Best shaving soap bowls according to redditors
We found 85 Reddit comments discussing the best shaving soap bowls. We ranked the 28 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
We found 85 Reddit comments discussing the best shaving soap bowls. We ranked the 28 resulting products by number of redditors who mentioned them. Here are the top 20.
When you shave against the grain the razor tugs at the hair in addition to slicing through it, pulling it a bit farther out of the follicle. This makes it much easier to get ingrown hairs and irritation on the skin.
Edit to elaborate on everyone else's experiences by adding my own: Using Mach 3s and all that newer stuff I always broke out on my neck. Switching to a safety razor(a big part of this is also finding the right blade brand for you skin, Feather was way too sharp for me and caused razor burn, I ended up going with Derby), using a badger hair brush and shaving soap and making my own lather, shaving while showering and your hair is moist and skin is warm from the steam, and rinsing with ice cold water after the shave are what I found work the best. Hard to nail down exactly what helped the most cause I switched to doing all that at the same time.
Safety Razor
Blades
Soap
Fogless Shower Mirror
Mug to make lather in
Brush
After Shave
Cold Water ;P (I honestly think rinsing with cold water for at least 15 seconds before putting on after shave is the most important part in avoiding irritation and ingrown hairs.)
Oh yes: https://www.amazon.com/Original-Maurer-Wirtz-Shaving-Ounces/dp/B000GHYXG4/ref=sr_1_3_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1499362721&sr=8-3&keywords=tabac
TABAC!
Checkout /r/wickededge
Tl;dr:
FYI gentle shaving is not a good thing. The faster you can move the blade across the hair, the less irritation (else you drag across the hair rather cutting clean - think about slicing oppose to chopping / hacking)
If you're leaving the cut hair with a poor edge you're more prone to ingrowing hair. If the blade was dirty then you're more prone to ingrowing hair and infection - is the blade clean and sharp? Are you pulling the skin too taut (thereby shaving underneath the skin line and leaving yourself exposed to ingrowing hairs)?
There's a lot to learn - it's a skill
Pros are tested by running a blade across the surface of a balloon - take off the lather without catching the skin ... it's a skill that requires practice
Not everyone likes a warm shave, many people react better to cold shaves - it contracts the skin and raises / exposes the hair
A good lather changes everything. I use a combination of oil and lather:
https://leisureguy.wordpress.com/2008/02/01/the-oil-pass/
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Cella-Shaving-Soap-Pot-150g/dp/B002Y1451S
http://www.shavelounge.co.uk/omega-s-brush-synthetic-fibre-shaving-brush-beech-s10005
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=heaz_1sDHi4
A good blade changes everything. I like DE Astra, but this is a deeply individual thing - you'll have to get a tester pack of different blades to see what works for you
Some people will always suffer from ingrowing hair, and waxing or shaving makes no difference; ingrowing hairs are just that, hairs that curl around into the skin, and is sometimes just how your hair grows - the only solution for some people is to not shave too close, or to laser out the hair follicle, I suppose
1. Aveda Botanical Kinetics™ Hydrating Lotion - Face lotion, applied to face and mustache after shower.
2. Musgo Real Glycerine Lime Soap, MR GLO - Face soap, used before each shave.
3. Proraso Shaving Soap with Eucalyptus Oil and Menthol - Shave soap, whipped up then applied to face for shaving.
4. Proraso Pre and Post Shave Cream - Pre/Post shave cream, massaged into face after washing face with MR GLO. Massaged into face again after shave.
5. Proraso Aftershave Lotion - Aftershave, applied to face either after shave or after shower. My wife likes the smell of this.
6. TABAC ORIGINAL For Men By MAURER & WIRTZ Deodorant Stick - Deodorant, masculine scent of lavender, citrus, and warm florals.
7. Colonel Conk Evernice Model 775 Chrome Safety Razor Stand - Stand, holds DE razor and brush.
8. Merkur Model 180 Long Handled Safety Razor - DE Razor, great weight and balance used to shave face.
9. Tweezerman Men's Shaving Brush - So, so brush used for applying shave soap. Would like a better brush someday.
10. Feather Hi-Stainless Platinum Double Edge Razor Blades - Razors for DE, my favorite so far.
11. Tweezerman His Moustache Scissors with Comb - Scissors and comb, after movember I decided to keep the mustache so these items help maintain its appearance.
