I like the Nivea extra soothing balm. I think I'm also going to throw some Razorock Wax into my next order from West Coast Shaving. I think Gilett 7 o'clock blue's are my go to blade and going to go all in and order 100 and be done for 2+ years.
That stuff smells like pine tree / Gin (it is the Juniper). The smell fades fast, but it is strong at first. It really does help with razor burn though.
I think I can handle that scent. More interested in the soothing qualities for when I get too aggressive going ATG.
http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Good_and_Bad_Straight_Razor_Brands http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/Interactive_Guide_to_Straight_Razor_Shaving
It isn't bad. I felt like it was stronger that it was, but others told me that they couldn't really smell it on me, but when you first put it on your face you will feel like you just chopped down a christmas tree.
Decided to delve into my sampler pack of razors, tried the Astra Superior Platinum. Absolutely awful, dragged a hell of lot, smelled like industrial lubrication and felt dull. It was so bad that half way through I took it out and popped in a Derby. Is this a normal experience with this particular brand of razors or should I give them a another shake before ditching the rest?
Everybody is different, but most people seem to like the astras. I have read about the smell, but most pople say that they are "almost as sharp as feathers, but cheaper." The consensus seems to be that they are "sharper" than derbies but only almost as sharp as feathers. Make sure that you are applying no pressure, just using the weight of the razor and that you have proper blade angle. I was holding the handle angled too close to the floor and pushing too hard at first; actually I still find myself doing it from time to time. Remember that you are aren't trying to take off all of the hair in one pass, so go light, your face will thank you. If you miss some spots, you can get them in another light pass. If you push down on the feathers, they will hurt you, but if you don't push down, they will give you a very smooth shave. It might be some of that, or they might just not be for you, but they are not considered a bad blade
it seems like people think that the Derby's are forgiving, but that they might not be sharp enough for those with really think beards I hear that the feathers are sharp and unforgiving. many suggest corking the blade on the first shave. the astras seem to be somewhere in between just like the personna reds: forgiving, not the sharpest but not dull
I usually douse both sides of my blades with 90% rubbing alcohol b4 most shave, so that might help with the smell on the astras (haven't tried them yet)
Is there any truth to soaking blades in alcohol will extend the life of the blade? I know this was rumored to help with cartridges, but I don't know if it extends to DE blades.
Been in new Orleans since this weekend. Will reply to a few questions when I get back but it looks like you guys have been holding it down with zero deaths.
anything that could prevent oxidation (by removing water) such as using alcohol or submersion in oil could theoretically extend blade life, but I am not sure how much you would notice it.
I would not call my self a pro, but I have only used the Nivea Revitalizing Double Action Balm. It works fine for me but I just ordered two samples of both the balm and splash from TheShaveDen this week. Will follow up on my experience with it in a few weeks.
I bought one of those blue spray bottles from bullgoose. I put 90% rubbing alcohol in it and spray my razor a couple of times after a shave. It keeps the water spots and soap residue to a minimum and helps dry things of more quickly due to the volatility/vapor pressure of isopropanol. I don't see longer life from the blade worth mentioning but the razor looks much better between uses. Also, if anyone uses barbicide don't leave your razor submerged all the time. Experience from others says that will cause plating failure problems.
i have noticed much worse soap residue since switching to a tallow based soap. I like the tallow based soap but I have to be sure to clean my razor better each day with alcohol, so that it doesn't build up.
So I may have just had a stroke of genus. My mom has a bath product company that makes handmade bath balls and various other things for women. She is always developing new products, so she said she would start working on a shaving soap. If she can make a formula that she is happy with, I will make sure she sends everyone a sample that would like to try one. I will keep you updated. Thanks for the links gamecockdoc.
new razor came in today. so now in the den. parker 22r(wouldn't recommend) merkur 34c Muhle r41 and baxter of california (which is basically a muhle r89.
I'm tempted to go back to my slim adjustable for my next shave. I'm fairly loyal to my DE89 but monotony is boring :)
(well besides the parker) that is the plan. need to purchase some soap, and then I'm going to start browsing ebay and some other avenues. would love to get my hands on a diplomat. as a graduation gift i'll be purchasing myself an ikon...hopefully by then the bulldog that I fancy isn't a dual head(but that is actually kind of growing on me).
the bulldog is your travel? do you like having the option or do you find yourself just using one side? do you ever plan on using it?
I have a bulldog handled modern (closed bar both sides). My daily razor as of late has been the 2 sided ikon OSS. I've come to appreciate an aggressive first pass with the open side followed by the closed comb. Pass 3, if needed, is with the open to get really close. I'm still up in the air on whether I would prefer two open or two closed sides. All I know is I get some really good shaves with it.
