Safety Razors

il gatto

In Tesco last night and I picked up a bowl of Wilkinson Sword Shaving Soap. Probably not as good as the stuff I normally use, but it smells nice and at €1.99 who cares? Will try it later. Had WS bristle brushes as well.

Gran Hermano

I've 4 parcels at home that were delivered this afternoon, I know one
is from Vintage Scent and another is from Shaving Shack but have no
idea what the other two are. Think I've learnt my leason about looking
at this thread and B&B after the pub!

il gatto

Just had my first shave with the Gillette Slim Adjustable ('66) which arrived earlier in the post. Doused it in some Boots pre electric shave stuff which was lying around (mainly alcohol), rinsed it a couple of times in hot water. Vendor said it was all disinfected and cleaned and it turned up spotless, but nevertheless.

For the sake of comparison, I used a new Derby blade and my current go to soap, D.R. Harris' Arlington. No point risking a Feather or using some soap/cream I've never tried before.

First thing I noticed was the size. Much smaller, shorter and a bit lighter than the Futur (most are I suppose:)). Liked the butterfly top. Very handy. Adjustment ring makes a nice click when turned. Set it to 3 as a starting point. Probably turn it to 4-5 tomorrow.

It felt a bit like a travel razor after the Futur. Very maneuverable and easy to get under the nose with. Felt I need a bit more force to shave. The Futur isolates you a little from the job. The Slim lets you feel exactly what your at. Neither a plus nor a minus, just different.
Did a second pass and found it milder than the Futur at this point. Maybe it's just the way it was set.

Overall I'm very happy with it. The size will take some getting used to, but it's a great looker (imo), a nice piece of grooming history and delivered a great shave. Not bad for about $33 odd. Highly recommend one to anyone looking for an oldie.:cool:

Gran Hermano

Il gatto, sounds like you need to pick up a Fatboy for comparison.
I prefer them to the Slims - weight and balance wise.

I had a quick look through my latest batch of shaving gear last night and thought I'd give some quick thoughts.

444 AS balm, great stuff and a nice cooling effect. I added it to my normal non-scented balm.

Merkur 39c - This is a beast and the slant head makes it look even more dangerous. It's the newer long handled and heavy version of the Merkur
slant and I really like the weight/balance/length of it. So much so I think
I'll have to pick up a 38c which has the same handle but a 'normal' Merkur
head. If anyone likes the weight of the Futur or Vision then the 38c or
39c is probably a good bet. Unfortunately didn't get a chance to use
it as a hectic day in work today means I couldn't risk any chunks missing
from my first slant shave, roll on tonight!

Floid AS: I think I'm going to have to get used to the smell!

Semogue 2015 HD brush. Gave it it's first spin last night so will hold off my full thoughts until it's broken in a bit more but so far I'm impressed. Beautifully made with great hair and lathers up great. For €40 it's a bargain and I really like the Portuguese oak handle.

Amalgam

Cabaal wrote: »

As such I now have one tube of wars never used remaining if anyone wants it, (it normally costs about 2-3e but I'll give it away for free)
PM me your address and I'll send it out to you

Cheers Cabaal, the WARS arrived today, the duck says thank you..

Jip

Fajitas! wrote: »

and a cheap enough looking shaving brush, didn't catch the name apart from it had an FHM award sticker on it.

I think that's the Men-U brush, http://www.men-uusa.com/ . The range is actually supposed to be quite decent.

Bought myelf this the other day http://www.4men.ie/index.php?sid=5f065217b4b4f54e11834a8fab785ed9&cl=details&anid=PO04&listtype=search&searchcnid=be34356d451c8a8d8.39830129&searchvendor=be34356cef5210041.52109767 Proraso Shave Cut Bloodstop & Healing Gel. I usually don't cut myself very often but when I do it tends to be after I change blades and running out the door in a nice clean shirt so I thought I'd give it a try. It's interesting to say the least. Last night I got a little knick so gave it a try, it's like getting a local anaesthetic as it numbs the area. It stops the blood although it does leave a white residue where you applied it, you only need a tiny tiny bit. Better than having a tiny blood mark but make sure you wipe it off before you head off otherwise you'll look like you have a dirty face,
Anyone else try it ?

Cabaal

Amalgam wrote: »

Cheers Cabaal, the WARS arrived today, the duck says thank you..

