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Thread: Shaving question / advice

  1. #51
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    I was going to update this today - generally I have got on well with the Gillette Fusion Proglide + "proper" Wilkinson Sword foam (in a pot), brush and doing it in the bath or after a hot facial soak... however this morning I woke up at 4am (roughtly 17 hours after my shave) and my neck right up to my chin line was on fire and bright red, to the point that I had to put a cold flannel on it and then douse it in the Nivea cream (heaven!) and then some hydrocortisone. It's just about keeping it at bay.

    It might be because it's the 4th use of the razor and the blue strip has almost completely faded, and also because it was 4-5 day stubble.

    The Fusion Proglide razors are quite expensive, so if I am only likely to get 2 shaves out of each one, I think I will abandon the idea of shaving again!

  2. #52
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    Quote Originally Posted by tredders View Post
    I used to get red bumps and sensitive skin after shaving, so I sympathise. What worked for me was the following: -

    1. I dumped the gels and supermarket razors, and bought a DE razor. I chose a Mercur Futur (this one: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Merkur-Futu.../dp/B009ZF8Y18) after reading up on the subject. Generally recommended as a good choice for a "first time DE shaver" since you can adjust the closeness of the shave.

    2. I bought a shaving brush and some shaving foam. Tons of choice here, I like Trumpers shaving cream, and the rose seems good for sensitive skin.

    3. I was recommended to use face scrub - I discovered that my razor bumps were actually ingrown hairs, so giving a once over with face scrub fixed this for me within a month.

    4. Buy a selection of DE blades (most shaving places sell these) and work out which work best for you. Feather blades are my preference, but everyone is different.

    5. Learn (or rather, re-learn) how to shave. Sounds obvious, but DE razors are a lot less forgiving than your average Gillette. Take your time, don't press too hard (use the weight of the razor), and don't always try to get a totally smooth shave. When I started with the Mercur, I'd just give a one pass shave, and touch up any awkward areas (under the nose, corner of the mouth) with the old Gillette. That worked for me, and I quickly learned how to shave well (and only) with the Mercur. Shaving in or straight after a shower is great advice.

    6. Slap on some aftershave balm. I don't use aftershave, instead I use unscented balm. Cools the skin and helps with any initial redness.

    It's a bit of an effort initially - I went from sleepily dragging a Gillette around my face in 2 mins, to actually devoting 10 minutes to doing it properly, but it's just second nature now, and my skin is totally clear now. No irritation, no ingrown hairs, no razor bumps.

    Good luck!
    Great post.

    I also made the switch to Double-Edge, Muhle with feather blades for me.
    Aside from being more closer and more comfortable, it's also about 5p per blade!

  3. #53
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    I was going to update this today - generally I have got on well with the Gillette Fusion Proglide + "proper" Wilkinson Sword foam (in a pot), brush and doing it in the bath or after a hot facial soak... however this morning I woke up at 4am (roughtly 17 hours after my shave) and my neck right up to my chin line was on fire and bright red, to the point that I had to put a cold flannel on it and then douse it in the Nivea cream (heaven!) and then some hydrocortisone. It's just about keeping it at bay.

    It might be because it's the 4th use of the razor and the blue strip has almost completely faded, and also because it was 4-5 day stubble.

    The Fusion Proglide razors are quite expensive, so if I am only likely to get 2 shaves out of each one, I think I will abandon the idea of shaving again!
    Can I just check, you're not using any pressure at all? If I tapped your hand, the razor would fall out of it?
    The reason I ask is because I used to suffer from really bad razor burn, I couldn't even cope with a wet electric foil razor and a gallon of shaving cream, never mind a Gillette blade. I'm doing pretty well with DE, unless I use pressure.






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  4. #54
    Although it may seem counterintuitive, I would still recommend you try alum block after shaving, rather than, or at least prior to moisturising products.

  5. #55
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    ^^ I suppose I do press - certainly not with any degree of force, but i push it gently against the skin. On my neck I find it takes multiple strokes to catch every hair as they grow in all directions, but as per advice above I rinse the razor after every 2-3 sweeps.

