As part of my work form home routine I'm shaving every day which has got me thinking about my shaving setup. I'm interested to learn what shaving gear people use. There have been a number of shaving threads in the past, but nothing I could find too recently. I converted almost exclusively (except when I travel where I use old G2s) to DE shaving. I made the change around 11 years ago. My current combination.
Razor: Replitech "JFK Edition". Thanks you dkpw from Sales Corner. Really nice balanced shave. It took me a week to get used to it as it was a little more aggressive that my previous razor, the Merkur 15C
Blade: Derby and Gilette
Brush: Benny's of London. I was given a synthetic one as a gift. I prefer bristle, but I'm finding this one surprisingly good. But back to bristle once I'm done.
Soap: Mitchells Wool Fat Soap but ran out today so back to Palmolive which I find good enough
Aftershave: Normally just a splash of witch hazel, but about to try Taylor's of Old Bond Street balm.
I’m no expert but got given some rather fancy (I assume) shaving soap by my father in law at Christmas.
Lovely lubrication and smells divine. I also have really sensitive skin and lots of soaps I can’t use.
This stuff is ace. No idea how much it costs or where to get it though...
I find that the most important facet of wet shaving is to chose the best badger brush shaving brush you can afford and use a good shaving soap. If you can get that right, you are 90% there.
I have a Simpson Chubby No2 which although expensive is well worth it. I now have two of them, one hung up in Spain and the other in the UK. Also Mitchell Woolfat soap is the only one I ever consider.
I use an Edwin Jagger 89DL with 7 O clock blades (yellow pack). I gets a brilliant shave with that lot.
Currently have a beard but use a DE razor for neck and edges..
It’s a Muhle R89 Grande which I really like as its fairly heavy.
Invariably use either Taylor of old Bond Street soap, Muhle or (best of all...) Esbjerg of Vienna.
The brush is from Crabtree and Evelyn- it’s got “best Badger” written on it, don’t think it cost that much but it seems fine to me.
Alt Innsbruck, proraso or razorock plague doctor for “afters”.
I forgot to add, I use a Crabtree and Evelyn wooden shaving bowl. I received it as a gift around 14 years ago. It was part of a set with a brush, stand and razor. The other components are long gone, but the bowl has stood the test of time.
Santa Maria Novella in Florence - a must to visit if you are in the city. Claims to be the world's oldest pharmacy (1612). Plenty of places sell their wonderful products or you can order directly on line.Originally Posted by jfb1977
https://buy.smnovella.eu/ENG/?gclid=...EaAjNaEALw_wcB
I use a brush and soap only rarely; mostly I just use shave gel from a can. I like to use a DE razor for fun sometimes but for me, they don't work as well as a simple disposable cartridge. My all-time favourite blade is the Gillette Sensor. It just works better for me. Nothing fancy. When I do use soap from a tub I like Taylors, the lemon & lime especially.
I've a Thiers-Issard shaving kit. Nice wooden box with a mirror in the lid etc. Only issue is that the straight razor is no longer shaving sharp and I don't have the skills to get it there. I'm also a touch lazy, so just picked up these for 79p. Each razor will normally last a couple of months.
Currently using a cheap knock off of the Merkur futur, quite nice actually and very substantial. When i fancy a different experience i use my Gillette fat boy which has been re-plated.
For both i use nothing else but Polsilver super iridium. Have used all manner of blades but settled on these a few years ago. Sadly out of production now!
Brush is a rotation between a Grosvenor and an omega horse hair and of course the soap, ahh the soap. Currently using very cheap Porasso bought in Venice last year for €2.40 but like the use of more expensive brands. I like a nice lavender soap.
Sent from my SM-G950F using Tapatalk
Edwin jagger de89 razor
Feather or Astra platinum blades (or Iridium super if its a special occasion)
Simpsons Grosvenor Boar / Badger brush
Taylors of old Bond St, Eaton collage shaving cream.
Whatever aftershave I fancy.
Wow, I've never had a disposable blade last me more that a week and usually less.
Gillette gel sensitive and a Mach 3. A bit low rent, possibly, but a decent enough shave for me. I’ve also got a Philishave 3 rotor electric job, but it’s only any good when the stubble’s really short - my beard appears to be on the tough side.
Personally, I hate shaving and I’d grow a beard if I could, but it grows in clumps and after a few days I look like a tramp. Added to the fact it’s more grey than brown these days it’s just a recipe for looking scruffy..
Cheers,
Plug
Every day’s a school day. Thought it was a bit spesh. Nice one Simon.
My current rotation
Don't just do something, sit there. - TNH
I use an Omega or Kent brush. The Kent is nicer in many ways, but I like the larger size of the Omega.
For razors I have an EJ 89 with the short handle, a Merkur Futur-alike and a recent addition of Fatip Piccolo Special Edition, which is my current favourite. The choice of open and closed combs is perfect and I love the gunmetal head and handle with gold combs.
I tend to use proraso soaps. I used TOBS for a while but found they were expensive and didn’t last long.
Would like to try the Santa Maria Novella. Looks nice.
