Safety Razors

MediaTank

Speaking of Marc, his recent video is really good for those on a budget http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-qSIP6uQ3EI

Amalgam

I'm in a house where the extra shaving gear isn't 'appreciated', out in the open.. I was toying with the idea of a DE 'bonnet', something like.. (don't laugh down the back) a porcelain cover you'd use for butter. I had this dream where you could buy a left side razor 'bonnet', a right side bonnet and one where the razor is dropped in from above. Basically an 'alcove' made out of pottery/porcelain. The branding would be 3 discreet drainage holes up at the head of the razor, with a stilton blue coloured ring around each.

Overeating just before bed gives you some mad dreams..

MediaTank

Amalgam wrote: »

I'm in a house where the extra shaving gear isn't 'appreciated', out in the open.. I was toying with the idea of a DE 'bonnet', something like.. (don't laugh down the back) a porcelain cover you'd use for butter. I had this dream where you could buy a left side razor 'bonnet', a right side bonnet and one where the razor is dropped in from above. Basically an 'alcove' made out of pottery/porcelain. The branding would be 3 discreet drainage holes up at the head of the razor, with a stilton blue coloured ring around each.

Overeating just before bed gives you some mad dreams..

Seek help quick :D

Amalgam

It would probably sell, albeit a niche market. I have a relative that can glaze\cure (I don't know what the proper term is..) pottery etc, having said that, If I approached her with the above idea, she'd think I'd been at the carpet glue..

MediaTank, Mantic is using a Weishi in the video you linked to.. some of their models look vaguely like a Gillette Slim, cheap as chips, less than twenty dollars. I might get one for the heck of it.



I forgot to add, the Weishi razors are meant to be quite forgiving for people starting out on the DE Safety path.

MediaTank

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Looking around the various shaving fora, it looks like a toothbrush holder
is ideal for using as a razor holder. I'm planning on checking out the
likes of Home Store & More for a toothbrush holder that will hold a couple
of razors (I have my Futur already and I also have a Progress in the post
and due today).

I like Mantic59's tap shaped holder
http://mantic59.blogspot.com/2008/03/that-cool-razor-stand.html

As for the brush, I use a separate brush stand.

Toothbrush holder is great for one razor. When you get bitten by the bug a spice rack is useful to store your razor and brush collection

MediaTank

Amalgam wrote: »

MediaTank, Mantic is using a Weishi in the video you linked to.. some of their models look vaguely like a Gillette Slim, cheap as chips, less than twenty dollars. I might get one for the heck of it.

I forgot to add, the Weishi razors are meant to be quite forgiving for people starting out on the DE Safety path.

The full list is Van Der Hagen shave soap, Emsplace pure badget brush, Weishi razor, Derby blade.

I haven't tried the soap, looks to give a nice lather.

Amalgam

Dord, another link for the Where to buy.. I haven't used them, but the site is UK based and there seems to be a varied selection, both modern and vintage.

http://www.safetyrazors.co.uk/shop/pc/home.asp

Star Lord

A bit OT, but as there doesn't seem to be an OT thread here... thought you guys might like this toon:

Amalgam

Bob's Razor Works

https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles

More Merkur Progress mutations.. I like the wood and nickel plating. You get the whole stem to replace yourself. $30. Not too shabby.





It's a pity the site uses a God awful Picasa slideshow.

Some vintage razors and unique handles for sale, with or without shaving heads.

Gran Hermano

Nice find and I've just mailed Bob for a quote including shipping.
I used my new Progress yesterday and found it a lot different to the
Futur. Whilst using it I couldn't help thinking the plastic knob ruins the
design.

Amalgam

Gran Hermano wrote: »

I used my new Progress yesterday and found it a lot different to the
Futur.

Better or worse? The Futur can be scary if you're starting out, as I am.. The head has a lot of space in it and the blade looks more 'out there' than it really is, fun.

[inner thoughts]Urge to dig out Futur for tomorrow.[/inner thoughts]

---

Working my way through a pack of Gillette 'slide out' blades, they're covered in oil and smell. Strangely, they move in the Merkur HD, there seems to be an extra pair of hexagons for placing in alternate razors. You just have to drop them in gingerly and hope for the best when screwing the head back on.