12. Comb - Comb, used for combing hair before and after shower.
13. Aveda Men Pure-Formance™ Grooming Clay - Hair product, used after shower with hair wet or dry. Hair looks natural but styled. I'll use pomade if I want the appearance of having a more polished look.
14. Large Stainless Steel Shaving Soap Bowl from Super Safety Razors - Mug, I'd rather have a porcelain mug for class but this does the trick. I use it to soak my brush and razor before each shave. I also use it for creams when not using Proraso.
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...
$200 is way too much to spend on a starter kit. Depending on what you choose it should be half than that or even significantly less.
The best value out there for something that's easy and ships quickly the Maggard Razors basic starter kit. It's a great value at $30, the options are very well-selected, and the hardware and software are better than what you'll get on Amazon unless you spend more than twice as much money.
That said, Amazon has some good options if you know where to look. The weakest point is synthetic shaving brushes - it's hard to find good ones from reputable vendors for reasonable prices. The key when shopping on Amazon is to not rely on reviews or "best seller" lists; they are dominated by overpriced crap sold by questionable vendors. If Amazon is really your only option here are a few good choices:
Razor: Edwin Jagger Kelvin, Merkur 34c.
Brush: Edwin Jagger Black Fibre, Semogue Owners Club 2-band, Simpson Duke 2 Best.
Soap: Pre de Provence regular scent or No. 63, Cella, DR Harris.
Blade sampler.
Add an aftershave to match your soap if you want, or just keep using what you're using now.
... Not trying to be rude but whats the difference between this design and This? for example
This razor is going on special at 4:55pm ET, this Weishi at 6:55pm ET, and this Dorco starter set at 7:35pm ET, but I'd rather have a razor from Maggard's or Italian Barber which will almost definitely shave better than what I'm pretty sure are all Weishi's of some sort, and probably be as cheap if not cheaper. There's also a stainless steel shaving bowl starting at 6:55pm ET if that sort of thing is interesting to you. It will be under the "Beauty" category if you want to have a look around yourself for any beard oils or other such stuff that strikes your fancy.
I'm going to go against what has now become the conventional wisdom in this thread. My water is only moderately hard but whatever the mineral content is or the additives from the water company it makes a difference in my ability to create shaving lather vs. the distilled water I am buying. If I only used one soap which is what I did for a year or more and that happens to be Tabac then it didn't matter to me. I always got a great, slick lather with my tap water. Then I joined all of you guys in the wet shaving hobby and I found that distilled water eliminated one important factor in my daily lather making. BTW, Tabac is supposed to contain something that neutralizes hard water at least to some extent which doesn't surprise me since it is such a Central European favorite.
When I travel I can readily settle into using tap water, certainly by my second shave but then I use a Speick shave stick, another of those buy it at the pharmacy or grocery Teutonic soaps from the people who aren't given to palavering around with much of anything let alone shaving soap.
I just noticed that the price of a Ceramic Bowl of Tabac from Amazon is $16.75 with free shipping for anyone interested. Glad I could contribute to the SAD of the eight possible purchasers!:-)
$76.88 Total
West Coast Saving has a make you're own bundle but its sold out right now and when i got it the sale was cheaper but at the time they were out of the bowls and stand which costed extra anyways so I bought the stand and bowl on amazon
Total $76.88
WCS Kit $49.98
https://www.westcoastshaving.com/collections/all/product
The Bowl was $12.95
RoyalShave Ceramic Shaving Bowl - Mug for Shave Soaps! (Black) https://www.amazon.com/dp/B01IAEGFHE/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_nXVMBbK15JGDS
The Stand was $13.95
Perfecto Deluxe Black Razor and Brush Stand - The Best Safety Razor Stand!!! This Will Prolong The Life Of Your Shaving Brush https://www.amazon.com/dp/B00T8FS73U/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_HXVMBb2QN0TKN
Tabac soap in the glass bowl is available on Amazon for $16.75 with free shipping. That's pretty decent savings over the usual ~$30 price.
http://www.amazon.com/Original-Maurer-Wirtz-Shaving-Ounces/dp/B000GHYXG4/ref=cm_rdp_product
I used to shower shave regularly, and only stopped because my new house doesn't quite have the dimensions for it.
