# Male dopers: How do you shave? Anyone use a straight edge? **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 17, 2004, 10:50am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566 "2004-07-17T10:50:53Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 14\ **Page:** 2
**Author:** ![Little\_Nemo](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/little_nemo/32/3120_2.png) [@Little\_Nemo](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Little_Nemo)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2004, 4:32am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/21 "2004-07-18T04:32:54Z")
My personal favorites are Schick disposables. They have this nifty feature where you push a button in the back and it pushs all the trimmings out of the blades. Keeps the razor from getting clogged up and extends the lifetime. And never use Bics. Horrible quality blades. ---
**Author:** ![quiltguy154](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/q/ad7895/32.png) [@quiltguy154](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/quiltguy154)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2004, 1:38pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/22 "2004-07-18T13:38:15Z")
I use any old kind of disposable razor, and shave at the end of my shower. It really does help to let your whiskers become softened by the warm water and lather I leave on when I wash my face. When I was in the service, I used MagicShave[TM], it’s a product intended for those who have skin problems from using a razor. It’s a little more difficult to use, and the smell is rank, but the upshot is you don’t have to purchase a razor or blades. You apply the stuff to your whiskers, let it work a few minutes then gently scrape it off with a dull implement[I used a small, disposable plastic knife, I’d imagine a spoon would’ve worked as well.] It gave me the freedom to “shave” every 3 days, rather than daily. Don’t know if they still make it though. ---
**Author:** ![Johnny\_Angel](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/d26b3c/32.png) [@Johnny\_Angel](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Johnny_Angel)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 11:28am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/23 "2004-07-19T11:28:08Z")
I tried working with a straight razor, but I was never able to get an edge good enough to seriously cut hair. Places that sell razors of course recommend buying hundred-dollar german steel razors, but it seems to me that most of the people who shaved with them for many years used relatively inexpensive blades. Near as I can tell, the secret is to use a carbon steel blade, have it professionally sharpened, and use a strop to hone. There are plenty of sites that tell you how to work with the straight razor, though of course most of these are selling straight razors. ---
**Author:** ![Evil\_One](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/45deac/32.png) [@Evil\_One](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Evil_One)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/24 "2004-07-19T14:00:16Z")
I used to look like I shaved with a rusty knife before I discovered the glory that is the Mach III. Here is what works for me. 1. Rinse face with the water as hot as you can stand. 2. Immediately apply shaving cream while face is still wet and warm. 3. Shave in fairly short strokes with the grain first, then against it. 4. Rinse blade often during process in fully hot water. I have a dark beard, so if I don’t shave against the grain, it looks like I haven’t shaved at all about six hours later. And electric razors have always been a pointless exercise. ---
**Author:** ![Debaser](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/3da27b/32.png) [@Debaser](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Debaser)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 2:33pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/25 "2004-07-19T14:33:01Z")
Store your razor blades in alcohol between uses. You can buy rubbing alcohol from the store, or just take some vodka from the bar and pour it into a glass. You might want to get a container with a lid, so that it takes longer to evaporate. ---
**Author:** ![spingears](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/ebca7d/32.png) [@spingears](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/spingears)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 2:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/26 "2004-07-19T14:54:35Z")
I Shave at the health club: 1. Shower, washing face and bearded area thoroughly. 2. Apply Face and Body Lotion liberally to the bearded area. 3. Spend at least 5 to 7 minutes in the hot (115 deg F) steam room. 4. Shave with a sharp razor straight or multi-blade. Move the razor in a straigtht line, but with the blade(s) at 45 deg. to the line of motion. (Cutting on the Bias) ---
