Disposable razors

[rp2813]

Cream vs Gel or Foam

I discovered cream for shaving many years ago and am happy to see it has gone mainstream and tubes of it can be found on the shelves of pretty much any drug store rather than just in beauty supply types of shops. I'm currently using Neutrogena for men but the "Kiss my Face" brand is also really good--a little goes a very long way. Cream makes the razor just glide right over my face even with a couple of days worth of growth. Gels and foams have much more drag in comparison.

I hate to shave. If my beard didn't have so much gray in it I'd still have it. The hair on my head is still dark and things didn't match so I shaved down to a goatee. I work in an office where there's no dress code being enforced so I can wear jeans to work and I don't have to shave every day. My partner says I look like a blue collar worker but I hardly find that to be a bad thing. We have plenty of them here where I work so even though I'm management I blend in. We are using Mach 3 razors and blades currently but in my opinion they dull kind of fast. I use mine way longer than my partner uses his, but as was mentioned above, when they start scraping more than shaving, it's time to replace.

I too have started shaving downward and then upward. I think all beards are different. I shave downward on my neck but to get it super close and I then shave sideways parallel to the jaw line to get the stubble that still remains. I enjoy a super close shave when I go to the trouble and the extra minute or two spent shaving against the grain is well worth it. I'm basically not done shaving until I can run the razor every which direction and have it glide smoothly over all parts of my beard.

I can't remember the last time I used a disposable. They are just too inferior anymore.

 

[hydralique]

I am always surprised by the number of men who really dislike shaving but won't consider having a beard. Every man should do what makes him happy, and in my case having a beard really helped my skin. I have very fine hair and used to have a lot of trouble with ingrown hairs and irritation but with the beard I can get away with shaving my neck and upper cheeks every other day, which makes a big difference. And yeah, the beard is increasingly grey, but that is preferable in my eyes to going back to the old every day shaving routine.

 

[rp2813]

Grey beard vs no beard

I know, it's just the Virgo thing that has me wanting facial hair and the hair on my head to match. Once I start to go grey everywhere the beard will make a comeback for sure. Meanwhile the goatee is a compromise I can easily hang with. I would never go back to not having any facial hair at all. My luck with men changed dramatically for the better as soon as I grew a beard almost 25 years ago and I've never looked back.

I find facial hair on men who can raise it well to be very sexy and while goatees have become a fad item, they seem to have staying power and it has made for some great eye candy out there. Nothing more sexy looking to me than a shaved/buzzed head and a nice thick goatee. Add some bulk and a clean white tee shirt and I need to contain myself.

What I find pathetically unsexy is a guy who doesn't have the capability to raise a beard or goatee but still tries to sport one. That is so junior high and entirely unbecoming.

Might it be time for somebody to start a facial hair picture thread???

 

[hydralique]

Hmmm, a facial hair thread might be nice. I wasn't trying to hijack this thread at all, but it had evolved into a discussion of how to deal with shaving irritations and so I put in my two cents worth, which was of course the beard plus shaving my neck and cheeks every other day. I noticed that a number of other guys have resorted to shaving every other day, but I find that without the beard it makes me look less than professional - too "Saturday morning". Since I usually dress pretty casually I try to draw the line at that.

Funny thing about goatees, I've had one twice and in both instances gave up after a few months because they are so much more work (i.e., more shaving) than the beard, and of course the usual shaving irritation under the jaw comes back.

 

[washabear]

I prefer the Schick ST disposable razors, the slim green ones. Have been using them for years. I have tried many other disposables, but these seem to work best for me. I would characterize my growth as average, not very heavy, and I usually shave every other day, depending on where I have to be. With these, I can use one for several weeks, so I get a lot of mileage out of them. They do a great job and don’t nick too much, except on the delicate neck area once in a while.

 

[~sudsshane]

I use..

The Gillette Fusion Razor and replace the blade 2x a month. I also use The "Art of Shaving" pre shave oil and shave cream in lavender scent. Truly an AMAZING product,!! especially if you have sensitive skin. It is also available in unscented and sandalwood versions. You can find The Art of Shaving line at Nordstrom and Bloomingdale's.
I would also recommend using a shaving brush made with badger hair since it helps lift the hair and you use less shaving cream with that method of application.

 

[maggie~hamilton]

Well, I have a lot of real estate to shave

since I also shave my head.

I too found, and now can't live without, the Gillette Fusion Power razor. It is the best razor on the market, without exception, in my not so humble opinion! Especially for head shaving.

When I started shaving my head I did a lot of research and trial and error to get the closest shave. I learned the following:

1. Your face/head should be thoroughly wetted down with very warm water for about five minutes to open the pores and soften the hair follicles. Obviously this is most easily accomplished in the shower. See below.

2. Wash face/scalp thoroughly with a mild, non-astringent soap. I use Caress. My favorite soap!

3. Exfoliate, exfoliate, exfoliate! You need to remove dead skin, surface dirt and dried sebum to get the best shave. I use one of those little white facial scrubbing pads. You don't have to sand your skin down until it's raw, but you need to be thorough.