I would take a rubber mug and fill it with warm water. Put my razor in there to heat it up, and if I was using a boar brush my brush as well to soak. This mug has been with me from the start of my shaving career and it's a brute - unbreakable, decent grip on it, insulates pretty well. If you want to go cheap, a collapsible silicone mug from Walmart can be had for like $1 and works decently well.
You probably shave by feel with the cartridge. I used something like this for a mirror. It works well enough - it will fog periodically, you just hold it under the hot shower stream to clear it and reheat the surface and you've got another 5 min before it fogs again. Plenty of time to knock out a shave. There are other designs which have a reservoir behind the mirror surface; hot water goes in the reservoir, keeping it heated for the duration of the shower. I haven't used these because it's not a big deal to clear the mirror once during a shave.
My technique was basically to keep my soap and brush in a back corner of the shower, in one of the "shadows" of the shower stream so the lather wouldn't get washed out. I face lather so I just faced away from the shower stream, or angled the showerhead so that I could stand without water getting on my face lather. From there, everything else is the same except simpler cleanup. (The mug helps to rinse the brush really well, as well.)
Because my beard had less time to hydrate (compared to shaving after the shower), I kept some glycerin soap in the shower and used that to soften up and hydrate my beard. My order of operations was to wash and rinse my scalp hair, then glycerin soap my beard and leave it on my beard while I washed the rest of my body. Then load my brush, rinse my beard, and begin building lather on my face.
The one thing you'll lose from shower shaving is the sound. When you get the right angle with the DE you can hear the cutting action...it's one of the more soothing elements, and can help guide your technique when you're newer. But it's not a critical element, and shouldn't be a determining factor in whether or not you shower-shave. Everyone has their ritual, and that was mine.
Enjoy!
Guy here
you want the best shaving cream with the least waste?
Go this route
Shaving Soap
Shaving soap container
Safety Razor it will last you a lifetime and its nothing to be feared. You wont cut yourself if you always shave down and never side to side
almost a lifetime of razors for $9
follow that up with one of these holders
and the shaving brush
I have to buy new soap every so often but after the initial investment you will only ever pay pennies for each shave
CHARMMAN Shaving Bowl for Men,...
This is exactly the one I bought! It's lovely! It's got a nice weight to it, not too much that it's uncomfortable to hold, but enough to keep from sliding on the counter when getting more lather! Works great so far!
Not sure what your budget is, but here are a few soap of the lower-cost, Amazon available soaps that I would recommend.
Pré de Provence
Pré de Provence is an excellent triple- or by some accounts quad-milled soap French soap, and strikes one of the best cost/performance/longevity ratios I've ever seen on a soap. It creates an excellent, slick, protective lather and provides an awesome post-shave feel even after you rinse it off. It comes in two scents:
Pré de Provence is a light, herbal scent that seems to have a strong sage note in it. I haven't used it, but I have used its brother. $11.99USD for 150g on Amazon.
Pré de Provence No. 63 is a warm, spicy cologne sort of scent that has notes of pepper, cedarwood, leather and tobacco leaves among others. $14.04USD for 150g on Amazon.
Cella Crema da Barba
Cella is a soft Italian soap that has a mild scent of cherry and almond. I don't know if it would be considered "manly," but this stuff has been around for nearly 120 years, and men have been shaving with it for all that time, so it has to be doing something right. It's also a great performer with good post-shave feel. $12.00 for 150g on Amazon.
La Toja
La Toja is a Spanish soap in stick form, containing mineral salts. Its scent reminds me a bit of briny sea air and talcum powder. La Toja's claim is that the addition of the mineral salts helps as a skin conditioner. $6.00USD for 50g on Amazon.
Speick
Speick is a German soap whose scent comes from the speick plant and lavender essential oil. It's one of my favorite soaps of all time in terms of both performance and scent. $8.08USD on Amazon.
Chiseled Face Groomatorium
Chiseled Face is one of our US artisans, and his products are among the best performing that I've ever used. He has a handful of different scents that you may find interesting, but my favorite of them is Ghost Town Barber.
