Finally sick of my lame Gillette twin-atra-whatever and the rising price of its replacement blades, I’d like to switch over to a classic shaving kit: safety razor, blades, brush, mug, soap.
What’s your favorite? I know about classicshaving.com, but there’s an awful lot to choose from there. I’d like to keep it economical and in keeping with my rather minimalist lifestyle, but also want to make sure the quality will last me awhile.
Thanks in advance,
E.
After having tried a few options, I like:
A Gillette Slim adjustable double edge razor: 35$ Paying extra for the adjustable feature is worth it. It allows you to change the angle of the blade; when you need safety more than sharpness (e.g.: tricky spots), you can get it and vice versa (flat surfaces where you’re unlikely to cut yourself).
Astra blades, either stainless or platinum: On Ebay, 15 to 25 cents each, depending on how many you buy. 1 blade lasts 1-2 weeks at 5 face shaves and 1 head shave a week.
Frank shaving badger hair brush: Good but I usually notice 1 or 2 hairs leaving the brush everytime I shave. I don’t know if it will stop but there are plenty of hairs left. 40$ on ebay.
Shaving soap: Either Tabac shaving soap or Taylor of old bond street. 1 puck is 10-20$. It seems that 1 puck can be expected to last 6 months to a year.
I don’t use a mug. I just wet the brush, brush it over the soap until I get the right froth and then apply it to my face/head, building up even more froth.
http://www.traditionalshaving.co.uk/mall/departmentpage.cfm/traditionalshaving/_268144/2/Taylor-of-Old-Bond-Street
Check out:
Tons of info to be had on those forums. In a nutshell - your mileage may vary (YMMV). Every face is different and what works well for one doesn’t necessarily work well for others. You’'l find that the folks on those forums try all sorts of different razors, blades, brushes, soaps, creams, etc.
Used safety razors can be had inexpensively if you have the time/energy to check out garage/estate sales. And they can be bought from ebay as well.
A new Gillette Ball-End Tech razor can be had for $8 and there are boar brushes and soaps at some retailers for $10.
I second the Badger & Blade recommendation. They’re a better crowd over there than Classic Shaving, I think.
Anyway, I’d start with one of the fixed Merkur razors- like a 33C or 34C and learn how to use a double-edge razor, before fiddling around with an adjustable. Otherwise you run the risk of not being able to tell if your problem is your razor adjustment, or deficiencies in your technique.
Brush is really up to you; if you don’t want to go the (rather expensive, IMO) badger hair route, the Italian firm Omega makes terrific boar bristle brushes that are highly regarded in the wet-shaving community. Definitely stay away from those drugstore stinkers; they shed hairs, are way too stiff, and generally detract from the experience.
I might also consider starting with a good cream, like Proraso to learn how to make a lather, without having to fiddle with all the trouble of soap and a scuttle. All you’ll need is a good small bowl to use a cream.
Finally, there’s a guy on Youtube whose name I forget who has a bunch of videos on how to do it; he posts on B&B all the time, and they probably have a sticky topic to his videos somewhere. I highly recommend looking at his stuff.
I like the Art of Shaving’s stuff but I’ve never been able to afford a complete kit.
Mantic59 is likely who you mean. The guy can really shave.
That’s the guy! It was on the tip of my tongue (or fingers) the other day.