Best products from r/shaving

I'm not sure what you mean by "shower lather" (since I am not a shower shaver), but the best results in general come from using a true lather made with a shaving brush and shaving soap or shaving cream. In terms of the quality of the shave---both the experience and the outcome---it runs like this:

Worst: cartridge razor + canned foam
Better: DE razor + canned foam
Better yet: cartridge razor + true lather
Best: DE razor + true lather

The reason I hedge with "in general" is that shaving has one iron law: nothing works for everyone. No matter what product or what procedure you name, it will work for some and not for others. This is called "YMMV" and the consequences are that each shaver must experiment to find the things that work best for him.

Read this post on blades: "sharpest" is irrelevant. What you want is a blade that works for you. Try 2-3 brands from your sampler pack and then use the best of those exclusively for a couple of months. (To stick to the same brand for two months, you will have to buy a couple of packs of that brand so that you can replace blades as they become dull in use.) By keeping the brand of blade constant, variation from shave to shave is (probably) due to prep and technique, so you can focus more on perfecting those by not changing the razor or brand of blade. Also, after two months, you'll really know what that brand of blade feels like so when you try a new brand the differences are highlighted.

For a razor, I recommend one of the Maggard razors, or an Edwin Jagger. (The EJ heads are all the same, so just pick a handle you like. The Kelvin model runs about $30.) The Apollo razor on Amazon, just under $30, is also good.

Try to avoid the four most common mistakes cartridge shavers make when switching to a DE razor. And in particular, experiment for a week or two at shaving at the sink, following your shower.

I suggest that you wash your beard at the sink with a high-glycerin soap just before you lather. Wash, rinse partially with a splash, and apply lather. Some good soaps for this: Musgo Real Glyce Lime Oil soap (MR GLO), or Whole Foods 365 brand glycerin soap, or Dr. Bronner's bar soap, or Clearly Natural glycerin soap. Some shaving vendors (e.g., HTGAM) also offer a high-glycerin pre-shave soap.

Try the beard-washing a week, skip it a week, then try it another week to see whether it works for you. If you have very hard water, soaps will form a sticky scum, but you can soften the water by dissolving in it a pinch of citric acid. To test your water's hardness, try a distilled water shave.

Given your beard, your second razor should be a slant-bar razor. Most find the slant to be very mild and gentle on the skin, aggressive and efficient on the stubble, but a slant requires very light pressure and good technique, so it's better as a second razor.

You can take a look at the reader reviews of my introductory guide and decide from those whether the book is likely to be helpful to you. It's available from all Amazon sites in both Kindle and print formats.

Hope this helps. And welcome.

Same, but with MORE!

Before I discovered straight razor and double edge shaving I spent close to ten years shaving with just a few drops of olive oil. Pre-soak your face hair (you do that anyways, right?) which for me almost always happens in what we call a shower. Then, with your hairs wet, place a few drops of olive oil in your hands with a little hot water. Rub you hands together and slap that shit on yer face! It won't completely end your razor gunk, but it will lessesn it AND allow you to see what your doing when you shave AND leave your face skin wonderfully soft. Now, about that four-blade...

Warning: Shameless plug for wet (traditional) shaving:

I know you have a certain familiarity with your current shaving set-up, but now is the time to open you mind to other possibilities. You're spending too much money, time, stress and aggravation when you shave. Go out and get yourself an inexpensive but competent single edge razor and shaving brush and some blades and shaving soap (Williams soap is low entry level but can work). The razor should run you maybe $30, brush the same. The soap will last you quite a while, and your blade costs going forward will be a fraction of what four-blade cartridges cost. Learn how to use and care for your brush Book:Leisureguy's guide to gourmet shaving. For advice, tutorials and community
r/shaving and r/wetshaving is good, Badger&Blade is great, and Straightrazorplace if you turn to the dark side.
If you do nothing else ditch the Barbasol--that shite dries out your skin and is actually the single best change you can make to your routine.


Try WestCoastShaving, ClassicShaving or RazorEmporium all seem to offer good choices... look for deals.


Most blades are pretty good. Feather Blades from Japan are superior. Seriously.


Mike's Shaving Soaps are a personal favorite, runners up Cella and Proraso (Italy)


Rinse your brush well under running water and working it against you palm as you would when face-lathering.