**Author:** ![Rick](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/r/9f8e36/32.png) [@Rick](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Rick)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 3:57pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/27 "2004-07-19T15:57:54Z")
Since everyone else is giving advice, I might as well chime in here. I have a very heavy beard that can tear up razors like nobodies business. I finally developed a method of getting a close shave that lasts, and does not tear up my face. Oh and FTR I get about 2 weeks out of my Mach 3 blades. I have upgraded to the M3 power razor, and it works even better for me. [ol] [li]Take a hot shower, making sure to wash your face with soap[/li][li]As soon as you dry off go to the sink and re-wet your face with, as hot as you can stand it, water.[/li][li]Apply shaving cream\*\*\*\*\*[/li][li]Turn the water to full hot, and rinse the razor to warm it up.[/li][li]Shave, every few strokes rinse razor thoroughly in hot water. (If you have any doubt about the razor being clean, after rinsing tap the razor handle (blade side down) on the sink edge. If any gunk is dislodged, re-rinse.[/li][li]If after completing shave, skin still has rough spots, re-wet skin (hot water) reapply a small amount of shaving cream and re-shave going against the grain[/li][li]Completly rinse the razor before stowing it. Tap on sink edge to make sure all the crap has been cleaned out.[/li][/ol] \*\*\*\*\* There is a huge difference in the performance of shaving creams IMHO. You should experiment with different ones to find the one that works best for you. The best bar none that I have found is [Aramis Maximum comfort shave cream](http://www.classyperfumes.com/022548003084.html?synertech) very spendy, but one jar lasts me about a year. Which makes it price competitive with one $4 shave jel from the supermarket every two months. As in all things, YMMV. ---
**Author:** ![Ethilrist](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/ethilrist/32/4604_2.png) [@Ethilrist](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Ethilrist)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 9:02pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/28 "2004-07-19T21:02:32Z")
> [@Evil One](#): > > I used to look like I shaved with a rusty knife before I discovered the glory that is the Mach III. Here is what works for me. > > 1. Rinse face with the water as hot as you can stand. > > 2. Immediately apply shaving cream while face is still wet and warm. > > 3. Shave in fairly short strokes with the grain first, then against it. > > 4. Rinse blade often during process in fully hot water. > > I have a dark beard, so if I don’t shave against the grain, it looks like I haven’t shaved at all about six hours later. And electric razors have always been a pointless exercise. I’m pretty much the same, except I have very pale skin and look like I haven’t shaved immediately after shaving with a brand-new razor. There’s no stubble, my skin’s perfectly smooth, but you can still see the hairs through my skin. My Mach III blades last two or three shaves. ---
**Author:** ![Arch\_Trout](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/9f8e36/32.png) [@Arch\_Trout](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Arch_Trout)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2004, 11:22pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/29 "2004-07-19T23:22:33Z")
I suffer from the same problem, very sensitive neck when shaving. Ever since I started this routine I’ve had very few problems. Changed razor to Sensor from Mach 3 (for some reason mach 3 didn’t seem to cut as close resulting in me applying too much pressure and hacking at myself). Use a pre-shave face scrub. Use king of shaves for sensitive skin. Keep the hot tap running and rinse razor regularly, shave with short strokes with the grain the against it. Straight after splash face with lukewarm water then cold water and pat face dry. Use a post shave gel (something alcohol free, again I find the King of Shaves range gel is good). And that’s it, my twice weekly shaving ritual. I hate shaving but I find a beard too itchy ☹ ---
**Author:** ![Jake](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/f475e1/32.png) [@Jake](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Jake)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 12:35am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/30 "2004-07-20T00:35:53Z")
> [@x-ray vision](#): > > Are you sure your blades are getting duller after just two shaves? I’ve got a pretty rough beard myself and I get a good two weeks out of mine. I use the Gillette Sensor. The Sensor blades are less bulky (easier to use around curves) than Mach IIIs and cheaper too. > > I once read that blades don’t get dull from shaving off the hair but from impurities in the water. The water evaporates off of the blade when you put you razor away but the impurities stay. They sell a liquid to soak the razor in when you’re done shaving to get rid of these impurities. Maybe that would help. I’ll do a search. > > Years ago I spent $80 on a straight razor and a shrop. I wanted to be Clint Eastwood. I quickly learned that I aint no cowboy. Its real hard to get used to. I learned this from a fellow Doper years ago (I can’t think of his name but THANKS!) I use throw-away razors and get around two weeks out of one razor. The secret? When you are done shaving put the razor (after drying it) into a glass of oil. I use baby oil, the fellow Doper said mineral oil, either one works. When you get ready to shave again, clean as much oil as possible off the razor. (To not to clog the sink.) I think it’s something about keeping the Oxygen away from the metal of the razor. ---
