Old school shave supplies....

[TorqueDog]

I recently decided to leave the world of cartridge razors (after having my last one, a Gillette Fusion Power, destroyed by a coworker's dog), and picked myself up a 1953 Gillette Super Speed safety razor. The razor came with some brand new (new new, not NOS) Merkur razor blades.

Now, I only have about four of the Merkur blades left, and of course I'm going to want to buy new ones, but every store I go to seems to cater 99.9% to the catridge razors, and the safety razor blades they DO carry are these horrible Gillette Standard blades (you might as well shave with a steak knife).

Anyone know where to source these more traditional shaving supplies in Calgary? Wouldn't mind picking up a new shave brush as well.

[7thgenvic]

There seems to be a google add right beside your post. I think new shavers are GREAT.

[Tik-Tok]

http://i165.photobucket.com/albums/u64/TykTauk/shave.jpg

[TorqueDog]

Haha nice. I didn't get that ad, I got stuck with a stupid Global ad.

Fendrihan is nice, but I was thinking of a place that locally sells this sort of stuff. Like an actual store. Any ideas?

[Pacman]

There is a local guy in Calgary that sells good quality stuff out of his house:

http://www.rasagepoulin.com/

I personally use the Derby blades as you can pick them up on Ebay for $10 for 100 blades including shipping.

I HATE the merkur blades as they tear up my face.

Pacman

[dubbster]

can you use these on your genitals?

[eb0i]

Originally posted by dubbster
can you use these on your genitals?

Are you thinking of a landing strip or a triangle?

[300rwhp]

o connors on 1st se has some stuff. Merkur blades for sure. From what people on badger and blade say a good brush is found at l'occitane in the malls.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by Pacman
There is a local guy in Calgary that sells good quality stuff out of his house:

http://www.rasagepoulin.com/

I personally use the Derby blades as you can pick them up on Ebay for $10 for 100 blades including shipping.

I HATE the merkur blades as they tear up my face.

Pacman I've been reading that the Derby blades are a bit more forgiving. I've got Merkur Platinums right now, and they're pretty good. I've been pretty fortunate to not cut my face up to shit.

Thanks for the referral, I'll check them out. And the site too.

[cancer man]

i'll take some pic's about man shaving.
Stay tuned for tomorrow morning.

[eb0i]

I know this is a bit late for an answer, but when I was recently in Vegas I went to a place called "The Art of Shaving" http://www.theartofshaving.com/taos6/home.php The barber there gave me a straight blade shave and used a disposable straight blade. She prepped my skin with a hot towel, pre shave oil and hot shaving cream before giving my shave and finished it with a really refreshing after shave face mask. It was such an awesome experience and I wish that this kind of place was here in Calgary.

Anyways I picked up a shaving kit from them and also a disposable straight blade with some extra merkur blades. The people there told me that I could actually pick up more of this stuff in Calgary from either Holt Renfrew or Harry Rosen's. So I guess if you are still looking for the old school shave stuff, then those are the stores to go to locally. Or order from the site I linked above.

[TorqueDog]

I picked up 100 Personna DE blades off eBay for about $21 CAD shipped. 21 cents a blade, not bad. The Derbys were a little bit more, but for 200 blades instead of 100; but all the reviews I've read on the Personna Platinums were unanimously A+, while some of the Derby reviews were mixed.

[ZorroAMG]

Hey Torque, are they much better than the Merkur Platinums? I'd definitely try those myself, I'm down to 2 merkurs at this point and need a refill...

[Pacman]

Mark,

Merkur platinums are the worst blades you can possibly buy. I would rather shave with a rusty axe than a Merkur platinum.

PM me your address and I'll mail you a few Derby blades.

James


QUOTE]Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Hey Torque, are they much better than the Merkur Platinums? I'd definitely try those myself, I'm down to 2 merkurs at this point and need a refill... [/QUOTE]

[ZorroAMG]

Totally appreciate the offer, Pman!

[rvd]

http://www.razorandbrush.com/Sampler.html

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Hey Torque, are they much better than the Merkur Platinums? I'd definitely try those myself, I'm down to 2 merkurs at this point and need a refill... The Personnas are awesome, and I do find them a lot better than the Merkurs, to be honest. I find I'm still getting a very nice and close shave, but no cuts, period. I used to get maybe three or four cuts (usually on the neck on either side of my adam's apple in those little recessed spots) from my Merkurs which I considered about par for the course, but the Personnas are great. Forgiving while still aggressive enough for a smooth shave with minimal passes.

Nice thing about the Derbys is the packaging is better; comes with a used blade slot, whereas the Personnas are in very utilitarian no frills packaging. But hit up eBay and you can get them for 17 cents a blade or cheaper, since many come with free shipping.

That said, you're buying the blades for shave performance and comfort, not packaging. :p Personna Platinums win for me.



Originally posted by Pacman
Mark,

Merkur platinums are the worst blades you can possibly buy. I would rather shave with a rusty axe than a Merkur platinum.

PM me your address and I'll mail you a few Derby blades.

JamesIf you want to talk about shaving with a rusty axe, pick yourself up some of the Gillette DE blades they sell at the Co-Op grocery store. *shudder* Recycled beer cans, they are.

