Sly Bald Guys Forum
Head Shaving, Grooming & Care => Safety Razor Head Shaving => Topic started by: xivdef on August 27, 2014, 05:18:40 PM
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Hello to all of you,
Has you can see I am new here. French Canadian, 33 years old, I am shaving my head a few times a week because of the alopecia.
i have experimented various things for 3 month now, the results are good so far, i feel good about it.
Those are the items I use right now:
Mach 3 - 8 blades, each blade last 6 or 7 head shaves max (+-27$) -> 108$ per year approx
Gillette shave gel 198g that will last maybe 1.5 month, (5$) --> 40$ per year approx
Unscented witch hazel --> 30$ per year approx.
TOTAL 178$,
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Now i wish to invest an initial amount of money (150$) into another system what will be more cost effective, hopefully. And I need to collect some advices about the following plan:
SAFETY RAZOR
Like a Merkur razor avalible at Amazon.ca this one looks like the most popular,
Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor
(could be another similar product. )
BLADES
100 Gillette Silver Blue Double Edge Razor Blades Made in Russia (+-45$ shipped in my mailbox)
SHAVING SOAP
I don't know yet which one to choose.
AFTER SHAVE
I keep the Witch Hazel
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QUESTION #1
The blades Gillette Silver blue, do they fit into the Merkur 180 ? (or other similar Merkur product)
QUESTION#2
If 1 Mach 3 blade last 7 head shave, how many shave should I expect from 1 typical safety razor blade? (To shave my head)
QUESTION#3
Which shaving soap should I choose to get maximum lasting and lower cost? (Let's say i shave every 2 days) i will look for a cheap product to buy, that is avalible on Amazon.ca and unscented if possible or very light odour.
Thanks (:
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Waa 48 people came to see this post, quite a lot of activity here. I guess I miss the common sense of reading before asking and insulted the intelligence of a few people.
;)
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First, welcome
Second, sorry you didn't get a quicker response, but the members who viewed your thread may not be DE shavers or maybe they just didn't know a decent answer to your question.
That said, all DE blades should fit in all DE razors. However, you may have to do some experimenting to find the right DE handle and razor combination. I usually get about ten shaves per blade by cleaning them after each use and soaking them in baby oil between uses. As far as shaving soaps, my favorites are the Razor Rock series. Make sure you get a good shaving brush and pre shave oil to make a nice lather. Good luck!
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Sir Harry thanks for your advices and tips.
I'll go to some shops around, they have various models.. i'll try some of them on my head without a blade and see.. it's hard to figure out which one will do right now. But I wish to pay around 45$ + tax + shipping maximum for a first DR.
If you do 10 head shave per blade, then it's a real money saver, i am getting enthusiastic about this (:
Question about the Pre-shaving oil:
Just for the sake of argument, can I just use another kind of oil to improve the lather? I saw a doctor the other day with a wax buildup problem into my ears, after the removal she told me to put vegetable oil drops into my ears to prevent further buildups.
If i can put cooking oil into my ear, is it possible to put a drop baby oil or even cooking oil for the lather?? it's 2.99 for 1 litre instead of 15$ for 10 ml for the "authentic pre-shaving oil"
:XX
(Just checking, it could work fine)
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Check Out Amazon for some bargains on DE razors. I know you're in Canada, but check into ordering a Micro One Touch Safety razor which goes for about $20. Shave Secret is an excellent pre shave oil that goes for $4 a bottle and you only need 5 drops mixed with your soap.
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Hello
Thanks for those suggestions, but I still have 5 disposable Mach 3 blades to use, not ready yet to order but I keep those products in bookmark for now.
I would like to know more about the shaving soap, let's say i take your soap suggestion from beginning, the RazoRock Classic artisan shaving soap 125ml jar. How long does a jar like that could last (approximately) if I shave my head 3 times a week ?
thanks
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Here are my frugal recommendations, which will still give a great shave once you've devoloped a little technique.
I've never used one but from what I've read the 180 is a decent beginner razor. I started with the Feather Popular which is a good cost-effective option.
