is this the creme one you have?

http://www.amazon.com/Coloniali-Rituals-Shave-Cream-Rhubarb/dp/B0068RWZ7K/ref=sr_1_4?ie=UTF8&qid=1355435761&sr=8-4&keywords=Coloniali+shave

Hey Archer - that is definitely the product, but unsure if its the same "flavor" I believe mine has the scent of lavender, but perhaps rhubarb as well??? Really enjoying it! I paid 1.50 less than on Amazon at the local mom & pop, but just now noticed it went up in price on their website (unless they just charge less at the store.)

Try it - I love it on my face! (My skin = coarse beard, slightly oily skin, can withstand rough treatment, and only dry out not breakout.)

mike77 · « **Reply #107 on:** December 14, 2012, 12:01:24 AM »

I've been using a DE razor for about 6-8 months now. I love the inexpensive blades and the close shave. Can anyone suggest a shave cream that is unscented though?

madcap1one · « **Reply #108 on:** December 14, 2012, 12:08:34 AM »

Quote from: mike77 on December 14, 2012, 12:01:24 AM

I've been using a DE razor for about 6-8 months now. I love the inexpensive blades and the close shave. Can anyone suggest a shave cream that is unscented though?

There are many soaps/pucks that are unscented. The Nivea unscented cream is pretty good. There may definitely be others, but I have tried Nivea and thought it was decent.

Twibble · « **Reply #109 on:** December 14, 2012, 05:24:49 PM »

Has anybody actually tried shaving their legs with a straight razor? Does a straight razor cause fewer ingrown hairs? I'm intrigued, as I hate shaving my legs because I always seem to end up with a rash and ingrown hairs.

TexDaddy · « **Reply #110 on:** December 14, 2012, 10:17:57 PM »

Quote from: mike77 on December 14, 2012, 12:01:24 AM

...Can anyone suggest a shave cream that is unscented though?

I like Williams Mug Shaving Soap. http://www.cvs.com/search/_/N-0?searchTerm=williams+mug+soap&pt=global

Howard Wallace · « **Reply #111 on:** December 16, 2012, 12:58:11 AM »

Quote from: Twibble on December 14, 2012, 05:24:49 PM

Has anybody actually tried shaving their legs with a straight razor? Does a straight razor cause fewer ingrown hairs? I'm intrigued, as I hate shaving my legs because I always seem to end up with a rash and ingrown hairs.

I get ingrown hairs on my neck if I shave with a safety razor but it is not a problem for me when using a straight razor.

cdhm22 · « **Reply #112 on:** December 17, 2012, 09:30:26 AM »

I second Howard I don't get ingrown hairs but every once in a great while now vs almost every time I shaved with my Mach 3 safety razor.

ag2 · « **Reply #113 on:** December 17, 2012, 12:52:26 PM »

Okay fellas, what's the best solution for my shaving issue? I've been shaving (if you can call it that) for over 20 years. I don't have a full enough beard to grow it out. However, the hair that I do have is very coarse.....like bristles on a scrub brush. I have tried various electric razors and various disposables.

When I shave, the blades tend to pull or yank out hairs, rather than cut. This even happens with brand new blades! I can lather up, allow soaking/softening time. I've tried going with the grain and against the grain. I've tried dry shaves. I've tried different brands. I've even tried various electric razors.

Pulling the hairs out causes sores. I think it's ingrown hairs (the regrowth of a new hair folical) and what looks like an awful, painful cyst for a few weeks.

My solution has been to pull the guard off an electric hair trimmer and do the 5 o'clock shadow shave once or twice a week. And I still have to be super slow and careful because the trimmer will still sometimes snag and pull at the hairs (even a brand new one with or without oil).

Will a straight razor solve this problem? Are there any other suggestions?

Archer · « **Reply #114 on:** December 17, 2012, 01:02:29 PM »

take a shower before hand? it softens up my whiskers

rikkrack · « **Reply #115 on:** December 17, 2012, 01:28:27 PM »

After reading this I am in the market to give it a try.

So this may be a odd question but any women out there use the straight razor for legs? And an opinion on using it? couple of reasons. Need to sell the idea and just need an angle. Over $100 bucks vs under 20 for disposable. Then there is the disposal vs none. If I were to switch...

1 She will stop going through so many razors because she uses one too. Not faulting just more surface area.
OR
2 She will stop using my razor because she forgets to get more of hers and now she cant use straight razor.