4. Gel? Cream? Soap? Well, that seems to be a matter of personal preference more than anything else but here's what works best for me.

I have taught myself to shave in the shower. Don't need a mirror, I do it all by "feel." The hot steamy water really opens your pores and lets you get the closest shave possible.

The head in particular gets very irritated with daily shaving. So what I do generally is shave twice every other day. First I use Gillete Fusion GEL for tough beards. I apply the gel and massage it in with my fingertips, then let it set a couple minutes to soften the beard and scalp hair. Then I shave, yes, as suggested, WITH the "grain" of the hair.

Then the second shave is done with BABY OIL. Just enough to grease up the skin and scalp without "gunking" up the razor. This shave is against the grain. I found this tip on a body shaving site and it really works great. Many men shave with baby oil only but I found that tends to cause skin irritation.

After-shave care is another dollop of baby oil, and then if I am feeling irritated I'll massage in some Udder Cream -- another beauty tip from Maggie! That's the best skin lotion you can get. Out here you can get it at most pharmacies and Trader Joe markets.

After-shave lotions generally contain alcohol &/or witch hazel, neither of which is good for the skin. These substances dry the skin out which ultimately makes for more irritation.

Finally, I only use each blade once. I have found that trying to be frugal does not pay off. Except in terms of irritated skin and scalp and plenty of nicks and cuts. When I committed to shaving my head, I figured I was saving plenty in beauty salon visits ($75 every month for condition, color and cut, and that was a bargain rate from a friend), so I don't mind spending the money on blades because I am still coming out ahead. I buy them in bulk when I can find them.

And that's it!

Now ... everyone go shave your head!! You will be quite surprised at how erotic it feels...........

 

[historyman]

A Traditionalist

I use a double edge safety razor and shaving soap. Warm wet shaving works the best for me. I can usually get between 6-12 shaves out a blade before it's time to replace. For me there was no comparison between a disposable or anything else and a DESR. It was frightening how close it was.

View attachment 9-4-2007-19-54-8--historyman.jpg

 

[rocketwarrior]

Cryogenic Processing of Razors

An acquaintance of mine here in Omaha owns and operates a cryogenic processing business. For a time, he handed out disposable razors that had been processed inviting people to see how many shaves they could get - comparing their performance to their regular razors. He does everything from guns to small motors - what a kick.

 

[oxydolfan1]

I use the Fusion and love it (unfortunately, it is never on sale here) but I use the Sensor as well, as they tend to be much less expensive. I like the Nivea Sensitive cream, in the white can, with aloe and chamomile, but again sometimes cheap out with the Walgreens "Edge" knockoff too. I miss the Noxzema cocoa butter cream.

Afterwards I used a product called "Vichy Purete Thermale" Calming Cleansing Solution as a aftershave/toner. It's available at CVS stores now, and it really does "settle down" my skin while giving it a final clarifying "base" clean, without itching, burning, redness, fragrance, etc.

Okay, now for my big question: can you REALLY use the razor cartridges, over and over, that many times? I might be unnecessarily wasteful, because I usually stop at four shaves and toss 'em!

Whirlcool, oh, you are so right about those Bic disposables.
Ow, ow, ow! There is only one disposable razor I've used that's pretty good, that comes in a plastic bag, and that is by Schick. I don't know the model (?) name, but they have bright green and charcoal-gray handles.

 

[whirlcool]

I feel for the guys who have to shave twice a day! I work with a few of those and you can almost see their beards thickening up as the day goes on!

I shave after getting out of the shower. It really softens up the beard. After drying myself off, I use a microfiber cloth to clean the mirror, so I can shave within 3 minutes or so of exiting the shower.

I get about two weeks on a Mach 3 cartridge. After that they start dragging and scraping. Has anyone noticed in the last year or so razor cartridges are getting quite pricey?

Long time ago I used a normal shaver with double edged safety blades, but those seem too top heavy. I like the weight of the Mach 3. Nice and light.

 

[tomturbomatic]

noticed razor cartridges are getting quite pricey?

In many grocery and drug stores here you either have to tear off a ticket-like stub for the type of refill you want and pick up the blades at the register or else they have the refills on the display racks with very well attached inventory control alarms that go off if you do not pass through the checkout and have them deactivated.

I, too, read years ago that the face was to be soaked for three minutes before applying the lather, but for those of us with a very thin cuticle on our skin, all of that soaking made it too soft and as I would shave, blood would rise up through the pores so I would bleed without cutting myself. After that torture, my face would feel and look like raw meat so I had to find a gentler way.

I remember back in the early 60s that there were regular razors with a slightly bigger handle that contained a wind up mechanism to give a vibrating shave. Does anyone remember the injector blade razors?

