Bloody Shavers :(

[Daddles]

I'm one of those unfortunates (about 50% of the population, including wimmen) who has sensitive skin and suffers razor rash like you wouldn't believe. I'm also cursed with a beard that goes right down my flamin' neck (yup, nearly to the collarbone) which needs to be shorn in three directions to get off - none of this 'one whisk and you're like a babies bum' bullsh you see on telebox.

Electric razors don't work on me ... without taking off the top layer of skin ... my Dad's Phillishave is the best and that's like using my random orbital with 80 grit, takes twice as long as blade shaving and still doesn't get my face and neck clean.

Some years ago, one company produced twin blade razors with little wires over the blade. Wonderful. If I used a shaving oil, no more razor rash. It was wonderful.

Trouble was, the blades were so good, they took them off the market :mad: (made sense I suppose, they stopped me spending money on blades that didn't work).
So I'm back to bare blades again. The only twin blades available now are cheap and are like shaving with galvanised iron strips :( The only more expensive and possibly better quality bladed are either flamin three blades or FOUR blades. Bloody hell. The don't take off any more bristle, just more bloody skin.

Dead set. Every second day I have nicks. Every day, my neck is sore and often looks like it's been assaulted with a wire brush. And that's using a shaving oil and regardless of which soap I use.

Oh, and the shaving oil that worked best is now unavailable, as is my preferred shaving soap :mad:

And the latest is battery powered blade razors :eek:

I'm going back to a beard - I look scruffy but at least I don't scare nurses.


Richard

[Tikki]

Off to the beauty parlour for a waxin' Rickie! :p

Cheers
Tikki :)

[bitingmidge]

You pooooorrr baby. :p

(Does that sound like a nurse?)

What works for me is the wonderful "Schick EXTRA II -sensitive with Vitamin E- complete with no-slip rubber Grip and push clean for easy rinsing. (That's all direct quotation from the packet). The handles are even dimpled for your pleasure.

As for soap.

Well I use a badger hair brush; poor little buggers, I guess that's where the expression "bald as a badgers date" came from- I've got his hair on the end of a stick, and a beauuuuuooootiful soft soap from some specialist shaving place in the big smoke.

All the rest of your rant, I agree with completely. Besides, if one has to do it each day, one should derive as much pleasure from same as possible, and the feel of that Badger's bum on the old chinny chin chin is just worth washing your face for.

Why did I reply to this thread?

Oh, yep! Boatmik, I sent your stuff back today, you should be shaving again next week sometime. sorry.

P
:D :D :D

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I'm in the same boat, apart from the nappy rash thing. Electrics just don't cut it (no pun intended) and the last time I shaved with disposables I went through about half-a-dozen of the bloody useless things.

The ol' gillette double-sided safety razors are the only blade I'm happy with, using a hand-me-down heirloom handle. Not that I've used any razors for a few years now... :rolleyes:

[Grunt]

Hey Richard,

Why don't you get a cut-throat, practice your sharpening skills and get a real close shave.

[doug the slug]

I normally put my face through the thicknesser, then i get out the ROS and start working through the grits down to about 600 then i burnish it with triton oil, which makes it smooth and shiny with a very appealing aroma as an added bonus :D :D

[craigb]

Hey Richard,

Why don't you get a cut-throat, practice your sharpening skills and get a real close shave.

Exactly.

After all, you do have darkside tendencies don't you? :p

[scooter]

Tried Sorbolene as your shaving cream? Heard of this a few years back, works for me and is economical.

Gilette Blue II sensitive skin is the go I reckon.

Had a proper shave at a flash place in the city when a'courtin' with the (now) missus, the fella there said to shave "downstream" first, then lather up again & shave across, try to avoid shaving directly against the grain (or you'll get tearout :rolleyes: ). Then he reckoned to use an alum block, which is a block of a sort of "crystal", get it from the chemist I think, it is an astringent, which stings a bit but (with cold water) closes the pores & stops any nicks. Similar effect to rinsing with cold water, drying, & splash of aftershave.

Even for all the above, I still get a better result if I go without a shave for a day, like on the weekend.


Cheers...............Sean

[fred.n]

Half your luck:D :D

I'm 44 and only have a little bit of fluff on the chin:mad: :mad: :mad: :mad:

I'd kill to have good whiskers:o :o :( :mad: :mad:

[Christopha]

What Tik said Richard..... a very full Brazilian for you mate!

