I would advise you to check out this store:
http://www.nkdman.co.uk/shaving/
I bought a couple of their bestsellers and had the best shaves of my life, with stubble appearing only after three days without shaving.
This aftershave is especially good: http://www.nkdman.co.uk/lucky-tiger-after-shave-and-face-tonic/
My dad taught me how to shave, so I haven't had any bad experiences with proper razors per se... Well, other than cutting my hands to shreds at 4 and running to my parents with no underpants on screaming "Mum, Dad, look - tomato sauce!"

>>2419

DOOM!

I use a razor just like that, albeit from Boots so not as nice. It's great though, you get more control if you're shaping a beard, the blades are far sharper than the five blade things you get these days, and of course the blades are hilariously cheap.

It's important to 'let the razor do the work' as in, don't press down as hard as you're probably used to. Let the weight of the handle put the pressure on your skin, if you see what I mean.

I am normally dubious of these ideas of going back a generation or six in technology because 'nothing beats the experience' like quill pens or hand sharpened pencils or shoes made of pig bladder, but in this case I can't recommend it enough.

You might also want to invest in shaving soap and a badger-hair brush for the authentic experience, it's supposed to clog up the safety razor less than modern foam, though I have no problem with King of Shaves 'alpha gel'.

>>2422
>You might also want to invest in shaving soap and a badger-hair brush for the authentic experience

Y'know, I think there's a good reason that men of my father's generation (proper razor as in OP, shaving soap and brush) rarely look as unkempt and stubbly as the chins of lads my age.

I buy my dad a soap refill from www.theenglishshavingcompany.com every Christmas and he won't use anything else.

Also, can't have a shaving thread without someone mentioning that real men use a straight razor.

>>2419

Pull your skin tight with your free hand when you shave. Put the razor in hot water before you shave and dip it in whilst you are shaving. Waggle it to shake off the shavings and never pull it sideways across your face. Up and down, taut skin, hot clean blade and plenty of soap - sound.

Your next step is a nice aftershave. You'll enjoy this OP. Good on you.

>>2424
>hot clean blade
I wish people would make up their minds on this part.
I have been told the blade should be as cold as possible, to give the sharpest cut. I don't know how sound the science of this is, so I can't work out myself.

>>2425

Go to a barber's where they give wet shaves and see for yourself.

I use a modern razer, but still paint on the foam with a my dads old badger hair shaving brush. I find it a lot easier to shape my sideburns and goatee to the right shape without having everthing obscured with a ton of foam.

>>2425

I don't think the blade temperature will ever really matter, but I know that if your face is nice and hot your hairs are softer, making for an easier and closer shave. Your pores are also open, and the scraping cleans them out a bit too.

It's not the razor that should be hot, it is your face and hairs that should be like that after a good steaming with a hot towel. Softens the hairs up and makes it easy to shave if they've been steamed and soaked.

The water is important to soften them. Don't just fire a hair dryer onto your mug and expect it to work.

1) Wash face
2) Put soap on (soap, not shave cream)
3) Single blade, cheapass razor

I don't shave often, so it tends to clog razors quite a bit, but with single blade razors, I can get rid of the hair easier than the multi blade variety. I wish I could afford a straight razor :(

>>2419
DE shaving is an amazing experience. I've been DE shaving for almost as long as I've been shaving, so it's second nature to me. Take your time, be careful and learn the shape of your face.

Good choice my man.

>>2419
Got myself a Merkur Futur a while back.
Fucking awesome. I favour shaving oil over soap/foam, myself.

Come on guys, the 1950s are over - use a Lectric to save time and money spent on razor blades.

>>2492

They never shave as close, I always still have stubble. That means they don't work. When they do, I'll gladly switch.

>>2492

I've known folk who had terrible rashes when they used electric but were fine with blades.

>>2492

Oh Victor you gentle fool.

>>2430
here, just got a shavette. going to try it out soon, it's basically a straight razor with replaceable blades for noobs.

report soon.

>>2532
Easy to use, easy to clean, 2 small cuts which were spots that I cut off the same way I would have with a bic.

I would reccomend to absolutely everyone.

>>2533

Any different from the shave given by razors like the OPs?

>>2534
I have never used a "proper" safety razor, only disposable razors of 1 or 2 blades. And this shavette.

Looking at OP's picture, it looks like one of the early razor types which is meant to work like a "normal" razor, but made of non disposable material. The blades used in my shavette are the same as those used in op's razor, but I have to snap them in half first.

I got mine from http://www.shaving-shack.com/shavettes/ . It's the cheapest model.