Boar, Horse and Badger and some synthetics can all work well, but badger is much more popular; Stick with a name brand you'll do fine.





I should probably subscribe to this and the wetshaving sub...

Yup. We got all that. The multi blade is almost certainly causing or aggravating the ingrown situation. Single cutting edge is the way to go including the techniques and products known as wet shaving. There are hundreds of guys on Reddit who beat ingrowns by switching to single cutting edge and wet shaving. I'm one of them.

Disposable options include Bic Sensitive, Bic Metal, and Gillette Guard; they'll do in a pinch but not really gift worthy.

Straight razor kits are $$$, even if you buy a nice vintage razor on /r/Shave_Bazaar , you still have to shell out for a strop. Know that SR shaving is not just a hair removal system but also an (enforced) hobby with all the maintenance and long learning curve. I'd suggest DE or shavette first.

"Shavettes" are disposable blade straight razors that can be inexpensive and use standard blades like this to high-end with speciality blades like this. They do not require the maintenance of a proper straight razor and are therefore more convenient. They are also notably less forgiving though.

Double edge (DE) razors are fantastic way of taking care of your skin and make a great gift. You can find a nice vintage razor on /r/Shave_Bazaar or go with an affordable new starter kit. For new, Maggard is your new best friend. For vintage, a little more research will be necessary.

Keep in mind that you can give the hardware and software but not the technique. That he has to get himself and the above products in unskilled hands will just make matters worse. You can send him here or /r/wet_shavers or find other resources online including this book by a fellow user, /u/Leisureguy

A good place to start your research is here in the wet_shavers wiki. There are a ton of people willing to answer if you have questions too.

Man, I almost made a throwaway for this, but fuck it. I don't care.
Don't do it. It's not fucking worth it. I've been shaving my face with a DE safety razor for about 9 months and I love it. Absolutely love it. I tried shaving my head with it for about a week before I said "fuck this shit." On a lark I tried my girlfriend's lady razor and it works like a fucking charm. I use Arko and a brush in the shower and I cannot tell you how awesome and easy it is. It only takes a few minutes and it's great. Just, ya know, don't tell people. Especially not on here. For me it was free, because I'm not against using the same one as my girl. But, even if you have to buy it for yourself it's not expensive, because they last for-fucking-ever. The damn thing never leaves the shower and we both use it a lot and the blade gets changed like every three weeks. Seriously, bromine, the shit is legit.

They're awesome is what they are. Basically they were the type of razor used before safety, disposable, and electric razors. They essentially consist of nothing more than a blade (but hang on don't run away they aren't that scary).

Here's what one looks like, but don't run away yet! https://images-na.ssl-images-amazon.com/images/I/61La9GYnHUL._SL1500_.jpg

The advantages of a straight razor are that they're much sharper than regular razors so there's less tugging (and hence less bleeding in your case), provide a smoother shave, and a much closer shave (within a few micrometers). Oh and they can last for literally hundreds of years. I have one from 1860 that shaves like a dream.

Now to be fair that one in the picture looks scary because it's basically just a giant knife, but if you are interested I'd recommend a shavette. They are essentially a hybrid straight razor/ disposable razor. They have the advantage of not badly injuring you if you slip up (because the exposed blade can just barely break the skin), and they have disposable blades so there's no sharpening involved. Here's what they look like (this also happens to be my personal favorite razor, HIGHLY RECOMMEND): https://www.amazon.com/Classic-Samurai-Stainless-Professional-Straight/dp/B00O9NCCBO/ref=sr_1_4?crid=25PE956RBPIY8&keywords=classic+samurai+cs-102&qid=1567549533&s=gateway&sprefix=classic+samura%2Caps%2C187&sr=8-4

Anyway that's what a straight razor is. They could potentially solve your problem, but you'd also need to buy shaving soap and a shaving brush to use one, and you'd need to watch some tutorials on how to use one correctly.

I went on amazon bought a brush for 10.00, a relatively cheap DE razor for about 27.00 a stand for 10 and a soap for 10.00, I would recommend trying a soap sampler to find one you like. You can find starter packs as well, and I would do that. I was trying to be somewhat frugal but ended up needing more than I thought. Most razors come with a free pack of blades, usually at least 5, and that should last you approximately 15 shaves, so at least two weeks. After that I recommend going with some kind of blade sampler since a lot of packs come with a hundred blades and if you buy the wrong blade you might be out the 10 or 15 that it cost.