[goat]

Tried Sorbolene as your shaving cream? Heard of this a few years back, works for me and is economical.
i totally agree with the sorbolene not long ago i told my 88 year old grand father (as his skin is very thin) he thinks it's great and he says he looks 15 years younger :D

[dazzler]

Hey Daddles

havin wog skin n all i know how you feel.:rolleyes:

My solution is to use PRORASO shaving cream and after shave balm. Its the stuff from italy and is in a green container with white writing.

You can git it from shave shops and barbers

I also use womens razors:p with the aloe vera strip.

cheers

[Daddles]

After I stopped eating/using all of them products for only 1week, ...

Funny, it never occured to me you were dead ;)

Richard

[Gra]

What is this shaving thing you talk about ?????

[Daddles]

the fella there said to shave "downstream" first, then lather up again & shave across, try to avoid shaving directly against the grain (or you'll get tearout :rolleyes: ).

I tried this routine this morning - ie, down first, then across. Under my neck, i HAVE to do the upwards run as well. Made quite a difference - thanks.

Richard

[Iain]

King of Shaves have some different products that you don't see in the suprmarkets, try a google on them.
Failing that ask 's advice on shaving, I hear he does it once a year:p

[malcolm]

hmm

[Iain]

hmm
I don't get it, maybe DPB can explain:rolleyes:

[CameronPotter]

I grow facial hair at an alarming rate...

My brother can not shave for a week and look less scruffy than I do if I miss shaving for a day.

I only use electric razors as I get awful rashes from hand razors (even though I shave with the grain). I don't really get nicks, but even a brand new razor doesn't cut it - literally. More of my hair gets pulled out than cut I think, or at least it feels that way.

I have tried all kinds of soaps and gels and oils and none of it works for me. So I resort to the 'leccy shaver, but it does take about 15 minutes every morning! :mad: And even longer if I miss shaving for a day.

Cam

[RETIRED]

King of Shaves have some different products that you don't see in the suprmarkets, try a google on them.
Failing that ask 's advice on shaving, I hear he does it once a year:pWrong!

4 times to have skin grafts checked. Once for a bet. Once due to a gas explosion that made me look like Stoppers without eye lashes or brows.

I am just a lazy bugger that has better things to do.:D

[RETIRED]

I normally put my face through the thicknesser, then i get out the ROS and start working through the grits down to about 600 then i burnish it with triton oil, which makes it smooth and shiny with a very appealing aroma as an added bonus :D :D
You whoos. When I have had to shave I used a 3lb mash hammer and driven them in. You then bite them off and spit 'em out.;)

[zenwood]

Nice little article on old-fashioned wet-shaving (and comparison with the 6-blade vibrating contraption) here:

http://www.christianitytoday.com/bc/2006/002/12.26.html

(warning: gets a bit wierd in the last paragraph, but good stuff till then).

See also, the shaveblog (http://www.shaveblog.com/) for a wealth of helpful info.

[scooter]

Interesting links Zen, read a bit of the shaveblog, he's a big fan of the old Gillette safety razors, anyone use them?

Must still be able to buy the blades somewhere? Safeway or Coles; or somewhere harder to find?

Must ask Dad about his old razor...


Cheers....................Sean

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Yup. The only thing that does the job... on the odd occasion I get around to it, that is. ;) Blades are still available at most supermarkets.

[scooter]

Skewy, the blog refers to old Gillette safety razors that are adjustable in some way, what is the adjustment do you know? Is it blade protrusion, or angle, or what?

Bugger, being sucked in to more esoterica... :p


Cheers............Sean

[zenwood]

I've never used one myself, but this blurb (http://www.menessentials.com/oxid.php/sid/x/shp/oxbaseshop/cl/details/cnid/-/anid/f2e4139d315c3bd25.45462608) says the razor is adjustable for sensitive skin, by adjusting the proximity of the blade to the razor's safety bar

[scooter]

Thanks Zen, got me hooked now :o

Hmmmmmmmmm


Cheers...............Sean

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

Skewy, the blog refers to old Gillette safety razors that are adjustable in some way, what is the adjustment do you know? Is it blade protrusion, or angle, or what?

On mine, the handle has 9 settings (with intermediates to give more) which change the curvature of the blade, going from 0 (dead flat) to 9 (guesstimating about a 10 degree angle at the cutting edge) As Zen said, as the angle changes the cutting edge moves closer to the bar and it does move into the body a wee tad.

You can see the blade curving in these photos... (I haven't shaved this year, so it's a tad dirty from rattling around in the cupboard. :o)

[scooter]

Thanks for posting that, Skewy, got it sussed now. :)

The bride haunts a few op shops, antique joints & the like, so have shown her the pics & asked her to have a dekko for me.