>>2535

I'm cringing at the thought of snapping razor blades in half and all the risk that goes with that. Yes, I'm a clumsy spastic.

>>2536
watch the instructional vids on youtube.

Essentially, they're small, and bendy and come in wrapping.

But is shaving with them any different in results to using one like the OPs? If so, why?

>>2538
I's in the speed and level of control. safety razors are a lot faster, but they have a chance of getting filled with hair from your face no matter what. this then leads to you undoing the thing, or whacking it or rinsing it until it is unclogged. Also, you can be less precise, as the blade has stuff around it.

Open razors do not have these problems, because the things you're removing from your face scoop onto the top of the blade mechanism. you turn your hand, and wipe the stuff off, and you can continue. However, open razors require more attention, and hence, take longer. But, they allow you to choose the angle of attack and area to shave a lot more accurately. This leads them to be more dangerous, hence, the alternative "safety" razors exist.

Again, I have not used "safety" razors, only disposable ones, and I am comparing the similarities of construction with that, rather than an actual safety razor like OPs.

Pic related : it's what I used before my shavette.

>>2539

Fair enough. I understand the comparison to those plastic disposables, but I've used safety razors like the OP's and would like to know if anyone here has used one of those and a shavette (and perhaps a traditional cut throat).

I agree with your observations about clogging. A big problem with modern multi blade systems.

I have been using one of these for a week, in absence of my OP-style razor.

It's pretty good, lads. I'm almost turned around on this modern stuff. The replacement blades are still really fucking expensive compared to double-edged blades, but they last a long time.

How much longer until they have seven blades? Get your bets in now.

>>2543
Gillette fractal! An infinite amount of blades!
Gillette fractal 2! An infinite amount of blades, plus, a regular blade.

Gillette Stealth LASER Accuracy Preloaded Fucking Dick Slapping Arse Reaming Bombing Tits Terminator Orgasm Explosion.

>>2543>>2544>>2547

More blades do mean a more efficient shave, you know. It looks like critical mass is four, though.

>>2548

Don't believe the hype.

>>2549

I've seen it with my own face. I'm all for the stealth-trendy habit of using decades-old technology and insisting it's 'so much better' but the simple fact is four blades cut four times as fast as one blade. A single razor is far better for precision (if you're maintaining a beard) but if you're using a safety razor for a complete shave you're just faffing on.

I'm not even sure I'm convinced that it's cheaper to buy razor blade over fancy heads, either, as the modern heads last longer - however I will not commit to this statement as I have not tested my theory thoroughly enough yet.

>>2550

You are wrong.

>>2551

It's very easy to say that without backing it up with a point of some sort, but it doesn't mean anything.

Why, or how, am I wrong?

>>2552

CBA

I picked up a Merkur razor a week ago and have been attempting to get the hang of it. As an engineer I can't help but be impressed by the build quality but it's a completely different experience shaving with it.

I'm torn because I really like the aesthetic yet it's far less convenient than a Mach 3; I can pretty much run the Mach 3 over my face with no fear of cutting myself. The Merkur is a different story in that it requires great care and a light hand. Shaving around my chin is very difficult and usually results in a few nicks.

Have I missed something? I really want to like the Merkur but it seems like a step backwards in both safety and user-friendliness.

>>2554

The trick is to let the weight of the razor do the work - don't apply pressure yourself, or the sharper blade will damage your skin. Also, long but straight strokes. Never turn the blade in motion.

>>2555

Oh, and just make sure your skin is held taught too.

>>2554
I thought 'Merkur' was a pun at first.

>>2555

No luck so far. I've done it 'by the book' and I'm still cutting myself. It's a pity really. :(


Also, Feather brand blades are astoundingly sharp; cutting oneself is very easy and can be imperceptible until the blood starts flowing.

>>2541

I used on of them for a while and it gave a pretty good shave. The blue sensitive one is a bit pish and does not give a close shave. the head is just a lot looser than the black one.

Im currently using a cheapo lidl razor 3 bladed thing and it does the trick fine for me. That said I don't really need to shave that often. The best shave by far I have had was with a gillett disposable women's leg shaver.

>>2646

http://www.i-mockery.com/visionary/shaving.php

I hope you put googly eyes on it first.

I am 18 years old and do not need to shave particularly regularly, 3 times a week easily suffices.

I currently use a Gillete fusion razor, I buy new blades about once a year, that's indicative of how often I shave/how long they last/how little I know about when they need replacing.

