Heresy!?

[Tommy_C]

I traveled out of town on a four day trip, this past weekend. As I didn't want to check any baggage, I left my Derby razor blades, Tabac, C&EBBB, Proraso Pre/Post cream, and AS at home. All I took was my razor (sans blades) and my alum block. When I got to my destination, I planned on buying some cheap supplies.

For blades I went to Wal-Mart and got the personnas (I've had good experiences with them before). At Sally's I picked up some cheap Master Bay Rum (a new favorite). As I was just on a quick trip, I didn't want to bother with getting a cheap brush. So, consequently, I actually picked up a can () of Barbasol. I just resigned myself to some razor burn and sub-par shaves.

What a shocking surprise... Perhaps my technique has improved tremendously in the last four months. I was able to get Damn Fine Shaves every day of my trip by just shaving in the shower with Barbasol and the Wal-Mart blades. No elaborate prep was needed. No brush or fancy soaps. And I got no razor burn at all. NONE.

This was a little disturbing to me. It has shaken the pillars of my new found beliefs in the cult of wetshaving. A can of Barbasol produced a wonderfully close shave, with no razor burn, in about half the time I would ordinarily take to shave. I didn't know what to think.

When I got home to my first shave, yesterday, although I had all of my fancy gear on the counter waiting for me, I couldn't shake the quickness and convenience of my Barbasol in the shower, so I snubbed the C&E BBB and Tabac for the can of goo....and got a fabulous shave. My confusion was exacerbated.

This morning I was intrigued with another thought... Perhaps I really don't need that super-elaborate prep? (Pre-shave had previously included shower, Proraso pre/post, hot towel for 3 min, pre-shave oil.) I decided to skip the shower completely, just put hot water on my face for about 30-45 seconds, and then lather up with Barbasol and shave at the sink. Incredibly, I got a pretty damn good shave with only very, very mild razor burn (none on my neck).

What is going on here!? I feel like a traitor; A heretic to my new found religion. The sad thing is that, now that I know that I can get by with much, much less prep, and that I don't even really need the fancy brush or soaps, I'll find it hard to go back.

[3fltenant]

but where's the fun in that?

[Seraphim]

If whisker removal is all you're looking for, then whatever works, works (a wet-dry electric would further simplify your shave routine...you wouldn't even need the barbasol). No shame in that.

[philamac]

(Pre-shave had previously included shower, Proraso pre/post, hot towel for 3 min, pre-shave oil.) I decided to skip the shower completely, just put hot water on my face for about 30-45 seconds, and then lather up with Barbasol and shave at the sink. Incredilby, I got a pretty damn good shave with only very, very mild razor burn (none on my neck).

What is going on here!? I feel like a traitor; A heretic to my new found religion. The sad thing is that, now that I know that I can get by with much, much less prep, and that I don't even really need the fance brush or soaps, I'll find it hard to go back.

Tommy
I know we talk here of certain routines and products in tones of awe and reverence, but certainly for me this whole thing should be, well.........Fun.
I could not put myself through your preshave regime, would rather have the time in bed or slurping my morning tea. I think there is a law of diminishing returns in shaving.

For me the big advantage/improvement has been from the badger brush and 3T creams, with a DE razor giving a slightly better shave than a Mach3 provided I take it carefully and precisely than with the M3. BUT the DE razor is more fun and enjoyable to me. And I love the look/feel/scent/style of all my new stuff as well as its effectiveness.

Were you perhaps suffering for your art and taking it all a bit too seriously? Just go with what feels right. For example, the Roberts Methodwetshave looks like too much effort for me, but equally a lot of gents here get excellent results with it (they also enjoy the whole process). To coin a phrase that I never heard of before I joined this forum..........YMMV.

Finally, you have hit the nail on the head in my opinion by pointing out that technique is all important. Good luck with whatever you decide to do!!! You are not a traitor or heretic by the way. I don't think the mods have burnt anyone at the stake for quite a few months now

[BigRich]

There comes a point where we stand at the precipice of a ravine. The journey to this point is one of need. "How do I fight razor burn?" "How do I get a closer shave?" "How do I keep my skin from drying out?" Whatever needs and questions that got you to this point have most likely been satisfied. Now you have to decide whether or not to cross the ravine. 95% of guys are content to get a quick and effective shave. They don't need the pretty hardware, the lovely scents, the exotic delights. All they need is a quick fast routine. The other 5% want more, much more out of their shaves. Do you really need to go farther? No. It's a personal choice. We don't do it because we have to in most cases. We do it because we want to. Is it the 95% or the 5%? As Jim said in a post that I cannot recall on a subject that escapes me..."My friend, this forum is dedicated to the other 5%."

[Bobbyfrass]

There comes a point where we stand at the precipice of a ravine. The journey to this point is one of need. "How do I fight razor burn?" "How do I get a closer shave?" "How do I keep my skin from drying out?" Whatever needs and questions that got you to this point have most likely been satisfied. Now you have to decide whether or not to cross the ravine. 95% of guys are content to get a quick and effective shave. They don't need the pretty hardware, the lovely scents, the exotic delights. All they need is a quick fast routine. The other 5% want more, much more out of their shaves. Do you really need to go farther? No. It's a personal choice. We don't do it because we have to in most cases. We do it because we want to. Is it the 95% or the 5%? As Jim said in a post that I cannot recall on a subject that escapes me..."My friend, this forum is dedicated to the other 5%."

I like the time spent shaving, and I like the looks people give me when I tell them how I shave. I sometimes relish being different. I guess this is one of those times.