I only shave once every week or so.
My current kit... Merkur 34C razor, Astra Platinum blades, Proraso brush natural bristles which was £7 off Amazon (this has replaced a Edwin Jager pure Badger) which I find lathers better.
Soap is Cella cream which is excellent.
Depends on the kind of mood I am in.
Feeling lazy:
Feeling risky:
I went down the rabbit hole of trying different razors, soaps, creams, etc, and settled on:
Feather AS-DE razor
Feather blades
New Forest brush (no longer available)
Truefitt and Hill or Taylor of Old Bond Street cream/ Rituals non-lathering cream
Pecksniffs After-Shave Balm (sometimes available in TK Maxx) or Rituals after-shave gel
The Feather razor is a "mild" razor, because it doesn't hold the blade at an aggressive angle, and the Feather blades are simply the sharpest that I've found. They usually only last for three shaves, because they have a triple hone, which gives them their sharpness, but wears away quickly.
If I'm in a hurry, I use a Bic disposable, with Rock Face shaving butter - almost as quick as not bothering to shave at all.
Although no trees were harmed during the creation of this post, a large number of electrons were greatly inconvenienced.
I went from the usual expensive Gillette multi blade setups then DE shaving with most of the best gear going ( Simpsons brush, Castle Forbes and all the other best soaps and cream and Polisilver blades, Merkur adjustable razor )
But now in a strange twist I have switched to electric Braun Series 7 that I got on sale with Amazon at Xmas time.
It gives a rough cut and fails to do my lower neck properly at all so I have to just quickly go over it with a dry razor.
But I do love how fast and easy it is and the battery lasts for weeks without charge.
Same - not cheap initial outlay which is a shame as it’s so much more forgiving than other razors I think would be ideal for someone just starting out, justifiable vs the cost of replacement cartridges over a lifetime though! Excellent bit of design and manufacture
My current rotation
Matthew - we must be related. Space stuff, Speedies, G-Shocks and now razors. LOL.
Gerard, good to hear that you're enjoying the Replitech. It is slightly more aggressive than the original tech but once you get used to it, it does provide a very nice shave.
You asked for some more recommendations.
I like Stirling Soaps which are tallow based and prove very slick. They are available from https://shavingtime.co.uk/ The ones with menthol are especially refreshing in the summer, as after a shave ones face feels absolutely naked. I know that sounds strange but that's possibly the best way to describe it. Other favourites, especially if you're used to creams are Taylors of Old Bond Street. Some of these can smell a little too contrived but my absolute favourite is the Grapefruit. It smells like a grapefruit and is so fresh.
Blades - best to get a sample pack from somewhere like Connaught Shaving or one of the many sellers on eBay. I eventually found these to be my favourites.
The Feather's are VERY sharp, closely followed by the black Wilkinson Swords but the Israeli Crystals in the blue packet and the Voskhod's are very smooth.
My new favourite razor is the Rockwell 6S which is adjustable by changing the base plates, going from mild to moderately aggressive. I don't think I've had a bad shave with it. Above that is the Feather Popular (£13 on Amazon) which is a great mild razor, yet efficient with the Feather blades. Then you'll see one you recognise, the Replitech and a 1960s Gillette Tech.
While I don't have (yet) a birth year Speedy - I have just ordered a Gillette Slim with J3 date code, 3rd quarter 1964 from the US which will hopefully get to me in the near future.
It comes highly recommended and I'm not surprised to see that Mr. Curta already has one!
Here is my kit. Only had it since Xmas. Trying a few blades out at the mo.
Sent from my SM-G930F using Tapatalk
My current set up:
Edwin Jagger DE89
Feather blades
Phoenix & Beau soap
Extro Cosmesi splash
Simpson X1 brush
I’ve had the razor for around 6 years now and I fancy getting a new one but these decisions inevitably take me a good month or so of reading reviews, forums, making my mind up, changing it then electing for something totally different.
Marseille soap, Wilkinson Classic razor (from boots), and Feather blades. I shave "blind" in the shower, using the two blade method (smooth edge on bottom, cutting blade on top).
Best wishes,
Bob
DE if I'm in a rush, but a straight or Kamisori if I have time to pamper myself...
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
You might want to explain the two blade method in a little more detail?
For those who don’t know it reads as though your bottom is blind shaved as smooth as a baby’s bottom.
Some talent!
Last edited by willie_gunn; 7th April 2020 at 19:07.
Thread starting to look like it should be on a more em... specialist forum...
:)
Two standard blades. One blade has its edge smoothed. That goes on the razor first. Then the sharp, cutting blade goes on. Good shave, no cuts (ever). So, I can shave without looking at my face (thank God!).
Best wishes,
Bob
Super photos! And you're far braver than I with those Japanese Kamisori. What is your DE Razor, I can't place it? Thank you.DE if I'm in a rush, but a straight or Kamisori if I have time to pamper myself...
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
Thanks... I have a couple of moles on my cheek that don't like the Kamisori.
Pretty sure the DE is a Merkur 34C.