No problem
I *might* have some Lider up for grabs in the future if my current run with the new stuff goes well I won't be using Lider again

Gran Hermano

I've the Proraso cut gel and after I scalped myself shaving my head with a
DE last week (forgot I had a green Gillette 7 o'clock and not a dull blade in)
it worked a treat. I shave last thing at night so normally take my time
and avoid any nicks but the Proraso gel was pretty effective stopping the
blood. As you said it does leave a white residue and you only need a small
dab.

il gatto

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Il gatto, sounds like you need to pick up a Fatboy for comparison.
I prefer them to the Slims - weight and balance wise.

I had a quick look through my latest batch of shaving gear last night and thought I'd give some quick thoughts.

444 AS balm, great stuff and a nice cooling effect. I added it to my normal non-scented balm.

Merkur 39c - This is a beast and the slant head makes it look even more dangerous. It's the newer long handled and heavy version of the Merkur
slant and I really like the weight/balance/length of it. So much so I think
I'll have to pick up a 38c which has the same handle but a 'normal' Merkur
head. If anyone likes the weight of the Futur or Vision then the 38c or
39c is probably a good bet. Unfortunately didn't get a chance to use
it as a hectic day in work today means I couldn't risk any chunks missing
from my first slant shave, roll on tonight!

Floid AS: I think I'm going to have to get used to the smell!

Semogue 2015 HD brush. Gave it it's first spin last night so will hold off my full thoughts until it's broken in a bit more but so far I'm impressed. Beautifully made with great hair and lathers up great. For €40 it's a bargain and I really like the Portuguese oak handle.

Which Floid is it? I have the Italian original (orange coloured with a cartoon of a guy getting a shave). It's less menthol than the Spanish (orange in a flat bottle) or vigoroso Italian (Blue I think).
The Italian Floid is a mildly mentholy smell which drys down to a very powdery scent. Mainly antiseptic and burns a bit. Not much in the way of moisturising. Works well though, and the smell grows on you.

il gatto

Gran Hermano wrote: »

I've the Proraso cut gel and after I scalped myself shaving my head with a
DE last week (forgot I had a green Gillette 7 o'clock and not a dull blade in)
it worked a treat. I shave last thing at night so normally take my time
and avoid any nicks but the Proraso gel was pretty effective stopping the
blood. As you said it does leave a white residue and you only need a small
dab.

When the alum block doesn't work, I use the Proraso gel (rarely). Works great. Some people even use it on small cuts instead of a plaster.You can normally peel it off after a few minutes as it leaves a whitish "scab" when it drys.

Gran Hermano

il gatto wrote: »

Which Floid is it? I have the Italian original (orange coloured with a cartoon of a guy getting a shave). It's less menthol than the Spanish (orange in a flat bottle) or vigoroso Italian (Blue I think).
The Italian Floid is a mildly mentholy smell which drys down to a very powdery scent. Mainly antiseptic and burns a bit. Not much in the way of moisturising. Works well though, and the smell grows on you.

The one I ordered is the Spanish 'Mentolado Suave' version, just got to
get used to the powder smell as opposed to the normal spice.

waraf

sendic wrote: »

thanks for the offer man, most generous. I'll give it a few days, if there's anyone who hasn't tried them and would like to maybe they should pm you. Otherwise i'd be very happy to take them off your hands. Cheers

ok I'm chucking these four packs of Israeli mades blades out tomorrow if no one wants them. Space in my bathroom cabinet is at a premium

Amalgam

Are they actually IP's?

The IP's I have 'skip' occasionally during shaving, which drives me mad, only blade to do that.

Leave me prickly red too, there has to be a coating which doesn't agree with me.

Amalgam

Here.. send me a pack of your IP's, I'll send you a pack of mine. You'll have an extra chance to moan next week.. :pac:

waraf

Amalgam wrote: »

Are they actually IP's?

The IP's I have 'skip' occasionally during shaving, which drives me mad, only blade to do that.

Leave me prickly red too, there has to be a coating which doesn't agree with me.