As far as blades, i highly recommend a small sampler to start with before committing to a bulk buy. If you're going to drop $45 on GSBs, you should know you like them first. I also wouldn't expect 10 shaves per blade. It depends on your hair, skin, and how you shave (ATG passes will dull your edge faster). Many of us only get 2 or 3 comfortable shaves per blade. But still a huge cost saving over carts.
Willliams Mug Shaving Soap is a good cost-effective option. Don't know about Canada, but many drugstores and grocery stores still carry it down here, so no shipping either.
I would recommend a nice Omega boar brush. I bought my 10066 model for about $12 shipped and i really like it.
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Well, xivdef, I usually shave twice per week (sometimes three if I want to be smooth for something special) If you use the right amount each time (a small dollop) a tub can last as long as about 8-10 months. Some people can go as long as a full year. I got my tub of Razor Rock in October 2013, and I still have about 8 shaves worth left. I do alternate between Razor Rock and Head Slick so your mileage may vary. I don't get ten shaves on every blade, but if you soak them in the baby oil you should get more than three shaves
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gwsmallwood ok it makes sense for the blades... if each blade is different then I should try various kind before. maybe buy my items progressively between the time I finish the Mach3 blades.
Thanks for the suggestions for the Williams and Omega brush.
Well now I am sure it's a great deal to switch to DE, the blade and soap / cream last long time and cost less, the razor itself is not really expensive too.
Ill start my progress with the cream / soap + the brush to see the difference with the standard Gillet gel can.
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I'll weigh in here. But first, the basic vocabulary of Double edge shaving (DE). Razor is different from blade, Razors hold the blade.
Since you are a starter to the DE experience I recommend the following
1) start with a mild inexpensive razor such as the Microtouch one. After getting your technique down and you feel comfortable with DE shaving you can move on to a more advanced razor if you wish. Why start with a mild razor you ask? Because it's more forgiving especially for beginners.
2) get a DE blade sample pack to try different blades and determine which brand works best for you before investing in more of any brand.
3) get a badger brush such as one from simply beautiful.
4) go with Taylor of Oldbond street shaving cream.
5) if you don't have a spare bowl or mug, get an inexpensive shaving bowl.
Overall DE shaving is fun inexpensive and highly rewarding once you learn the basics for which there are several videos on YouTube (I recommend watching videos by Geofatboy and Mantic59).
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And any DE blade will work with any razor, which is nice to not be handcuffed to any particular blade.
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Sample packs are really good. Imagine spending a lump of money on one make of blades and then you get them and hate them! Get a sample pack first.
DE shaving has a lot to do with technique so look at the many videos on Youtube.
TOBS Shaving cream is awesome as is a good badger brush.
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Good advice so far.
As to the oil. Search the interweb for homemade shave oil. You can find some recipes that are olive oil based that seem pretty good. I plan to try some when I run out of shave secret.
I've tried proraso shave soap and have a couple of harder soaps that I haven't gotten into yet. Mostly because after my first couple of shaves with the proraso I was really happy with the lather and conditioning and haven't felt like trying the others.
I am working my way through a pseudo sampler of blades. I think I got 5 blades each of 5 different models/brands. Have yet to find something that seems good from first to last shave. In restrospect I wish I would have gotten one of the multipacks of 25 different blades, one each. We'll see how it goes.
I would also recommend getting your DE setup before you are finished with your mach 3 razors. It is a very different way of shaving and there is a learning curve. Start with learning on your face while continuing to shave your head with the mach 3. Once you are comfortable using a DE on your face, then move to your head. I am still primarily using a headblade on my head because I haven't had the time to slowly figure out the are of DE on my scalp. Given the learning curve on my face, I fully expect it to take 2 or 3 times longer to shave my head with a DE until I can figure it out. Once I gain experience (months not days) I expect to be close to the same time, but with a closer shave so that it will balance out when considering weekly time spent.
A lot of people here will say it is a process and zen like to shave with a DE razor. I don't necessarily disagree, but being a morning shaver I always have limited time to complete the process.
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Figured I would chime in, so far you've got some good advise to go on.
Seeing as you're in Canada, take a look at italianbarber.com - he's a Canadian vendor so that should save for a couple of $$ in shipping (not to mention Joe is good people). He will have everything you'll need to get your DE adventure started.