[ZorroAMG]

I bought 100 Derbys for like 15$.....that's gonna last quite a while. Screw Mach 54535 shitty razors at $20 for 8

[BrknFngrs]

^^Where did you end up finding the blades? I'd love to try an alternative to the Merkur's as well.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by BrknFngrs
^^Where did you end up finding the blades? I'd love to try an alternative to the Merkur's as well. eBay. No joke.

100 Derbys: http://cgi.ebay.ca/100-DERBY-EXTRA-STAINLESS-DOUBLE-EDGE-RAZOR-BLADES_W0QQitemZ170329570218QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item170329570218&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50

100 Personnas: http://cgi.ebay.ca/100-DBLE-EDGE-SAFETY-RAZOR-BLADE-ISRAELI-PERSONNA_W0QQitemZ220395770792QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item220395770792&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 <- I bought my box off this very auction, awesome blades.

100 Feathers: http://cgi.ebay.ca/100-FEATHER-Razor-Blades-NEW-Hi-Stainless-Double-Edge_W0QQitemZ180347479595QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item180347479595&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1215%7C66%3A2%7C65%3A12%7C39%3A1%7C240%3A1318%7C301%3A1%7C293%3A1%7C294%3A50 <-- Insanely sharp and aggressive.

If you're shopping for blades and want to know what others think of 'em, the Badger & Blade forums have a reviews section here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/forumdisplay.php?f=50).

[ZorroAMG]

Here's the link that Pacman HAS dealt with and I ordered mine from yesterday....

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-DERBY-EXTRA-STAINLESS-DOUBLE-EDGE-RAZOR-BLADES_W0QQitemZ170329570218QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27a86efbaa&_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&_trkparms=72%3A1205

Thanks for the link Pacman!

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Here's the link that Pacman HAS dealt with and I ordered mine from yesterday....

http://cgi.ebay.com/100-DERBY-EXTRA-STAINLESS-DOUBLE-EDGE-RAZOR-BLADES_W0QQitemZ170329570218QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_0?hash=item27a86efbaa&amp;_trksid=p3286.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=72%3A1205

Thanks for the link Pacman! Yeah, that's the same one I posted. $9.99 USD + shipping for 100 razor blades... it's like the economy-proof method of shaving. :rofl: So awesome.

Cartridge razors are so cheap to buy... and then you have to buy the blade refills which are absolutely ridiculous. It's like $25 for 8 Fusion Power blades, which last me about a week/cartridge at the most.

[ZorroAMG]

Yep. Those blades are STUPID. So much money, crappy shave...no thanks.

[sputnik]

I have never used a double edged blade to shave, but this thread has intrigued me.

Anyone have any tips for a noob?

[ZorroAMG]

Yep....

Get one of these, a non adjustable starter $40 deal will be fine (momentum is IN van thats why i posted this particular link set)

http://www.momentumgrooming.com/Double-Edge-Safety-Razors

get a badger brush

http://www.momentumgrooming.com/Badger-Shave-Brushes

and proper cream (this container will do 250 shaves!)
http://www.momentumgrooming.com/qs/product/58/5495/257911/0/0

Shave in the shower and never look back!

[phil98z24]

I bought the 100 pack of Derbys from Fendrihan; good service and quick shipping. I used the Personna's for a bit, and also Feathers... the Derby blades are really close to the Feathers, but not quite as sharp and therefore a bit more forgiving. I would highly recommend them.

As far as a shaving brush, I bought a really good pure badger from Crabtree and Evelyn for about $45, I do believe. However, the cheapy Wilkinson boar brush from Walmart does really good for certain soaps and creams.

For a good razor, Rasage Poulin here in town sells Edwin Jagger and Merkur HD's, both of which are really good starters and very inexpensive.

Shaving soaps and creams are all personal preference, but I would recommend anything Proraso makes. Whether it's their Extra Sensitive Soap with Aloe and Green Tea, or the preshave creams and such, they are all really high quality and feel really good when you use them.

Anyone who hasn't shaved with an DE razor and experienced the whole process is really missing out... it's alot better than slopping on some canned foam and raking a 5 blade razor across your skin!

[TorqueDog]

Stiffer brushes for harder soaps is generally the rule of thumb. I'd really like to get my hands on a Silvertip Badger brush, but $90 is a bit steep for a shave brush.


As far as razors go, there are plenty of options. I picked up my Gillette Super Speed (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=4913) on eBay. Lots of good vintage DE razors on there. Mine was sanitized, polished, and oiled before it was sent to me. I particularly like the blade loading mechanism:
http://leisureguy.files.wordpress.com/2006/07/gillette-super-speed-2.JPG

[sputnik]

So is there any different technique in terms of using a DE blade razor? Or is it pretty much the same as dragging a Bic across my face?

I'd rather not just try it out and end up lying on my bathroom floor with my jugular slashed open like Clint Malarchuk.

[ZorroAMG]

HAHAHA fuck that pic in my head was gross and funny....I pictured you in goalie pads too.....errr....


Same technique but DO take your time at first and it's beneficial for you to really figure out the direction of hair growth...especially on the neck. I know for me I go downwards with the grain on the face, UPWARDS against the grain on the neck for the most part but the edges of my neck (directly below my sideburns) requires HORIZONTAL from centre to outer WITH the grain to reduce razor burn/cutting.

Figure that out and you are golden.

Best of luck, sir!