    ^ I looked for this at the supermarket but they didn't have it, and I subsequently forgot. I'll have a look on amazon now - thanks!


    I feel like a bit of a numpty, sorry to have to ask all this advice!

  6. #56
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    EDIT - alum block ordered via Amazon Prime 👍🏻

  7. #57
    Craftsman mikiejack's Avatar
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    Shaving question / advice

    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    ^^ I suppose I do press - certainly not with any degree of force, but i push it gently against the skin. On my neck I find it takes multiple strokes to catch every hair as they grow in all directions, but as per advice above I rinse the razor after every 2-3 sweeps.
    Pressure is the main cause for most people at causing razor burn. Let the razor do the cutting, it doesn't need you forcing it down on the skin.
    Stretch your skin on your neck to make the skin as flat as possible, as it certainly isn't flat as standard. If you struggle for grip, rub alum on your finger tips. As you've pointed out, hair grows in multiple directions. Pretty much the same for everyone. Stretch the skin, run over a section of the neck once, if you don't get the hair, check hair direction, lather that small section again, and try shave it again. Don't go for a 3rd. Quite simply, almost no one will notice a little stubble on the neck, but they will notice if it's red raw.
    Better to have a poor but comfortable shave, whilst improving your technique, rather than try to have a perfect shave, and making a mess of your neck.

    FYI -alum is good, but it's not a miracle worker if you're scraping half your neck off.




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    Last edited by mikiejack; 21st August 2017 at 14:09.

  8. #58
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    Quote Originally Posted by mikiejack View Post

    FYI -alum is good, but it's not a miracle worker if you're scraping half your neck off.
    LOL, ok noted & understood - thanks for taking the time!

  9. #59
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    a bit late to the party, but i also struggled for years with cartridge razors (rash, ingrown hairs, spots), so used electric, but never got a good shave, although it was irritation free.

    then i read up on wet shaving using proper shaving soap/cream, a DE razor etc and this was 6 years ago and i've never looked back.

    first i went onto badger and blade forum (excellent shaving site) and then looked up mantic59 on youtube - watched some of his videos. then i mapped out the growth of my hair after not shaving for a few days - this is so i know whether or not i'm going with, across or against the grain. really worthwhile, as if you first pass is against the grain, you're going to get a horrible shave.

    the other advantage of DE razors is that the blades are cheap as chips and so if you only get a few shaves out of one, then it's pence per shave. you'll have to try a few before you find ones that suit you. also the weight of the DE razor is enough to allow shaving with *no* pressure from you. this also helps prevent razor burn etc.

    if you're needing HC cream after a shave, i think you're pressing too hard. as you say though, it may also have been a blade that was past it's best.

  10. #60
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    I was going to update this today - , I think I will abandon the idea of shaving again!
    You sure you don't want to try DE shaving? It completely solved all my shaving problems and lots on here too (admittedly not everyone.)

    £20 for a brush
    £20 for a de89 or similar

    Then you need a blade sample pack and some cheap soap (I don't like the Wilkinson sword one that you're using.... Palmolive stick is 75p)

  11. #61
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    Quote Originally Posted by jeepie View Post
    You sure you don't want to try DE shaving? It completely solved all my shaving problems and lots on here too (admittedly not everyone.)

    £20 for a brush
    £20 for a de89 or similar

    Then you need a blade sample pack and some cheap soap (I don't like the Wilkinson sword one that you're using.... Palmolive stick is 75p)
    A poster above is very kindly posting me out a double edged razor, and I will order some blades for it today.

    If I don't post again, you'll know it's because I've found my jugular vein!

  12. #62
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    After several years of using DE and straight razors I bought one of these... the results are exceptional, but it takes a LOT of care.

    Shaving is more of a ritual than a chore when you do it properly...


    Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using TZ-UK mobile app

  13. #63
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    My 2d worth...

