# Men, let's talk shaving again **URL:** \ **Category:** In My Humble Opinion\ **Created:** [July 16, 2013, 12:07am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613 "2013-07-16T00:07:22Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 6\ **Page:** 4
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2013, 8:39am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613/61 "2013-07-18T08:39:40Z")
> [@tellyworth](#): > > It’s a daily chore, more or less. Why not find a way to enjoy it, or at least make it less irritating? You have, but there’s no reason to think everyone else should find the same tools just as satisfying. I have to admit that I actually enjoy shaving my head. ---
**Author:** ![bump](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7c8e57/32.png) [@bump](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/bump)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2013, 1:42pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613/62 "2013-07-18T13:42:25Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > Help me understand this psychologically because I am truly interested. What is the appeal of exotic shaving strategies? It is fine if the answer is similar to the reasons women get pedicures but I don’t understand the thought process. For me, it started out as a curiosity and cost thing- a double-edged razor and replaceable blades is considerably cheaper in the long run than disposable razors or cartridges, and it seemed pretty retro and cool to bust out the brush and soap to shave with. Then once I’d developed the skill to shave effectively with a DE razor (what you describe using yourself, **Shagnasty** ) it became more of a matter of effectiveness. I found that with my newly developed skill, I could both shave closer and with less trouble than with a multi-blade disposable or cartridge, and still get the benefits of the cheaper blades. Incidentally, the blades also seem to be better(sharper) on the DE razors for some reason. Now it’s just habit- it’s easier and cheaper to buy 100 blades at a whack and store them than even 50 disposables, and I give myself better shaves in the process. I don’t often break out the brush- I use all sorts of creams and foams though- all have their advantages and disadvantages- some are more slippery, some dry my face out, etc… I still use the good old Custom Plus disposables with my little can of Edge or Barbasol on trips though. ---
**Author:** ![Fear\_Itself](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/fear_itself/32/19637_2.png) [@Fear\_Itself](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Fear_Itself)\ **Post date:** [July 18, 2013, 2:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613/63 "2013-07-18T14:00:59Z")
> [@rowrrbazzle](#): > > I’m undecided as to whether I’ll buy a brush and shaving soap or not. I like mug soap because I can run hot water into the mug over the soap and brush while I am preparing, then dump the water and lather the brush so the lather is nice and warm. ---
**Author:** ![erysichthon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d07c76/32.png) [@erysichthon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erysichthon)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2013, 8:03am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613/64 "2013-07-20T08:03:27Z")
I don’t think anyone has mentioned Aveeno shaving gel. It is made from “colloidal oatmeal” (whatever that is) and has no added fragrance. It’s very soothing. I noticed that Aveeno now offers a shaving gel that is specifically for men, but I haven’t tried that yet. I’m surprised that a couple of people upthread mentioned using Barbasol. I’ve tried it a few times, and although the price is right, it’s hardly better than using no shaving cream at all. Barbasol seems very dry to me; it has almost no moisturizing properties. I’ve had several electric shavers, including a couple of expensive high-end models. By far, the best electric shaver I’ve ever used is a Remington battery-powered foil shaver that retails for about $10. It’s hard to find in stores, but Amazon carries it. I use it on days that I just don’t feel like going through the whole wet-shaving process. I’ve also used it while driving (really). ---
**Author:** ![Mister\_Rik](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/mister_rik/32/491_2.png) [@Mister\_Rik](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Mister_Rik)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2013, 10:14am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613/65 "2013-07-20T10:14:39Z")
> [@steveroo](#): > > I’m surprised that a couple of people upthread mentioned using Barbasol. I’ve tried it a few times, and although the price is right, it’s hardly better than using no shaving cream at all. Barbasol seems very dry to me; it has almost no moisturizing properties. FWIW, I do all my face and head shaving in the shower. So I get my scalp and face good and wet under the hot water from the shower head. The Barbasol is just there for lubrication. (No mirror - I do all my shaving by feel.) ---
**Author:** ![erysichthon](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/e/d07c76/32.png) [@erysichthon](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/erysichthon)\ **Post date:** [July 21, 2013, 4:27pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613/66 "2013-07-21T16:27:22Z")
> [@Shagnasty](#): > > What I have learned from being around other men when they are shaving is that the vast majority do not know what they are doing at all. Some of them use expensive razors that they keep in service too long because of the price. Most of them make small, picking strokes and that is completely wrong and an invitation for cuts or abrasion. In the best case, it just takes way too long. I learned to make my average stroke at least 6 - 8" with subtly varied pressure at each millisecond. I can easily shave my entire face and neck in less than 60 seconds with a two-blade disposable razor that I replace once a week and dollar store shaving creme. I do it every day and I even have a mole that I have to be gentle around if I don’t want to bleed for the better part of an hour. You’re assuming that your method would work equally well for every man, and if it doesn’t work for someone, then he must be doing it wrong. Several times I’ve tried just the approach you describe (cheap disposable razors and dollar-store shaving cream) and the result is that my face looks and feels like I stuck it into a blender. I’m not one of those guys who does the “small, picking strokes,” either. I have to shell out a little extra money for good-quality razors and gel if I don’t want to lose a pint of blood every time I shave. I’m not into the exotic stuff (safety razors, shaving mugs and brushes, etc.) but why should I begrudge someone wanting to make a pleasant ritual out of shaving? [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/men-lets-talk-shaving-again/663613.md?page=3)