It takes longer than a cartridge razor to shave, and requires more skill and attention, but the whole process is much more enjoyable with better results.
I recommend going the cheap route until you're sure you like it, and as you wear out the items you buy (bristles comes out of my brush almost every shave, a couple at a time) then buy the next level up. It can be extremely expensive, but like anything there's also regular people versions of all the expensive stuff too.

For your reference:
Razor
Soap
Brush
Stand
Blades

Great, safety razor is the best way to go IMO. However if you’re not used to using one it will take some time and practice.

I strongly recommend you read this (it may be avail for free if you search):

Leisureguy’s guide to shaving

Good luck!

You’re irritating your skin and not properly cutting the hairs. You needs to get the shaving cream under each hair so that it is raised and can be easily cut off. That is what gives you a clean shave. Please buy something like the below.

Perfecto 100% Original Pure Badger Shaving Brush. Engineered for The Best Shave of Your Life.for All Methods,Safety Razor,Double Edge Razor,Staight Razor or Shaving Razor, Its Best Badger Brush. https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00LDYFGFQ/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_i_pnv2DbT4D5E8P

Put shave cream on bring and In a circular motion apply it to your neck and any shave area. Shave with the grain of your hair. This will clear up most of your problem and you will be happy. I promise.

>cornerstone low foaming gel

I could not find an ingredient list on their website, so I cant be sure how good the product is.

​

If you are in the UK, truly excellent shaving products are available to you locally.

Here is a list of worldwide vendors, including the UK.

https://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/wiki/stores_vendors

​

For example here is a set of an Omega boar brush & Arko soap on Amazon UK. The scent of the Arko isn't anything to write home about, but it is truly an excellent performer.

Palmolive shaving stick is available in most malls for less than £1 & is an excellent product.

If you want to go slightly more upmarket, see here & here.

It could very well be the electric razors, bud. Have you been to r/wicked_edge? I suggest going there and reading the FAQ bar on how to shave with a DE safety razor. I've been doing it for a few months and it's completely transformed my face (although I switched from disposables, not electric). My best friend has been using an electric for years though and complained about irritation. I got him to try the DE safety razor and he really loves it. His face has cleared up and he doesn't get ingrowns anymore.

If you try the safety razor, I recommend these starters:

Razor
Shave kit

Or you could try this system which got positive reviews by a user on wicked edge. Bevel

I recommend shaving after a shower, using a thick lather with a brush, and shaving with the grain only. Study your face before you shave. Notice which directions the hair grows on different parts of your face, and be careful to shave with that growth pattern. Use some alum and an after shave with alcohol in it afterwards to reduce redness and ingrown hair.

Years ago (around 2005), I fell for the Gillette M3 Power razor. After my first shave, I felt so ripped off. Plus, blades were expensive.

I researched safety razors and made the switch to a Merkur razor, Derby blades, Trumper shaving soap, and a 100% badger brush. I haven’t looked back. Yes, I paid a lot for my razor (and I would go with a more traditional one today if I could redo it). I have 100 blades for $9, which will last me over 2 years. I’ve been using the same soap since 2012. And I replace the brush whenever it feels like it needs to be replaced.

It does take a little while in getting used to, but it took me only a couple of weeks to get the swing of it. And with shaving soap, it won’t lather like the stuff in an aerosol can. But you don’t need lather. All you need is enough of a film to glide the blades over the skin to trim the whiskers.

I’d also recommend a travel case for the razor. That will protect the blades in transit. And I’d get a nick stick. I’ve been wet shaving with a safety razor for nearly 15 years, and an occasional nick does happen.

For the pubic area, best setup is a combination of the Cleancut PS335 T-Shape Personal Shaver to get hair down to stubble length, and then the Cleancut ES412 Personal Shaver to get the rest. Looks like they are also available as a Combo Pack at a better price.

The PS335's blade is still a little bit exposed, so you still need to go slow and pay attention. The foil screen on the ES412 is very effective, and I don't think I've ever been nicked by it. A little talcum-powder or baby-powder helps it glide smoothly as well.

If he's diligent, after the initial pass only the ES412 is needed to keep it maintained. I'm lazy though, and almost always require both because the ES412 just isn't effective if there is any length on the hair at all. It has to be really short stubble for it to work.