I am lazy, and thus I shave in the shower without using shaving foam.

I achieve a nice pleasant close shave with a minimum of effort in less than 1 minute.

Would I benefit from using these one of these razors depicted in the OP? Would I achieve a better shave (more important as I get older I suppose, and I would imagine that one of these is a longer term purchase)?

Would I find them quicker to use?

I like the sound of using a fancy razor, it appeals to the elitist snob in me. Yes, I am a cunt. Anyway, if you think it would be worth it, convince me, /poof/ters.

>>2661
>I achieve a nice pleasant close shave with a minimum of effort in less than 1 minute.

Excellent.

>Would I benefit from using these one of these razors depicted in the OP? Would I achieve a better shave?

Well, yes, but you're already getting a close shave, so why fix what isn't broken? Especially as you admit to not even having much need of shaving materials.

>Would I find them quicker to use?

No. The safety razor was developed for speed and ease of use at the expense of some of the quality of the shave. Using real razors like this takes time and practice to achieve the lightness of drag and technique needed to get a good shave without cutting yourself to ribbons. It won't be quicker.

>I like the sound of using a fancy razor, it appeals to the elitist snob in me. Yes, I am a cunt.

You don't need one. Unless you miraculously start growing thick and plentiful fast-growing facial hair that necessitates shaving at 4:30pm sharp every day to stop yourself looking like a white cider-drinking tramp, you are fine with what you're currently using, and financially better off. If you really want to learn how to shave properly just for the bragging points/pride go on, lad, but you really don't sound like you need it.

>>2419
Shave once with the grain.
Shave again, against.

Baby smooth regardless of manufacturer of your blade.

>>2540
I use a safety (DE) razor for my cheeks and chin & a straight for shaping my 'tache.
A badger brush and Ingram's shaving cream complete my shaving kit.
Though a styptic pencil never hurts tohave around

>>2769

Now that isn't something you hear very often. Sounds like you take it all abit more seriously than most nowadays. How effective do you find the styptic pencils (interesting info for those who have never used them)?

I use gillette mach3 blades without the actual mach3 handle bit...i lost that years ago...so just hold the blade by its little plastic clippy bit.

>>2775

Why not use a piece of broken glass out of a bin instead while you are at it?

>>2775
why not glue some plastic to use as a handle, DIY style?

If you can afford those overpriced blades then you can afford the handle. You can probably get one free from someone too.

>>2778

This is how Gillette made his money in the first place - free handle, hugely expensive blades.

>>2777
I don't need a handle

>>2778
I don't need a handle

>>2779
Yes, I seem to remember getting mine free in the post yeeeeeears ago.

>>2780

>I don't need a handle

Yes you do, you disgusting tramp. Your kind bring shame upon all males and upon this fine shaving thread.

Everything you need to know about shaving,can be found at BADGERANDBLADE. For the record, using a DE is the most cost effective way to go. A decent soap cost a tenner for a tub that should last you six months. A vintage Gillette razor can be had for the same price, most of mine are over 50 years old and look as good as new. After that all you need is a brush, cheap ones are really cheap, but as with everything else you'll probably get hooked and want to get a better one for £20+. You do the math........................s.

>>2419

Does anyone know if there is a shaver like the one in the OP's image but with a razor blade holder/head that can be screwed off?

>>2808
Yes thats how they all work, you unscrew the top to replace the blades.

>>2810

No, no. I mean the head comes off the handle whole, not the head opens up the blade compartment when screwed. My current one opens up like a book when the handle is screwed, but that is not what I was looking for. I need it to detach around where the straight shaft starts on the OP's.

>>2811 Look on ebay for a Gillette tech. Avoid the aluminium handled ones. a nickel plated brass one can be snapped up for about a tenner, often with original case.

>>2886

Lad of the year. Cheers.

>>2769
Ditto, I have never met anyone who uses Ingrams, so it's getting harder to find.
If I have a lot of time it's all over with the straight razor, but most mornings it's the safety with the straight just for 'tache maintenance.

>>2886

Thanks, poster. Today I nabbed a Gillette tech in its original case. I await it eagerly.

Hope it works out for you. And remember a razor is only as good as the blade. And a good soap/cream sits right in the stubble, rather than ON it, like that squirty foam ina tin shit.

>>2976

I used it, bought some Wilkinson Sword razors for a pittence. probably not the best, but the have is still fantastic. Unfortunately, I've not got soap yet. I do, however, use the squirty foam shit with a shaving brush. I find it makes all the difference.

