Reddit reviews Edwin Jagger Porcelain Black Shaving Bowl with Handle

Just see how lathering goes before trying a distilled water shave. You can check water hardness here.

Any bowl will do for lathering, you can just get a salsa bowl or something like it from the kitchen or check at the Dollar Store. If you want an official lathering bowl and money is no problem check out this apothecary bowl.

Your list looks very well researched. All products are widely recommended over here.

For shaping, check out the youtube vids by Betelgeux.

As for the steamer, I'd just try hot towels first to see if it works for you and upgrade later if it gives real benefits...

Had a few cheap ones before I got a black Edwin Jagger to match my brush. Love it.

http://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B000FIH8XO/ref=redir_mdp_mobile?pc_redir=T1

I haven't heard of these products so I did a quick google search. Below are few quick results:

> Soap is complete crap, end of story. Brush is worse, garbage. Mug is rather nice.

Another opinion:

> The Brush: It's actually turned out to be a fairly good brush for me. The knot popped out after a few months, and I glued it back in with some plumbing epoxy stuff I got from the hardware store. It's in there solid now. It did shed quite a bit at first, but now I only lose maybe one or two hairs per shave. Acceptable for me. It has a very heavy porcelain handle. It's not a badger though, definately boar, and it's been slammed heavily in these and other forums. Obviously, YMMV.

More:

> there was a brush that I just had to throw away.

And the last one:

> The soap and the brush really suck though.

If the brush handles are to your liking, you can always re-knot them. Let us know how you like them. IMO $6 just for the bowl isn't that bad, Mühle and Edwin Jagger sell similar for about $30.

Edit: Here is the Edwin Jagger mug in amazon.

Magic Fragrant Shaving Powder

Review on this product had great insight on how to use it...


That's not to say it doesn't work at all. Just that it doesn't work nearly as well on coarse hairs that it does on fine hairs. In other words, if you're wanting this for your back, legs, arms...you'll be largely amazed at how well it takes off hair. You're unlikely to be impressed with groin, face, etc. where the hairs may be more coarse.


For my case, I bought it for my face. There, it took three treatments before I saw even the slightest hint of smooth, hairless skin. Even then, it still left stubble on the neck and under my jaw. Comparing this with a safety razor where I could get these hairs quite easily, this was a bit depressing. What it did do a good job of was minimizing razor bumps and ingrown hairs.

A lot has been made of the mixing strategy. Yes, it's pain. But that's because the instructions are faulty. If you mix the way it tells you on the can, not only will you be stirring forever, you'll end up with a very slimy, very inefficient solution that will make you think you got scammed. I'm going to help you.

You need:

• A mixing cup. You can use any cup, or you can get official and get something like Edwin Jagger Porcelain Shaving Soap Bowl With Handle, Black
  
  
• A spoon. Or something else to stir with. I prefer a spoon but it's up to you.
  
  
• A shaving brush. You can use your hand, but I strongly recommend against it. Just get a shaving brush. Like Escali 100% Pure Badger Shaving Brush
  
  
• A large towel - you'll use both ends. Or if you're not into messing towels up, consider something like Kleenex Hand Towels Everyday, 60 Count where you can throw them away when done.
  
  
• A preshave balm or lotion, or oil. You want something that is NOT alcohol based. Something like John Allan's Slick Water Lotion, 2 Ounce
  
  
• Something to tame the skin afterwards. Something like Proraso Aftershave Lotion, Refresh, 100 ml
  
  Mind you, the above are just recommendations. Choose whatever products you want, just make sure they are comparable to the above. Or don't use them, but be prepared to be frustrated with your results.
  
  First, to give you a sense of scale and scope. A heaping teaspoon is enough for a grown man's entire face. If you're doing legs, arms, chest, etc, bump it up to two teaspoons. This is just to have enough when you're done mixing. Next, your water ratio should be just enough to end up with a consistency between pancake mix and cake batter; not runny, but not overly thick. You'll know it when you see it. Imagine perfectly made oatmeal "stick to the ribs" style. That's what you want. So if you have a heaping teaspoon of powder, put maybe a barely full teaspoon of cool water in. Then stir slowly using the spoon (or whatever). It will look like it's not mixing; it is. It just takes a while.
  