Chiseled Face Ghost Town Barber has notes of bergamot, basil leaf, white patchouli, oakmoss, texas cedar, leather, smoke, and gunpowder (I copy/pasted that from his description). $14.99USD for 113g on Amazon.
 
These are all US links, so I hope they work for you. I'm sorry to say that I can't help with the dry skin thing; my skin is fairly oily and not overly sensitive.
It is a ceramic shaving cup with a pewter caddy to keep it upright.
https://www.amazon.com/Colonel-Conk-No-127-Shaving-Pewter/dp/B005I5Z5N4/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1473084397&sr=8-1&keywords=pewter+shaving+mug
If you insist on getting a bowl, this is the only option in my opinion. I am 100% satisfied. Marble has thermoconductivity 3x longer than copper so your lather stays nice ad hot longer. It's awesome. It has a really nice weight to it as well. And it is very aesthetically pleasing. I love this bowl. It is solid marble hand carved.
https://www.amazon.com/SUPPLY-Shaving-Naturally-Retaining-Handcrafted/dp/B076QFVW22/ref=sr_1_2_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1520640050&sr=8-2&keywords=marble+shave+bowl
I would definitely piece together your own set. For example:
With a savings of $75 (minus shipping) which you can spend on even more product or splurge on slightly more expensive, but still not overpriced items. Or maybe a fancy brush? If you order from one of the online vendors, bullgoose, westcoastshaving, italian barber etc. you can honestly get so much more for the price of that AoS kit. Plus free shipping on orders over $60 or $80 is quite nice.
Dug around and found it online - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B005I5Z5N4/
You might want to check out some Mama Bear soaps. I can attest to their quality but I've never actually used or tried the scents I'm going to suggest: Black Leather Jacket, Oak Moss & Lavender, or maybe Cedarwood.
Personally I'm quite fond of Tabac and the scent of vetiver (Straight Razor Designs makes a great vetiver soap). They don't smell like leather or oak but I'd say that both are in the 'masculine scent' category.
In that case go ahead and order from Amazon. I would pick something like this:
So basically switch out the Van Der Hagen kit. Because the soap is okayish at best, the brush is pretty bad, and the bowl is mainly intended to hold the soap puck. Instead you can buy a quality boar brush and a good shaving soap/cream. For bowl lathering you can use any small sized bowl you have in your house. Approximately 3 inches deep and 5-6 inches in diameter would be a good size. You can also find something from your local supermarket for couple of dollars. Alternatively you can face lather which removes the need for a bowl.
This post has general information about shaving brushes.
Cella smells like soap with almonds. Lathers like a charm and works very well.
RazoRock Classic is another good almond scented soap.
You could also check out /u/Palpz' Top Ten and see which ones you can find on Amazon.
To be honest I have had a hard time getting good quality stuff from Amazon. I prefer them, but the smaller shops just don't have their products there. Scent is almost as important to me as the lather and the feel, so you may not enjoy what I do in that aspect.
I prefer soaps over creams I think. With a soap I can lather right from the tub rather than having to put it into a separate bowl.
My suggestions:
I would suggest avoiding Col. Conk. I did not like any of their soaps.
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:
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.
That mug is dope. I have been using a metal bowl from [Amazon] (https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWF9HML/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nELJAbMXPSCRC) but haven’t yet try to smoosh into the bottom of its pretty smooth bottom, I think I may try tomorrow though. I think I saw other folks say they spoon out the entire sample into the bottom for a week’s worth of shaves (or scoop the remainder back out when swapping), so maybe that might help. Good luck to you!
Cella
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
... and here's the link to the green hard rubber Marvy mug
Everyone is touting safety razors for a reason. Here is what you want...
