if anybody uses an electric razor, can you compare that to a disposable razor for me?
- Thread starter randomtw
- Start date
Random,
First of all, welcome to the board. That said,
you can go even cheaper than people have mentioned, and still do quite well. You can get a decent Gillette DE on eBay or a pawn shop for less than 10 bucks (STILL) just avoid gold toggles and "195"s. My first Gillette adjustable cost 15 bucks, from a member, and I have since bought good ones for less than 5 bucks.
A good puck of soap and a brush, and you are done. You simply have to choose your aftershave (if you want one) and cologne.
My first soaps were Williams mug soap (95 cents) Col.Conk almond (3 bucks) and a BurmaShave bristle brush (5 bucks most places)
However, you are in LUCK. Go to your local target, hit the spa section, and look for the green boxes.... a Tube of Proraso cream that will last all semester and then some? around 10 bucks. The soap is even cheaper, about 5 bucks. A very nice Omega bristle brush? 12 bucks. (far better than the BurmaShave, by the way) as well as balms, aftershaves, and other such niceties. If you do not like the eucalyptus scent of Proraso, Walgreens carries Palmolive lather cream, and while it isn't noted for its scent, its performance is excellent. It only costs about 3 bucks for a huge tube.
Depending on what you like, you could be wetshaving and enjoying it for less than 50 bucks. MUCH less. Once you get your stuff, you can upgrade as you see fit!
If you STILL want an electric, to use on the side or something, in the dark ages I used to like Brauns, as most electrics will not get the hairs on my neck, which for some reason, the Braun was able to do a little better at.
John P.
First of all, welcome to the board. That said,
you can go even cheaper than people have mentioned, and still do quite well. You can get a decent Gillette DE on eBay or a pawn shop for less than 10 bucks (STILL) just avoid gold toggles and "195"s. My first Gillette adjustable cost 15 bucks, from a member, and I have since bought good ones for less than 5 bucks.
A good puck of soap and a brush, and you are done. You simply have to choose your aftershave (if you want one) and cologne.
My first soaps were Williams mug soap (95 cents) Col.Conk almond (3 bucks) and a BurmaShave bristle brush (5 bucks most places)
However, you are in LUCK. Go to your local target, hit the spa section, and look for the green boxes.... a Tube of Proraso cream that will last all semester and then some? around 10 bucks. The soap is even cheaper, about 5 bucks. A very nice Omega bristle brush? 12 bucks. (far better than the BurmaShave, by the way) as well as balms, aftershaves, and other such niceties. If you do not like the eucalyptus scent of Proraso, Walgreens carries Palmolive lather cream, and while it isn't noted for its scent, its performance is excellent. It only costs about 3 bucks for a huge tube.
Depending on what you like, you could be wetshaving and enjoying it for less than 50 bucks. MUCH less. Once you get your stuff, you can upgrade as you see fit!
If you STILL want an electric, to use on the side or something, in the dark ages I used to like Brauns, as most electrics will not get the hairs on my neck, which for some reason, the Braun was able to do a little better at.
John P.
- Thread starter
- #23
could somebody list the essentials that you need, like blade, shaving cream, etc
also any recommendations for an aftershave or moisturizer (nothing with alcohol please)
i have sensitive skin so i probably will need a little more than just the basics
would most of the stuff be available at your local target, walgreens, etc for your first experience?
also i have a really light beard, mustache, i think
plz give me recommendations soon, wanna start trying this out by the end of june
also any recommendations for an aftershave or moisturizer (nothing with alcohol please)
i have sensitive skin so i probably will need a little more than just the basics
would most of the stuff be available at your local target, walgreens, etc for your first experience?
also i have a really light beard, mustache, i think
plz give me recommendations soon, wanna start trying this out by the end of june
randomtw said:
Razor: If you want to avoid ebay and buy a new merkur razor, I'd suggest (as many did to me) the Merkur HD for about 25-30 bucks. Note: You may get suggestions for different non-adjustables as well as adjustables like the progress or futur, but in this reply I am shooting for the most economical approach as you are beginning college AND living in the dorms.
Blades: This is more difficult and subjective. Most would recommend going with the Merkur's as they, in the past, have been dubbed the "gold standard." I don't like them but my younger brother does. I say pick up a couple packs when you order a razor and see how you like them. Heck, you may try letterk's blade sampler pack. It is more expensive than buying blades individually, but it probably pays for itself in that you can sample many of the available blades out there. Once you find the best one for you, then you go a buy a high quantity of those blades (example: just picked up 100 feather blades for around $25 and this should last one and a half to two years).