  Here's the hint: you'll know when you're almost done because you'll get hit in the face with a smell that I can't describe, but you'll know it for what it is. If you've ever used NAIR, or any similar depilatory, it's the exact same smell. Once that smell hits you, you'll notice the mixture getting thicker and it'll all make sense (finally). Usually takes me about 2 minutes end-to-end. If you end up with a consistency that seems watery, use a flat edge (i.e. a knife or something) and add a bit more powder, then continue to stir. Conversely if it feels way too thick (like paste), add a half teaspoon of water and continue stirring. After you do it once, you'll get the hang of it.
  
  Second, DO NOT do this after a shower or after washing your skin. It should probably be the first thing you do after getting up on the days you do it (which is every other day, NOT once a day). Why? You want your skin to be oily, to have some coating to protect it, in addition to the preshave. This is how you can get the best result without burning sensation. So don't wait until after showering to do this.
  
  Now, prep your location. By prep, I mean use the preshave, something that is designed to protect your skin from burn and irritation. DO not use regular lotion, it won't do anything.
  
  Now, it's important to note that this, when mixed, is essentially a plaster. It will go on wet and then dry, just like a cast. That's okay. But be prepared for it to "flake" everywhere. Try not to move too much. You don't want to make a mess.
  
  Apply using the shave brush as if you were applying shaving cream or foam. But go in strokes against the grain. The goal is to lift the follicles and help the mixture do its thing. Make sure you get good coverage. You'll notice that the bottom of the mixture looks dry; that's okay. It'll still apply like a plaster. But feel free to drip a bit of water in there if you're not sure.
  
  You'll need to wait between 7 and 10 minutes (depending on skin sensitivity) for the mix to work. During this time, clean out your mug and shave brush. The mixture should rinse rather cleanly in cold water, but the brush will take some hands-on help (it's safe). Depending on how long it stays on you may or may not feel a tingle. That's a good sign. It should not burn.
  
  After the time has passed, this is where people get confused. You can use a dull pseudo razor (like Pseudo Shaver), if you want, but I found much better results just using a warm, damp towel. You can warm up the water while waiting for the mixture to dry, and if you use the disposables, have one that is your warm water towel and one that is your dry towel. Or you can use a single towel that serves both functions. Wipe the mixture off in firm, slow strokes against the grain. Then clean the towel off and go back over the area vigorously to get the remainder. Dry off with the other towel. Finish up with the aftershave.
  
  If you did everything I noted above, you should see amazing results, with certain exceptions (I could never get the mixture to work at all above my mustache, it did 97% of the job in the groin area, and 99% of the work under my jaw). Figure 15 minutes total time to do. But again, you only need to do this once every other day minimum. My arms have been smooth for three days.

You also will need some sort of shaving bowl or cup to lather your brush in. Edwin Jagger makes really nice ones if you want to match to your razor.

Okay, I guess I can jump in here as I had to shave every day for about 13 years (college and then the Army) no matter the conditions, no matter how dirty or oily my skin was, and with no regard to the availability of electricity or light.

• The first rule of shaving (okay, get the Fight Club jokes out of your systems) is to determine what kind of skin and hair you have.
  
  If you're like me, a white guy with very curly and dense facial hair, you're going to face a lot of the same problems that black guys have with ingrown hairs (it's called Pseudofolliculitis barbae when it's widespread and pervasive - many guys in the military get what are called "shaving profiles" and never touch a razor, only trimming the hair with trimmers).
  
  
• If you're like most guys in the United States, as soon as you registered for Selective Service at 18 Gillette sent you a razor in the mail (I know many guys that this was how they were introduced to shaving). A word of warning about "safety razors" of the disposable kind: more than two or three blades is a gimmick. They usually just strip away more skin, and then you're dealing with other issues.
  