As to a cream or a soap, I would go cream - easier to lather (IMHO), something simple such as TOBS, Trufitt and Hill or even C.O. Bigelow
If you feel a need to use a preshave oil, I used baby oil for years before I started making my own. Always worked well for me.
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+1000 on Italianbarber.com
As you're in Canada the shipping costs will be low. Really no reason you couldn't get everything you need from there. He even has a bunch of kits which look good value.
This would be a great starter razor, and it comes with 5 Lord blades.
Omega brushes, Proraso soaps or creams, all low priced, all excellent products.
You could even email the proprietor, Joe, and he will talk you through your wants and needs. There are not many friendlier owners than him.
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Once you start DE shaving you will soon find out the right angle etc etc. I am more nervous with a DE though!
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I actually think DE is safer than any multi blade.
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^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Takes practice though to get the right shave and one can be a little more relaxed with a cart. But, DE shaving is an art!
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Woh a lot of new advices!
Thanks to all of you!
I got myself some inexpensive and available items at the local drug store to start with. I bought a Proraso soap 8$ and a Wilkinson sword brush. 8$ just to try... and it's doing the job so far.
With the Proraso soap I get dry skin, even more then the Gillet gel, but it's quite pleasant to use with the brush. The quest to find a more suitable cream is still on, I still have your advices to order. (With the little oil)
I also didn't listen for the DE and bought a Merkur "Long" DE at another shop close to my home for 53$. Fortunately, I think it's a really nice device, require much more skill to use then Mach 3. First head shaving was 80% success, it was fun to use with the hot soap and the bruch. Great experience.
Next step would be to:
- Practice to get the right angle.
-Try various blade types.
-Get another shaving cream that will hydrate my skin even more then shaving soap.
-Maybe replace the Aloes Witch hazel with something with a less shinier finish. although, I really like the Witch Hazel.
-Find a mattifier cream to prevent scalp shine + i have lot of oil build ups, i don't know if it's going to work well.
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Taylor of Old Bond Street do a fantastic shaving cream for sensitive skin. May be worth a try? I use it and find it awesome!
http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Old-Bond-Street-Sensitive/dp/B003VZPTAC (http://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Old-Bond-Street-Sensitive/dp/B003VZPTAC)
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I would also try using more water and spending about double the time you currently are working up your lather. I'm starting to find that my problems with lather drying out on my or making my skin feel dry have more to do with me not using enough water than the soaps themselves.
My new formula has been to spend twice as much time loading the brush, use more water than I think I need, and spend twice as much time working the loaded brush in the bowl. If your lather seems watery after about 30 seconds to 1 minute of working it, good, keep at it for another 30 seconds to 1 minute and it should be just about right.
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Porasso dried out my skin quite a bit, for a while there I thought I had wicked dandruff until I switched to a different cream. Checkout the RazoRock shave soaps at italianbarber.com Quality products are found there at reasonable prices.
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greatnessinc
Hemm well the Mach3 looks much safer to me then the DE for now. I had a few small cuts with my new DE razor on my first experience.
Hey, we have sampler packs in Canada too like this one:
http://www.amazon.ca/FEATHER-GILLETTE-BLUEBIRD-Blade-Sampler/dp/B004ODR7OG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1410313268&sr=8-5&keywords=razor+blades (http://www.amazon.ca/FEATHER-GILLETTE-BLUEBIRD-Blade-Sampler/dp/B004ODR7OG/ref=sr_1_5?ie=UTF8&qid=1410313268&sr=8-5&keywords=razor+blades)
Could be good to start with?
gwsmallwood
I'll try to get a better lather tomorrow morning with more water, maybe I just don't do it correctly to get the correct thickness... a drop of shaving oil might help my situation too.
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italianbarber.com ok,
This morning i used the Gillet gel can instead of the Proraso soap. I have to say with no doubt i prefer the can for the smell and the feel... I get better result out of it with much less dry skin.
This morning i took 4 minutes shower to soften my hair. And this time, instead of shaving with the grain then shaving against it, I shaved against the grain directly with the DE, (but with much smaller strokes then the mach3). It did a great job i have to say, with no cuts.
