How much time do you devote to your shave?

[ProphetNoir]

Greetings Sly Brethren (and Sistren)

I am looking forward to my next shave which will happen this evening.  It seems that I am always eager for the next shave and I try never to miss one.  I can only shave may face every other day, and I do my head immediately after that.  Since I started shaving my head about 7 weeks ago I have had to add a few items to my regular kit and since I don't keep any of my shaving stuff in the bathroom, it now takes two trips back and forth to get everything that I require set up.  Not a big deal, but it got me thinking about how much time I devote to a shave now.  I guesstimate that I need a little over an hour -  counting my time in the shower - to complete my shave and cleanup.

A lot of that is probably due to my preferred method of using a brush and shaving soap to build my lather, and then shaving my face with a DE razor which requires me to re-lather at least once for a second pass.  I also switch razors for the fine work around my mustache and goatee - I prefer a Bic Metal Guard disposable for that area.

Finally, after the face is clean I can lather my head and shave using my trusted Bump Fighter razor.  I do one complete pass with that, and then touch up and stubble I can feel until my dome is acceptably smooth.  When all that is done I do a cold water rinse and spray on the Witch Hazel.  I let that air dry while I clean up the brush, bowl, razors and sink.  After which I go through my ritual of putting everything away and then apply an after shave balm on my face and head.

That eats up a little over an hour and, for me, it is worth every second for how it makes me feel.

So, what about the rest of you?  How long do you generally take to get the job done to you ultimate satisfaction?

[BaldHDbiker]

It only takes me about 15 minutes total with shower. 

[mrzed]

It only takes me about 15 minutes total with shower. 

Same for me, about 15 minutes including shower.

[AgeTwentyTwoBaldy]

Since I started using the shaving brush as well, my shaves take a lot longer. To compensate, I just wake up 15 minutes earlier than I used to. Adding up my shower, and using the shaving brush to shave my face and head, and then cleanup, I'm looking at about 45 minutes.

[TheSlyBear]

As quickly as possible. I love being sly, but find shaving itself to be a chore.

[Slyfive]

It's about 30 mins including shower and both with and against the grain, I also have some really annoying set ions of hair that go sideways so that adds some time that would otherwise make it 20 mins or so

[ProphetNoir]

I think what makes me a bit different is the fact that I didn't start shaving regularly until I was 50 years old.  I had several decades of wearing a full beard because I just couldn't maintain a shaved face for more than a few days before my skin made it impossible to touch and really awful to look at. 

I didn't mind the bearded look at all, I kept it groomed and it got complimented frequently, but I hated not having an option.
Once I learned about DE shaving and the benefits of a single edge combined with proper technique I was hooked on the entire process.  So shaving isn't a chore but rather a process that I enjoy every part of.
It may help to understand that over on Badger & Blade, shaving is referred to as a hobby.  I am not all that far into collecting antique razors or anything like that, I just love being able to shave my face without turning into a pizza.

Shaving my head is just cool.
Tell me I ain't cool.

[Paul the Headblader]

I am a basin shaver, so beard+head = 15 mins max. to me.
7 mins head only

[Slyfive]

Shaving my head is just cool.
Tell me I ain't cool.

I couldn't.... especially not looking as sharp as you do in your avatar.

[tomgallagher]

20 minutes face and head.

[ProphetNoir]

Thanks Slyfive.
YOUR avatar rules though.  Now that's what makes bald so cool.

[AgeTwentyTwoBaldy]

ProphetNoir, I think my next change will be delving into the DE realm. I started by adding a badger shaving brush, now I have T.O.B.S cream on the way, and once my Fusion razors are used up this time, I think I may finally make the last jump into the classic wet shaving. Do you have any specific brands of DE razors (affordable ones, please ) that you would recommend?

[ProphetNoir]

ProphetNoir, I think my next change will be delving into the DE realm. I started by adding a badger shaving brush, now I have T.O.B.S cream on the way, and once my Fusion razors are used up this time, I think I may finally make the last jump into the classic wet shaving. Do you have any specific brands of DE razors (affordable ones, please ) that you would recommend?

Hi A22Baldy.

In my opinion the best razors available are made by Edwin Jagger or Muhle.  Both use the exact same head which was developed jointly by the two companies and are known to be on the mild side.  I believe that the most affordable line of EJ comes in at around $35 but you may be able to find a sale item if you search.  The pricier models have much heavier handles, but use the exact same shaving heads.  There are a few less expensive brand options, but I don't have any experience with them.  It helps to deal with a reputable retailer like West Coast Shaving though.  

Just remember that DE shaving is entirely different from cartridge shaving.  If you haven't done so already, you might want to look at the forums over on Badger & Blade.  They have a lot of great tutorials to teach you about blade angle and pressure.  Also be prepared for your shaves to take quite a bit more time as you get accustomed to this way of shaving.

Finally, I don't shave my head with a DE, but many people do.  There isn't as much headshaving talk on the B&B site as there is here so you won't be switching forums, just visiting another forum with a different focus.

Good luck, and if I can help you in any way just let me know.

[AgeTwentyTwoBaldy]

Thanks, man! 

[NESTYdPOGI]

it takes me 12 minutes to shave my head and 3 minutes for my face.. So all in all i spend 15 minutes