[ssilcox]

There comes a point where we stand at the precipice of a ravine. The journey to this point is one of need. "How do I fight razor burn?" "How do I get a closer shave?" "How do I keep my skin from drying out?" Whatever needs and questions that got you to this point have most likely been satisfied. Now you have to decide whether or not to cross the ravine. 95% of guys are content to get a quick and effective shave. They don't need the pretty hardware, the lovely scents, the exotic delights. All they need is a quick fast routine. The other 5% want more, much more out of their shaves. Do you really need to go farther? No. It's a personal choice. We don't do it because we have to in most cases. We do it because we want to. Is it the 95% or the 5%? As Jim said in a post that I cannot recall on a subject that escapes me..."My friend, this forum is dedicated to the other 5%."

Well said!

[BigRich]

I like the time spent shaving, and I like the looks people give me when I tell them how I shave. I sometimes relish being different. I guess this is one of those times.

Guy at work: My electric razor just crapped out on me and I need a new one. Any recommendations?

Me: Nope, I don't use them.

Guy at work: What do you use?

Me: Straight razors.

Guy at work: Why?

Me: Because I can.

[Freddyface]

Tommy:What you experienced was a "Shavemare". Somewhere in the deep recesess of your subconcious mind there lurks the dim memory of a can of Barbisol. This can happen when in remission from SADS or ADS for example. Shavers begin to think that they have reverted to pre brush and cream/soap days when in fact nothing of the kind has happened. I think that you will find that you actually shaved with your own brush, cream, razor etc. This is not a permanent condition and recovery can be aided by taking numerous ice cold baths and fondling your shaving gear. It did the trick for me and I have a certificate to prove it.

[masonjarjar]

I bet anything you at least "worked" the Barbasol into your face for a longer period of time than most users would.. and probably used more water. That makes a big difference.

[harman]

I think wet shaving for such a long time has improved your skin or something and it's more tough now so temporarily you can get good shaves with canned goo and disposables. I think it works like that, not sure.

I don't understand how you got into wet shaving in the first place if canned goo and disposables always worked for you.

[big1096]

there comes a point where we stand at the precipice of a ravine. The journey to this point is one of need. "how do i fight razor burn?" "how do i get a closer shave?" "how do i keep my skin from drying out?" whatever needs and questions that got you to this point have most likely been satisfied. Now you have to decide whether or not to cross the ravine. 95% of guys are content to get a quick and effective shave. They don't need the pretty hardware, the lovely scents, the exotic delights. All they need is a quick fast routine. The other 5% want more, much more out of their shaves. Do you really need to go farther? No. It's a personal choice. We don't do it because we have to in most cases. We do it because we want to. Is it the 95% or the 5%? As jim said in a post that i cannot recall on a subject that escapes me..."my friend, this forum is dedicated to the other 5%."

+1

[NFlames]

Guy at work: My electric razor just crapped out on me and I need a new one. Any recommendations?

Me: Nope, I don't use them.

Guy at work: What do you use?

Me: Straight razors.

Guy at work: Why?

Me: Because I can.

Yeah buddy! I usually get "are you crazy? you'll cut your head off/slit your throat etc." Kinda like Christmas Story "you'll shoot your eye out!"

[Coyotebd]

I think wet shaving for such a long time has improved your skin or something and it's more tough now so temporarily you can get good shaves with canned goo and disposables. I think it works like that, not sure.

I don't understand how you got into wet shaving in the first place if canned goo and disposables always worked for you.

That's my theory. Just like if you experience bad razor burn it can linger for days, it can take some time for the opposite to occur.

I will say that I'll not be exchanging my brush and soap for some goo in a can. I'm saving a lot of money with my brush and soap compared to cans.

Please keep us informed on how you get on. Maybe I'm wrong about my theory.

[mmack66]

For a lot of years canned shaving cream is what folks used to shave with, with DE razors even. It would be hard to believe that all those folks were getting inferior shaves.

Shaving brushes
You'll soon see 'em
On a shelf
In some museum
Burma-Shave

[Watchmen]

YMMV


Even when I was using canned goo, Barbasol gave me the worst razor burn. It was as if I wasn't lubricating my face at all. The only goo that ever worked fairly well for me was Edge gel.

[Trius]

Heresy? Yes. Repent and buy some Trumpers, a Vision, a Vulvix Finest, a straight ...

Don't you realize the global economy is going to hell and buying Barbasol ain't gonna do squat to get us out of this morass?

[ateace]

Hey, good for you. Just two days ago, I tried Barbasol again in my normal home routine and it was far from ideal. Maybe it's a good barometer of technique. I guess my technique needs some work.

[Tommy_C]

I bet anything you at least "worked" the Barbasol into your face for a longer period of time than most users would.. and probably used more water. That makes a big difference.

This is very true. I did work it into my face much more than I would have before wetshaving (I used to use Edge gel. :9898:) And, I made sure to never shave over skin that had no lather. Back when I used cartridges, I would only lather once and then, after the first pass, would make about four more with no lather on my face at all. )

[Tommy_C]

I think wet shaving for such a long time has improved your skin or something and it's more tough now so temporarily you can get good shaves with canned goo and disposables. I think it works like that, not sure.

I don't understand how you got into wet shaving in the first place if canned goo and disposables always worked for you.

Let me clarify, I was NOT using disposable razors! I still use my Merkur open comb and DE blades. I will never go back to cartridge razors, no matter what. The only things that have been different over the past six days were no elaborate prep and using canned lather.