    Wash your face/neck with soap and water (helps soften the stubble and removes dirt on your skin that could aggravate the raw flesh).
    Lather with warm water and a good soap. Don't use that spray cream stuff; I found the chemicals also aggravate.
    A good shaver/blade.
    Always cut WITH the hair growth for the first cut (assuming DE) and don't go over the same place again and again.
    Rinse with clean water and use a good quality balm.

    I use the Maca Root stuff from Bodyshop. I've tried the more expensive stuff from the specialist places and found the Bodyshop stuff just as good and you can get it from your local high street (and cheaper as well).

    When starting out then sometimes your skin needs a day off before it gets used to the process. After a few weeks you should be up and running.

    Then it's time to start doing a second shave after the first to get the shave a bit sharper (again WITH the growth); so rinse, lather, repeat.

    If you want to go that extra mile then I sometimes go for a third pass but AGAINST the growth using very short cuts. I don't do this too often because it can irritate. Normally I just do the two pass cut.

    I suffered with chronic rawness from shaving for years which tended to put me off shaving... perhaps once a week. But that made things worse because of the irritation caused cutting with too much growth! Then I started a concerted effort using DE sometimes skipping the odd day until my skin got used to it. After a few weeks I was a confirmed daily DE shaver :-)

    PS avoid those disposable plastic shavers that you get a bag full for a fiver - utter rubbish!

  14. #64
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    Quote Originally Posted by amnesia View Post
    After several years of using DE and straight razors I bought one of these... the results are exceptional, but it takes a LOT of care.

    Shaving is more of a ritual than a chore when you do it properly...


    Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using TZ-UK mobile app
    The thing I struggle with for straight shaving is keeping the blade razor sharp. I really feel I need a few lessons on how to do this. Any tips?

  15. #65
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    A poster above is very kindly posting me out a double edged razor, and I will order some blades for it today.

    If I don't post again, you'll know it's because I've found my jugular vein!
    Excellent. Can I suggest you look up angles. One of the few benefits with disposable razors is the angle is set at what the manufacturers think is best balance for all. With DE, you set the angle, and it's important.

    P.S. It's harder to cut yourself than you think, if you use the right angle, and short strokes.
    Geofatboy on YouTube has some good videos, but has skin as tough as old boot, so don't take his speed and length of stokes as a guide!



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  16. #66
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    Thanks for all the advice so far.

    My alum block has just arrived - what a strange little thing!

    I was up again at 4 am this morning ripping my neck off, and had to get up and put more Nivea and hydrocortisone on, and I haven't shaved for about 4 days or so now!

  17. #67
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    Quote Originally Posted by amnesia View Post
    After several years of using DE and straight razors I bought one of these... the results are exceptional, but it takes a LOT of care.

    Shaving is more of a ritual than a chore when you do it properly...


    Sent from my ONEPLUS A5000 using TZ-UK mobile app
    i like the look of that..i use a feather artist dx...removes the care bit with a replacement blade, but i admire your taste sir...and the brush is what ive been after an age

  18. #68
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    Quote Originally Posted by subzeer0 View Post
    i like the look of that..i use a feather artist dx...removes the care bit with a replacement blade, but i admire your taste sir...and the brush is what ive been after an age
    I've got a Feather and a few straights too...



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  19. #69
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    Quote Originally Posted by jeepie View Post
    The thing I struggle with for straight shaving is keeping the blade razor sharp. I really feel I need a few lessons on how to do this. Any tips?
    I get my blades honed by The Invisible Edge, but keep them shave ready with careful stropping before and after each shave... there are thousands of YouTube vids on stropping.

    Honing is probably every 100 shaves, maybe more ?

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  20. #70
    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Thanks for all the advice so far.

    My alum block has just arrived - what a strange little thing!

    I was up again at 4 am this morning ripping my neck off, and had to get up and put more Nivea and hydrocortisone on, and I haven't shaved for about 4 days or so now!


    You do need to try different blades in it I am afraid did you get a sample pack ?

  21. #71

    Hello

    I'd recommend Polsilvers, Vokshods, Gillette Yellows I think they're called.

    All very good blades and not as sharp as feathers.