Pick up a Merkur Classic safety razor.
https://www.amazon.com/MERKUR-Classic-MK-34C-2-Piece-Double/dp/B002A8JO1Q/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=merkur&qid=1565340143&s=gateway&sr=8-4&th=1
Then buy some Feather refill blades (they are the sharpest I have found without dragging)
https://www.amazon.com/Feather-Double-Blades-30-Ct/dp/B002OCANQI/ref=sr_1_7?crid=3F44F5VGGF2N1&keywords=feather+razor+blades&qid=1565340348&s=gateway&sprefix=feather+%2Caps%2C186&sr=8-7
Get a nice silver tip badger shaving brush
https://www.amazon.com/Parker-Safety-Razor-Silvertip-Bristle/dp/B00LEU3PJS/ref=sr_1_4?keywords=badger+shaving+brush&qid=1565340426&s=gateway&sr=8-4
A decent quality razor and brush stand
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B0725X6TNH/ref=sspa_dk_detail_1?psc=1&pd_rd_i=B0725X6TNH&pd_rd_w=vS9lk&pf_rd_p=8dbd62ec-d8d3-48e5-b85d-16f701719d81&pd_rd_wg=MJlWF&pf_rd_r=AWB84ARTRPN3QVS12KKD&pd_rd_r=e316a787-1b5c-4984-8255-71ebf10c06f0&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyT0pTWlZPSTkwRTk1JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwODY4ODA2Mzk3VjNBV1hDUUhIWCZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwMTk1NTY5U0xYWkpYODJXTE41JndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfZGV0YWlsX3RoZW1hdGljJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
A good shaving cup to get a nice lather
https://www.amazon.com/VIKINGS-Chairman-Shaving-Stainless-Standard/dp/B07GF6ZKTP/ref=pd_bxgy_194_3/143-9531827-5381065?_encoding=UTF8&pd_rd_i=B072PRBWXR&pd_rd_r=4c94e9c8-bddd-4e03-bdd9-5bfe1d171d33&pd_rd_w=WFwmN&pd_rd_wg=yvSPW&pf_rd_p=a2006322-0bc0-4db9-a08e-d168c18ce6f0&pf_rd_r=YR6K9GZT62D1RRN31AB3&refRID=YR6K9GZT62D1RRN31AB3&th=1
Then grab some Tabac or Taylor of Old Bond Street shaving pucks. (I prefer Tabac since it reminds me of my father and grandfather. Traditions die hard I guess)
https://www.amazon.com/Tabac-Original-Maurer-Shaving-Ounces/dp/B000GHYXG4/ref=sr_1_2?keywords=tabac&qid=1565340634&s=beauty&sr=1-2
Taylor of Old Bond Street
https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Old-Bond-Street-Sandalwood/dp/B0007MW2ZW/ref=sr_1_1_sspa?crid=OHNKVBMKBAAT&keywords=taylor+of+old+bond+street+shaving+cream&qid=1565340657&s=beauty&sprefix=taylor+of+old%2Cbeauty%2C191&sr=1-1-spons&psc=1&smid=AMAE8K0LRQPCN&spLa=ZW5jcnlwdGVkUXVhbGlmaWVyPUEyUzlaRTNXNjZUS1c4JmVuY3J5cHRlZElkPUEwNDY4ODE3MU00RVdWVzg1UlFPWiZlbmNyeXB0ZWRBZElkPUEwNjA4ODg2NEE1UFZJQ1pTMllXJndpZGdldE5hbWU9c3BfYXRmJmFjdGlvbj1jbGlja1JlZGlyZWN0JmRvTm90TG9nQ2xpY2s9dHJ1ZQ==
Derby's are known for their smoothness, but there are a lot of complaints from the course bearded crowd about their lack of sharpness. You might want to move on to an astra ss or astra sp, maybe move down to a derby if you have a course beard. Feathers are the sharpest, but they do not seem to last long (maybe a 3 pass shave or two), and you do not have your technique yet so don't bother. Also, you seem to be missing an alum block, I recommend this one as it is cheap and roll on. Wet your face and just rub it on after shaving, leave it to air dry for a bit (2-3 minutes max) and rinse off. It will leave a white residue if left on so make sure you rinse it off. It also stings a lot, but it can be used to stop nicks and weepers (use the stypic first though), and is a great astringent. Witch hazel is another favorite to use after alum, I like it, but I have pretty sensitive skin and you probably don't need it.
