I just did this for the first time about 15 minutes ago. I have had razor burn ever since I started shaving thanks to having such curly hair. Does anyone here do this? My face feels fucking spectacular after doing 4 passes. I was super nervous since I'd never used a DE safety razor before, but I think it was pretty successful for a first go. No serious cuts but it feels like I done a slightly rough job. Any products I should look into for both razor burn and wet shaving in general?

This video is a great introduction into wet shaving. I've done this once and I'm already hooked.

http://www.youtube.com/user/mantic59#p/u/0/xjhIy9rgWQU

I dont know about this wet shaving thing, but i use Nivea shave gel and after shave for sensitive skin. Works real well

Wet shaving is not necessarily with a straight razor





most people use safety razors



I used a safety razor. Wet shaving is basically brushing lather on your face so that you have a layer of moisture with your shaving cream. Guys with sensitive skin and curly facial hair are privy to razor burn and one of the best ways to combat that is by doing a traditional wet shave. The shave is closer than any multi blade razor and the products you use on your face for building lather feel and smell awesome.

Oh I might have to give this a shot.

years ago in Vegas, I went to the Bellagio barber, and she gave me a 45 minute shave. it was the works...old timey barber chair, hot towels before, 2 passes with the razor and more hot towels in between each shave. afterwards the cold water to close the pores, then the all important after shave to close your pores.

afterwards she sold me some of the product they use, which I still buy and use to this day. in the end, the good stuff will treat your skin right and not leave the hideous red bumps and ingrown hairs.

http://www.theartofshaving.com/

I take the scalp down to the wood, as well as shave. I mostly use disposables, but do have a safety razor in the cabinet for special occasions. A few times a year I will go out to get the whole treatment at a traditional Barber Shop (NOT a salon). It is the closest a man can come to a "spa day" without having to turn in his genitalia, imo.

You can actually purchase safety razors that look like a stratight blade, but I will eventually buy/use the real thing, as it is soooo much better overall.

Wetshaving owns. Safety razors provide superior shaves at a way better price. Feather blades are a must too.

I shave with a straight blade - it's an art form which takes practice and time. It's especially good if you have a beard/goatee as it is great for shaping the beard.

 

Originally Posted by Donkallionaire

I shave with a straight blade - it's an art form which takes practice and time. It's especially good if you have a beard/goatee as it is great for shaping the beard.

I've been wanting to buy a nice straight for a while now, but I'm not sure how you hone and strop them.

 

Originally Posted by Xmas32

I was at Dillards a couple days ago picking up some stuff and the sales rep handed me a coupon for a free Kiehls sample, I've been using shaving creams for about a year now and will never go back to gels/foams again. I'll check out this Kiehls product. I know their stuff is pricey but if it's better than what I'm currently using, I'll switch.

Companies like Truefitt & Hill, Taylor of Old Bond, and Castle Forbes make way better stuff than Kiehls imo and are much cheaper with the exception of Castle Forbes. Taylor of Old Bond Avocado, is my favorite.

 

Originally Posted by Donkallionaire

My barber was doing it for a long time for me - I expressed interest and he took me to his supply shop, hooked me up and taught me the proper techniques. I use the throw away blades that are disposable.

I've seen the disposables, but I really want a standard straight edge. I've heard that the disposables are nice, but I've also heard they don't come close to the real thing.

 

Originally Posted by Donkallionaire

My barber was doing it for a long time for me - I expressed interest and he took me to his supply shop, hooked me up and taught me the proper techniques. I use the throw away blades that are disposable.

What kind do you use? This seems like something I would like to try.

 

Originally Posted by Donkallionaire

If you can make friends with anyone who has a barbers license/beauty license, they can purchase all of your shaving needs at a very low price.

I use classicshaving.com and they seem to have pretty reasonable prices, especially when you factor in how expensive the Fusion blades are. It's pretty incredible how much better of a shave you get at a much cheaper price. I guess wetshaving lost popularity because everyone is in a hurry these days.

 

Originally Posted by gamma21

I've been wanting to buy a nice straight for a while now, but I'm not sure how you hone and strop them.

Companies like Truefitt & Hill, Taylor of Old Bond, and Castle Forbes make way better stuff than Kiehls imo and are much cheaper with the exception of Castle Forbes. Taylor of Old Bond Avocado, is my favorite.

Thanks for the heads up.

 

Originally Posted by Popperhead

In Vegas there is an art of shaving store in the shops @ mandalay bay.

The Blades are like $20 for 4 which I personally use at least 4-6 times depending on how much long I leave it. Box of 4 blades lasts me prolly 4-6 weeks IMO not very expensive in the long run. But it does suck initially paying 20

The best blades you can buy for safety razors cost $5.99 for 10 of them and they can be used as long as Fusion blades. Feather blades are way sharper than Fusion blades too. After you make the initial investement in wet shaving, you get a much less expensive and superior method of shaving. From my experience, the art of shaving is overpriced and overrated. They make quality stuff, but there is much better stuff out on the market.

So its just the initial purchase for a safety razor set that is the expensive part? The sets I've looked at seem to be between $100 and $300 for the brush, handle, and cup... Is that about normal?