    Another good thing to try is a pre shave cream before you shave. Proraso Green, about £12 from Amazon and other sites. Very soothing and assists the shave no end. You can also use it as a post shave as well.

    Stick with it, DE Shaving is far better than catridge!

  22. #72
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    Quote Originally Posted by MB2 View Post
    You do need to try different blades in it I am afraid did you get a sample pack ?
    No, this was still with my Fusion Proglide - a fellow forumite is sending me a DE razor to try!

  23. #73
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    I get terrible rash from any type of electrical razor.

    I shave 3 times a week, I shower (every day, not 3 times a week to be clear !!), then put hot water on my face, then I use Nivea Gel (sensitive Skin), then use Gillette Fusion Razor.

    Wash off with cold water, then Hugo Boss Aftershave balm

  24. #74
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    Quote Originally Posted by mikiejack View Post
    With DE, you set the angle, and it's important.


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    Everyone's different, obviously, but I found that when starting out a Merkur Progress DE razor (about £30, IIRC) was a good investment - you can adjust the angle to make the shave more or less aggressive. When using it now I tend to shave on the lest aggressive setting for most of the shave then open it up a fair amount for the final few touches.

    Other adjustables are available, obviously, but this is one that worked for me.

  25. #75
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    Try Tea Tree Oil as shaving cream/lubricant and see if it helps. It has mild anti bacterial properties as well which I find quite useful esp in hotter climates.
    Fas est ab hoste doceri

  26. #76
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Thanks for all the advice so far.

    My alum block has just arrived - what a strange little thing!

    I was up again at 4 am this morning ripping my neck off, and had to get up and put more Nivea and hydrocortisone on, and I haven't shaved for about 4 days or so now!
    You mention trouble with the neck area...I don't mean to sound patronising but are you certain you are shaving in the direction of the grain? General rule of thumb is shave towards the chin, but this isn't always the case. I have to shave in the same direction all the way to the adams apple, and only from then on I shave upwards.

    I have a shaving issue myself, with literally one or two very thick, short black hairs that grow at the side of my mouth area. They take ages to protrude from the skin, but somehow are always very visible until they finally do protrude enough for me to tweezer out. My Merkur 34c doesn't seem to get anywhere near them when I try. Anyone else have a similar issue?

  27. #77
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    Ok, update.

    First of all, thanks again for all the advice - it's been invaluable and I've tried to take it all on board.

    I had another go today with my Gillette Fusion Proglide razor on 4 day stubble, and have several thoughts;

    1) I was indeed shaving against the grain in several areas. I took the time to study the growth patterns first and then shaved with the grain as much as I could, and it made an immediate difference. It's hard because on my neck the hair direction seems to change directions very quickly, but whole areas that I thought went one way, actually go the other, and now I shave accordingly. I think this was a large part of the problem.

    2) I used a clear gel based shaving gel from King of Shaves that contains some form of an antiseptic.

    3) I just did a single stroke and am going to stick to this until my skin toughens up. As per a poster above, a few stray hairs is less noticeable than a red lumpy rash. Before I think I was doing 3-4 strokes over each part of the skin, aiming for perfectly smooth skin.

    3) I still got a lot of stinging and rawness, but it's noticeably less than before both immediately and now 3 hours later.

    4) I showered straight after and used the exfoliating face scrub I use on my neck also.

    5) I used the alum block - time will tell if this helps

    6) DE razor arriving tomorrow (courtesy of a very generous TZUKer who is sending it for free, with some blades, after reading of my shaving trials & tribulations here!)

    Let's see if I awake at 4am again ripping my neck off!

  28. #78
    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Ok, update.

    First of all, thanks again for all the advice - it's been invaluable and I've tried to take it all on board.

    I had another go today with my Gillette Fusion Proglide razor on 4 day stubble, and have several thoughts;

    1) I was indeed shaving against the grain in several areas. I took the time to study the growth patterns first and then shaved with the grain as much as I could, and it made an immediate difference. It's hard because on my neck the hair direction seems to change directions very quickly, but whole areas that I thought went one way, actually go the other, and now I shave accordingly. I think this was a large part of the problem.