[TorqueDog]

ufG1dPmVo8Q

This guy has a TON of great information. link (http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59)



Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Same technique but DO take your time at first and it's beneficial for you to really figure out the direction of hair growth...especially on the neck. I know for me I go downwards with the grain on the face, UPWARDS against the grain on the neck for the most part but the edges of my neck (directly below my sideburns) requires HORIZONTAL from centre to outer WITH the grain to reduce razor burn/cutting.

Figure that out and you are golden.Totally.

Go slow, and start with slow, small strokes. It's hard to cut yourself if you take it easy, but going too fast, and getting sloppy is an awesome way to come out looking like a cat attacked you.

That said, for the effort it'll take to learn, you'll have probably the closest shave you've ever experienced in your life.

[beyond_ban]

Originally posted by ZorroAMG
Shave in the shower and never look back!

Quick question... How do you go about shaving in the shower? Do you have a mirror or something? I would be shaving my cheeks up to my eyes and nose if i couldn't see where i was going, not to mention i would miss a million spots.

[Pacman]

I just shave my balls and perineum in the shower.


Originally posted by beyond_ban


Quick question... How do you go about shaving in the shower? Do you have a mirror or something? I would be shaving my cheeks up to my eyes and nose if i couldn't see where i was going, not to mention i would miss a million spots.

[beyond_ban]

^^ I do my balls and genital regions in the shower as well, i guess Zorro was referring to the same region? haha

[sevewone]

haha After I read this I went and grabbed this old razor I had sitting in my room from my Grandpa's old stuff. Turned out it was a early 50's Super Speed with tons of blades with it. Tried er out, and a sucess, well sorta..no cuts, but not really a close shave. :thumbsup:

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by sevewone
haha After I read this I went and grabbed this old razor I had sitting in my room from my Grandpa's old stuff. Turned out it was a early 50's Super Speed with tons of blades with it. Tried er out, and a sucess, well sorta..no cuts, but not really a close shave. :thumbsup: 50s Super Speed = win. :thumbsup:

Dunno how old those blades are, but you might want to get some new ones; over time, blades can degrade. Also, to keep the razor in tip top shape, clean it up and oil the moving bits with mineral oil.

As you get more comfortable with it, you'll be able to get a better and better shave with it. For the time being, get your technique down, get used to just shaving down your face, and up your neck. Once you're accustomed to it, you'll be able to try against the grain for an even closer shave.

I tried shortly after I first got my DE to try shaving upwards and well... ambitious but rubbish is what that was. Now it's cake. I finish shaving and my face feels like I haven't the ability to grow facial hair in the first place.

One thing... get a shave brush and a proper shaving soap or shaving cream. None of that foamy gel stuff. The brush lifts the hair off your face and allows it to sit on top of the lather, which'll make shaving much much easier.

[ZorroAMG]

HAHA you nuggets! I shave all in the shower....yeah obviously the goods but ALSO the face...staying in hot and humid shower is the key to a trouble free close shave...

Buy a fogless suction cup mirror and have at 'er.

[eb0i]

I find that using a pre-shave oil and a good shaving cream really helps with the shave. Did my first single blade shave today with a disposable blade holder, wow was that iffy! No cuts though and it's nice and smooth!

[TorqueDog]

I picked up "Williams Mug Shaving Soap" today at the Co-Op Grocery store to give it a whirl. I've been using a blue bowl Wilkinson Sword I picked up from there, I found that the W-S was drying my face a bit after shaving (although the lubrication it provided was great).

At $1.99 a puck, I figured even a failed experiment with it was worth the toonie I spent on it. I just tossed it into a coffee mug I had lying around, whipped out a boar hair brush, added some warm water to the mug, and started whipping the soap.

The lather is makes is pretty nice; very thick, and smells great. Going on the face, it feels great (you forget you're using a stiff shaving brush). But unfortunately, the lather can dry pretty quickly, so I found by the time I'd finished shaving one side of my face, I had to re-lather the other side. Bit of a pain.

Making the lather takes a bit of work, and someone who isn't familiar with using shave soaps is going to wonder if they're doing it right. Hot water in the mug and on the brush and just whip the brush around continuously. Also, it's a tough soap so use a stiffer brush to lather it.

For what it'll cost you, it's worth trying out and seeing if it's your thing. I'll use it up and find a glycerine shave soap to try next.

[Trini]

Quick question here, I've seen that there are razors for the moustache area alone.
Does the normal safety razor work just as well in that area?

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by Trini
Quick question here, I've seen that there are razors for the moustache area alone.
Does the normal safety razor work just as well in that area? It's just fine for me, but your mileage may vary, based on razor and the shape/size of your nose and upper lip.

[Trini]

^ok thanks

[GQBalla]

this has interested me.

i can't afford to keep paying for the expensive cartridges.

im looking to purchase a DE shaver and some blades but just a question.

how long does it take you guys to shave with the DE shaver?
Currently i can shave in under 5 minutes not even.

Also where do you purchase a non fog suction mirror?

[ZorroAMG]

Trini - I use one blade for everything incl moustache...no probs.


GQ, You can be decently fast with these razors, don't expect to break records unless you want to bleed out though lol.

Update on MY razor purchase at the top of this page:

My Derby razors came in...100 blades for $18 shipped....they are SOOOOO much better than my merkur POS blades...virtually no irritation and nice and sharp....smooth shave.