MediaTank

Amalgam wrote: »

Better or worse? The Futur can be scary if you're starting out, as I am.. The head has a lot of space in it and the blade looks more 'out there' than it really is, fun.

Yip, and the snap on mechanism doesn't help either. It's very agressive above setting 2.

MT

MediaTank

Amalgam wrote: »

Bob's Razor Works

https://sites.google.com/site/bobsrazorworks/razor-handles

He also has very nice looking vintage Gillette Slims and Fatboys for sell. Amalgam you need a Fatboy.

MT

Amalgam

I don't know.. If I had had the chance, I would have bought that mint Aristocrat on B&B a few days back, $195.. The box had superficial damage. Razor unused, more or less. I'm glad I don't have Paypal.

Just to say, the link I posted, some very very nice shaving brushes, pity most are sold.

I'd happily snap up a Rocket or Super Speed in good shape, or maybe a Gillette 'New', the brass(?) ones look like they should be in a Wagnerian Opera.

MediaTank

Amalgam wrote: »

I don't know.. If I had had the chance, I would have bought that mint Aristocrat on B&B a few days back, $195.. The box had superficial damage. Razor unused, more or less. I'm glad I don't have Paypal.

The Aristocrats were made in England, and as of the time they were made, are not as good quality as the US made Gillettes. They do look nice though

Gran Hermano

The Futur helped me understand why certain razors are labelled aggressive; combine a Futur set to 2.5, a fresh blade and an alum block
and you'll understand why my face felt like I'd dipped it in acid :eek:

I was curious as to why the Futur got such mixed press so I ordered the
Progress for comparison. Both shave equally well - neither have caused
me to use the styptic pencil i have - but the Progress is much lighter,
manoeuvrable and 'forgiving'.

Still too early to say which I'll use more, but I have a feeling I'll not only
rotate between the two but end up ordering a few more in the near future
to see how they differ.


Bob just replied to my earlier mail, USD35 in total inc shipping to Ireland
for the nickel Progress knob. Any money I've saved on cartridge razors is well lost on my DE purchases at this stage.

Amalgam

MediaTank wrote: »

The Aristocrats were made in England, and as of the time they were made, are not as good quality as the US made Gillettes. They do look nice though

Here's a picture of that particular sale.



Tempting huh..

Gran Hermano wrote: »

Bob just replied to my earlier mail, USD35 in total inc shipping to Ireland
for the nickel Progress knob. Any money I've saved on cartridge razors is well lost on my DE purchases at this stage.

Including P&P, that's not bad, for Europe. The Mergress is nice, but I rather like how this modification still maintains some of the plastic piece's 'chunkyness'.

MediaTank

Gran Hermano wrote: »

The Futur helped me understand why certain razors are labelled aggressive; combine a Futur set to 2.5, a fresh blade and an alum block
and you'll understand why my face felt like I'd dipped it in acid :eek:

I was curious as to why the Futur got such mixed press so I ordered the
Progress for comparison. Both shave equally well - neither have caused
me to use the styptic pencil i have - but the Progress is much lighter,
manoeuvrable and 'forgiving'.

Do you use the same type blade in both? I found the Futur OK with a Merkur blade but hell on earth with a Feather in it. Because of the blade gap with this razor I never set it above 1 no matter what blade I'm using.

Star Lord

Have just done my first DE shave! :cool:

Watched some of Mantics vids on youtube, and followed his advice (mainly from the "leap into single blade shaving" one) so just did two passes, both straight down.

Have to say, I'm already a convert!

Not a single nick or cut, despite the fact that I was using ... erm ... cheaper equipment!
I was in Boots earlier and saw the "Men U" "pure bristle" brush and little tube of shaving cream, and it inspired me, so went looking for the other bits and pieces. Got a Wilkinson Sword "Classic" razor with WS Classic blades, and a "Real Shaving Co. Ultimate Shaving Kit" pack of 4 50ml tubes, "Hot Towel Mask", Face Scrub, Shaving Cream, and Soothing Balm.