At the start I recommend you just look for a comfortable, nick free shaving blade first and stick with it for a month. Try with the grain only (yes you'll have stubble, but will be presentable) for two weeks, and then add across the grain for another two weeks and then against last. If you get to many nicks, have razor burn (as in any) or even weepers, you know what is causing it. Check your lather and technique and try adding the new element in later.
I'm sure it sounds lame, but you need to keep all variables fixed for a while to determine which blade/soap/cream/brush or whatever you like. Don't just buy a bunch of razors or blades because they are recommended, and certainly not because they are cheap (sharks might be 6.25 for 100 blades on bestshave.net, but you need 2 to know if you like them), wait until you are comfortable and confident in your shaves to try experimenting. Otherwise you will spend a lot of time, money and blood trying to figure out why every blade gives you razor burn, only to find out you are putting way too much pressure on the blade.
Another tip, do not run through an entire pack. Write notes on the first 4 blades, and leave the last or rest for later. Move on to other blades and try again to confirm before buying a bulk pack. You might find out as your technique improves, or your soap changes that a sharper blade works better for you.
Btw, I have found that Tabac soap produce a thick and slick lather, and the soap last for the better part of a year, I highly recommend it if the cream's menthol is too obnoxious for you.
*tldr Leasureguy explains it better, check out the rest of his blog
LOVE it
This guy lasts FOREVER , its $22 for your first buy and comes with this awesome ceramic shave bowl, and then $14 for refills
Im still on my first, im about ~1/2 done with the soap and I bought it in June...so..it LASTS
and it smells great , easy to lather, and great shave!
That is a weird-ass bowl contraption. The lather bowl looks too tiny to build a lather in. I picked up a poor man's scuttle back in September and it's worked fine (plenty of room to lather in the upper bowl). These days, Amazon's got an actual cheap scuttle for just a couple bucks more.
Cella!
I love this stuff. I've been shaving with it exclusively for about 2 weeks now...
Now that I've done this a couple times I'm starting to wonder if I need to find a better bowl. I purchased this from amazon (of course) and just like my Perfecto brush (Amazon best seller!) I'm starting to think I chose poorly.
Perfecto Stainless Steel Shaving Bowl | Durable Metal Mug For Shaving Soap & Cream | Perfect Addition To Your Wet Shaving Kit | Double Layer Smooth Shave Unbreakable Mug With Heat Insulation https://www.amazon.com/dp/B06XWF9HML/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_apa_qi0DAbA7VS0NA
Granted, it was $8. It does what I need it to do. But I've noticed lately that it's hard to keep the lather inside the bowl. I'm always going around the edge and sweeping the leftovers up. Maybe it's the size of the bowl? Maybe it's because it's metal? Maybe it's just how Taylor of Old Bond Street lathers?
This bowl, this TOBS cream, this Perfecto brush, etc. is all first purchases so I have nothing to base it off.
Yeah, looks like a shaving mug, typically called apothacary mug style. Has all the typical features including internal ridges to help build lather.
​
https://www.amazon.com/Thrown-Apothecary-Grey-Handmade-Perfect-Shaving/dp/B01HDSW0PY
​
https://www.westcoastshaving.com/products/hand-thrown-apothecary-mug-dark-blue
​
Possible it has another purpose and just happens to have all the same features...
If you are looking for a low-cost but good brush you should check out the RazoRock "Plissoft." It is an amazingly good synthetic and sells for $10. It has a heavy resin handle, so I don't know how that fits with your "hate the feel of plastic" but I own one and the brush feels much more premium than you would guess at for the price.
http://www.italianbarber.com/products/razorock-plissoft-synthetic-shaving-brush
Do you use your grandfathers mug for lathering or just to store the soap? If you lather in the mug, the wooden bowl will be completely unsuitable for your use case. It will deteriorate very quickly.
Aside from a plastic bowl with a screw top lid, I can't think of any really good ways to store soap while you travel. Most soaps that I buy for myself come in their own plastic tubs, I rarely buy bare pucks anymore.
A metal bowl like one of these might work OK for you:
I can't speak to how well something like this would hold up to travel, though.
Miusco Badger Hair Shaving Brush and Shaving Stand Set, Dark Chrome Stand, Black Brush (Amazon)
AKStore Men's Durable Shave Soap Cup (Amazon)
Razor cut.