+1 for Derby

[GQBalla]

sweet -

any opinions on this?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/WEISHI-WET-SHAVING-DE-SAFETY-RAZOR-10-DERBY-BLADES_W0QQitemZ390045665853QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_2?hash=item5ad0888a3d&_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1215|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50


also where do you get this suction mirror?

[ZorroAMG]

Blade COULD be good, razors are Derby so thumbs up from me!

As far as suction cup mirrors, get them at a drug store or higher end home outfitter perhaps.

BEWARE of fogless mirrors with stickers stuck directly to the mirror. When you remove the sticker it seems to remove the antifog coating.

[Pacman]

Originally posted by GQBalla
sweet -

any opinions on this?
http://cgi.ebay.ca/WEISHI-WET-SHAVING-DE-SAFETY-RAZOR-10-DERBY-BLADES_W0QQitemZ390045665853QQcmdZViewItemQQptZLH_DefaultDomain_2?hash=item5ad0888a3d&amp;_trksid=p3911.c0.m14&amp;_trkparms=65%3A12|66%3A2|39%3A1|72%3A1215|240%3A1318|301%3A1|293%3A1|294%3A50


also where do you get this suction mirror?

That Weishi razor is a total POS. Save yourself the hassle and get a Merkur

[GQBalla]

Originally posted by Pacman


That Weishi razor is a total POS. Save yourself the hassle and get a Merkur

good to know!

[meed]

if you haven't already, check out the Badgerandblade forum. They have lots of stuff in the for sale section too! I picked up a 1955 Gillette Superspeed for $20 bucks shipped.

[Trini]

ha tried it today, great shave, so smooth actually was a pleasure

[Strider]

Just ordered 100 Derbys from the same ebay link... thx for the link!

I've been using Merkur platinums for about the last year with no problems, so I'm really looking forward to how these Derbys will perform. Razor blades from Daiso (the $2 store in Richmond), now THAT was a bad idea.

I've been using Nivea shaving cream (formerly known as Florena), and really like it. Much better than Proraso... it's cheap too, about $3 @ Walmart or Superstore.
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/attachment.php?attachmentid=50783&d=1242252255

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by Pacman
That Weishi razor is a total POS. Save yourself the hassle and get a Merkur Merkur, Gillette (Super Speed, Fatboy), and Parker are the brands to go for.

Badger and Blade will have a ton of reviews so check there to see what they're saying about the razor you're thinking of buying first.

[Nav13]

I've found that the gillette adjustables(fatboy) are close in price to the super speed, maybe a couple bucks more, so it seems like the obvious choice, what I am wondering though is, is it better to buy an old gillette fat boy, or go for a non adjustable from momentum for about twice the price? My only concerns about buying an older gillette is buying one from ebay and getting a pos that doesnt work well, and how do you steralize them? the thought of using a 50 year old razor seems a little odd. Not sure which one to go for.

[meed]

you replace the blade, so I wasn't too concerned when I got mine. I did clean it with boiling water, some dish soap and a toothbrush though.

Some guys recommend using scrubbing bubbles cleaner too.

[PeterGTiR]

I gave the double edged safety razor as a result of this thread.

At first, I thought it was garbage - the blade that came with the razor couldn't cut through the thicker hair on my chin and above my mouth after two shaves. At the same time, I had twin blade disposables that cut the hair with just one pass.

Then I changed the blade to one of the Derbys and the shave was pretty good. The difference between the two was probably the sharpness - even though the blade that came with the razor looked new and was in wax packaging, it seemed dull.

It takes some time to get used to it though. I had a few cuts with the sharper Derby blade...

[Pacman]

Originally posted by PeterGTiR
I gave the double edged safety razor as a result of this thread.

At first, I thought it was garbage - the blade that came with the razor couldn't cut through the thicker hair on my chin and above my mouth after two shaves. At the same time, I had twin blade disposables that cut the hair with just one pass.

Then I changed the blade to one of the Derbys and the shave was pretty good. The difference between the two was probably the sharpness - even though the blade that came with the razor looked new and was in wax packaging, it seemed dull.

It takes some time to get used to it though. I had a few cuts with the sharper Derby blade...

Was the blade that came with your razor a "Merkur" blade? If so, that thing is about as sharp butter knife.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by Nav13
I've found that the gillette adjustables(fatboy) are close in price to the super speed, maybe a couple bucks more, so it seems like the obvious choice, what I am wondering though is, is it better to buy an old gillette fat boy, or go for a non adjustable from momentum for about twice the price? My only concerns about buying an older gillette is buying one from ebay and getting a pos that doesnt work well, and how do you steralize them? the thought of using a 50 year old razor seems a little odd. Not sure which one to go for. Many of the auctions will specify that the razor has been pre-cleaned and sterilized. In which case, you don't have to do much. Mine came sterilized, cleaned, stainless polished, and mechanism oiled.

If not, it's not hard to clean them, there's not admittedly a lot TO clean. You'd probably be okay to soak it in hot water for a couple hours, then throw it in the dishwasher, and oil the mechanism (if it's a butterfly load) with mineral oil.



Originally posted by PeterGTiR
I gave the double edged safety razor as a result of this thread.