Making an assumption that under arms are not using a straight razor for the same reason not shaving head. You cannot see?

ag2 · « **Reply #116 on:** December 17, 2012, 09:58:23 PM »

Quote from: Archer on December 17, 2012, 01:02:29 PM

take a shower before hand? it softens up my whiskers

Yeah, tried that too. I have noticed that it does soften them up and help. My coarse hairs still jam and catch in the disposables, and snag in the electrics.

madcap1one · « **Reply #117 on:** December 18, 2012, 03:46:06 PM »

Quote from: ag2 on December 17, 2012, 09:58:23 PM

Yeah, tried that too. I have noticed that it does soften them up and help. My coarse hairs still jam and catch in the disposables, and snag in the electrics.

Might I suggest going OLD school - not just shaving in the shower, nor just splashing ones face with water - the way the classic straight razor wet shave is done... I too have 80 grit facial hair. (By the way, if you ever have the opportunity and funds to get this done at a true old school place, do it, it is a sublime experience http://www.truefittandhill.com/barbershop/services-pricelist.html!!!)

Classic instructions:
1. Run scalding hot water, literally to the point of painful for you to touch.
2. Run hand towel (NO, not a washcloth, this has to be a large towel) under the scalding water.
3. Wring towel, and proceed to place the middle of the towel on the point of your chin, then wrap ends up around your face/cheeks/forehead.
4. Wait 120-180 seconds until skin peels (I joke, not quite that hot) wait until the towel cools, remove, and set nearby.
5. Run scalding hot water again.
6. Place pre-shave oil or lotion on face.
7. Repeat scalding towel on face procedure
8. Shave using sharpest blade and best lather possible
9. Use horrifically stinging alcohol based aftershave. NOTE - this instruction is controversial. Modern skincare (mostly based on safety razor use) says alcohol dries your skin and leaves you looking older. Old school says alcohol seals and sanitizes small cuts, refreshes, and allows clear pores, giving hair more opportunity to grow out as opposed to ingrown. My 2 cents, I don't care about looking older with slightly drier skin, I have course hair that can grow in and wish to avoid it if possible, I like the feeling and smell, and my razor is so sharp I worry much less about it anyhow... If you like alcohol aftershave I am recommending http://www.captainschoicestore.com/ local guy, straight razor nut, great product, reasonable price. Particularly, I love his super extra strength rear end whupping product http://shop.captainschoicestore.com/Cat-O-Nine-Tails-The-Cat.htm Disclaimer - no affiliation other than an extremely satisfied customer.

Try the old school, it solves a lot of problems caused by modern techniques/science/crap products!!!

Shaunypoo · « **Reply #118 on:** December 20, 2012, 08:44:52 AM »

Quote from: rikkrack on December 17, 2012, 01:28:27 PM

After reading this I am in the market to give it a try.

So this may be a odd question but any women out there use the straight razor for legs? And an opinion on using it? couple of reasons. Need to sell the idea and just need an angle. Over $100 bucks vs under 20 for disposable. Then there is the disposal vs none. If I were to switch...

1 She will stop going through so many razors because she uses one too. Not faulting just more surface area.
OR
2 She will stop using my razor because she forgets to get more of hers and now she cant use straight razor.

Making an assumption that under arms are not using a straight razor for the same reason not shaving head. You cannot see?

When I told my mom I wanted to try a straight razor she told me a story of how my dad used to shave her legs with a straight razor. This was when he was in nursing school in the military and he did it to practice for shaving patients. She loved how it felt and it lasted a little longer than a conventional shave. This was having someone else do it though. When I shaved my own legs for cycling I used a disposable and would consistently get a few leftovers behind the knees. I would be wary of straight razoring my own legs, but if you are more confident, then have at it.

idelphic · « **Reply #119 on:** December 20, 2012, 02:28:17 PM »

Quote from: ag2 on December 17, 2012, 09:58:23 PM

Yeah, tried that too. I have noticed that it does soften them up and help. My coarse hairs still jam and catch in the disposables, and snag in the electrics.

AG - I found that if I didn't adjust my DE I find that it will snag and pull. Also if I don't use a fresh blade it'll do that.

My DE has a dial from 1 to 9,.. the longer it's been, the higher the number I need to dial up to.

News:

Author Topic: How to get out of a consumer marketing trap with a straight razor (Read 11682 times)