Started with the "Hot Towel Mask". You put a bit of this onto your palm, and rub your hands together and feel the cream start to get hot! Massage this into your wet face, and leave for 5 minutes, then wash it off. (I soaked the brush while waiting)
After this I used the Men U cream, which didn't lather up as well as I expected, (could be down to my technique) but was still nicely creamy, with a nice tingle and smell of peppermint. Now the fun starts!
As shown in Mantics video, I put the razor head flat against my face and rocked it down slowly till it made contact, and went from there. The first thing I noticed was how easy it felt, and the awesome noise it makes! (Honestly, anyone who hasn't tried one yet, the noise alone is worth it!)
I shaved my whole face and neck, then lathered up again and did a second pass, which also went without a hitch.
Washed off and patted my face dry, and applied some of the soothing balm. This felt quite nice, and had a nice aloe vera smell off it, which was a very 'clean' smell.

Verdict:

Really nice feeling shave, even though the equipment wasn't anything special, and I don't think I'll be going back to the multi-blade razors again, unless I'm stuck with nothing else to use!

Anyone considering making the leap, go for it!

[edit]
And if it's this good with cheap gear, and not-all-that-highly-rated blades, I can't wait to try the better stuff!

Amalgam

DamoElDiablo wrote: »

I was in Boots earlier and saw the "Men U" "pure bristle" brush and little tube of shaving cream, and it inspired me, so went looking for the other bits and pieces.

Give that brush a few weeks, it gains a bit of body, doesn't stay the same shape, softens at the tip a fair bit, you just need to use it regularly to break it in, as I'm doing at the moment.

Have a scout at your local chemist if you want something a bit more rich than the concentrate that comes with the brush, most stock, 'Palmolive Classic', a green box with a green tube, with Palm Oil. I've seen a few in South Dublin also stocking Erasmic, but the price seems a bit high.

Amalgam

My signature now has a Merkur razor in it, It must have dropped down through the grill at the back of the monitor and just.. lodged itself there.. oh well.

MediaTank

DamoElDiablo wrote: »

Verdict:

Really nice feeling shave, even though the equipment wasn't anything special, and I don't think I'll be going back to the multi-blade razors again, unless I'm stuck with nothing else to use!

Anyone considering making the leap, go for it!

Sweet!

Cabaal

Another person converted mwhahah

Star Lord

Haha! Damn yis all for getting me intrigued

Never mentioned the results of the shave, smooth on a downward stroke of the face, but as there was no upwards pass done, an upward stroke still feels quite rough...

Might hold off on that till I can get an alum block or styptic pencil :pac:

Amalgam

I'm looking for a gadget you shove at the end of shaving tubes to roll them as you use them, basically like a tuning fork with a key like ending to hold onto. You shove the prong at the very end of the shaving tube say.. and turn the key to push out cream. Anywhere in Dublin sell them?

MediaTank

Amalgam wrote: »

I'm looking for a gadget you shove at the end of shaving tubes to roll them as you use them, basically like a tuning fork with a key like ending to hold onto. You shove the prong at the very end of the shaving tube say.. and turn the key to push out cream. Anywhere in Dublin sell them?

I've seen these in antique fairs and bric a brac shops. They were used to get all of the toothpaste out of toothpaste tubes when the tubes were made of lead/tin. Remember that?

Do a search for 'toothpaste squeezer' on eBay to find the modern equivalent.

Cabaal

I know somebody asked already but I e-mailed http://www.sarabonnymanpottery.com about the moss scuttle anyway

Thank you for your email. I mailed a scuttle to Dublin yesterday and the postage was 48.39 Cdn

Ouch, still though with shipping that makes total price around 59e odd which is not really expensive compared to this http://connaughtshaving.com/basicscuttle.html

vestanpance

Cabaal wrote: »

I know somebody asked already but I e-mailed http://www.sarabonnymanpottery.com about the moss scuttle anyway



Ouch, still though with shipping that makes total price around 59e odd which is not really expensive compared to this http://connaughtshaving.com/basicscuttle.html

I think that's mine, I ordered one on Sunday (while slightly inebriated). I guessed shipping would be expensive but as you say it's not really compared to the ones on Connaught Shaving.

noby

My blades arrived in the post today. Thanks Amalgam. I'll try a couple over the weekend.

I was using a big coffee mug for my shaving mug, but picked up a shallower dish with a handle for 50 cent in a charity shop. It's ideal for the job. I'll take a pic over the weekend.

tribulus

Package came today, thanks Amalgam!

I was going to try the Feather today but thought it might be better to wait until after St. Valentines day lol.