At first, I thought it was garbage - the blade that came with the razor couldn't cut through the thicker hair on my chin and above my mouth after two shaves. At the same time, I had twin blade disposables that cut the hair with just one pass.

Then I changed the blade to one of the Derbys and the shave was pretty good. The difference between the two was probably the sharpness - even though the blade that came with the razor looked new and was in wax packaging, it seemed dull.

It takes some time to get used to it though. I had a few cuts with the sharper Derby blade... I really didn't find the Merkur blade that bad, but my Personna blades are a marked improvement.

That said, your shaving cream/shaving soap will also make a HUGE difference in how your razor performs. Don't use that canned Gillette crap. Use a proper cream or soap. You can buy shave creams/soaps at the pharmacy for your entry level stuff, or at Fendrihan or on eBay for the better stuff.

Oh yeah, and apply it with a shaving brush. It places the lather underneath the hair.

[ExtraSlow]

My wife bought be a DE shaving kit for Fathers day. I went out and bought a puck of that "mug" soap at superstore, so she brought out my gift early.
It only came with one blade, and it was the Merkur platinum that you guys have been bashing. First try it went pretty well. It was a little slower than my regular shave with the Mach3 and canned gel that I've been using, but not by much. I figure that with some practice, I'll be just as fast.

I've already ordered the Derby Extra Blades off eBay that were posted.
I also happened to see some Poraso shaving cream in a drugstore, but didn't buy it. I figure I'll do a few more with the puck of soap I have first. I'll try out that Poraso in a while. Anyone else using that?

So, another user of the "old school shaving" system. Looking forward to not being held hostage by the replacement blades any more.

[ZorroAMG]

Welcome to the club!

[Pacman]

I was going to put this in the MarketPlace....but figured it would cause some commotion for selling a used razor and figured the target group for this would be here.

If anyone is interested in one of these...PM me:

http://www.fendrihan.com/merkur-longhandle-doubleedge-razor-p-72.html

Shoot me a PM. I've got one that was used 10 times and I'm pretty sure I still have the box for it. It's in mint shape.

I gave it to a doctor friend of mine yesterday and he put it in the "Speed/Auto Clave" machine (all by itself, not with any used speculums). It's probably more sanitized than when it left the factory.

I'll sell it for $20 I'll toss in 20 Derby blades too.

Pac

[TorqueDog]

PM'd.

[Nav13]

anyone got a gillette adjustable they are willing to part with, trying to find one on ebay for a decent price, but figured I would ask here too.ot t

edit: nevermind just won one off ebay. 23 shipped, not the cheapest but it seems like prices have been on the upswing lately.

[AndyL]

Ahh fathers day...

Wife apparently saw me eyeballing the gillettes on ebay...

She picked me up a Edwin Jagger razor from rasagepoulin - with persona blades, a nice badger brush, and some proraso shaving soap...

Now to go slice my face open :)

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by Nav13
anyone got a gillette adjustable they are willing to part with, trying to find one on ebay for a decent price, but figured I would ask here too.ot t

edit: nevermind just won one off ebay. 23 shipped, not the cheapest but it seems like prices have been on the upswing lately. Yeah, I've noticed the prices have been on the rise, seems like more and more people are getting into this more affordable, sustainable, and higher quality method of shaving.


On a related note, I just picked up a silvertip badger brush, and these:
1974 Gillette
http://i10.ebayimg.com/08/i/001/50/7d/5b09_1_sbl.JPG

1959 Gillette Super Speed Red Tip link (http://www.auctiva.com/hostedimages/showimage.aspx?gid=642291&ppid=1122&image=276339119&images=276338412,276338439,276338523,276339070,276338487,276338457,276339119,276339164,276339242,276339260,276339220,276339193&formats=0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0,0&format=0)

and a 1950s Gold-plated Gillette Tech razor
http://www.auctionzealot.com/members/vandura/tech6.jpg
Not sure of the exact date, I'll have to look up the date code when it arrives, or do some research on it.


This started out as just looking for a better shave, now I'm starting to collect the bloody things. :rofl: And the Merkur 23C I bought off Pacman is a wicked razor. :thumbsup:

[AndyL]

Wow... Yeah - massive difference; just tried mine out! Yeah, won't be going back to the disposables/machs/etc... So much better of a shave.

Now I really want that gilette fatboy I was eyeballing...

Hrm, that'll probably get the wife upset at me; dangit!

[ExtraSlow]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
I've already ordered the Derby Extra Blades off eBay that were posted.
Got the Derby Extra Blades in the mail yesterday, and used this morning. Much better than the Merkur that came with my kit. Definelty felt sharper.
I usually rush through my morning shave, as I just need to look passable for work. If I spent more time warming my face up and working the lather, I'd probably get a better result. So far no troubles with cuts, not a single one with this system.

[97'Scort]

Anybody shave their head with these? I used a Phillips electric razor for my face, which I like, but the uber expensive blades suck for shaving my head. I'd much rather get a safety razor to do that. Disposable Bic's also blow.

Experience?

[TorqueDog]

Never tried 97'Scort, but you should really try using a safety razor to shave your face instead of the electric razors. You'd be surprised at the difference. I got rid of my Philishave Cool Skin wet-shaver when I changed to run of the mill cartridge razors.


On a related note, all my razors and my new silvertip brush came in.