Ive got a Futur adjustable and a bakelite travel razor (good for getting through metal detectors at airports) too, and ordered a Rockwell 6C yesterday from the 'states.
Of all my straights perhaps the most forgiving is this antique Robinsons & Sons 5/8th that I inherited, along with several others, from my grandfather. I have had it restored and fitted new scales but it's well over 100 years old now and shaves like a dream.
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
So what kit do the straight razor owners use to keep theirs up to scratch?
Not used my straights (mainly Dovos) for a few years but might get them out for the remainder of the lockdown. For my straights I use a yellow and blue Belgian coticule for honing, also Heirloom Latigo linen and leather strops for daily stropping. I also have a DMT 1200 grit for bevel setting.
I have a shaving scuttle I got made by a pottery in the US, Simpson Duke best badger brush and Trumpers Rose shave cream.
Currently using a Feather ASD2 DE razor with Feather blades, Hans de Fuko shave cream and Trumpers coral skin food.
I used to be really into straight shaving for a few years but my job changed and I didn’t have the time in the mornings to dedicate to a straight shave. I had found a guy who honed razors meaning I only had to strop. I own about 12 straights but had a rotation of about 5 razors meaning I could go months without needing them honed. Then the guy I used changed jobs and didn’t have time to hone. I then started honing myself and got to a level where my razors were good enough to shave with. Probably need to spend some time getting that skill back.
A straight razor for me, 15mins of zen every other morning.
I'm very lucky & have some great razors in rotation, vintage strops are another rabbit hole I've fallen into, some pics
Sent from my Mi A2 using Tapatalk
That last picture makes my testicles retract just imagining the state my face would be in after using it.DE if I'm in a rush, but a straight or Kamisori if I have time to pamper myself...
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
It would be worse if you tried using it on your testicle !
Although I know a chap who uses a DE on his sack
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
Dear god, brave man! I cannot manage my face without incident.It would be worse if you tried using it on your testicle !
Although I know a chap who uses a DE on his sack
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
My current set up:
Edwin Jagger DE89
Feather blades
Phoenix & Beau soap
Extro Cosmesi splash
Simpson X1 brush
I’ve had the razor for around 6 years now and I fancy getting a new one but these decisions inevitably take me a good month or so of reading reviews, forums, making my mind up, changing it then electing for something totally different.
Hi Fraz01
How do you rate the Extro Cosmesi aftershave? , had a look at the reviews and it gets positive feedback with some great smells at a very good price.
may will try some along with some Shaving cream , thanks also to dkpw for the link to shaving time website
Regards
I believe Mitchells wool fat soap and Kent Soap are the same. Sometimes you can find one cheaper than the other.
Sent from my ONEPLUS A3003 using Tapatalk
No one has mentioned scissors for moustaches which are pretty important.
I bought a pair of these which where recommended by a barber who shaved me in in the barber shop in Paddington Station. They are dirt cheap but are deadly sharp and last forever.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Professiona.../dp/B00AL7X32O
Excellent - a pair now ordered.
Many thanks for the recommendation.
DE if I'm in a rush, but a straight or Kamisori if I have time to pamper myself...
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
love the look of that scuttle - did you get it in UK ? I can't find one like that anywhere.
https://www.amazon.co.uk/dp/B075LNKN..._041JEbM9DE1X3
Currently OOS but might pop up again one day.
Sent from my OnePlus 6T using Tapatalk
TZ strikes again!
I was massively into wet shaving with the old double edged razors about 10 years back. This faded away and I settled on to the following as my daily shaving stuff
And my Fatboy
Having read this has got my wanting to get back into this and I travelled to our storage on the way home from the supermarket to pick up...
I’ll be cleaning these up tonight!!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
Last edited by woodacre1983; 10th April 2020 at 15:22.
Using.
Merkur 33c
Gilette DE blades.
Hawk and Brimbles badger brush.
Spanish fig soap.
I’m new to this game. Earlier this week I ordered a Edwin Jagger DE89 razor, Proraso shaving cream and an alum block. I also bought a Gillette DE razor and a cheap Wilkinson Sword brush and shaving soap. I used the Gillette razor this afternoon and didn’t do too much damage. I definitely need better quality shaving soap. The Wilkinson Sword soap is what it is, cheap and not a pleasant experience on the skin. I’ll also look for a better brush, but not badger or boar.
I actually found I did better with the shave when I stopped looking in the mirror, closed my eyes and relied on touch. I also need to curb my natural impatience. More haste will result in more cuts.
Any thoughts as to the best blades for a DE shaving novice?
I’m sure the badgers would be pleased. As if it matters what the brush is made from.
There’s obviously some experts on here - which I’m not. But since changing to a ‘proper’ DE razor about 5 years ago I realise that daily shaving has become a pleasure rather than a chore. My kit is currently:
Edwin Jagger 3D Diamond safety razor
Wilkinson Sword blades
EJ best badger brush
Phoenix & Beau Trafalgar soap
I Coloniali after shave balm
I’ll just get a decent quality synthetic brush. Badger or boar isn’t for me.
Posting Permissions
Reply With Quote