As for the cost of haircuts, I had my very pleasant and attractive lady hair cutter start cutting my hair entirely with clippers, thinking it would be faster. We determined which comb or guard to put on the clipper to give me the length I wanted, 5/8 of an inch. I had no idea of doing it myself, but Jason cuts his own hair so I figured, "Why not give it a go?" I went and bought a $54.00 set of Whal clippers with all of the guides at the beauty and barber supply store owned by a friend. Now, I can do it myself, even managing to cut it even across the back of my neck. Two haircuts at home paid for the clippers. I do it over my sink and vanity and then put the hose in the central vac and suck it all away.

Doesn't shaving in the shower waste a lot of water? I step in, turn on the water a little bit to soak the wash cloth then turn it off. I squirt a bit of the liquid on the cloth and start washing. If it's a thinner cloth, I have to add some water about halfway through. When I am finished, I rinse and wring out the cloth (only used once) and fill one of those plastic cups that used to cover the scrubber cap on some Kenmore agitators, then shut off the water. I pour that on my hair then add a bit of shampoo and lather. I turn the water back on and divert it to the hand held shower head to rinse off. I rinse my hair first and add a bit of conditioner, letting it work while I rinse the rest of me then rinse out the conditioner and shut off the water. I am waiting to be investigated by the water company when they see how my use has dropped.

 

[whirlcool]

Ah yes, the Shick Injector Blades. Popular in the 60's & 70's. I never used them, but have seen them. Anyone here ever use them? How were they?

Speaking of haircuts, remember the air powered hair cutting machine a few years back that you used in conjunction with your vacuum cleaner? You connected it to the hose on your vac, and as the infomercial stated, a perfect cut every time.

If they were so good, how come you don't see them anymore? Anyone here ever know someone who used one of those?

 

[petek]

You're thinking about the Flow Bee and yes they're still available at those Seen on TV stores in the malls... never used one.

 

[hydralique]

FlowBee . . .

I've never seen one in person, but have seen a few reports through the years on using one. All the reports seem to agree on two things: 1) Yes, it will cut your hair, and 2) No, you won't have much control over the final style of the haircut. Probably a great item for those who really don't care much about hairstyles.

I would hope that anyone using a FlowBee would use a high-quality vacuum like a Kirby or Electrolux, and after washing their hair dry it with a Norge 4-Way dryer with the bonnet attachment! In fact, I'm kind of surprised that Kirby or Electrolux didn't invent a similar product years ago, since they seemed to have attachments for virtually everything else.

 

[maggie~hamilton]

Kirby Hair Clippers

DO exist!

I have a set, but not at hand. If no one else has a photo handy I'll dig clippers out and take a photo.

Never used them on myself, but they were great for giving my sweet poochie OZ (R.I.P.) a grooming, and he didn't mind it at all.

 

[tomturbomatic]

Changed Sensor cartridges last night after results showed a decline. Date when that cartridge was installed was 06-03-07.

Whirlcool: I remember when there were some barbershops that had vacuum systems hooked up to their clippers. One that I went to for a while had these compressed air nozzles which they used to try and blow the little clippings away before they removed the sheet? cape?? and that little strip of dry crinkly tissue around your neck. It did not seem to help much. If they had put something wet around your neck it would have caught the clippings better. One barber would always manage to get the nozzle under your shirt or in the waistband or pockets of pants. At our ages then, there was just much hillarious laughing.

Does anyone remember from the mid 70s, devices with names like Warm and Creamy that heated a can of shave foam? Well they had to put a big warning on them not to use them with gels after a few big explosions in bathrooms because the heat (usually and preferably) of the skin is what turns the gel to foam.

 

[rp2813]

I had my first experience with one of those vacuum hook-ups at a barber shop away from home about a year ago. I guess they not only serve to keep the clippings from getting under your collar, but also to keep them off the floor and eliminate the need for sweeping up. Seemed like too much of a contraption and they likely have love/hate opinions among barbers. The shop I go to regularly doesn't use the vacuums and somehow I never have much of a problem with clippings irritating me after a haircut. I don't know what they might be doing differently, but it's effective.

I remember the hot lather machines but I wasn't shaving much when those became popular. I like the sensation of the hot lather when I go for a haircut. I miss my barber who had the facial hair fetish. He'd give every guy with a goatee or beard the full treatment of cleaning up the non-growth areas. He'd shave everything above the jaw line and then move to the back of the neck, and if I was wearing the right type of shirt, he'd pull the back open and shave the upper portion of my back as well. He moved to a different shop about 20 miles away. I looked forward to paying him a visit when I had a couple of days worth of unshaved beard. All the other barbers in the shop would defer to him when somebody came in wanting the whole hot towel shave treatment. With him gone, now all I get is a haircut and nobody even offers to trim my goatee like he did every time, but the massage at the end is still a nice touch, so to speak.

 

[hydralique]

There is a barber shop I found by accident that uses hot lather and razors to trim the back of the neck. It really is very nice, but that shop usually has a long wait because it is quite cheap too. I often don't have time to wait an hour, and so I use another shop that does just as good a haircut but no hot lather. I prefer the barber to stay away from my beard because I don't always like their idea of a beard trim.