I used to shave my head for many years. My recommendations:
http://amzn.com/B001LYAQ9E
http://amzn.com/B002V40IS2
http://amzn.com/B00BDM0XZG
http://amzn.com/B00E3B19RA
http://amzn.com/B003VZPTAC
Protip: DO NOT USE ANY PRESSURE. Let the blade do the cutting. You will have to make many passes with the blade, but as long as you use zero pressure and a good lather you won't get razor burn.
https://www.amazon.com/gp/aw/d/B01E5J5SW6/ref=yo_ii_img?ie=UTF8&psc=1
I like it but I wish it was a little bigger. It would be perfect for traveling though.
As the title states, I'm new to straight razor shaving. I've never been able to get a close shave with disposable/cartridge razors, so I've been wanting to try this for quite some time. I finally bit the bullet and put together a cheap kit (want to see how I'll like it before spending a lot of money), which arrived yesterday.
The razor is a cheap, sub-$20 one from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B01H6HR2M8/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&th=1
The brush is a Perfecto badger, also from Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00LDYFGFQ/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Henry Cavendish Himalaya Shaving Soap
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00H8A2KSU/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
Schone soap dish
https://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00OQDEL8Y/ref=oh_aui_detailpage_o01_s00?ie=UTF8&psc=1
And the Old Spice lather mug belonged to my father. Not shown is the strop.
I shaved with this set-up for the first time last night! I may have to hone the razor a bit more. I knew it wouldn't come shave ready, so I honed it, and stropped the heck out of it, but I feel as though it could be a bit sharper yet. I did not attempt the curves of my jaw line this first time. I only shaved the flats of my face and the flatter parts of my neck, then finished up with a cartridge razor. I need to develop a better technique before I try dragging this thing around curves. Without a doubt though, where I used the straight razor is as smooth as a baby's bottom. I've never had this close of a shave before.
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.
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).
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.
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.
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).
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.
I just picked up this pretty nice stash jar for $10.
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.
I got it from amazon.co.uk
I believe it came from communist China.
Well, you provided no pictures, so I don't know how bad it is. That's why I also said, "or however long it takes". :)
I once had a bit of irritation on my neck and my left cheek. I didn't shave for 2 weeks to let it heal up and it worked wonders, then I could kinda "start from fresh" again. When the hairs get long enough (typically after 4-6 days), they're long enough to no longer poke back into your skin. Just have fun growing a beard, take care of it with some beard oil and a comb, let your skin heal up, maybe post it to /r/beards and shave it off with an aggressive razor, I used a Mühle R41.
And for the soaps: Cella and Pre de Provence No. 63.
All you need is one of these: Merkur HD Slant Safety Razor 37C and a box of these: 100 Feather Razor Blades NEW Hi-stainless Double Edge and you are set for a long time.
I shave two or three times a year, whether I need to or not (got to stay employed!), so I will most likely die before I make it through all my razors, but even if I shaved daily (the horrors!) I would still go this route. A dollar shave is an expensive shave!
Add a shaving brush, a mug, some soap, and a stand. If you know a better way to shave, that doesn't involve Peter Dinklage standing on the counter and doing it for you, then I want to hear about it.
Edited to add: A shave should be a pleasure. If you are not enjoying it, then you are doing it wrong.
It's on Amazon too. Here it is for $13 no soap.
This one is $12 no soap.
and finally this one is $25 and it comes with soap. All a lot cheaper than that AOC one. It looks like a generic mass produced one so I bet you could find it somewhere for even less.
I have this bowl, and I've been really pleased with it. It's well made, cheap, and the rubber on the bottom makes sure it doesn't move around when it's on the counter.
Here maybe?
Is this the one you ordered? If so, I have the same one. First bowl purchase and I do not like it at all. It’s hard to tell from a picture but I would guess it is smaller than the one you have. The dimensions are listed on Amazon, did you look at them? They are are correct though- I just measured mine.
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.
So I have a short beard for the past 3 years and I feel like when I'm cleaning it up it's about time I did it right. So I've bought a heap of recommended stuff over the past couple weeks I've seen people on here recommend. It's not all here yet but once it is...