They're the Israeli blades that shaving shack give out as free gifts with oders over a certain amount. PM me your address and I'll put them in the post tomorrow

tinner777

quick question lads,
do you use pre shave cream/oil and then soap? Or just pre shave? Using a parker 79 with omega soap. Every now and then get really bad burn, so am thinking of an upgrade, is there a code for discount at the shaving shack?
thanks

il gatto

tinner777 wrote: »

quick question lads,
do you use pre shave cream/oil and then soap? Or just pre shave? Using a parker 79 with omega soap. Every now and then get really bad burn, so am thinking of an upgrade, is there a code for discount at the shaving shack?
thanks

Only pre-shave I ever used was Proraso Pre/post, and to be honest, I didn't think it made much difference. Loads of hot water is my pre-shave:) What blades are you using? Can make a huge difference. I use Derbys and Feathers at the moment. A good splashing with cold water and then some A/S, either alcoholbased like Speik or Proraso Splash, or a balm like Nivea or Trumper's Skin Food. Works like a charm (for me anyway. Everyone's different).

tinner777

il gatto wrote: »

Only pre-shave I ever used was Proraso Pre/post, and to be honest, I didn't think it made much difference. Loads of hot water is my pre-shave:) What blades are you using? Can make a huge difference. I use Derbys and Feathers at the moment. A good splashing with cold water and then some A/S, either alcoholbased like Speik or Proraso Splash, or a balm like Nivea or Trumper's Skin Food. Works like a charm (for me anyway. Everyone's different).

using derbys at the mo but will give the feathers a go. Would the skin food stop bleeding, not a nic, the razor burn?

waraf

tinner777 wrote: »

quick question lads,
do you use pre shave cream/oil and then soap? Or just pre shave? Using a parker 79 with omega soap. Every now and then get really bad burn, so am thinking of an upgrade, is there a code for discount at the shaving shack?
thanks

Yeah I use it the odd time but to be honest I get the same results if I wet my face, apply a quick lather and then soak a face cloth in very hot water and hold that on my face for 30 seconds and then repeat.
Then lather & shave as normal

il gatto

tinner777 wrote: »

using derbys at the mo but will give the feathers a go. Would the skin food stop bleeding, not a nic, the razor burn?

Probably not help that much. You should try an alum block. After you've rinsed and splashed cold water on, wet an alum block and rub it over your face. Concentrate on the sore/bloody bits. It'll sting a bit. Leave it there for a minute or two, then rinse again with cold water and apply some sort of balm (such as the skin food). That usually gets rid of the little weeping patches and even though it feels like rubbing a nettle on your face, after the cold water and a balm, it seems to help with razor burn too. Connaught Shaving sell them. They're all the same, so no point paying over the odds for a Trumpers or whatever.

Amalgam

waraf wrote: »

They're the Israeli blades that shaving shack give out as free gifts with oders over a certain amount. PM me your address and I'll put them in the post tomorrow

Many thanks Waraf, I'll pass a pack or 3 to a nearby neighbour. Keep 1 for myself.

axer

il gatto wrote: »

Only pre-shave I ever used was Proraso Pre/post, and to be honest, I didn't think it made much difference. Loads of hot water is my pre-shave:) What blades are you using? Can make a huge difference. I use Derbys and Feathers at the moment. A good splashing with cold water and then some A/S, either alcoholbased like Speik or Proraso Splash, or a balm like Nivea or Trumper's Skin Food. Works like a charm (for me anyway. Everyone's different).

I find the proraso pre shave cream good. I put it on at the start of the shower (after washing my face) and I leave it there until I am about to put on the lather (rising off before the lather application).

waraf

Amalgam wrote: »

Many thanks Waraf, I'll pass a pack or 3 to a nearby neighbour. Keep 1 for myself.

No bother

StealthRolex

il gatto wrote: »

Probably not help that much. You should try an alum block. <judicious schnip> Connaught Shaving sell them. They're all the same, so no point paying over the odds for a Trumpers or whatever.

There is a huge price difference but there is also a difference in quality between Trumpers and other alum block. For one it is smoother and a less fragile piece of mineral. Having said that I got one with a order of creams from Trumpers and it broke as soon as I took it out of the box. Sent them pictures and a replacement was in the post the next day. This one has yet to break and I keep the remaining lump from the broken one for travel.

But, as Il Gatto says the price is over the odds a bit and whether it is worth it is a matter of opinion.

If you want the same thing on the cheap check out Boots and other "health" oriented shops - look for the deodorant crystal.

There are two versions:
- ammonium aluminium sulfate - this one is most popular for deodorant use but you do not want it as it stings like a bugger

- potassium aluminium sulfate - this is the one you want. It will be either loose or in a push up plastic case.

