I’m sure somewhere this has been discussed, but maybe not quite in this fashion so bear w/ me. I’m finally getting sick of having a bad shave. I have been an electric razor user since I started shaving about eight years ago. I have a fairly thick beard which means I have to shave at least once a day. Everything is fine except for the dreaded neck area. I work it for like five minutes and usually by the time I’m done I have red marks everywhere. Also, I get quite a few ingrown hairs. So I was wondering…should I switch to a regular straight edge razor? Will this give me a closer, cleaner, and less irritating shave? Should I switch electric razors? I currently use a Norelco Advantage which I thought was one of the best. If I go to a straight edge, is there a superior shaving cream? So many questions…my neck is counting on you. Thanks.
I’ve got a fast-growing beard myself, but fortunately I work in a casual office environment. I only shave once every five to eight days, or so.
I use a straight edge (Gilette Mach 3) and some Gilette gel with aloe. I don’t have any brand loyalty to the shaving gel/cream, but I make sure I get something that’ll keep the skin soft, since my neck gets nicked to hell and back if I’m not careful.
Smooth as a baby’s bottom, I am. (Which, I suppose, means I’m either asinine or infantile.)
If it takes you five minutes to shave with a goddam electric razor I’d say, yeah, switch to a blade. With all the time you save you could finish ANNA KARENINA in about six months.
It never takes me more than three minutes to shave with my safety razor, and I muck around for two-thirds of that time with a brush and a mug and a cake of Burma-Shave. If I went back to an aerosol gel I’d probably clock in at under 90 seconds.
I always used an electric too, until one time I went back to college and forgot my electric razor. I’m the kind of guy that would end up just growing a beard in this situation, but I ended up buying a can of shaving cream and borrowing a disposable razor from my roommate.
Then, while reading a thread on this very SDMB, someone made a statement to the effect that they had heard that using an electric razor breaks down a layer of the skin over time, making your face look “mushy” after many years of use. That sealed it. I’m a blade user now. I like it better because I don’t have to do it as often, it doesn’t hurt as much, and it’s more fun.
I kinda want to start using a straight razor because it would be cool.
Oh, my! When I first read this I though you said you could finish ANNA KOURNICOVA in six months!
For the record, I have a recent Norelco model electric razor that does fairly well. As long as I get in a good regular shave in about once a week, the neck hairs don’t behave to badly.
I use an electric, and I’m one of those “close to 5 minutes” guys Ike was talking about. I’ve BEEN shaved with a safety razor, and that was much smoother (not to mention exciting - ever had your gf shave you?).
I have a problem with needles and razors, so I figure it’s one of those things that would be better, and everyone else can do, but I’d break something or kill myself if I tried it. Much like driving stick.
I used a Norelco for many years and got decent results.
That said, a razor is the only way to fly. The closeness of shave just doesn’t happen any other way.
A couple of tips for you;
When shaving your neck with an electric razor, if you want to avoid barber’s itch, shave over one area then move on and let that area of your neck “cool” off before going over it again. Come back and take another pass after a couple of swipes elsewhere. This allows the skin to recover from the abrasion a bit better. Clean your electric razor regularly, this really improves its performance. You may want to check into a “lube” lotion to use before shaving. If your razor is a couple of years old, consider getting a new set of blades. They do not cost a lot and really improve the overall performance.
As to straight razors;
One of the very best bits of advice that I ever got from a barber was to rinse my razor in cold water instead of hot. Try to imagine the irritant factor of dragging hot sharp steel across your face and it becomes clear. Yes, hot water cuts soap scum off of your razor quicker, but a cold blade is much less annoying to your skin.
When shaving your neck with a razor, avoid any rash by taking short strokes (~1") and distributing them all around instead of trying to mow off a big swath with each stroke. You get less pull on the blade and your skin. This translates into a smoother shave.
People with slow growing beards may want to consider shaving just before bed. Most people sleep with their face in contact with the pillow. The pressure on the cheeks causes the skin to get slightly puffy. This in turn makes it so that if you are shaving just after you wake up, your facial hair is not protruding fully and you will not get a close shave. By the end of the day, your beard is fully extended and your skin is tight, the best combination for a shave.
When shaving with a razor in the morning, the same applies. Always shave after you shower so that the water can soften your beard. It is also recommended to work the lather into your beard with almost massage-like rubbing. Start shaving your cheeks and save the chin, neck and upper lip for last so that your beard can soften up as much as possible. All of these techniques really reduced the amount of irritation, rash and ingrown hairs I used to suffer.
On a final note, I’ve never understood why guys get tweaked because their girlfriend shaves her legs with their razor. The way I see it, my face is going to end up there anyway, what’s wrong with my razor going there first?
Go for the straight razor. Nothing compares. My only problem is shaving right under my nose; I have to do that first, with the blade as sharp as I can get it.
My razor comes from germany, and is made by a company with an unpronouncable name. Sorry.
On preview, I notice that Zenster got all of the high points of shaving with a straight razor. The bit about using cold water is especially important.