**Author:** ![alterego](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/6bbea6/32.png) [@alterego](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/alterego)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 6:43am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/31 "2004-07-20T06:43:02Z")
> [@Gary T](#): > > Obviously people gathered that the OP was referring to a **straight razor** , not a **straight edge**. A straight edge is a tool used not for cutting, but for measuring or insuring straightness/flatness. Some folks would be quite confused by the misuse of the term. [I knew I wasn’t hallucinating 🙂](http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&ie=UTF-8&q=straight+edge+razor&btnG=Google+Search) ---
**Author:** ![Barbarian](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e19adc/32.png) [@Barbarian](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Barbarian)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 10:49am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/32 "2004-07-20T10:49:19Z")
I use a straight razor regularly-- although I don’t often have the time to do it every day. I am looking for a old-style safety razor tho’. A great resource for men interested in shaving is a yahoo message group called the Straight Razor Place. Lots of old-timers who have used straight razors forever… Among their advice: [ul]Don’t shave first thing in the morning because your face is too puffy. Give it 20 minutes or so. Shower first, or at the very least slap a hot, wet towel on your whiskers to soften them up. Lather properly (personally, I dislike canned shaving cream and use soap and a brush). Rinse your blade in hot water between strokes, and clean your razor (whatever you’re using) afterward. [/ul] Getting a straight razor sharp, and keeping it that way, isn’t actually that difficult, and I find a leather guitar strap is easier to use than a real strop. I find with most razor blades you run into two problems-- but not mineral buildup, never heard of that. The first is hair clogging up the multiple blades, which can sometimes be difficult to get out. The second is the blade edge deforming in the path of the whisker. While it’s not really possible to do a good job of honing this, you can sometimes improve your shave slightly by honing on your thumb-- just stroke the blade towards the edge several times before your shave. It ain’t great, but it’s better than nothing. ---
**Author:** ![START](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/s/2bfe46/32.png) [@START](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/START)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2004, 8:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/33 "2004-07-20T20:40:08Z")
In order to keep a smooth face I use a wooden stick much like a popsicle stick and this cream called magic shave and then I leave the stuff on my face for 7-10 minutes and take it off with the stick leaving me with absolutely no hair on my face and no razor bumps. ---
**Author:** ![Kilt-wearin\_man](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/82dd89/32.png) [@Kilt-wearin\_man](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Kilt-wearin_man)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2004, 3:04pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566/34 "2004-07-21T15:04:50Z")
I use Merkur safety blades - I buy them from [www.excaluburcutlery.com](http://www.excaluburcutlery.com) and they’re just about the only thing I can shave with on a regular basis that won’t turn my throat and chin into hamburger. And Excalibur has great prices on them - cheaper than the crappy Shick blades that are all you can find for a safety razor at the drug store. I don’t remember where I got my actual safety razor- it’s been a few years. I tried disposables, various cartridge razors (these were the days before MachIII’s), and every other option before I went “old fashioned” - even now, I can only use the Merkur blades three or four times before I have to get a fresh one, and i dont’ even shave my whole face. As for a straight razor, well, I considered it once, but that’s not the sort of thing I want to contemplate trying to use when I’m half-asleep… I also use girly shaving gel - apparently, the manufacturers don’t think men need moisturizers in their shaving creams. I get a lot less razor burn with the “Skintimate” stuff in the pastel-colored can. My wife still teases me from time to time about it, but hey, if it keeps me from bleeding all over the place… [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/male-dopers-how-do-you-shave-anyone-use-a-straight-edge/255566.md?page=1)