EDIT: Walmart tends to carry some razor blades that are cheaply priced. I purchased some fro less that two bucks but have yet to try them (U.S. Personnas). Some have posted that they get a great 2-3 shaves with them and others post that these blades do just the opposite. Probably worth a look for only two bucks
Brush: The Crabtree and Evelyn Best Badger Brush for $35 is probably the best intro brush out there. Charles at QED also has some good brushes for a little bit more, but the C&E Best is highly regarded by many here, myself included. I'd also pick up a stand to hang it on to dry once you get back to your room (I think it is an extra $10-15).
Soap/Cream: Options are nearly unlimited, but I'd probably start with a tub of Crabtree and Evelyn's Sweet Almond Oil Shave Cream. If you can find it in the old tub you may pay around $10-12 but in the new glass tub it will run around $22. It seems a bit expensive but should last a long time. Others that should be mentioned, regarding sensitive skin, include: Taylor's Avocado (around $12), definitely more out there but the C&E almond and Taylors avocado are the only one coming to mind at this point. Others here may be able to help out. Also, I'd pick up a cheap bowl form Wally World to mix the lather in. My first bowl cost around 50 cents. As Rik mentioned above, you could also look into QED shave sticks (no bowl required)...you see, nearly unlimited options...next.
Aftershave: So many options. You might try the Nivea Aftershave that can be found at Walmart for around $5-6. There are more expensive ones out there, but this was recommended to me when I started. I also like to use Thayer's Rose Petal Witch Hazel (no alcohol sting!). I find that on many days all I need is a splash of this and no A/S is required. This helps close the pores and moisturize the face at the same time.
Cologne: Whatever you like!
To sum-up: 30 for the razor, around 25 for blade sampler, say 25 for shave cream, 50 for brush/stand/bowl, 5 for nivea a/s, and 5 for witch hazel...Grand Total = around $140, plus any necessary shipping. Yeah, this seems expensive on the initial "buy-in" but you will save money in the long-run (acquisition disorders obviously excluded). Just remember that the electric would cost about 100 plus an extra 40-50 per year for maint. and blade replacement and a mach 3 is an initial 10-15?? plus another 4-5 per replacement blade (assuming one blade per week, you'd spend around 200 per year in blades.
There you go. You may be able to come out cheaper depending on what you decide on, but this is probably a good start. It wouldn't hurt to look and post on the buy/sell/trade forum to try to pick up any of this stuff for cheaper. In regards to websites, look at shavemyface.com and then on the places to buy link. This will bring up a bunch of sites you can check out and compare prices. Of note, Charles at qedusa.com is a gentleman to do business with and can supply a great deal of what you need. ClassicShaving.com also seems to be popular. Don't forget crabtree-evelyn.com to look at the brush and stand.
Good luck!
Todd's suggestions are very good. Let me offer some low-cost alternatives, just to think about.
Brush: The C&E is probably the best bang for the buck out there, but Tweezerman brush is an honorable mention at $10-15 (Froogle search, Yahoo shops, etc.). The Tweezerman was my first brush, and while its no Simpsons its quite servicable.
Razor: If you're going to go with a DE, consider a Parker 60R or 90R. I have tried a 90R and was quite pleasantly suprised with its performance. They also come with 10 Derby blades to get you started.
Cream/Soap: Proraso Eucalyptus, available from Target for about $12 for a big tube. Kiss My Face moisture shave (several "flavors") available from many "natural" or "organic" stores for ~$6.
Aftershave: Nivea for Men "Sensitive," as mentioned, is widely available and well thought of. Another alternative is Cornhusker's Lotion.
Total: <$50
--Mark
Brush: The C&E is probably the best bang for the buck out there, but Tweezerman brush is an honorable mention at $10-15 (Froogle search, Yahoo shops, etc.). The Tweezerman was my first brush, and while its no Simpsons its quite servicable.
Razor: If you're going to go with a DE, consider a Parker 60R or 90R. I have tried a 90R and was quite pleasantly suprised with its performance. They also come with 10 Derby blades to get you started.
Cream/Soap: Proraso Eucalyptus, available from Target for about $12 for a big tube. Kiss My Face moisture shave (several "flavors") available from many "natural" or "organic" stores for ~$6.
Aftershave: Nivea for Men "Sensitive," as mentioned, is widely available and well thought of. Another alternative is Cornhusker's Lotion.
Total: <$50
--Mark
To knock down the price a little further, you might want to consider buying some products from members on the selling & trading forums (both here at B&B, and at other groups such as ShaveMyFace and WetShavers). It's a great way to try a variety of products for not much money, and you will want to try different products, especially if your skin is sensitive.
