Gentlemen's Grooming - Wet-shaving, Facial Hair, and Beyond

**Mazmaz** · 2013-04-09 05:54

I got inspired to create this thread after taking up wet-shaving. This thread will be used for any general gentlemen's grooming advice. Ask questions or share stories and tips about any of the above.

I decided to pick up wet-shaving (shaving with an old fashioned safety razor) after reading this guide:
Guide to a Better Shave: Wet Shaving

And reading about how much money I could save:
Saving Money with Traditional Wet Shaving
After the initial investment, I figure shaving would cost me max $40 per year.

Before this, I used to shave with a Gillette Fusion 5 blades razor.

All the items you'll need can be found in that guide

Spoiler: show

My face felt fantastic after the very first time shaving with the safety razor. The closeness of the shave was about as close as with the Gillette Fusion, if not closer; however, I did notice right afterwards that my skin felt WAY BETTER than with the Fusion, as this razor did not strip away layers of my skin. I had almost no bleeding or cuts, unlike with the Fusion, and the regrowth after one day has been about the same rate.

Time-wise, it definitely takes more time, which is why I've scheduled my wet-shaving sessions, which are a nice, relaxing ritual by themselves (it's my meditation time) for Sunday mornings/afternoons. I took about an hour, but that was because I was having a lot of fun with it and it was the first time. I reckon I can do about 30 mins, compared to 15 with Fusion.

I only need to shave about once a week, so I've also decided to buy this Norelco beard trimmer for the rest of the week. The idea is to do wet-shaving on Sunday, and use the trimmer for dat stubble look for Friday/Saturday nights. Will do a write up about the trimmer once it arrives (I hear it's great for manscaping as well).

Anyone have similar stories or tips to share, or questions?

**Cream Soda** · 2013-04-09 06:00

Would it even be worth wet shaving for me? I get a small patch on my cheek, which I can usually get all of with an electric razor, then use the eletric razor on my tiny ass mustache (rly tiny) and then finish it off with a standard razor. My goatie, I just trim, never remove

**myreality** · 2013-04-09 06:11

I will have to give this a try. Thanks to very dark dark facial hair i have what seems to be a permanent mustache and have to keep the unkempt look without looking weird. Maybe this will give me a close enough shave to fix this problem.

**Sepukku** · 2013-04-09 06:45

Just shaved for Easter and probably only shaving once more before hockey playoffs start; this is worth keeping in mind for end of june though

**Haxx** · 2013-04-09 07:17

The Art of the Straight Razor Shave

Used this guide, good pics

**Abandon** · 2013-04-09 07:26

I've always been intrigued by dudes who do this. I just may have to look into this (read: buying stuff for this asap)

**bluefan** · 2013-04-09 07:28

If you have one in your area, the Art of Shaving guys are fun to talk to about this stuff. Always drop by their shop when I head to Seattle.

**RKenshin** · 2013-04-09 07:35

Sounds interesting, but I honestly don't think I'd save much (if any) money.

As is, shaving 2-3 times a week (almost always two), I only spend ~$40/year on razors as is... also using the Gillette fusion. Normally only spend about 5 minutes doing it, too.

Seems like an interesting way to change things up though. Might consider giving it a whirl sometime.

**Kalmado** · 2013-04-09 07:53

Originally Posted by bluefan

If you have one in your area, the Art of Shaving guys are fun to talk to about this stuff. Always drop by their shop when I head to Seattle.

The only shop around me is in a mall with a girl working

I took this up after finding out how much money I'd save. I just recently started wearing a beard, but prior I'd shave once every 2 days. Using typical razors I'd get cut up so bad and they never seemed to do the job good enough. I have very sensitive skin and using products such as gillette would leave my skin irritated and/or dry. After switching and getting my technique down I could never go back. Not only is the shave itself better, but switching to shave soap/cream and using a beaver brush to lather up makes a world of a difference. I still need to get a better brush and also a better razor itself. My current razor is cheap. The one I'd like to eventually get cost around $45. Below listed are the products I use.

Razor - Cheap starter razor. Around $3-$5. It gets the job done for now. Been using the same one for about 4 months now.
http://www.amazon.com/Silver-Double-...e+safety+razor

Blades - Derby Extra Double Edge 100 count. Around $8. I'm still on my first 100 which I purchased 7 months ago. These are good because you won't spend a lot of money to see if this type of shaving is for you or not and they are still a decent quality product. When I run out I plan to by Feather(brand) blades. They run about $10 more per 100 and the cheapest I've found them for so far is on Ebay.
http://www.amazon.com/Derby-Extra-Do...zor+blades+100

Cream/Soap - Proraso cream. $10. Usually lasts around 4 months for me depending how much I shave. The difference my skin felt after using this was amazing. You can get a similar product at Bath and Body works as well which I've tried, but I perfer the Proraso.
http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shavin...eywords=poroso
http://www.bathandbodyworks.com/prod...7431&cm_vc=200

Brush - Tweezerman brand. $15. I've yet to get this as I use one I received in a gift package. This is what I plan to buy.
http://www.amazon.com/Tweezerman-280...s=beaver+brush

**Raldo** · 2013-04-09 08:46

Is there some reason that makes electric razors not an option?

**Kalmado** · 2013-04-09 08:57

Originally Posted by Raldo

Is there some reason that makes electric razors not an option?

It's going to be different for every person. I've tried electric razors twice, both high quality, and I've never had razor burn/rash as bad as when I used an electric.

**Abandon** · 2013-04-09 08:58

never had good experiences trying to get a GOOD shave electric. just for convenience.

**Abandon** · 2013-04-09 08:59

in fact, even with the multi-blade joints you buy, they fuck my face up. gonna hit up amazon in the morning

**AidenCarby** · 2013-04-09 09:01

Maybe your skin is sensitive I have the same issue, try some different shaving creams dude. Neutrogena makes some good stuff for sensitive skin dudes.

**Callisto** · 2013-04-09 09:06

I've been debating a full Shane recently, but I've had this beard die about a decade, I'm honestly not really sure what my face looks like without it at this point.

**Soa** · 2013-04-09 09:08

I tried wet shaving a few years back but the effort and cost were a bit too much since I only shave every 5-6 days. I really only spend maybe $20-25 a year right now as is, but if I shaved more often it would probably be a worthwhile investment for me.

**Abandon** · 2013-04-09 09:09

Originally Posted by AidenCarby

Maybe your skin is sensitive I have the same issue, try some different shaving creams dude. Neutrogena makes some good stuff for sensitive skin dudes.

oh, I have, bro. Nothing works for me. now i just have to keep it trimmed, but I'd like to go back to a smooth face

**Ratatapa** · 2013-04-09 09:14

http://i.qkme.me/3ogflk.jpg

**Abandon** · 2013-04-09 09:35

no, you moronic frenchie, not metro. just guys that don't want fucked up faces from shaving.

**myreality** · 2013-04-09 09:46

^

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