Things to note:

1. I can pick up my 1953 Gillette Super Speed and my 1974 Super Speed with my eyes closed and feel the difference. The '53 is made with thicker, heavier metal, and feels much more solid. The '74, even when locked in place, has a small mechanical rattle, and the metal is noticably thinner.

2. I tried the Red Tip and had possibly the best shave of my life. Usually the Red Tip is regarded as a very aggressive razor for thicker beards, but even with a day of stubble, the blade was aggressive, and gave me an incredibly close and comfortable shave.... with not a single spot of blood anywhere, not even a little (I usually have a tiny itty bitty cut somewhere that I've just accepted as 'normal').


3. If you do not own a badger brush, oh god, go buy one (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=230348801902). Despite the colossally insane pricing you'll see for silvertip brushes on stores and even eBay, I picked up one of these at a steal of a price figuring the best badger brush is better than a synthetic brush. This brush is awesome. Insanely good lather whipped with this brush, both with shaving cream and shaving soap. Feels so damn good.


That's my update on my new buys.

[CUG]

Wow, you're all really into shaving!

[v2kai]

Originally posted by CUG
Wow, you're all really into saving money!

edited.

at least for me. money saving first, the nicer shave thing is a bonus lol

[TKRIS]

Yep. For the price of a dozen cartridges for a Quattro/Mach3, I bought a '56 Super Speed and 40 razors.

Plus, I'm a sucker for old timey shit like this. I was born in the wrong decade.

[ZorroAMG]

Just something to think about for those of you with coarse thick beards, the highest end badger won't work as well as mid grade "best" badger. The softer hair of the top level brushes move the beard hairs less effectively.

I have a decent beard so I went with a great mid grade Best Badger (with CF handle of course haha) and it's great.

[Trini]

Any recommendations on a shaving soap stick & where to purchase one?
I'm looking for one as I'll be traveling in the near future.
Heard good things about the Speick Men Shaving Soap Stick

[Nav13]

I ordered the derby blades off that ebay link posted earlier in this thread aswell. I have done two shaves with my gillette adjustable so far, and both times cut the shit out of my neck, but I was expecting that since I have a ton of in growns on my neck. What I have noticed though is that the ingrows are going away, I am hoping in a couple weeks there won't be any cuts at all. Like trini said, any recomendations for soaps? Right now I am using a wilkinson and sword brush and soap, don't really feel like spending a ton on a new brush right now, but wouldnt mind getting a better soap.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by CUG
Wow, you're all really into shaving! Haha, what he said below you. I just got tired of spending $28 on 8 cartridge blades that lasted me less than a week at a time.

Pacman and I just talked about it, it's almost a bit scary how 'into it' one can get. And it's a hell of a cheaper hobby than car modding, that's for sure. :D

I got some Dorco blades with my '74 Gillette, being using them with the long handle Merkur. Not bad blades, but I'm a bigger fan of the Personnas. And after some use with them, it seems the Derby blades don't last me as long as the Personnas... I mean, they're 21 cents a blade to my door, it's not a big deal, but just an observation.
Originally posted by Nav13
Like trini said, any recomendations for soaps? Right now I am using a wilkinson and sword brush and soap, don't really feel like spending a ton on a new brush right now, but wouldnt mind getting a better soap. You don't have to spend crazy amounts on a brush: link (http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWNX:IT&item=230348801902).

Look for silvertrip brushes from that seller. Despite the strangely low price, it's actually a REALLY nice brush, got excellent reviews on Badger and Blade. Only difference between it and a higher priced brush is the fact that you don't get a nice handcrafted wood or machined handle, it's just black or ivory-coloured plastic.


Soaps, Pacman and I are looking at doing a group buy on a couple different ones, I'll keep you posted.

[Freeskier]

just bought my first brush last week, just a simple one from the body shop, but it feels so much better than the gillette fusion soap i was using before

[meed]

Originally posted by TorqueDog
Soaps, Pacman and I are looking at doing a group buy on a couple different ones, I'll keep you posted. [/B]

I'd be interested in this too! I'd love to try out something that is not available locally.

[ZorroAMG]

I bought the Truefitt and Hill 1805 shaving cream. $35 and lasts about a year. Nice cream.

http://www.truefittandhill.co.uk/osm/viewimage.php?passvar=19

[flipstah]

I just got this el-cheapo plastic Gillette safety razor with some Rubie blades from the Philippines and holy crap, it is WAY better than the overly-priced Mach Gazillion razors.

It's gives me the same, if not, better results AND it only cost $0.33CDN! With 10 extra blades! :thumbsup:

I'm still on the lookout for a bargain-priced metal safety razor though. I will assume that this plastic razor holder will not last long.

[meed]

If any of you guys are looking for some different supplies, and you'd like to buy locally, give this guy a try:

Rasage Poulin (http://www.rasagepoulin.com/index.php?p=home)

I just picked up a bottle of Proraso aftershave and a blade sampler pack. I sent the email, and had a phone call within 15mins saying it was ready for pick up! He's in the NW part of the city.

[ExtraSlow]

While I'm travellening for work this week, I brought one of those five-blade disposables that I had laying around. What junk! After using the derby blades and a brush for a while, I can't believe how awful this five bladed POS feels.

What do you guys do when travelling? Do you have a non-breakable mug that you lather up in? I'll need to get something like that for next time I'm away from home.