Well, having shaved two or three times in the last thirty years, I suppose I am somewhat of an expert on razors. :rolleyes:
The thing you are calling a straight razor is a “safety razor” and in all likelihood a disposable safety razor at that. A straight razor is the one that has the naked four-inch blade and the leather strop that you always see Wyatt Earp having used on him in the movies.
That’s the one I used when I did shave regularly. It was a youthful affectation, but I really did like the shave I got from it. However, it is a slow and cautious process that I cannot recommend for anyone living a time managed lifestyle.
The lubricated disposable blade safety razor is a great invention. Try a few types, and a few different types of lather, gel, soap, or such. Shower first, then shave. Do it in the shower. Lots of hot water. I find a good hand/skin lotion or baby oil better than a soap based shaving foam. You do what works best for you. Technology has given you lots of choices.
One thing, don’t cheap out on the disposable part. Throw that sucker in the trash at the first little tug on the skin. Indulge yourself in this. I don’t support planned obsolescence in many areas, but it sure makes sense in the case of dragging a sharp edged implement across your throat on a daily basis. Well, as much sense as such a thing as ritual pseudo-suicide can have.
Ever consider growing a beard?
Tris
Many times, I just haven’t had the courage to do so yet. I can’t make that change. I’ve heard enough here though to convince me to try out a safety razor though. Hopefully I can try tonight and then report back although I’m sure it’ll take a few tries to get it right. Wish me luck and thanks for all the good advice.
Actually, Tris, looking back, it seems to me that TheNerd and I said “safety razor,” Tzel said “disposable razor,” and Zenster and bashere said “straight razor,” and that we all said pretty much what we meant.
As you say, a straight razor is a naked blade that usually folds into a handle, a la SWEENEY TODD. You sharpen these.
A safety razor is a double-edged blade enclosed in a “head” attached to a handle. When the edges dull, you pop the used blade out and insert a new one.
A disposable razor is a single-edged blade (or pair of them) enclosed in a one-piece head-and-handle, and you throw the whole thing in the trash after you’ve used it enough to dull the blade.
By straight razor I meant any blade with an exposed edge safety or otherwise.
I’ll second Tris about disposable safety razors, don’t even go there.
The rotters pull like an Alaskan sled dog!
I believe it’s no so much as where it’s been, as what’s happened to the blade since the last time you used it. Cecil discussed this.
On the OP, I use a double balded disposable with one of those lotion strips and have never had a problem. Also, ever since I shaved in the shower once about 10 years ago, I have never gone back. It seems to get much closer than even shaving right out of the shower.
(DISCLAIMER: Gazoo does not in any manner have what could even be remotely considered a thick beard. I couldn’t grow a real beard if I wanted to. Good thing I’ve never really wanted to.)
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Man… is it just me or is that a great quote? Someone should make a page of great quotes from the board.
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I’ve been using the Advantage as well and have the same problem with the neck. It was all red and pained yesterday. I guess I spend too long in the same spot. I’m going to try not going over the same spot too much and see how it works.
Luckily I also work in a casual environment, so I shave once a week on Mondays.
As someone with a relatively heavy beard who also works in a business-casual office environment, I use a blade every day.
For me, electric shavers tend to either not cut the hairs effectively or cut about half well, and pull the remainder out by the roots. To top it off, I always feel like I’ve been using a tiny belt-sander on my face afterward.
Zenster nailed down the technique so well that I don’t have anything to add- except the obvious comment that you should always go in the direction that the hair grows, not the other way around. That’s asking for razor burn & ingrown hairs.
Personally, I’m a big fan of the Gilette Sensor Excel with shaving gel(whatever kind’s on sale).
I still the prefer a Gilette double edge Dad gave me nearly 40 years ago when he went electric.
I “only” shave cheeks and neck, but those were always my most tender areas anyway. Shave right after showering when the beard and skin are soft, and there’s no need for shaving cream mess.
I used to use a Philips electric (UK brand equivalent to your Norelco), and my face used to feel like it was on fire afterwards. It put deep scratches into my face, so I tossed it into the trash a month after buying it. I also tried a Remington, and that was just as bad. Both were expensive, neither gave the close, comfortable shave they promised.
Now, I think a wet razor is the only way to go. The one I like best is the Gillette Sensor Excel, as it doesn’t tug on my stubble or irritate my skin. I foam the gel up in my hand, then work it into my stubble with a shaving brush. And it really does make a difference if you shave in the shower.
I might add that I’ve never once cut myself by shaving with a razor - I did with an electric razor, though. Go figure!
Straight razor. And not for the reason that any of you might think.
I couldn’t grow a decent beard to save my life. I use an electric razor, but I’d probably do just as well putting milk on my face and letting the cat lick it off.
I switched to safety razors around 8 years ago, when my electric went kaput and I couldn’t afford a new one. Once I got used to the technique, I found safety razors to be far superior; in fact,I now only have to shave every 2nd day. My own personal choices are the Wilkinson’s twin blade, with Barbasol aloe cream.