That being said, a tube of Crabtree & Evelyn Sweet Almond Oil isn't too expensive and should be very kind to your skin. The KMF Moisture Shave mentioned by Mantic is a great choice. I love the lavender version. - Justin
Edit: And while you are at the "natural" stores, look for WitchVera, an aloe/witch hazel gel made by J/A/S/O/N. It makes a great aftershave and is very kind to sensitive skin.
That being said, a tube of Crabtree & Evelyn Sweet Almond Oil isn't too expensive and should be very kind to your skin. The KMF Moisture Shave mentioned by Mantic is a great choice. I love the lavender version. - Justin
Edit: And while you are at the "natural" stores, look for WitchVera, an aloe/witch hazel gel made by J/A/S/O/N. It makes a great aftershave and is very kind to sensitive skin.
- Thread starter
- #27
- Thread starter
- #28
what are shave sticks?
and do you just pick either soap or cream, then put some into a bowl, add water, then mix with the brush?
also would a moisturizer work better as an aftershave or should i just stick to an aftershave?
if i buy on ebay thru that link mantic posted of the razors, how would i go about sterilizing it?
and do you just pick either soap or cream, then put some into a bowl, add water, then mix with the brush?
also would a moisturizer work better as an aftershave or should i just stick to an aftershave?
if i buy on ebay thru that link mantic posted of the razors, how would i go about sterilizing it?
Shave sticks look like deodorant tubes; you push up the bottom to expose some soap and then just rub some on your (wet) face. Then you use a (wet) brush to generate the lather directly on your face. It can be a little messy but it works.randomtw said:
Mixing a cream can be as easy as plopping a lima-bean size in a bowl (or even in the palm of your hand) and then vigorously stirring/whipping with a wet (but not too wet!) brush. Soaps are a bit easier, you can just swirl a wet brush around the soap to get a "froth" then build the lather in a bowl, your hand, or directly to your face.
The Parkers on eBay are new; no need to sterilize.
--Mark
randomtw said:
(oops - edited)
1. Shave Sticks:
http://badgerandblade.com/vb/showthread.php?t=40
2. Usually you soak your brush in hot water until it is good and wet, pick it up and let it drain, and then give it a small shake. Depending on what you are lathering with next. If a cream, dip the drush into the bream to get some onthe tips (you do not need much). You then either swirl the brush in a bowl or your hand or on your face to build the later. If you are using something out of a tube like Proraso, squeeze about an almond size glob onto the brush or into the bowl and go as above. If using a shave stick, see the above post. Take a look around in the Pictorials section - there is a lot of info there with pictures.
3. Depends on your skin type - you have to experiment and see. Pick of some of the Nivea sensitive skin aftershave balm mentioned earlier and see how it work for you first - it is $5 or somehting like that. If it is not working, you can always ask questions later for another recommendation.
4. If you buy a used razor and want to clean and sterilize it, take an old toothbrush and some Barkeepers Friend or similar cleaner, scrub it all down, risne it off with water and then drop it is a pan of boiling water for about 10 minutes. You can oil it up with mineral oil, silicone or similar after that. Someone will probably point to a thread - this has been discussed with pictures before I am sure.
5. I'll repeat again that the Crabtree and Evelyn badger brush for $35 is an outstanding deal:
http://store.crabtree-evelyn.com/acc130147.html
Dennis
Random:
Quick thoughts: did the electric route 4 years at a military academy (morning formations before breakfast==no time for a proper shave). Used a remington and a panasonic; tried a rotary and preferred a foil. If you ever ding the foil, it WILL eat your face after it chews a hole through the dinged area. Ow.
Switched to cartridges for the last 10 years, finally got tired of the cost, went DE, and am happy with it.
Having tried a few razors and products, my suggested starter kits (you'll have to buy the parts separately):
Midrange Starter Kit
--------------------
Merkur HD Classic ($30 from ClassicShaving.com)
Vulfix 2234 or similar brush (about $60 from ClassicShaving.com)
Nancy Boy shave cream (www.nancyboy.com, best shave cream I've tried, about $15 and if the company or name bothers you, you should be more confident in your masculinity, lol)
Nancy Boy or Proraso aftershave; I like both. The NB smells better but I like the Proraso feel a bit better. NB is about $15, Proraso about $4. I also have just used jojoba oil, which is pretty cheap too and great for the skin
Blades (people like the Merkurs; they pull a bit for me but are a great starting point)
So kinda pricey, maybe about $130, but how much would an electric cost?