Edwin Jagger Short Handle, Chrome Lined Safety Razor
Semogue 620 Shaving Brush
Tabac Original Shaving Soap
Razor and Brush stand
Nivea Men Sensitive Cooling Aftershave Balm
Also restocked on my usual face treatments for my skin which include:
Eucerin Dermatoclean Mild Cleansing Milk
Simple Rich Moisturiser
Avene Cleanance Mask Scrub
I think this is everything I should need.
Thanks, that’s a good idea! It’s sold as a shaving bowl but it could probably be used as a mortar if I had a pestle.
https://www.amazon.com/dp/B076QFVW22/ref=cm_sw_r_cp_api_nDiLBbBC9WKJJ
I have sensitive skin on my face personally, I found a type of razor that actually helps to reduce the irritation. Safety razors (yeah I know kind of old school) But when using them it helps to reduce irritation significantly (at least in my experience) I personally use a Merkur safety razor. You can also get womens safety razors but for whatever reason they cost more. On top of that I use a boar hair brush, but some people prefer badger hair brushes as they are softer and are easier to use on softer soaps. Then go onto r/wicked_edge as they have tutorials on how to use the type of razors. You can also look for shaving soaps that contain aloe or things to soothe the skin during shaving. So look at the links and determine what would be best, you can also look further for other types of soaps, blades, and the razor itself. You will also need some sort of bowl to keep the shaving cream. You will and a stand to keep the soap from ruining the knot inside of the brush itself. This type of set up made it so I don't get ingrown hairs or irritation.
https://www.amazon.com/Merkur-Long-Handled-Safety-Razor/dp/B000NL0T1G/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1492538437&sr=1-1&keywords=women%27s+safety+razor
https://www.amazon.com/Taylor-Old-Bond-Street-Shaving/dp/B008YDXM28/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1492538388&sr=8-1&keywords=womens+shaving+soap
https://www.amazon.com/Bassion-Crafted-Shaving-Professional-Engineered/dp/B016I77CJA/ref=sr_1_2_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1492538521&sr=1-2&keywords=women%27s+shaving+brush
https://www.amazon.com/Semogue-1250-Natural-Bristle-Shaving/dp/B004OJU968/ref=sr_1_1_s_it?s=beauty&ie=UTF8&qid=1492538552&sr=1-1&keywords=boar+hair+shaving+brush
https://www.amazon.com/Feather-Double-Edge-Blades-Count/dp/B00AGG3MNU/ref=sr_1_3_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1492538755&sr=1-3&keywords=feather+razor+blades
https://www.amazon.com/AKStore-Durable-Shinning-Stainless-Insulation/dp/B01E5J5SW6/ref=sr_1_4_s_it?s=hpc&ie=UTF8&qid=1492538844&sr=1-4&keywords=Shaving+bowl
I'm getting that feeling, too.
I'm trying to talk myself out of buying a fancy nice shaving soap mug and just sticking with my VDH soap bowl.
Where did you get the Clubman after shave? I've actually been looking into getting that exact brand, but I'm not sure if it's just available in local drug stores and Walmarts here in Canada. I'd rather not pay $5 or more in shipping for a $5-$10 product if I order it online.
I recently visited Merz Apothecary while in Chicago and picked up, among other items, Tabac Original and Proraso Vitamin E and Aloe. I like each quite well thus far, especially the Tabac--I can see why so many swear by it.
I used this -
http://www.amazon.com/Cella-Shaving-Creme-Bowl-150gr/dp/B002Y1451S/ref=sr_1_1?ie=UTF8&qid=1421943720&sr=8-1&keywords=cella+shave&pebp=1421943722488&peasin=B002Y1451S
I warmed my bowl using hot water and leaving my brush in there for a bit. I take a dab or rub around the creme for a moment then with a tiny splash of water in the bowl, I just twirl around holding brush. Eventually gets thick and such and i'm good to go.
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?
https://www.amazon.com/Barrister-Mann-Latha-Shaving-Oceana/dp/B0186NWYTC
https://www.amazon.com/Proraso-Shaving-Soap-Refreshing-Toning/dp/B00837YY18
https://www.amazon.com/Cella-Shaving-Creme-Bowl-150gr/dp/B002Y1451S