Cabaal

Nice one should have my package today as well I guess,

vestanpance wrote: »

I think that's mine, I ordered one on Sunday (while slightly inebriated). I guessed shipping would be expensive but as you say it's not really compared to the ones on Connaught Shaving.

It looks better quality then the one on Connaught I have to say, think I'll order it in a month or so.

MediaTank

DamoElDiablo wrote: »

Haha! Damn yis all for getting me intrigued

Never mentioned the results of the shave, smooth on a downward stroke of the face, but as there was no upwards pass done, an upward stroke still feels quite rough...

Might hold off on that till I can get an alum block or styptic pencil :pac:

Give it a couple of weeks before you try the upward pass. Your face will thank you for it

andrewh5

MediaTank wrote: »

Give it a couple of weeks before you try the upward pass. Your face will thank you for it

I find that with the grain and across the grain on cheeks and jaw line with a third pass against the grain on the chin works just fine. Against the grain on the neck and cheeks is likely to cause razor burn no matter how you lather. Unless you lads no differently of course

MediaTank

andrewh5 wrote: »

I find that with the grain and across the grain on cheeks and jaw line with a third pass against the grain on the chin works just fine. Against the grain on the neck and cheeks is likely to cause razor burn no matter how you lather. Unless you lads no differently of course

When I first started with a safety razor going against the grain was not good so I stopped and kept to two passes one down and one across. Now it's not a problem to do 3 passes with the last against the grain. To do against the grain you need to let your face get used to the new method of shaving and secondly you need to develop your technique. Once you have both of those down pat, against the grain will be no problem for you.

MT

Cabaal

I do three passes each morning, maybe there's not a need
one down, one across and one down again to catch anything I may have missed

Amalgam

Against the grain depends on the blade for myself, the Crystal leave me without trauma, the Feather blades against the grain on the neck is another matter.

I do the circle lathering longer now, after watching Mantic's videos. Over 30 seconds at least, whereas previously I didn't know any better and would just 'apply' lather, wrong.. Amazing how much lifting the hair helps.

Glad the blades arrived, sorry for the delay, I ended up posting them from a sorting office at an ungodly hour.. I'd be curious to see your opinions on the Derby and Crystal, compared to the likes of the Merkur.. and of course there's the Feather to contemplate.

Star Lord

MediaTank wrote: »

Give it a couple of weeks before you try the upward pass. Your face will thank you for it

Cabaal wrote: »

I do three passes each morning, maybe there's not a need
one down, one across and one down again to catch anything I may have missed

Thanks guys, again, I'd just been going with Mantic59s video of the "leap" into single blade shaving, where he said to do only two passes of only downward strokes for preferably 3 weeks (And added two weeks at least because I know you're not going to be that patient are you?)

I don't have the hardest growth, but the two passes of downwards strokes certainly aren't leaving me babys-bum-soft...

tribulus

Yeah I'm still getting a few spots on my neck from against the grain shaving though the redness is gone. I reckon a few more weeks and I'll be baby smooth the whole time.

MediaTank

Cabaal wrote: »

I do three passes each morning, maybe there's not a need
one down, one across and one down again to catch anything I may have missed

That's fine. It the against the grain pass that can cause problems. I sometimes do 3 passes, or 2.5 to catch the missed bits too.

Amalgam

If I rush, I reckon I can do a 2.5 passes and some lathering in ten minutes, the .5 is fiddling around the neck, as the Crystal blades allow me to go against the grain there.. what sort of times are you getting now, and are you honestly happy, compared to disposables.

Just to answer my own question, it is amazing how 'dry' a disposable & 'shaving foam' shave is, compared to lather and safety. I'm delighted with the time too, as often with a disposable (2 blade Gillette Lubristrip), I'd spend time washing off shaving foam and 'tapping' out residue, stubble etc from the disposable.

---

Anyone dumped the mug\scuttle\bowl and face lathering?

tribulus

Come to think of it the time is something that would concern me. I'm only working part time at the moment so don't really have to rush but between pre-wash, lathering, shaving and moisturising it can take me 20+ minutes.

Cabaal

its taking me about 10-13min each morning

chicken_food

I can do a very decent shave in 10 minutes if im in a rush!!
But that being said-I love spending a good 20 minutes or more! Shower and a shave, what more can a man want!!

