A list of probably stupid questions about shaving

[Joshfg]

As I've said elsewhere I've been DE shaving a couple of months and as a curious type amassed some possibly annoying questions. They're not about technique so I thought I'd ask them all in one thread.


What is the relative advantages of balms and alcohol based splashes, why do people use each?
Should the above sting (I use TOBS sandalwood gel)
How difficult are soaps to use?
Do people ever use different razors for different passes?
What is the best website in the uk to buy stuff from? (I use traditionalshaving.co.uk


Cheers for answers :-)

[Eric V]

Hmmmm. OK.... here are some possibly weird answers...

I like balm because it does not irritate my skin. Alcohol is too much like a slap in the face for me.
My balm may have a very slight sting. Very. Slight.
Soaps are tricky because the water ratio seems different than with creams. Better soaps are easier to use than cheap soaps.
I used to use my straight for a partial shave, then my DE to finish. I use only one razor per shave now. Too much to clean otherwise.
I don't know about the UK

Have Fun!

[Joshfg]

Good answers, I think I'll stick to creams for now tho hear soaps last longer so may try in the future. Balm usually only a slight burn unless the shave has been a bad/ rough one.

[franz]

I will answer #3.

Soaps in my experience were slightly more difficult to get the hang of. Newbies tend to underestimate the loading time on the brush and consequently don't pick up enough product, leading to thin lather. I was lazy and did this the other day. :001_rolle

"Use more product" is a good mantra for soaps.

[Joshfg]

Thanks, are they mire economical or is there little difference?

Another question I ment to ask is; how long can one use a blade, is it number of shaves or length of time round moisture that effects them?

I change blade about every week and use astras.

[franz]

Thanks, are they mire economical or is there little difference?

Another question I ment to ask is; how long can one use a blade, is it number of shaves or length of time round moisture that effects them?

I change blade about every week and use astras.

Soaps tend to last longer in my experience.

As for blades, there's no hard and fast rule. Change them out when you feel them start to tug. Astras have good longevity so a week of shaves sounds reasonable but there's a lot of "YMMV" where blade life is concerned.

Someone is about to suggest you dip the blade in rubbing alcohol between shaves to extend its life. Just wait. :wink2:

[Joshfg]

Someone is about to suggest you dip the blade in rubbing alcohol between shaves to extend its life. Just wait. :wink2:

That suggestion came up in my question thread about razor and brush care, I figure alcohol cost as much as new blades :tongue_sm

[zamanakhan]

* What is the relative advantages of balms and alcohol based splashes, why do people use each?
well alchol based splashes disinfect and close pores better balms, alchol less products do the same thing with Less efficency. Also balms tend to stick around on the skin longer which cause some to feel heavy, usually people with oilier skins. Also alchol based stuff dries faster so it dissapears alot faster! one of the MAJOR disadvantages in myy opinion for alchol based stuff is that it really dries u out so u wrinkle faster in life.
* Should the above sting (I use TOBS sandalwood gel)
Stinging happens for more than one reason, the most common in my knowledge A) the skin is really dry and its drinking up all the stuff u put on ur skin, B) alchol friggin burns. For me with dry skin sometimes balms and sensitive skin stuff burns alot more than alchol based.
* How difficult are soaps to use?
Not difficult at all!!! just a tad bit different and they take a little longer. The basic difference is that u have to LOAD the brush with product with a cream, one swirl or a squeeze is all u need and u can begin to lather. With a soap u have to swirl the brush over the puck till the brush is loaded. Knowing when the brush is loaded is the only tough part everything after this is the same. If ur interested start with a soft soap like cella or proarso soap. then move up in hardness to a glycerin based like Col conk or go right to tripple milled soaps like DR harris.
* Do people ever use different razors for different passes?
i've thought about it for straight razor, but to be honest when u use only one razor u get really good at using just that one razor. Having too many razors and fooling around with too many things in the begining just slow u down, just get a ej86 or something similar and once u master u'll get baby smooth passes NP. Or if u get an adjustable dont fool around with the settings till later. Stick to one thing till u master it.
* What is the best website in the uk to buy stuff from? (I use traditionalshaving.co.uk
no idea, but shaving.ie has some pretty decent prices compared to states.

[Slash McCoy]

As I've said elsewhere I've been DE shaving a couple of months and as a curious type amassed some possibly annoying questions. They're not about technique so I thought I'd ask them all in one thread.


What is the relative advantages of balms and alcohol based splashes, why do people use each?
Should the above sting (I use TOBS sandalwood gel)
How difficult are soaps to use?
Do people ever use different razors for different passes?
What is the best website in the uk to buy stuff from? (I use traditionalshaving.co.uk


Cheers for answers :-)

I use old spice. I like the smell. I like the feel. But mainly I use it just because it is what I have always used.

Old Spice will sting when you have a nick or a weeper, yeah, or if you do an ATG final pass.

Soaps aren't generally difficult at all to use. I use VDH. It's cheap, lathers nicely, and is readily available.

I don't use different razors for different passes. Couldn't be bothered. In fact, my daily shave is usually just a single WTG pass.

Even in the US, I really can't point to one website for all my shaving needs. I like ClassicShaving.com for fully restored straights. I have never used whippeddog.com myself, for vintage shave-ready budget classic razors, but I would, if I didn't get so many from the bay and hone them up myself. I like star shaving supply for cheap badger brushes and strops. My VDH I just get from the drugstore. Ditto my Old Spice.

[julian0808]

As I've said elsewhere I've been DE shaving a couple of months and as a curious type amassed some possibly annoying questions. They're not about technique so I thought I'd ask them all in one thread.


What is the relative advantages of balms and alcohol based splashes, why do people use each?
Should the above sting (I use TOBS sandalwood gel)
How difficult are soaps to use?
Do people ever use different razors for different passes?
What is the best website in the uk to buy stuff from? (I use traditionalshaving.co.uk


Cheers for answers :-)

Josh

The answer to your final question is debatable, depending upon what products you are aiming for. I used to use the English shaving company which stocks a big selection but for the biggest selection in the UK (to my knowledge) for shaving requisites online, I think you should try the executive shaving
http://www.executive-shaving.co.uk/ 12 different brands of shaving cream, 9 different brands of shaving soap and a huge selection of after shaves and colognes. Alternatively you can just google the specific brand you are after. Also www.shaving.ie is a decent online supplier.

I have one DE razor I use every day despite having 6 in my bathroom. Eventually you will find one razor and one blade you get on with and after that, your daily shave routine will become much more enjoyable.

Soaps take a bit more practice than creams as the water to soap ratio varies from soap to soap. Again, you will find that practice makes perfect. After shaving, you will find an after shave liquid cools down the face and stings (or tingles) for a short while. After shave balms are (for me at least) more of a 'calming the skin' therapy. They also work wonders on preventing and/or treating razor burn, especially around the collar where it tends to rub and irritate.

I hope this helps in your quest for shaving nirvana.....

[Viseguy]

Q #1
It's a personal choice. I enjoy the burn of an alcohol-based AS. Once in a blue moon, after a rough shave, I'll use a balm.

Q #3
The difficulty of lathering with soap is exaggerated, in my opinion. Watch a video or two and you'll get the hang of it in no time. Invest in a triple-milled soap (e.g., D.R. Harris). It produces the most protective, cushion-y later, and it lasts a loooong time.

[Luc]

On where to shop: http://wiki.badgerandblade.com/index.php/Category:Shopping_by_Country