For the last 6 months or so I have been obsessed with the quest for the perfect shave. After about a month I started getting excellent shaves but was never content. I have spent hundreds of dollars on various imported creams, soaps, razors, and blades. Now, after countless months of extensive experimentation I have made some conclusions.
First is that technique is king. I can finally get a perfect irritation free BBS shave with just about any cream or soap. The reason is that I have figured out how many and what type of passes my face needs. I also learned to shave slowly and use very little pressure. The result is the elusive "perfect shave".
Second is that most high-end products on this site are overhyped and overpriced. I have tried out several creams from AOS, TOBS, Trumpers, T&H, and C&E and none outperform Proraso. These higher-end brands merely have a superior scent and packaging. Shaving soap is probably the only product that I have actually found purchasing a higher tier brand produces a superior shave (AOS and Mama Bear for me). Likewise after trying numerous razors I have gone back the original cheapo Merkur Classic as it consistently gives me the best shaves.
Third is that "modern" or "common" products are pretty good. Before I got into this DE obsession I used a Mach 3. It gave me very good shaves as long as I shaved every other day. Otherwise it would really irritate my neck. Now I use my Mach 3 with Proraso (brush or brushless) whenever I travel or if I'm in a hurry in the mornings. My shave is almost as close, feels BBS and I get zero irritation. Not to mention I can shave with a Mach 3 in about 2 minutes (vs. 10 minutes with a DE and brush). It really all comes down to technique. After trying out a lot of pricier aftershaves (Proraso, Skin Food, T&H) I keep reaching for my $6 bottle of Nivea Sensitive balm. Also I bought some Aqua Velva Ice Sport splash and find it better than most higher end splashes.
After filling up most of my washroom space with shaving supplies, my every day modest shaving kit consists of:
Merkur Classic with Derby blade or Mach 3
Super Badger Brush
Proraso Cream or Art of Shaving Sandalwood Soap
Nivea Sensitive Balm or Aqua Velva Ice Sport Splash
It's funny how much money I spent in vain on different items when the first decent products I had are what I've ended up going back to. I remember reading that the author of the shaveblog website went through the same progression. Of course that's how life works and there are no absolutely regrets. I suppose one could take a lesson from this that in the end buying all sorts of expensive toys doesn't really make your life any easier or better (not that it's going to stop any of us).
I must admit, buying all those overpriced creams and other items was really a lot of fun. Realistically, for the price of a single night of drinking out one can buy quite a lot of "overpriced" top tier shaving stuff. Better for ones health too!
Now I feel I've met my original goal of obtaining a consistent shave of the highest quality. It's time to stop buying shaving supplies, and reading shaving message boards. The thirst for knowledge is over as I've drank from the shaving fountain. It's now time for me to work on all the other goals that are on my list. Who knows maybe someday I will come back to this.
I just wanted to thank everyone who contributes to this message board as well as the owners. This online community has been by far the most helpful and overall best that I've encountered online. My journey may be over for now but I will remember the good times and everyone here fondly.
Goodnight everyone,
Paul
First is that technique is king. I can finally get a perfect irritation free BBS shave with just about any cream or soap. The reason is that I have figured out how many and what type of passes my face needs. I also learned to shave slowly and use very little pressure. The result is the elusive "perfect shave".
Second is that most high-end products on this site are overhyped and overpriced. I have tried out several creams from AOS, TOBS, Trumpers, T&H, and C&E and none outperform Proraso. These higher-end brands merely have a superior scent and packaging. Shaving soap is probably the only product that I have actually found purchasing a higher tier brand produces a superior shave (AOS and Mama Bear for me). Likewise after trying numerous razors I have gone back the original cheapo Merkur Classic as it consistently gives me the best shaves.
Third is that "modern" or "common" products are pretty good. Before I got into this DE obsession I used a Mach 3. It gave me very good shaves as long as I shaved every other day. Otherwise it would really irritate my neck. Now I use my Mach 3 with Proraso (brush or brushless) whenever I travel or if I'm in a hurry in the mornings. My shave is almost as close, feels BBS and I get zero irritation. Not to mention I can shave with a Mach 3 in about 2 minutes (vs. 10 minutes with a DE and brush). It really all comes down to technique. After trying out a lot of pricier aftershaves (Proraso, Skin Food, T&H) I keep reaching for my $6 bottle of Nivea Sensitive balm. Also I bought some Aqua Velva Ice Sport splash and find it better than most higher end splashes.
After filling up most of my washroom space with shaving supplies, my every day modest shaving kit consists of:
Merkur Classic with Derby blade or Mach 3
Super Badger Brush
Proraso Cream or Art of Shaving Sandalwood Soap
Nivea Sensitive Balm or Aqua Velva Ice Sport Splash
It's funny how much money I spent in vain on different items when the first decent products I had are what I've ended up going back to. I remember reading that the author of the shaveblog website went through the same progression. Of course that's how life works and there are no absolutely regrets. I suppose one could take a lesson from this that in the end buying all sorts of expensive toys doesn't really make your life any easier or better (not that it's going to stop any of us).
I must admit, buying all those overpriced creams and other items was really a lot of fun. Realistically, for the price of a single night of drinking out one can buy quite a lot of "overpriced" top tier shaving stuff. Better for ones health too!
Now I feel I've met my original goal of obtaining a consistent shave of the highest quality. It's time to stop buying shaving supplies, and reading shaving message boards. The thirst for knowledge is over as I've drank from the shaving fountain. It's now time for me to work on all the other goals that are on my list. Who knows maybe someday I will come back to this.
I just wanted to thank everyone who contributes to this message board as well as the owners. This online community has been by far the most helpful and overall best that I've encountered online. My journey may be over for now but I will remember the good times and everyone here fondly.
Goodnight everyone,
Paul