Standard Toaster

Jip wrote: »

I've been using a Merkur for the last year or so and I'll never return to a multi bladed system, although my first ever shave was with a double edged Wilkinsion. The shaves are much closer and enjoyable and of course the replacement blades are a hell of a lot cheaper.
Give yourself time to get used to them though as there is a learning curve associated with them but after a while you'll be flying with nary a scratch on your face. The shave, when you're used to it, is very smoth and in my experience the blades last longer than the other expensive rubbish.

+1

Got my Merkur at www.4men.ie

Amalgam

More items from Connaught Shaving. You get twice the volume of Proraso, compared to the Speick. 150ml, compared to 75ml, for roughly the same price. I haven't used either, still working through a tube of Wars dbar sent me.



The 'Crystal' (Israeli Personna Super Platinum) are in the background, to the right. The colour scheme of the outer packaging totally at odds to the blade covers, which come in a delicate blue. (see below)



The smell off the Speick is slightly medicated (Germolene?), there's a hint of menthol from the Proraso.

If anyone is thinking of getting Proraso, Connaught do a 500ml soft tube, which is the best value, kicking myself for not ordering that.

Gran Hermano

Looks like I'm not the only one indulging in a fair bit of shaving related shopping

I also received another delivery from Connaught Shaving today, the
upgraded shipping meant I received this in 3 days compared to my last
order which took 10 days.

I ordered the Proraso pre/post shave, shaving cream and shaving nick cream.
I spotted they had the large sizes for the shaving cream and the
pre/post shave cream in stock and they are what I ordered. Based on
reviews of the pre/post cream I reckon I have enough for several years!

I also ordered the Mitchells lanolin soap and their largest blade sample pack so
I have plenty of different blades to try out. I'm in the middle of
reading this thread to see opinions on them.

Of the blades I've used so far, the IP Crystal/Personna Amalgam has
pictured above are one of my favourites. I've used them in both the
Futur and Progress and especially with the Progress I find they give
a close shave with no irritation.


PS: Amalgam, I see your photo includes the most essential of shaving equipment,
the radio for the bathroom.

Amalgam

Gran Hermano wrote: »

PS: Amalgam, I see your photo includes the most essential of shaving equipment, the radio for the bathroom.

A bit of an odd beast, a Sony ICF-B01 FM/AM Radio, you can use batteries or charge it yourself. A flick switch at the back lets you choose between: GENERATED BATT\BATT, simple as that. The radio has a LED torch and a fluorescent lamp as well. I like it a lot, I charge it using the crank at the front, usually just under a minute will do for a shower, a bit more for a shower & shave.

http://www.fareastgizmos.com/other_stuff/sony_icfb01_hand_crank_radio.php

Shop around, the price varies wildly for it. Maplins have a range of hand-crank radios for half the price of the Sony. I hate buying batteries, my main reason for buying the radio.

Amalgam

I'd be interested in hearing from anyone that has used the Proraso After Shave Balm, it has no alcohol and contains Witchhazel.

Dyr

Amalgam wrote: »

The 'Crystal' (Israeli Personna Super Platinum) are in the background, to the right. The colour scheme of the outer packaging totally at odds to the blade covers, which come in a delicate blue. (see below)

I've been trying various blades from connaught shaving sample kit that i got. I was about to post a picture of these and ask what brand they were because i had lost their cover, no need now. They're pretty good IMO better than the derby extra but not as good as the feathers

Yet again this thread is filled with win.

Amalgam

Badger & Blade member ssilcox is touting some keenly priced shaving brush and razor stands.

http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=76603

I'll post a clear pic of the stand here, for more, in use, please visit the above link.

So I started making these a while back when someone was looking for a stand. They have caught on and I have had quite a few people request them. I updated the style tonight, and I think it turned out pretty cool.

I can do them in black, clear, or white acrylic. This is a one size fits most - but if you have a particularly large brush (this fits an Omega boar - 28mm) or a particularly small brush, I can cut it up or down accordingly.

$5 Shipped CONUS - anywhere in the world for $3 plus actual shipping.

Also, if you have any comments on tweaking the design I would love to get feedback.

Also - I dont really have a brush stand-making business per se, but if this should go in the shopping section I apologize, and the mods are free to move it if it fits better there.

Thanks!