[Pacman]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow

What do you guys do when travelling? Do you have a non-breakable mug that you lather up in? I'll need to get something like that for next time I'm away from home.

I take my razor, Derby blades and some Gillette Foamy travel size in the little metal can. When I'm away on business, I can't be bothered to spend the time lathering up with a brush and hauling all that stuff around with me.

[TorqueDog]

Use a shave cream (the Nivea shave cream you buy at the grocery store is actually quite nice) when you travel. You can lather it directly on your face.

[XylathaneGTR]

Guys...
Total noob question here...
I rarely shave...I'm usually too lazy so I just grow a pretty rad beard (especially during exam time...) I have a pretty good electric razor, but I hate it...My skin is wussy and fucking sensitive and even if I shave extra slowly I still end up with razor burn.

So...this thread has peaked my interest and I'd like to give it a shot.

Can you guys recommend anything that a brotha with some sensitive skin should try out and where I might be able to pick up some of these items?

I know a lot of this has been addressed in the thread already (and I read through the entire thread) but literally, it's all Greek to me.

Any resources, pointers, suggestions and what not would be very appreciated. I've been rocking a beard of various lengths (sometimes just a few days of growth, sometimes up too a month of growth) for almost 4 years now and I'm getting a bit tired of it...

Also...one other note worthy point: I have a mechanical heart valve so i'm on a warfarin regimen and as such, I bleed very, very easily. So, yeah...that's mainly why I use an electric when I do shave (as it's next to impossible to cut yourself, at all. I never did cut myself before with a cartridge razor, but these days if I did it would bleed forever and be a huge pain in the ass...)

[ZorroAMG]

You don't need a bowl/cup with today's cream and brushes. Dip the brush, lather on your face just like my OS nemesis torquedog says! :D

xylathane, try this:

:D

http://regretfulmorning.com/wp-content/uploads/2008/12/ladies-razor.jpg

[ExtraSlow]

If you've been using an electric razor, you'll probably bleed the first few times you shave with a blade, regardless of the type. If you can live with that, you'll be enjoying blood-free shaves in no time. Plus, they'll be far more comfortable than the electric razor.

If a few weeks of bleeding sounds unworkable for you due to your medicines, then, I suggest you keep rocking that beard.

[XylathaneGTR]

Zorro: I knew I could always count on your solid advice! :D

Extra: No pain no gain, I guess. I'm tired of getting hasseed by building security for my 'homeless guy' beard, haha.
After 2.5 years of taking them, i'm pretty dialed in on my blood thinners and can manipulate the thickness of my blood with dosage and diet, so I can drift it towards the lower end of my acceptable range (INR of 2.5-3.5 is what the docs demand) to minimize bleeding if it's really going to be an issue.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
If you've been using an electric razor, you'll probably bleed the first few times you shave with a blade, regardless of the type. If you can live with that, you'll be enjoying blood-free shaves in no time. Plus, they'll be far more comfortable than the electric razor.

If a few weeks of bleeding sounds unworkable for you due to your medicines, then, I suggest you keep rocking that beard. Nine times out of ten, cutting yourself will be down to bad technique and not due to the new method of shaving.

Two easiest ways to stop the bleeding:
1. If it's light bleeding, wash your face in COLD water. You should be doing this anyway to close the pores you opened with the warm soapy shave lather.
2. Heavier bleeding can easily be stopped with a styptic pencil. Simply wet the end, and touch it along the spots that you're bleeding - yes, it stings, but it works. You can buy these in the shave products isle at any store.



Originally posted by ZorroAMG
You don't need a bowl/cup with today's cream and brushes. Dip the brush, lather on your face just like my OS nemesis torquedog says! :D True!... but a caveat - use a good soft brush if you want to lather on your face. Those synthetic/boar hair brushes are awful for that.

The eBay special Silvertip Badger I bought a couple months ago is awesome for on-face lathering. And uber-inexpensive.

[ZorroAMG]

Yep! My Best badger brush works great right on the face...

xylathane, this thread had touched on technique/what to buy for noobs or those with sensitive skin, that's why I was being cheeky :D - if you have sensitive skin, get the derby blades we have bought and ALWAYS shave either in the shower or right after without letting your face cool down.

Got anymore q's ask away :)

[AndyL]

My .02 - start with the personna blades first... Little less likely to ginsu yourself as you learn the angles to get the nice shave vs the deep cut.

Go with the proraso soap + badger hair brush, good start for the sensitive skin'd amongst us... I could barely get away with 1 shave / 3 days using the normal shave gear (even electric); any more and I'd have razor burn from hell - since getting old skool - I can shave 2x/day before it rears its ugly head now (with personnas; derbys cut a bit too close the first time - right on the verge of the burn).

Though - do wonder, what do you guys prefer for aftershave :) (not the stinky stuff but the cremes that actually do something) Nivea seems to make things better, but I've heard I might want a more alcohol based one...

[TorqueDog]

I like the Nivea after-shave lotion, but my favorite (which I'm running out of) is actually a bottle of Armani di Gio that I got with a bottle of cologne of the same name. Awesome shave lotion. Smells really nice, and actually complements the cologne quite well.

[ExtraSlow]

I was using some nivea after shave lotion a long time ago. I ran out and I've been using nothing ever since. That's with the Mach 3s and gel, and now with badger brush and Derbys.
I don't find my skin very irritated at all after my daily shave.