    2) I used a clear gel based shaving gel from King of Shaves that contains some form of an antiseptic.

    3) I just did a single stroke and am going to stick to this until my skin toughens up. As per a poster above, a few stray hairs is less noticeable than a red lumpy rash. Before I think I was doing 3-4 strokes over each part of the skin, aiming for perfectly smooth skin.

    3) I still got a lot of stinging and rawness, but it's noticeably less than before both immediately and now 3 hours later.

    4) I showered straight after and used the exfoliating face scrub I use on my neck also.

    5) I used the alum block - time will tell if this helps

    6) DE razor arriving tomorrow (courtesy of a very generous TZUKer who is sending it for free, with some blades, after reading of my shaving trials & tribulations here!)

    Let's see if I awake at 4am again ripping my neck off!
    Are you saying you showered and exfoliated AFTER the shave? Best do that before

  29. #79
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    Quote Originally Posted by Brighty View Post
    Are you saying you showered and exfoliated AFTER the shave? Best do that before
    Yes...

  30. #80
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    Shaving question / advice

    Glad there has been an improvement.

    As Brighty said, deffo wash before, not after.

    King of shaves gel is ok, I've used it myself, but it doesn't provide anywhere near as much "cushion" as a soap, such as Tabac. Not bad as a starting point.

    My advice, change one thing at a time when you start with DE. I cannot stress how important no pressure is, and blade angle at 30 degrees approx.




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  31. #81
    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Yes...
    Best shower before, as it softens the stubble, also exfoliating raw just shaved skin is probably not a good idea

    Hot Shower
    Exfoliate
    Shave
    Rinse with cold water
    Alum
    Moisturise

  32. #82
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    That makes sense, to be fair.

    I'd just got back from a long, hot & humid run so figured the bristles would be soft! Had a good wash of beard area to remove any sweat & grime with hot++ water, then did the shave, then the shower (figuring that the water would help soothe and cleanse the raw skin).

    I accept showering first might be a good idea.

  33. #83
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    Well, some 20 hours later and I am 80% less raw & itchy than every previous attempt. It's a really marked difference.

    I have had to apply the Nivea 3 times, but thats kept it at bay.

    I am pretty sure I was going against the grain, without realising, and making too many strokes.

    Thanks so much for all the advice!

    My DE razor should arrive today - eek!

  34. #84
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    Take care with that DE razor but stick with it! I started with mine while on a 2 week holiday so that it didn't really matter if I had the odd cut and I had time to practice. I nearly gave up though as unbeknown to me the water in the French Alps has a high mineral content making DE shaving trickier (the lubrication from the shaving cream is much reduced). After 2 weeks practice my first DE shave back at home with its "normal" water was great. I still find DE shaving tricky in the Alps - I shave with the grain only and only every 3 or 4 days when holidaying in the Alps now.

  35. #85
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    Another possibly silly question - whilst I'm trying to "tone up" my skin and get it used to being shaved, is it best to shave daily or to do it once or twice a week when the hair is longer? Cant decide which would be best - shorter stubble = easier shave, but longer stubble = more chance for skin to recover inbetween...

  36. #86
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Another possibly silly question - whilst I'm trying to "tone up" my skin and get it used to being shaved, is it best to shave daily or to do it once or twice a week when the hair is longer? Cant decide which would be best - shorter stubble = easier shave, but longer stubble = more chance for skin to recover inbetween...
    Once a day is best after a shower. Your skin will adjust easily rather than hack away at longer stubble.

  37. #87
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Another possibly silly question - whilst I'm trying to "tone up" my skin and get it used to being shaved, is it best to shave daily or to do it once or twice a week when the hair is longer? Cant decide which would be best - shorter stubble = easier shave, but longer stubble = more chance for skin to recover inbetween...
    I have a beard now but when I used to shave, I could never shave daily. When I tried to, I would always end up with a sore, bright red neck/chin. For me, every third day was best. Had to time it though for special occasions. I found that 'baby oil' stopped all the burning and redness but not a great smell.