I loved the DSC shave butter, and bought this on amazon https://smile.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OX5ZDI2/ref=ppx_yo_dt_b_asin_title_o08_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1 it's pretty similar, smells like almonds :)

I have had really bad skin all of my adult life. The only thing that works for me: I use an electric beard grooming shaver to get anything long. Take a good hot shower, I only use a mild soap nothing harsh on the skin. https://www.amazon.com/Jason-Body-Wash-Aloe-Vera/dp/B00014D9FI/ref=sr_1_18?keywords=aloe+vera+body+wash&qid=1565499830&s=gateway&sr=8-18

Then I use Dr Broners shaving gel. It's very thick and smells funny but works. https://www.amazon.com/Dr-Bronners-Shaving-Lemongrass-Lime/dp/B007QIDD58/ref=sr_1_3?keywords=dr+bronners+shaving&qid=1565499973&s=gateway&sr=8-3

Then I rinse very well with warm water to flush anything from the pours.

I don't razor shave very often anymore. I usually just keep it very short just using the beard groom. But when I have to razor shave this process works really well for me.

If you're looking for something specifically on amazon, then I would recommend taylor of old bond street either sandalwood or avocado. Both lather very well. Additionally, my wife makes shave soaps that lather very well, her products is called mason boutique shave soaps. My favorites are Octane, Bobcat, Maya, and TLM.

I bought one of these from Amazon as a starter safety. I've been impressed so far! I also highly recommend the Edwin Jagger shaving soap (also from Amazon).

Feather Double Edge Blades, 50 Count https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00AGG3MNU/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_QlpOzb7A03XWG

Thanks found it on prime. I'll go with these. I do not need anything special just don't want bad ones. I appreciate your help

Merkur is a household name. Here's a pretty cheap one on Amazon.. Most people suggest getting a sampler pack of blades to find what you like. I'm a fan of Derby myself.

Chasis powder usually works well for itching down there. It's also talc free so you don't have to worry about issues with that.

https://www.amazon.com/Chassis-Premium-ICE-Body-Powder/dp/B07CV59271/ref=sr_1_2?crid=2ZWR6B60ZNHNB&keywords=chasis+for+men&qid=1568490767&s=gateway&sprefix=chasis%2Caps%2C153&sr=8-2

Hey what do you think of the Merkur 24c? I'm thinking about getting it, but I wanted a second opinion. Thanks!

As I said, try the Witch Hazel and see if that helps, and ensure that you are using a fresh razor - or at least make sure you are not using one for too long. That is one of the failings in a cartridge razor. People trying to save money by pushing that cartridge too far and it can seriously mess up your skin.


Additionally, as I said, if the Witch Hazel doesn't work, and you are using a fresh cartridge, you might want to see a doctor.

https://www.amazon.com/Swan-Witch-Hazel-16-Ounce/dp/B008LENLFS

If you use disposables in this case then you can get away with paying like $20 for a years worth of razors. I personally use this razor. It comes with 100 blades and you can usually use them at least twice. You'll cut yourself quite a bit at first, but after a week or two you should be fine. I don't like using canned shaving cream because it's too thick. When I started out I got this set for soap. You can pick this one up at wal-mart.

Shave after warm shower. Use pre-shave oil and quality shave soap.
Use an adjustable razor set to lowest number or an exceptional mild razor like the PAA DOC original, but with a very sharp blade such as Feather.

Once lathered, use only cold water to complete shave. Shave by removing the lather (really light touch), don't try to remove facial hair. Take a look at the FAQ.

After shave ritual: cold water rinse, witch-hazel, balm, then aftershave

I have large hands so I wanted a long handled razor and got the Merkur 180

Here is what LeisureGuy says about this: http://www.reddit.com/r/wicked_edge/comments/ln4h3/i_know_this_has_been_done_to_death_but_im_pretty/c2u0ojx

I use this...http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Futur-Safety-Razor-Finish/dp/B000JPKLUU

set to 6.

and this...http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00AGG3MNU/ref=pd_lpo_sbs_dp_ss_1?pf_rd_p=1944687762&pf_rd_s=lpo-top-stripe-1&pf_rd_t=201&pf_rd_i=B001G5FOLI&pf_rd_m=ATVPDKIKX0DER&pf_rd_r=11XG319FHKP8A5J1XZXE

That is all...as close as it gets with one to two passes. Aggressive.