The blade was so sharp compared to disposables I barely had to apply as much pressure to my skin. It's pretty great, actually. I was considering uploading pictures, but that might be a bit too Tumblr/Livejournal/Facebook/whatever trendy site for Britfa.gs.

>>2979
The exact same thing happened to me. The closest shave I've had (asides from a proper barbers shave) with no cuts what so ever.

I join the list of people to thank that lad who recommended the Tech in the first place. Truly a fantastic buy. Something I can leave my son when he gets to the right age.

>>2979

Wilkinson Sword blades are very good. They were one of the original best, back in the day. Cutting edge technology back then and far, far better than Gillette and others of the period. Gillette took a long time trying to play catch up.

They will also cost a fraction of what you've had before with ridiculously overpriced cartridge razors. I'd suggest anyone consider abandoning that expensive modern plastic junk. A steady hand and you'll get one of the closest shaves you've had on your own.

Just to clarify (if anyone's still reading this) ideally you want to go for a Gillette BALL END TECH, or a fat handled Tech, not the 70s/80s techs, which were too light imo. Badgerandblade.com has a trading forum, where razors are bought sold and sometimes given away. As you were.

>>3016

I picked up a lovely Ball End Tech that I've managed to date to the 50s (with some degree of certainty), along with a nail file and comb, in a nice leather case, the rear of which is a clothes brush. Was £9.50 from a 'junk shop' 2 weeks ago.

Seems to give a nicer shave than the 70s/80s one I have, so I can vouch for what this chap is saying.

I use a King of Shaves which is cheap and effective and not ITS OLD SO ITS BETTER hipster shit.

King of shaves ? Queen of shaves more like. I would never argue that old = better. But a nice clean shave is not a 21st century (or even 20th century) phenomenon...or are you saying new is better?>>3018

>>3020
No, I'm just saying it's cheap, easy, safe and effective.

Pretty much it.

ditto >>3021

I use poundland throwaway razors. 24 for a pound lads, can't beat that.

>>3026 nope, neither is a quick trip to A+E

>>3027

I've managed so far. The only thing is that I have to use 2 per shave.

Good afternoon /poof/s. It is my birthday soon and I'm being nagged to tell people what I want so I want your opinions on:

http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/traditionalshaving/_STA-CRE-LUX/268168/Starter-Kit---Luxury-Cream

Also from reading around, people say different blades work for different people so I was thinking of this too:

http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk/mall/productpage.cfm/traditionalshaving/_RAZ-BLA-35/270334/Razor-Blade-Sample-Pack

Good idea but try get a sample pack with some Feathers blades, or just get Feathers, Derbys are not bad but the gillette 7,o,clocks didn't give me more than two decent shaves, same for the Wilks.

Right lads, I've recently borrowed a proper straight razor from a friend of mine. I figure while I have it, I may as well try to shave with it. The thing is that it's got a few chips.

What to do?

>>3437

I wouldn't use a chipped straight razor. I mean, maybe you could take it to a pro, trusted, old-school barber and ask if there's any way to sharpen it to be usable again.

Otherwise, just open your own barber shop and murder your clientèle. Chips won't matter much.

>>3437
How big are the chips? Some pictures would help.

Even if the chips were small enough to re-sharpen the blade, I wouldn't recommend doing it yourself. Just honing a blade takes practice, and if you try and grind away a chip without knowing what you are doing you will almost certainly ruin the blade.
I only have experience with sharpening kitchen knives, and even they take a lot of patience and practice to get right, a razor is much more delicate and take a lot more care and patience.

Also, quality grinding stones are expensive, the type you get from hardware stores don't wear evenly and lose bits of grit which will damage the blade as you're grinding.

I did a quick search and found this guy who does a sharpening service for a reasonable price.
http://www.strop-shop.co.uk/category/Razor_Honing,b.html

straights are a whole diff' ball-game. U need loads of extras on top of the soap+brush; hone/strop/strop paste/ and many, many months of practise. It may be cheaper to buy your own off ebay than have a chipped one re-edged. If you have xmas cash to spend get yourself a nice gillette rocket off the web. will last you forever.

Just got an Edwin Jagger DE razor, along with a brush and and alum block.

I have half a tub of Lush's Prince shaving cream. Anybody got a recommendation for what to buy once it runs out?

>>3787

Try lathering creams perhaps. You would need to get a brush though.

This site has a pretty good selection and good service. I would also recommend you try their razor selection packs.
http://connaughtshaving.com/

Try CELLA an Italian shave cream, bout £11/12. Or Taylors of Bond street is cheaper and comes in many different flavours. Don't eat it though. Either one will last you well over a year.