Will ask the FIL as well.

The adjustable model sounds like the go, plus it appeals to the gadget minded . :o


Cheers mate............Sean

[JDarvall]

The cheapest way to shave, IMO, is the old straightrazor. Cop a few cuts learning to navigate your face, at first.

but, means I never have to by new razors again. The edge is easily buffed sharp again.

I find it best to shave straight after a shower,,,,,,,wiskers being softer,,,,go with grain at first to get rid of most of it, then to get it close I go against.....I find I don't need any shaving cream etc....as long as I do it straight after a warm shower

[Lignum]

My skin is also sensitive to shaving and i find the best way is to put some olive oil on your face just before you have a shower and then shave it of in the shower. Works a treat, quick and simple and no iritation:)

[Skew ChiDAMN!!]

I find it best to shave straight after a shower,,,,,,,wiskers being softer,,,,go with grain at first to get rid of most of it, then to get it close I go against.....I find I don't need any shaving cream etc....as long as I do it straight after a warm shower

Ditto for the safety razor. I usually only shave when the mercury hits the 30's for a while (missed it this year. ;) ) and have found that after a shower, going with the grain (razor set at 0) takes the worst of my beard (no pun intended!) off and then against the grain (razor set about 3) gives the baby's bum look.

No need for mucking around with scissors first and it only takes a minute or so longer than subsequent shaves.

Without the shower, hot water is a must... cold water's only for new recruits or idiots who're trying for the dunny paper look. :rolleyes:

[PuppyPaw]

I haven't read through everything in this thread yet but I thought I would chime in.
I suffer the same specially the stubble around my neck and under my jaw, its growing in every direction. Damn annoying. I also suffer terrible razor rash with nicks a plenty I also end up having senstive skin for a few days and can't shave again.

However, I found Shave king which has helped significantly, I also use brute shaving cream (the stuff in the tin) and with that I mix regular hair conditioner which has almost eliminated the nicks and shavers rash and most of the pain (at least I can now shave daily if I need to)

I also keep my razor in a cup of mineral oil when I'm not shaving which keeps the razor sharper for far longer untill i toss it after the 4th shave.

[havenoideaatall]

I had a close shave with my drop saw the other day.:p

Me - I've had to shave every day since I was 16, and have actually shaved every day since I was 18 - probably missed 30 days in 17 years, 21 days when I sailed across the Atlantic, and at least once when I was building my workbench...

If I go out of an evening, I have to shave twice. It grows quick, but also comes off easily - I swear by the latest Gilette blade - going by whatever nomenclature. I find that despite the duty cycle, I can get months out of one blade - even using it every day(!)

I just take my time when I shave and have never had a rash in 17 years.

[havenoideaatall]

King of Shaves have some different products that you don't see in the suprmarkets, try a google on them.
:p

Iain, I tried the King of Shaves' gel and found it useless. Hot water and a fash wash, followed swiftly with a bit of gel or foam is all I need.

[Andy Mac]

Everyone seems to have a pet theory on this!:D I don't shave regularly now, and grow a beard through winter, but when I had to shave every day (in the RAAF) I used an electric shaver. It never did a good enough job for full parade inspections, so I reverted to a wet shave on the big days. The trick I found, especially in sweaty Qld weather, was a Remington product. Some type of powder stick, like underarm deoderant, but applied to the face before shaving. Did a great job. And sharpening the cutters...take the blighters out and hone them on a flat plate with fine (1000) wet&dry, which should appeal to you sharpening fanatics:p . As for the standard razors, I find those expensive twin blade ones with the soapy strip work pretty well on my face, but I'm not real hairy. Isn't the whole bleeding thing a complete ripoff!:mad: I'm back to disposable ones now, being the cheapest option... haven't been game to use the safety razor since I peeled a strip all away along my chin line when I was in my teens! I gave up spray foam yonks ago, much prefer a brush and shaving soapstick.

Cheers,

[silentC]

I use whatever the missus brings home for me. Currently got one of those 3 blade things. The only things I wont use are those bloody plastic BIC things. Twice a week at most because I don't show my face in public much. When I was working in the big smoke, it was every morning. Had an electric years ago. It didn't do a very good job.

[TassieKiwi]

The thing about shaving is that no-one really teaches you - you just seem to pick it up. One of those puberty thins.