  A good first "safety" razor, and the disposable kind are actually less expensive than the ones you replace the cartridges, is the Gillette Sensor (either the 2 or the 3, referring to the number of blades).
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Gillette-Sensor3-Sensitive-Disposable-Razor/dp/B001F51QWK/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375152325&sr=1-3&keywords=Gillette+Sensor3
  
  I would stay away from the razors that are hinged at the rear, like the Fusion, as it seems that you need to put unnecessary force on your face to get good coverage, again irritating the skin.
  
  
• If you're wanting to avoid all of this, and get a good electric razor, and I'm talking combat tested (because mine was in Iraq with me and survived bad charging, no blade change, dirty skin and hair, and basically abuse), Braun seems to have broken the code on the "twin foil" system. I currently have a System 5, which I keep as my trimming / travel razor, and you will find that they are both relatively inexpensive and do a good job (as long as you don't have a beard, and then you need a real trimmer, not the little thing attached to the shaver).
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Braun-Series-5-590cc-Shaving-System/dp/B001P5HCKK/ref=sr_1_2?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375152622&sr=1-2&keywords=braun+series+5
  
  This is just my opinion, but the multi-head shavers that are supposed to trace the contours of your face are just more hype that doesn't work well. Same with the ones that are wet/dry and squirt what's supposed to be lube on the blades before shaving and then need cleaning after. This is shaving, let's not get too crazy.
  
  
• Now, if you want to step up to my level, and this will cover male grooming beyond your face, you need to be ready to invest in a few different things:
  
  Oster professional clippers (you can trim a horse, sheer sheep, or rid yourself of pesky hair in places you'd rather not mention). I have a set of A5 clippers with multiple blades (the finer ones will cut skin if you're not careful).
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Oster-2-Speed-Professional-Animal-Clipper/dp/B000LRN31A/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1375153214&sr=8-1&keywords=oster+a5
  
  A true "double edged" safety razor. I've had a Merkur for almost a decade and it's bulletproof. One point in using this: shave in a quiet room so you can hear the "bite" of the blade on the hairs. Additionally, after every stroke, make sure you turn the razor over and use the other edge. For maximum blade life, do not use hot water.
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Heavy-Double-Razor-Included/dp/B000QYEK88
  
  Finally, ditch that nasty "shaving cream" that's just gunk and get yourself something real to lather your face with (okay, okay, get the jokes out of your systems): a proper mug, good soap, and a badger brush with make what can be a chore something else entirely.
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Col-Ichabod-Conk-Glycerin-Variety/dp/B0071B7XCO/ref=sr_1_3?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375153718&sr=1-3&keywords=colonel+conk+shaving+soap
  
  Colonel Conk is good, I'm a fan of their almond and bay rum, but there can be many others found out there if you look (try to stay away from repurposed soaps with no oil in them, they can make the razor "chatter" across the face).
  
  Oh, and don't forget to put the soap inside of something presentable: There used to be some really awesome designs for getting the soap wet, and then letting the water drain out, but because of the lost market we seem to be left with a large coffee mug.
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-Traditional-Porcelain-Shaving/dp/B000FIH8XO/ref=sr_1_6?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375154310&sr=1-6&keywords=shave+bowl
  
  Finally, there's the brush to get it on your face (some people say to just rub it on, but using a brush is like having a swarm of butterflies prepare you for a shave, as compared to putting on the goop with a spatula, so you decide).
  
  http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Bristle-Rosewood/dp/B002ET7AZ8/ref=sr_1_20?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1375154994&sr=1-20&keywords=shave+brush
  
  You want a natural Badger bristle brush, but not one that is too soft, or it will just slop suds all over the place. Medium is good, so it's gentle to the face, but soft to the skin, and also holds the suds, seems to be pretty awesome (in other words, paying too much is just a waste).
  
  
• The thing that you'll ask about, so I'd better tell you: the straight razor.
  