Real men have full, long and thickk beards. Saging in a teenlad thread.

Just treated myself to an Edwin Jagger DE89, some Taylor of Old Bond Street sandalwood cream, and an EJ pure badger brush.
Previously never used anything other than cartridges and electric shavers. Hope I'm not going to cut myself to pieces.

Bloody shave ponces. What's wrong with a Derby Extra in a plastic handle and a stick of Arko?

>>4360

It's much nicer having a metal razor with a bit of weight to it. Sort of agree about the soap though, but palmolive is superior.

Derby extras are shite.

>>4359
Reporting back.
All went better than expected.
Couple of little nicks on my chin from applying too much pressure. Initially had trouble creating a good lather, then realised I wasn't using enough cream. Smell of the badger brush was a bit disconcerting when I first wet it- Smelt like a badgers arse.
I love the smell of the sandalwood cream, reminds me of my grandfather, but I think it's a bit tangy for my skin. Might try something oriented more towards sensitive skin, if anyone has any recommendation I'm all ears.

>>4360

I'm a big fan of the arko soap and feather blades. The blades are expensive but they last me a good week or so compared with a single shave for derby. Astra are also quite good but feathers are a clear winner.

Being a bit indecisive I still have my Gillette fusion but I use that for the second pass. The first pass I use my ebay special DE with the feather blades then resoap and "polish" my face with the fusion. I've found that the fusion blade will say sharp for about 2-3 months if used like this. Anyone else use the best of both tech?

Also does any one else wipe the fusion blade backwards on a towel when finished? I've found it keeps the blades much cleaner and that mostly they weren't blunt just clogged when I was changing for a new blade before the rough shave with DE razor.

I'm just a tight Northerner that begrudges paying £15 for 4 blades to be honest.

>>4364
>Also does any one else wipe the fusion blade backwards on a towel when finished?
I wipe it backwards on the back of my hand after each stroke or so, otherwise it gets clogged pretty fast.

>>4364
Bought a sample pack of blades a couple of weeks ago and have just got 'round to trying the feathers tonight.
What a revelation.
Having very sensitive skin, every blade I had tried prior to the platinum Feathers (Derby extra, Astra platinum and Sharks) had left me with razor burn, nicks and prolonged irritation. Having read extensively about the sharpness of the feathers I feared much the same if not worse lay in store so purposely waited until I had a few days off work before trying them.
I couldn't have been more wrong. Best shave I've ever had. No nicks, no burn and only very minor irritation which completely dissipated twenty minutes or so after I was finished -and that's with a three pass shave. It's going to be feathers here on out for me.
I now feel like a mug for buying 100 derby extras with my razor. No idea what I'm going to do with them.
I'd also like to add that Taylor of Old Bond Street Jermyn Street cream is fucking brilliant, particularly if you've got sensitive skin.

On another note, my cheap Edwin Jagger brush just fell apart (the bit containing the badger hair fell out of the handle). I'm sure it will super glue back in but, I feel like this provides me the perfect excuse to upgrade to something more premium. I'm prepared to spend about £50-60 and would ideally like a silver tip badger brush. Any recommendations would be greatly appreciated.

>>4402
I had a similar process regarding feather blades, however 5months down the line I've realized what actual happened was that because of all the hype and fear of slicing my head off with the feather I paid massive amount of attention to every stroke which was the actual cause of the god tier shave. How do I know? Because on the second try I was so cocky about awesome they were I paid less attention and cut myself bad enough to need to take a week of shaving whilst I healed. I now use derbys carefully and its fine.

As for the brush I got a kent BLK4 last year and its holding up as good as ever today.
http://www.shaving-shack.com/kent-blk4-silver-tip-badger-shaving-brush-black.html

>>4403
You've probably got a point. Though I'm sure I paid similar due care and attention when I used the astras as they were the first proper platinum coated blades I had used, and the results where nowhere near as good. I've still got a pack of Merkur Platinums to try, so I'll see how I get on with them. Thanks for the warning.

As for the brush, I've read good things about the BLK4, but people describing it as 'floppy' has kind of put me off. Think I'd maybe prefer something a bit more firm, especially as I'm planning to purchase a couple of soaps.

All you need: a decent vintage Gillette DE razor. (see ebay)
Cella Italian shaving soap (see ebay), comes in a red tub and will last for fucking ages. It's also the best. A Simpsons brush. Pure are more than adequate and not at all floppy. But if you are a bit flush, a best badger one.