Daddles - I have had similar problems, and this works for me:

Equipment - Niviea shave gel - no perfume, wierd oils, and low irritant. Shaver - I was using the 3-blade job from shick, but have stumbled upon a 3-cutter disposable with the green pad thing that is better. I think that it's Shick, but will check.

Method - Whiskers absorb 30 times thier mass in water in a few minutes, so I first trim the sidies down a few cm in the mirror, then into the shower to wash all hairy bits. On with the gel then, and shave with the grain. You can feel it, but usually upstrokes on the neck, down elsewhere, and accross to finish. You don't need a mirror, as you can feel any bits that you've missed (I learned that from Ray Charles:) )

Dove moisturiser to finish once dry. No rash, nicks or other drama.

[havenoideaatall]

I've never shaved after a shower, as I like to clean off and dry off completely without getting 'foamy' again or do anymore bathroom related bizo.

So if the shower helps lubricate, shaving in the shower is not a bad idea - and I can turn off the 1000w worth of Tastics at the same time and save electricity and keep warm in to the bargain:p

I'm using foam - picked it up by mistake as I usually use gel and have done so for at least 10+ years. I did try a soap stick and badgers hair combo years ago.

All this talk of showering reminds me...

[silentC]

Dove moisturiser

:eek: :eek:

[TassieKiwi]

:eek: :eek:


.:p

PS I checked the shavers - they're Schick 'Extreme 3 sensitive", 4 for about 5 bucks. Pack of 8 Mach3 is $23, and the Schick ones are better, IMHO.

[Daddles]

I ducked into a barber's yesterday. A real barber's shop, one run by a gnome who looks about 150 years old and had a chat with him about shavers. Sadly, customers came in which stuffed things up a bit. However, he made the interesting claim the manufacturers of cartridge shavers try too hard for a keen edge and actually wind up with a scolloped (yes, the spelling is wrong:rolleyes: ) edge, hence the uneven shave and chunks of skin missing. Might be bull but it's a nice theory to trot out around the barbie.

I was able to buy a single blade handpiece, brand new, $18. Loaded her up with a blade this morning and proceeded to give myself the best shave I've had in years :D And that's using my usual, scruffy techniques. I was a tad nervous to start with, but shouldn't have been - it's really no different to using a cartridge. No nicks. No razor rash. Most of the beard gone - yep, need to learn to angle the blade properly and, like I said, I was a bit tentative to start with. Still a better shave than I usually get though.

I'm happy.

And I reckon I might waste part of this evening doing some searching of the internet on shaving sites. Seeing I've now got the weaponry, I might become a bit of a shaving nazi :D

Cheers
Richard

(and I didn't need my nice, new Styptic Pencil either ;) )

[zenwood]

Richard: you might have started a trend here. Gonna have to have a chat with by barber. Where do you get the blades from?

BTW, one of the articles I referenced earlier recommended multiple short strokes when using a savety razor, rather than the long sweeping strokes they show on the ads for the dinky toys.

[Daddles]

Richard: you might have started a trend here. Gonna have to have a chat with by barber. Where do you get the blades from?

BTW, one of the articles I referenced earlier recommended multiple short strokes when using a savety razor, rather than the long sweeping strokes they show on the ads for the dinky toys.

I bought me blades from the barber which turned out to be a mistake as he charged the earth for them, especially when I got home and realised the handle came with a few blades :rolleyes: . They're available in woolies so I guess they're available in other supermarkets as well.

I've been doing the short, multiple strokes for years, even with cartridge razors. Works for me. The ads annoy me something chronic.

Richard

[havenoideaatall]

I've been doing the short, multiple strokes for years, even with cartridge razors. Works for me. The ads annoy me something chronic.

Richard

Even more annoying would be to have a smiley blonde/brunette next to you constantly trying to have a feel of your chin every bloody short stroke you made.

[CameronPotter]

Even more annoying would be to have a smiley blonde/brunette next to you constantly trying to have a feel of your chin every bloody short stroke you made.

Oh... I don't know about that... ;)

[havenoideaatall]

Oh... I don't know about that... ;)

Just making sure you were awake. She's OK to basically molest me any other time.

[Iain]

(and I didn't need my nice, new Styptic Pencil either ;) )
Did we go for the 'Norman Gunston' look instead:D :D :p

[Daddles]

Did we go for the 'Norman Gunston' look instead:D :D :p

BTDT :rolleyes:
Nope, no blood on the floor yet. I'm either getting better or not shaving close enough ;)

Richard

[Mr woodmachinist]

Get a face wax