There comes a time in a man’s life where he starts getting hairs growing out of his face. My time came and a somewhat late age (13?) and as my father noticed, he got me an electric razor. I’ve been using electrics ever since, but recently I’ve noticed mine hasn’t been doing its job. Sure, I could go get another new blade for it, but I’ve done some reading on the net.
Supposedly, the electric is a newfangled invention that will ultimately be a blip the same as the 8-track or Betamax. The blade is the best and closest shave, I’ve heard. Intrigued, I thought some on this subject. Seeing as I’m graduating soon (got my last two exams tomorrow, and YES, this is more procrastination :P) and entering the working world (interview on Tuesday) I’ve decided that a closer shave IS a good thing. Presenting myself with a professional image IS a good thing. Letting my girlfriend be happier cause my face is now more kissable IS a good thing.
So tonight I went to my local drug store and bought supplies. A Mach 3 razor, and shaving cream (store brand) with aloe vera. I almost gagged when I saw the price, but getting quality products is worth it, right? I’ve always thought so. Besides, if I’m going to be working, I’m going to be paid. Getting money for working is always better than not getting money when going to school full-time.
Tonight I’m going to take a shower and try this out. I’ll report back later with my observations!!
If you can shave without a mirror, skip the shaving cream and shave in the shower. (I guess if you had a mirror in your shower, you could do so anyway). Let some hot water run over your face first. Being in a hot and steamy shower helps open the pores in your face, which makes for an easier shave.
If your facial hair is particularly tough, you can take a bit of conditioner and apply it to your stubble before you shave. Wash some other bits first to let the conditioner do its thing, then rinse it off and commence shaving. The conditioner softens the hairs, making it easier on both you and your expensive razor cartridges. I’ve been using the same AAFES-brand Mach 3 ripoff razor cartridge for at least a couple of months now and it’s still cutting great.
And lo, it was good. Sure, it took a while longer. But think - I’m not used to it! Who knows how it’ll compare once I’m used to it. And the quality is quite nice, I’d say. But the final judge (my girlfriend) will tell me tomorrow night - if she notices.
It’ll take less time once you’ve had more practice. I switched to a blade (mostly) a year ago… Gilette sent me a Mach 3 “For my 18th Birthday”, as well as a sample can of their cream.
Anyway, point is I can now get a pretty close shave in 5-7 minutes… I imagine there are guys who are even quicker than I am, but…meh…
I’d recomend keeping the electric around and charged for emergency situations when you don’t have a lot of time, though…
I tend not to shave often enough, and by the time I decide to, my quasi-beard is too long for a conventional blade. A straight razor might work, but I’d be a little nervous using one. (Has anyone ever seen the Australian TV movie 13 Gantry Row ?)
So I use the electric trimmers that I shave my head with on occasion. Then I use a blade. Or at least I used to. Lately, I just use the trimmers, and leave my face with stubble. My beard is lighter than my brown hair (somewhat red in places), so it’s not a very noticeable shadow.