I've heard the NB shave cream works OK without being whipped into a lather, but the brush really is nice. However, if you want to pull the budget card, here's my "travel kit" which still gives great shaves and is dang cheap:
Cheapass Starter Kit
--------------------
Merkur HD Classic ($30 from ClassicShaving.com)
ProRaso or Omega boar bristle brush (about $10-$15, stiffer than and not nearly as good as a badger brush and smells like a wet pig for a few days, but cheap and works great with the soap... and you don't feel guilty mistreating it)
ProRaso cream/soap in the little green plastic "hockey puck" tub (about $4 at Target in the "spa aisle"). When traveling I don't bring a mug or bowl for lather so I just swipe some soap onto the brush and scrub it into a lather on my face; their cream-in-a-tube works great too.
ProRaso aftershave (the "milky" stuff) (about $4 at Target). Good product, easy on the skin, stings a wee amount but if you've ever suffered through alcohol-based aftershave this stuff is GREAT.
Blades. Again, Merkur is recommended, but I like Derby, Feather (sharp!), and others too. Some folks swear by the Personna blades you can get at Wal-Mart for a buck or so.
Man, that's it; what, about $50-$60? Ah, sure, some people will cry about the boar brush (the badger IS nicer particularly with creams, but the boar works great with the soap). And some people don't like the Proraso "barbershop" scent (I disagree; it ain't the NB lavender/rosemary/peppermint or a Taylor's Rose, but I still like it). But it's a good kit. I actually use an ebayed Schick injector ($10) when traveling; it's faster and easier but the HD Classic gives me better shaves.
Point is, you don't have to spend a mint. I get great shaves from the cheap stuff, and Proraso being available at Target is really nice. The more pricey creams work a little better and smell a little nicer, but you don't have to pay lots for a shave that beats the heck out of "goo in a can".
Quick thoughts: did the electric route 4 years at a military academy (morning formations before breakfast==no time for a proper shave). Used a remington and a panasonic; tried a rotary and preferred a foil. If you ever ding the foil, it WILL eat your face after it chews a hole through the dinged area. Ow.
Switched to cartridges for the last 10 years, finally got tired of the cost, went DE, and am happy with it.
Having tried a few razors and products, my suggested starter kits (you'll have to buy the parts separately):
Midrange Starter Kit
--------------------
Merkur HD Classic ($30 from ClassicShaving.com)
Vulfix 2234 or similar brush (about $60 from ClassicShaving.com)
Nancy Boy shave cream (www.nancyboy.com, best shave cream I've tried, about $15 and if the company or name bothers you, you should be more confident in your masculinity, lol)
Nancy Boy or Proraso aftershave; I like both. The NB smells better but I like the Proraso feel a bit better. NB is about $15, Proraso about $4. I also have just used jojoba oil, which is pretty cheap too and great for the skin
Blades (people like the Merkurs; they pull a bit for me but are a great starting point)
So kinda pricey, maybe about $130, but how much would an electric cost?
I've heard the NB shave cream works OK without being whipped into a lather, but the brush really is nice. However, if you want to pull the budget card, here's my "travel kit" which still gives great shaves and is dang cheap:
Cheapass Starter Kit
--------------------
Merkur HD Classic ($30 from ClassicShaving.com)
ProRaso or Omega boar bristle brush (about $10-$15, stiffer than and not nearly as good as a badger brush and smells like a wet pig for a few days, but cheap and works great with the soap... and you don't feel guilty mistreating it)
ProRaso cream/soap in the little green plastic "hockey puck" tub (about $4 at Target in the "spa aisle"). When traveling I don't bring a mug or bowl for lather so I just swipe some soap onto the brush and scrub it into a lather on my face; their cream-in-a-tube works great too.
ProRaso aftershave (the "milky" stuff) (about $4 at Target). Good product, easy on the skin, stings a wee amount but if you've ever suffered through alcohol-based aftershave this stuff is GREAT.
Blades. Again, Merkur is recommended, but I like Derby, Feather (sharp!), and others too. Some folks swear by the Personna blades you can get at Wal-Mart for a buck or so.
Man, that's it; what, about $50-$60? Ah, sure, some people will cry about the boar brush (the badger IS nicer particularly with creams, but the boar works great with the soap). And some people don't like the Proraso "barbershop" scent (I disagree; it ain't the NB lavender/rosemary/peppermint or a Taylor's Rose, but I still like it). But it's a good kit. I actually use an ebayed Schick injector ($10) when traveling; it's faster and easier but the HD Classic gives me better shaves.