  38. #88
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    Quote Originally Posted by Rod View Post
    Once a day is best after a shower. Your skin will adjust easily rather than hack away at longer stubble.
    If you're able, try shaving in the shower. I have a fog free mirror and keep my razor and shaving brush in there and shave whilst the skin is warm, pores are open and hairs are softened.

  39. #89
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    Quote Originally Posted by ach5 View Post
    Another possibly silly question - whilst I'm trying to "tone up" my skin and get it used to being shaved, is it best to shave daily or to do it once or twice a week when the hair is longer? Cant decide which would be best - shorter stubble = easier shave, but longer stubble = more chance for skin to recover inbetween...
    I think this is personal. If I shave every day I am prone to a slightly sore neck. I shave very closely (3 or 4 passes) with a DE razor three times a week on Monday evenings, Weds evenings and Saturday mornings. I work from home on Mondays and my stubble is not too dark so I can get away with 2 days growth on Wednesday and Friday at work. I worked with an Italian guy once who came in clean shaven with a cut throat razor every morning and by 4pm his chin and neck were already very dark with new stubble!

  40. #90
    It's funny what you remember from your childhood but as a boy I remember a family friend who was a scientist at Gillette's factory in Reading (I'm guessing in those days a scientist would have meant 'engineer') saying that if you leave the soap on your face for 12 mins you should be able to shave with a spoon!

    Any how have never left it on for 12 mins but have done 5 mins or so. It certainly makes shaving a whole lot gentler.

    But in these modern times we don't have time for this sort of indulgence so now I use a Mach 3 with some King of Shaves Kinexium oil first then some Proasa shave gel on top of that which works a treat. For the second up grain pass spray on a little more oil.

    I do a complete head shave and it's funny the different textures of skin / hair, my scalp is so much easier to shave than my face

  41. #91
    Master
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    Well, I really must thank you all - latest shave 98% irritation free.

    I don't know which has had the biggest effect, but between shaving with the grain, single strokes only, alum block and Nivea post shave balm, my skin has been fine.

    I was despairing before this!

    So thanks!

  42. #92
    Craftsman mikiejack's Avatar
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    Excellent news.
    When the Nivea runs out, you should try Bluebeards revenge balm from Amazon. Works better than Nivea, and actually slows beard growth down.


    Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk Pro

  43. #93
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    I use Mitchells Woolfat shaving soap which contains lanolin and it leaves your skin super soft as the Americans would say. You will need a decent brush to lather it up.

    I gave up using moisturiser after using the Mitchells.

    You can buy it on ebay and Amazon and I shave 10 times a week and a block will last me about 3-4 months.

  44. #94

    Shaving question / advice

    Glad it is working - I would shave every day or every other day with the DE, one pass, with the grain. It may not be perfect but will be good enough. I just chopped off a few days growth with a DE it definitely works better than a cartridge for this in my opinion but I would shave more frequently than that whilst you learn. My routine is wash, King of Shaves gel, shaving brush & soap. Clean teeth then top up the shaving soap and then use the DE. After I use alum block, then moisturiser.


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  45. #95
    Master
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick P View Post
    ... I shave 10 times a week
    Are you an Eastern European athlete from 1981?

  46. #96
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    Quote Originally Posted by deepreddave View Post
    Are you an Eastern European athlete from 1981?
    I shave every morning after breakfast without fail. That is 7 times a week.

    I also shave if I go out in the evening for any social engagement and that averages 3 times a week.

    Looking unshaved means you look like a slob.

  47. #97
    Master alfat33's Avatar
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    I wish I looked as good as this slob.


  48. #98
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    Quote Originally Posted by alfat33 View Post
    I wish I looked as good as this slob.

    err I don't but each to their own.

  49. #99
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    Quote Originally Posted by Mick P View Post
    Looking unshaved means you look like a slob.

  50. #100
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    Quote Originally Posted by alfat33 View Post
    I wish I looked as good as this slob.

    He's incredibly handsome but I still think he'd look smarter with a good shave


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