The DE is doing an amazing job for the price of the blades.
Strange, I do what is not recommended to do then I get good results.
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Once you perfect your technique the cuts will be few and far between. remember, using a DE is not the same as the multiblade carts. with carts you have to push them to your face at a flat angle. If you put a DE directly to your face it'll be at a 90 degree angle and the blade won't reach your hair, so from there tilt the blade slightly (either up or down depending on which way you're shaving) so that the blade clears the crossbar this is called the cutting angle. Note you may need to adjust your cutting angle in various places. You can hear the blade cutting hair, that's the best way to know you've got the right angle.
Yes definitely start with a blade sample pack; if you don't like any of the blades in that pack just get a different pack.
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i started looking for a cream on the Italianbarber's website and Amazon, there are many products.. it will take me another day looking at the products before I buy anything.
The suggestions are the following:
TOBS (Lot of different products)
HEAD SLICK (No scent, i like that)
Trufitt and hill (The price looks too high)
RazoRock
Willliams Mug (Looks like a soap, i will go for a cream this time)
CO Bigallow (Price looks good)
Has for the shave oil, maybe the "home maid" product using olive oil, could work...
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TOBS sensitive is my go to shave cream.
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greatnessinc
Well it looks easy to get TOBS, so it might be the final choice. I ordered the blades this morning, 24 variety pack, my first blade was a "Merkur" type it lasts 4 head shave and 2 beard shave, it's totally over for this blade now.
Last evening i used Proraso Soap to shave my beard, i enjoyed the experience a lot, the smell and the feel were great, the weight of the razor itself and it's balance while holding it.
The whole experience was priceless. I am starting to wait before my next shaving already!
Unfortunately i have irritation my my head now, i need new blades, new cream, shaving oil before I continue again with DE. .
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You might want to wait a day between shaves if that suits you best. It's mostly about finding the method and combination of products that work best for you. DE shaving isn't a one size fits all experience.
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Greatnessinc
Your right, well now i am waiting for my blades and some cream. I took the popular "Taylor of Old Bond Street Sandalwood Shaving Cream Bowl"
I also saw the Geofatboy videos, great suggestion and interesting.
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Some great videos on utube.
I normally shave every other day with a blade and sometime with my Braun inbetween.
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GoaTee
Ahhh i don't know if i will be able to do that. With the cold weather, my skin is having a hard time. I doubt very much i will be able to shave my head against the grain more the 1 time per week.
Today I received my 24 blades and my Old bond sandalwood cup, I must say I am disappointed.
First I removed my Merkur blade and replace it with a Blue Bird blade, shaved my beard + using the TOBS cream.
The cream is providing a rich and tick latthe which I liked, but I have difficulties tolerating the smell of it, it's a strong perfume, i lost my money because I won't tolerate that smell on me...
Has for the blade, the Blue Bird performed less then the Merkur Super blade to my taste. With the Blue Bird blade I don't get the strong sharpness of the Merkur blade, it feels like it's not cutting the half of the Merkur blade, it's less aggressive.
Of course i don't have much experience, and i have some strong irritation on my face right now... but probably because of the cold outside in the first place.
The shaving itself is smooth.
:(
Goatee, some guy at the shop he wanted to sell me a Braun shaver but i didn't took it.. i am not ready for the electric razor yet lol. I don't know if i will survive the DE experience yet.
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You should buy a sample pack of blades as some blades dont suit some people.
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Goatee
I received my various blades today I ordered a sample package of 25 brand, something like that.
I choose to start with a Blue Bird, the result of a random pick. Maybe I exaggerate with my critic because this blade did the job well.
This is the picture of the blades. The great adventure begins!
(https://www.slybaldguys.com/smf/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi1381.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fah239%2Flnmlnm%2FIMG_6584_zps1a734160.jpg&hash=0c3cae5ef623796faefb302dcfa7f6a778887516) (http://s1381.photobucket.com/user/lnmlnm/media/IMG_6584_zps1a734160.jpg.html)
(I also put baby oil to my DE blade and Mach3 blades has suggested earlier by Handlebar Harry. After a quick look at a blade using a microscope, I believe the oil can prevent residues from sticking to the cutting part)