I concentrate on enough variables (blade angle, pressure, speed) that making sure I use the correct side of the razor would add one more TMB'er to the ER rolls.
here is another razor people should look into picking up for a starter. same head as the ej 89 everyone loves so much but comes with a way better handle and 5 more blades. http://www.amazon.com/Parker-91R-He...FXN8/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1326346272&sr=8-1
got my razor, and now it's just sitting in my bathroom. have to wait for all of the other stuff that was shipped separately now :/
you know if you really wanted to you could run to whole foods in op and pick up some kiss my face cream shave cream, matching post shave moisturizer and a synthetic brush.
oh snap, i'll do that tomorrow then. might be nice to have a few options anyway. oh i will. i'll try to have some properly lighted close ups :3
Alright, PeterGriffin reporting in: Two shaves in and I'm really enjoying the whole thing. It's not a problem or a nuisance to shave anymore, whereas I used to go 2 weeks plus before some event popped up where I would want to look nice. One of the caveats about my experience is that I do maintain a full beard minus neck, although I shave down the cheeks into a good curve too. Therefore, my initial wet shaves have all been neck and upper cheeks. I do two WTG passes followed by a single across pass. Any other patches get a quick once over and I do my entire morning routine (shower, shave, hygiene) in 30 minutes. I thought coming in that I would be shaving for upwards of 40 minutes, but I guess since I don't do my whole face, that might cut down on a ton of time. The results are really smooth going with the grain, but of course I can rub my neck against grain and feel some light stubble. Once I become more comfortable with blade angle and technique, I'll give ATG a shot. My adam's apple is the only obstacle right now, so I've gotten like one or two absolutely minor nicks around that area. Also, my voice dropped 3 octaves and I grew a second pair of balls. I am now MAN.
need an aftershave balm to get, suggestions? and for the first time i've been able to shave with some stubble without having bumps, kicks so much ass. love this
I'm going to follow the process tonight, but not use the DE razor until Sunday night. Too many appointments tomorrow, and I don't want to look like Edward Scissorhands took a swipe at me. I'll wait until Sunday to shed blood.
one time fedex said they were delivering it that day, so I drove to omaha form lincoln to pick it up. turned out it was a sign for package and no one was home so I had to stay the weekend and drive to council bluffs at 6am so I could pick up the package and make it back to lincoln for class.
I have used the feather ultras a few times and have knicked my face in a couple spots so I switched to the Wilkinson's and they are awesome. Still get a really close shave but no bleeding. I will say though that my go to razor is the Merkur Super. After reading this thread decided to check out some new blades but none work like the Merkurs do for me. Also, I dont remember who suggested the ziplock steamer bags but I tried it today and it was great. Held the steam in really well and was just like getting it out of a steamer.
I think I'm more scared of cutting myself handling the blades when putting them in the razor rather than when shaving.
So went home at lunch and got the package. Couple of things of note...the razor (the EJ everyone has been getting) feels great and like a solid piece of equipment. A lot more weighty than any razor ive ever used but i expected that. What i didnt expect was how thin and flimsy DE razor blades are. They are like paper almost. For whatever reason i didnt picture anything much thicker but definitely not flimsy. This isnt a bad thing, obviously, as i got a starter pack with some quality blades...just something i didnt expect. Anyway, here is my arsenal. Got the little shelf thingy at The Container Store. All of this i purchased (or got as a gift) before conducting my first safety razor shave, which will happen later tonight. Only things i forgot to put back in the picture was my AoS starter kit (cream, travel brush, small oil and balm) and a palmolive shave stick.
Very solid choices IceNHL. I am a big fan of the Razorock Artisan Soaps...they actually just came out with another one this week. Also, I have been on the road a few days and just noticed that Mantic gave me a like. I feel complete.
I tried the teflon coated voskods today They reminded me a lot of the feathers. You don't want to put pressure on these.Very sharp. It was very easy to clean the razor, I didn't have to bang it on the sink to get stuff out from under the blade like I normally do. I keep reading that they last a long time, but this was just Day 1. These are pretty nice, but they are a lil more expensive than other razors.
either the Derbys or the dorcos hold off on the feathers and the astras until much later. http://www.razorandbrush.com/barberiablade.html blade reviews: http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php/50-Razor-Blades-(Reviews)
Polisilvers are being discontinued. Basically the same as Super Iridiums that are now extinct as well. Other than Feathers, all my favorite blades are now extinct.