  I've owned a Dovo / Solingen straight razor for over ten years and it is both the most useful and useless shaving tool that I own.
  
  http://www.shoeboxshaveshop.com/dostst4585sa.html
  
  One thing to keep in mind is that you're bringing something that is, quite literally, suicidally sharp against your skin. For this reason alone, a straight razor should give you pause. There are no safeguards, and damaging the edge is very easy, and even if you don't do that, keeping the razor sharp enough so you can shave is a royal pain in the ass.
  
  Now, there are some things that a straight razor does very well. If I have a beard, but don't want to get my clippers out and make a bunch of noise and get hair all over the sink, I get some warm lather going with my brush and soap (usually out of tubes as I'm through my supply of soap bars) and let it sit in my beard for a while as I strop my razor a few times to fold over the remaining imperfections in the blade. By the time I'm done with this, my beard is ready for another lather, as the soad is sort of dried, and I'll start near my ears pulling an inch or so of hair off at a time without making a mess (often having paper towel at the edge of the sink to wipe the blade on).
  
  While this will get most of my beard, it will leave me still in need of a finish shave with a regular razor, but I haven't cut myself with the straight razor, and I haven't made a mess.
  
  Each tool to it's own use.
  
  
• An afterword. There a great many sites out there run by people who just aren't good at web design who sell great products, some of them were invaluable in me buying my gear over the years. Even if you're just looking for rare stuff as a gift, ebarbershop.com can be a great resource (I just wish it was easier to find stuff).
  

Thank you very much for your advice. Using it I was able to make a list of stuff to buy:

[Safety Razor] (http://www.barbershop.no/muhle-r89-twist-tradisjonell-barberhovel) / Considering this one as an alternative

[Sample Blades] (http://www.amazon.com/FEATHER-Oclock-SILVER-Blade-Sampler/dp/B004UIZFQW/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1451666031&sr=8-1&keywords=razor+blade+sampler+pack) / Considering to just get these right away

[Shaving Soap] (http://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Eucalyptus-Menthol-Formulation/dp/B00837YY18/ref=sr_1_1?s=luxury-beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1451661564&sr=1-1&keywords=Proraso+Shaving+Soap)

[Beard Shampo] (http://www.barbershop.no/beardbrand-skjeggsjampo-tree-ranger)

[Beard Conditioner] (http://www.barbershop.no/beardbrand-skjeggbalsam-tree-ranger)

[Beard Oil] (http://www.barbershop.no/beardbrand-skjeggolje-tree-ranger)

[Beard Brush] (http://www.barbershop.no/oak-natural-beard-care-skjeggborste)

[Aftershave] (http://www.barbershop.no/proraso-liquid-after-shave-cream-eukalyptus-og-mentol)

[Badger Brush] (http://www.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Silvertip-Included/dp/B00LEU3PJS/ref=pd_sim_194_3?ie=UTF8&dpID=51OTe6MleLL&dpSrc=sims&preST=_AC_UL160_SR160%2C160_&refRID=0540M8DXQ0NG605310NR)

[Lather bowl] (http://www.amazon.com/Edwin-Jagger-Porcelain-Shaving-Handle/dp/B000FIH8XO/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&qid=1451664550&sr=8-3&keywords=lather+bowl)

[Beard Scissors] (http://www.barbershop.no/seki-edge-skjeggsaks-mustasjesaks)

Razor Stand

What do you think?

Also
>Definitely don't shampoo every day,

Why shouldn't I shampoo every day?

>and definitely don't shampoo worth something not meant just for beards.

What do you mean?

You might consider switching to a safety razor. Cartridge razors don't work well with very thick hair.

Here is a pretty good place to start. Razor, brush, scuttle, cream

I personally use Feather blades, but you might consider a variety pack because blade preferences vary person to person.

It costs a bit of money up front, but your blades will only cost 25-35 cents afterwards, so if you are used to using a Mach 3, it will pay for itself in a couple years and will save you hundreds or thousands of dollars over a lifetime.