As a bonus the potash alum block works as a deodorant too and is much gentler on shaved skin - great if you're into underarm shaving

il gatto

I suppose I was being a bit dismissive. I'd stay away from the supercheap alum blocks, but there's a happy medium between those and the high priced. The Bloc Osma is about €8 and is very good. I've made little impression on it in the last year. I would never suggest anyone shouldn't buy the best they can afford, but an alum block is an aquired taste, and I think about twice as many people who've tried them, hate them, as opposed to those who like them. Maybe as well not to spend too much when you may hate it.

Works as a deodorant, but when it is "overcome" for want of a better word, there's no backup scent so you will smell sweat in a way a normal deodorant would cover up. Only a problem in hot weather and during strenous activity:D

Gran Hermano

Short article in last Saturday's English Times on Safety razors.

http://www.timesonline.co.uk/tol/life_and_style/men/article6265541.ece

The underground world of the shavegeek

Thousands of men discuss the minutiae of removing hair from their chins

Luke Leitch

Shaving: use an electric if you can live with stubble and prefer an easy life, otherwise go for a multi-blade disposable. How complicated can it be? Very, it turns out.
Away from the mass-market shaving arms race between Gillette and its multi-blade rivals exists the underground world of the shavegeek. At online forums such as badgerandblade.com, shavemyface.com and theshaveden.com, thousands of men are discussing the minutiae of removing the hair from their chins with the same porny vigour that Top Gear’s Smashie, Nicey and Shortie shake their jowls in praise of torque and horsepower.
And although the shavegeeks are taking their typically male fetishising a bit far, they have a point: old-school double edge (DE) razors are wonderful things. This is equipment every man used in the first half of the 20th century: you pop the fearsome-looking little blades into your flash, probably metal, razor and go from there. For my debut DE, for three reasons I chose a Chatsworth by Edwin Jagger: it’s beautiful, it’s from a family-run Sheffield company, and the authoritative chap on shaveblog.com says it’s like “driving my wife’s Lexus”, ie, good for a beginner in need of a comfortable ride. The first time, I was a little scared; now, I’m converted.
Edwin Jagger DE razors begin at £20 from www.theenglishshavingcompany.com and, I venture, would make a revelatory present for any man for whom choosing gifts is difficult. They will also save him a significant chunk of cash – as will be explained at a later date.

StealthRolex

Amalgam wrote: »

Vintage Blades LLC seem to have reductions on Shavemac brushes until June 2009 or when stock runs out, whichever happens first..

I'm not sure if the prices are competitive once P&P is included, but it looks attractive.

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/home.php?cat=148

---

To highlight an example, this seems to be a steal compared to buying it from the Shavemac website:

Shavemac 177, Handmade, Silvertip Badger - 25 mm - Faux Ivory

http://www.vintagebladesllc.com/vshop/xcart/product.php?productid=688&cat=194&page=1

---

Just a heads up, I'd happily chip in on an order if someone has an idea to buy.. I think orders over $100 have reduced P&P.

Apologies for the delay in posting back on this. Great idea but no go at the moment - here's their response to my enquiry:-


Thank you for contacting us, and for your interest in our company. Unfortunately, we are not in a position to help you, since we have limited our “service area” to the United States. We are a small, two person shop that utilizes UPS exclusively. Our rural location precludes the routine use of the US Postal Service. Unfortunately, we have not found a cost effective (for you) nor time efficient (for us) way to handle overseas orders. I am sorry that we cannot meet your needs.



However, might I direct you to our friends on the west coast at ClassicShaving.com. They ship worldwide and should offer what you are looking for. Let them know we sent you. )



Thank you again for your consideration. Perhaps in the future, we will find a more flexible shipping solution.



Take care.



Erin C. Childs

Vice President, Operations

Vintage Blades LLC

www.vintagebladesllc.com

(410) 357-8055

Gran Hermano

I seriously recommend the Semogue brushes for sale on Vintagescent.com.
I picked up one of the silvertip brushes
and at €40 plus shipping (which was pretty well priced and fast)
I think they are a bargain. I also ordered one of their boar
brushes as a present and it looked great for the price.

Amalgam

Cheers StealthRolex, the dreaded CONUS ONLY.

Just a thought.. should there be a dedicated shaving brush thread in this forum?

waraf

StealthRolex wrote: »

....We are a small, two person shop....

Erin C. Childs

Vice President, Operations

Ya gotta love the yanks with their job titles :D