Point is, you don't have to spend a mint. I get great shaves from the cheap stuff, and Proraso being available at Target is really nice. The more pricey creams work a little better and smell a little nicer, but you don't have to pay lots for a shave that beats the heck out of "goo in a can".
Random,
Just another thought. You said your skin is very sensitive. Some of the members have been talking about proraso. While I have not used it, some say they react with the menthol in the cream/soap. If you are worried about the possibilty of reacting you may try to find Tom's of Maine Peppermint Shave Cream (comes in a tube). It is made with peppermint oil instead of menthol and some have commented that they do not react with this (but do react to proraso). Another bonus is that is only 5 or 6 bucks! I love this stuff and if you are looking for a shave cream that has a cooling effect, this is great.
Side note about the brushes...I have used the burma boar and now have the C&E Best and the C&E Super. The C&E Best is MUCH better than the boar in my opinion. It feels better and I think it whips up the lather better. Oh yeah, and it stays warmer longer. Just my thoughts and my experiences.
Good luck and let us know what you decide on. As you can see it is a tough choice. It probably took me a few days to decide on what to get. Now I want one of everything
Just another thought. You said your skin is very sensitive. Some of the members have been talking about proraso. While I have not used it, some say they react with the menthol in the cream/soap. If you are worried about the possibilty of reacting you may try to find Tom's of Maine Peppermint Shave Cream (comes in a tube). It is made with peppermint oil instead of menthol and some have commented that they do not react with this (but do react to proraso). Another bonus is that is only 5 or 6 bucks! I love this stuff and if you are looking for a shave cream that has a cooling effect, this is great.
Side note about the brushes...I have used the burma boar and now have the C&E Best and the C&E Super. The C&E Best is MUCH better than the boar in my opinion. It feels better and I think it whips up the lather better. Oh yeah, and it stays warmer longer. Just my thoughts and my experiences.
Good luck and let us know what you decide on. As you can see it is a tough choice. It probably took me a few days to decide on what to get. Now I want one of everything
While i think you should think about getting a DE, a good badger brush, and some quality creams and aftershave, it should be said here that it would still be a massive leap forward from an electric to start using any of the major disposable cartidge systems (mach3 etc) and any drug store bought canned cream. That would technically be 'we shaving' and it would be far better than an electric. It would, however, not come anywhere near the joys of shaving that can be experienced with the right equipment and products. But it goes to show you what a poor job an electric does.
....
deleted. . .
- Thread starter
- #36
difference between soap and cream?
is one easier to use than another?
does one provide a better, closer shave?
you only choose either soap or cream to use correct?
would buying a merkur hd on ebay be cheaper than at a store online?
hd=heavy duty correct? if so than what is the difference between a bar and a slant bar?
how long should a blade last you?
what do you guys use to soak your brush in?
what kind of bowls do I get, pictures?
this is what i'm thinking of getting, a merkur hd razor (not sure what kind yet) + blades of course, unless it already comes with just one blade
maybe the C&E brush or the tweezerman, maybe the boar if i go with using soap
not sure whether to use soap or cream yet
the nivea aftershave or the other ones recommended here (not that important as i'll just read the labels and decide for myself i guess)
not sure what to get to soak my brush in or the bowls yet
is one easier to use than another?
does one provide a better, closer shave?
you only choose either soap or cream to use correct?
would buying a merkur hd on ebay be cheaper than at a store online?
hd=heavy duty correct? if so than what is the difference between a bar and a slant bar?
how long should a blade last you?
what do you guys use to soak your brush in?
what kind of bowls do I get, pictures?
this is what i'm thinking of getting, a merkur hd razor (not sure what kind yet) + blades of course, unless it already comes with just one blade
maybe the C&E brush or the tweezerman, maybe the boar if i go with using soap
not sure whether to use soap or cream yet
the nivea aftershave or the other ones recommended here (not that important as i'll just read the labels and decide for myself i guess)
not sure what to get to soak my brush in or the bowls yet
....
- Thread starter
- #38
even shaving everyday the blade will last me a week?
well i'm pretty much set i guess considering that cream is easier, unless somebody else says otherwise, and that i don't have to sweat soaking my brush or the mixing bowl
i'll probably order everything on monday after i find out how much the cream stuff is in store
i'm so damn excited heh, shaving is one of the best things in the world when done right, even with a dispoable razor
well i'm pretty much set i guess considering that cream is easier, unless somebody else says otherwise, and that i don't have to sweat soaking my brush or the mixing bowl
i'll probably order everything on monday after i find out how much the cream stuff is in store
i'm so damn excited heh, shaving is one of the best things in the world when done right, even with a dispoable razor
....
- Thread starter
- #40
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