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by ExtraSlow
I don't find my skin very irritated at all after my daily shave. I found that certain shave soaps were a bit drying, which is why I rocked the Nivea. The Armani just smells good and feels nice.

[cet]

I use the Cade Aftershave Balm from L'Occitane. It's a bit expensive at $36/75ml but I love it.

[meed]

Most days I use the Nivea lotion. The Proraso aftershave splash is a really nice change though, and it goes perfect with the Proraso shave cream.

On a side note, I just picked up an old shave brush, I told my grandfather about it and he dug up his old brush for me! Anyone have any experience putting a new knot in?

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by meed
On a side note, I just picked up an old shave brush, I told my grandfather about it and he dug up his old brush for me! Anyone have any experience putting a new knot in? Check out this link: here (http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=58175).

It's a step-by-step brush restoration.

[AndyL]

Ok... How to ask without sounding... Commercial...

How many of you would buy local over an ebay/etc source? :rofl:

My wife counted for me today... Including today's 100 derby's (I was down to 20; after gifting a bunch) Not including 5 open 5-pack's in the bathroom... 685 blades in the house...

I have a problem... Of course I wasn't going to mention the 200 iridium super's that I ordered last week :facepalm:

9 razors (stupidly, I still prefer the basic EJ the wife started me with), Had to know for sure I wouldn't like that Fatboy better, or the '42 military issue, or the ... :dunno:

Hmmm... how do I become a forum sponsor...

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by AndyL
Ok... How to ask without sounding... Commercial...

How many of you would buy local over an ebay/etc source? :rofl:

My wife counted for me today... Including today's 100 derby's (I was down to 20; after gifting a bunch) Not including 5 open 5-pack's in the bathroom... 685 blades in the house...

I have a problem... Of course I wasn't going to mention the 200 iridium super's that I ordered last week :facepalm:

9 razors (stupidly, I still prefer the basic EJ the wife started me with), Had to know for sure I wouldn't like that Fatboy better, or the '42 military issue, or the ... :dunno:

Hmmm... how do I become a forum sponsor... You sound like me - it's become an addiction.

[flipstah]

Finally, I leveled up and I'm now with the big boys!

I'm upgrading from a crappy Gillette plastic safety razor and bought a Parker 22R with Shark Super Chrome on eBay!

http://ecx.images-amazon.com/images/I/418eXAr7g7L._SS500_.jpg

I was so excited that I didn't shave for days! Asians with beards are NOT sexy lol.

But when I tried it out, my god!; this Parker is heavy compared to the Gillette (duh.) But once I get used to it, weight will probably won't matter.

Smooth shave as always, but I noticed that the outcome was 'patchy' and I missed some spots, especially near the chin and jawline but that could be the shaving gel not doing its job. I found that the blade is WAY sharper than the Gillette ones and I had to slow it down a bit.

The cool part is that it's still cheaper than the Mach-whatever and I've never gotten a closer shave with those triple blade dealies!

I'm still waiting for my antique brushes on eBay then off to Rasage Poulin for shaving soaps!

:thumbsup: Any recommendations?

Now since this bad boy is all metal, is there some maintenance precautions that I should be aware of? And how frequent do you change the blades? Before, I change after 3 shaves because (on the Gillette) the 4th one felt dull and was cutting me up. Not sure about these Shark Super Chromes though...

And after-shave, I used CO Bigelow Mentha Body Lotion that I got from Bath and Body Works. It cools the skin down and leaves it smooth and minty. Delicious.

http://www.bigelowchemists.com/images/images_big/MENTHBODYLOTIONlg.jpg

[TorqueDog]

Originally posted by flipstah
But when I tried it out, my god!; this Parker is heavy compared to the Gillette (duh.) But once I get used to it, weight will probably won't matter.

Smooth shave as always, but I noticed that the outcome was 'patchy' and I missed some spots, especially near the chin and jawline but that could be the shaving gel not doing its job. I found that the blade is WAY sharper than the Gillette ones and I had to slow it down a bit.

The cool part is that it's still cheaper than the Mach-whatever and I've never gotten a closer shave with those triple blade dealies!The weight is a good thing - let the weight of the razor help with the cutting.

Try using your free hand to stretch the skin so it is taut - you'll get a better shave that way. You can also do multiple passes (with the grain, then across the grain, and finally against the grain) to get an even closer shave. All three will get you baby's bottom smooth.



Originally posted by flipstah
Now since this bad boy is all metal, is there some maintenance precautions that I should be aware of? And how frequent do you change the blades? Before, I change after 3 shaves because (on the Gillette) the 4th one felt dull and was cutting me up. Not sure about these Shark Super Chromes though...Your mileage may vary... it'll take a few blades to give you a good idea. I usually toss my blades after two shaves. They're cheap enough to do so, and my beard is fairly coarse so I find they get dull quickly. Different blades behave differently, so try out a bunch. You can get sampler packs off eBay.

[AndyL]

Tossing after the second shave is too soon :)

I usually get ~5 from a blade; that first shave is always the worst (especially with the derbys and iridiums); couldn't imagine doing that every other day.

I could see doing it with a personna red or similar blade - but I still get 3-4 shaves from one of those before it starts feeling a bit dull...

Flipping the blade will get ya an extra shave or two...